Carne da cannone
Flesh for the cannon
This expression is used in Italian to describe soldiers or people who are considered expendable, often sent into dangerous situations with little regard for their lives. The phrase likely originated during periods of intense warfare, where large numbers of soldiers were sent to fight in battles, knowing that many would not survive. The imagery of “carne da cannone” evokes the grim reality of these individuals being treated as mere fodder for the enemy’s cannons, highlighting the brutal and dehumanizing aspects of war.
Esempi
- Durante la guerra, molti giovani sono stati considerati solo carne da cannone dai loro comandanti. – During the war, many young men were considered just cannon fodder by their commanders.
- Le truppe di riserva sono state usate come carne da cannone in quella battaglia. – The reserve troops were used as cannon fodder in that battle.
- È triste pensare che quei lavoratori siano trattati come carne da cannone nelle condizioni attuali. – It’s sad to think that those workers are treated as expendable in the current conditions.