facts on the ground
The term "facts on the ground" is often used to describe real-world conditions that influence decisions and policies, particularly in diplomatic and geopolitical contexts.
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Definition
C1Diplomacy
(idiomatic)The actual situation in a specific area, which affects negotiations and decisions.
Example
- The peace talks were influenced by the facts on the ground, such as the presence of military forces.
C1Geopolitics
(idiomatic)The existing conditions in a territory that shape policy and strategic decisions.
Example
- The establishment of settlements created new facts on the ground that impacted future agreements.
B2General
(idiomatic)The real-world circumstances that exist in a particular location, as opposed to theoretical ideas.
Example
- Despite the plans on paper, the facts on the ground told a different story.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "facts on the ground":
ground truthon the groundboots on the groundground truthinglay of the landmatter of fact