The phrase "cruelties of war" functions as a noun phrase.
/kruːˈɛl.tiz əv wɔːr/
The phrase "cruelties of war" refers to the severe and inhumane actions and suffering that occur during warfare. It is often used in discussions of the impact of war on soldiers and civilians, emphasizing the violence, destruction, and psychological trauma associated with armed conflict.
The phrase is commonly used in both written and spoken contexts, though it may appear more frequently in written discourse, such as literature, journalism, and academic writing concerning human rights or military history.
The cruelties of war often leave lasting scars on those who survive the conflict.
(Las crueldades de la guerra a menudo dejan cicatrices duraderas en aquellos que sobreviven al conflicto.)
Documenting the cruelties of war is essential for historical accuracy and preventing future atrocities.
(Documentar las crueldades de la guerra es esencial para la precisión histórica y para prevenir futuras atrocidades.)
Many films portray the cruelties of war to highlight its devastating effects on humanity.
(Muchas películas retratan las crueldades de la guerra para resaltar sus efectos devastadores sobre la humanidad.)
The phrase "cruelties of war" is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions. However, it relates to various phrases that encompass the themes of war and violence. Here are a few expressions that reflect similar ideas:
The fog of war
This expression describes the confusion and uncertainty experienced in armed conflict.
In the fog of war, many decisions are made in haste, often leading to unnecessary cruelties.
(En la niebla de la guerra, muchas decisiones se toman apresuradamente, lo que a menudo conduce a crueldades innecesarias.)
Collateral damage
Refers to unintended damage or casualties inflicted on innocent civilians during military operations.
The collateral damage caused by the bombing highlighted the cruelties of war.
(El daño colateral causado por el bombardeo destacó las crueldades de la guerra.)
War is hell
An expression that emphasizes the extreme suffering and chaos of warfare.
As we reflect on the cruelties of war, we are reminded that war is hell.
(Al reflexionar sobre las crueldades de la guerra, se nos recuerda que la guerra es el infierno.)
A necessary evil
Sometimes war is described as a necessary evil when it is seen as a means to achieve a greater good despite its inherent cruelties.
Some argue that the cruelties of war are a necessary evil in the fight against tyranny.
(Algunos argumentan que las crueldades de la guerra son un mal necesario en la lucha contra la tiranía.)
The word "cruelty" comes from the Latin word cruelitas, which derives from cruelis, meaning "cruel." The term has been in use in the English language since the late 14th century. "War" comes from the Old English werre, which itself is derived from the Proto-Germanic waryō, meaning "to confuse" or "to cause confusion," reflecting the chaotic nature of conflict.
In summary, the phrase "cruelties of war" encapsulates the suffering and inhumane actions associated with armed conflict, highlighting the need for awareness and reflection on these harsh realities.