meatgrinder

Definitions

1. A device for cutting meat into very small pieces.
2. An activity with a high casualty or attrition rate, such as a military battle or an occupational or athletic activity.
   informal
3. A process that is likely to be injurious in a non-physical way.
   informal

Equivalents

Examples

“Keep⟳ your fingers away from the throat of the meatgrinder.”

“The mountainous second day of the race⟳ was a real meatgrinder, with 20% of racers dropping out.”

“Last⟳ year’s lightning advances gave way to local stalemates and a meatgrinder battle for Kobani, where ISIL troops massing to attack the Kurds on the ground made themselves easy targets for the Americans in the air.”

“Senate confirmation hearings are a real meatgrinder, discouraging people from government service.”

“A world all too ready to swallow⟳ Their Kind in its all consuming meat grinder.”

CEFR level