blanket attack

[/ˈblæŋkɪt əˈtæk/]
nounpl: blanket attacks
ataque indiscriminado
1. A widespread, indiscriminate attack that targets a large area or many people without distinguishing between specific targets
The military conducted a blanket attack on the entire region without regard for civilian casualties.
O exército realizou um ataque indiscriminado em toda a região sem considerar vítimas civis.
2. A general or sweeping criticism or condemnation directed at an entire group, category, or concept
His blanket attack on all politicians damaged his credibility with moderate voters.
Seu ataque generalizado contra todos os políticos prejudicou sua credibilidade junto aos eleitores moderados.
3. A comprehensive or all-encompassing offensive strategy with no exceptions or exceptions
The company launched a blanket attack on the competitor's market share through aggressive pricing.
A empresa lançou um ataque abrangente na participação de mercado do concorrente por meio de preços agressivos.
In Brazilian and American political discourse, 'blanket attack' is commonly used to criticize sweeping generalizations about entire groups. It carries connotations of unfairness or lack of nuance. In military contexts, it refers to indiscriminate bombardment, which is a serious ethical and legal concern under international humanitarian law.
NYC Slang
all-out attack / carpet bombing (figurative)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
indiscriminate attacksweeping attackbroad attackcomprehensive attackacross-the-board attack
Antonyms / Antônimos
targeted attackselective attackprecision attackfocused attack

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ataque indiscriminado
Most common and widely understood term across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
ataque em massa
Alternative expression emphasizing the mass nature of the attack
São Paulo
ataque generalizado
Emphasizes the general/widespread nature of the offensive
Portugal
ataque indiscriminado
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; used in political and military contexts

Related Words

attackoffensiveassaultbombardmentindiscriminatesweepinggeneral criticism

Related Idioms & Phrases

take a blanket approach
cast a wide net
paint with a broad brush
come in all guns blazing
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