Meaning of masterly inactivity | Babel Free

Definitions

A policy of deliberate inactivity, carried out with diplomatic skill, so as to preserve a predominant influence without risking anything.

uncountable

Examples

“Majority Leader Alben Barkley had advised patience and silence, to let⟳ the isolationists wear⟳ themselves out. This plan⟳ of masterly inactivity had flopped frightfully.”

“This cautious new approach⟳ was to become⟳ known as the doctrine of ‘masterly inactivity’, in sharp and obvious contrast to the aggressive ‘forward⟳’ policy which, with such disastrous results in Afghanistan, had preceded it.”

“Deep divisions within the Bank of England's monetary policy committee suggest⟳ that interest⟳ rates are likely to be on hold⟳ for a while to come⟳. Whether indecision will translate⟳ into masterly inactivity is another matter⟳.”

CEFR level