Idioms used in the - The Hindu’s editorial- Identifying the ‘Outsiders’ in West Bengal

1. Set the tone

🔹 Meaning: To establish a particular mood or atmosphere for something
🔹 Explanation: The editorial mentions that TMC and BJP are setting the tone for the 2026 elections by bringing up the voter identity issue.
🔹 Example Sentence: The teacher’s strict rules set the tone for disciplined behavior in the classroom.

2. Tilt the balance

🔹 Meaning: To change the outcome of a situation in favor of one side
🔹 Explanation: Mamata Banerjee claims that outsider voters could tilt the balance in favor of BJP.
🔹 Example Sentence: The unexpected injury of a key player tilted the balance in favor of the opposing team.

3. Political turmoil

🔹 Meaning: A state of political instability or disorder
🔹 Explanation: The BJP sees political turmoil in Bangladesh as an opportunity to strengthen their narrative.
🔹 Example Sentence: The country faced political turmoil after the disputed election results.

4. A double-edged sword

🔹 Meaning: Something that has both positive and negative consequences
🔹 Explanation: The voters' list controversy is a double-edged sword because it can help political campaigns but also create public distrust.
🔹 Example Sentence: Social media is a double-edged sword—it spreads awareness but also misinformation.

5. Take a stand

🔹 Meaning: To publicly express a firm opinion about something
🔹 Explanation: Both TMC and BJP are taking a stand on the issue of "outsider" voters to gain political advantage.
🔹 Example Sentence: The environmental activists decided to take a stand against deforestation.

6. Play the card

🔹 Meaning: To use a particular issue to one's advantage
🔹 Explanation: Mamata Banerjee is playing the Bengali sub-nationalism card to counter BJP's outsider narrative.
🔹 Example Sentence: The opposition leader played the corruption card to criticize the ruling party.