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Glossary entry

French term or phrase:

tous azimuts

English translation:

indiscriminate/unbridled/no holds barred/unrestricted

Added to glossary by B D Finch
May 30, 2008 08:13
16 yrs ago
4 viewers *
French term

tous azimuts

French to English Social Sciences Government / Politics
The phrase is part of a summary from a seminar on defense strategy

"Si l’atlantisme tous azimuts de l’Estonie, de la Lettonie....."
Proposed translations (English)
4 +3 indiscriminate/unbridled/no holds barred/unrestricted
4 all directions (note)
4 to all the rhumbs of the rose
4 staunch
3 All-round OR all encompassing (all embracing)
Change log

May 30, 2008 16:40: B D Finch Created KOG entry

Discussion

B D Finch May 30, 2008:
To answer irat56: "Noun 1. rhumb - a line on a sphere that cuts all meridians at the same angle; the path taken by a ship or plane that maintains a constant compass direction ". However, "tous azimuts" means in all directions.
Richard Nice May 30, 2008:
Too late and probably irrelevant but to actualy translating it, but the author was probably being sardonic since de Gaulle in the 60s defined a tous-azimuts defence policy that was the opposite of atlanticism

Proposed translations

+3
27 mins
Selected

indiscriminate/unbridled/no holds barred/unrestricted

I think a literal translation doesn't work here. You have given very little context, but it seems to be about the indiscriminately pro-US policies of the states in question. In which case, I can't think of a suitable expression in English that keeps the idea of "azimuts".
Note from asker:
Yes, "indescriminately pro-US policies" is the gist of it. I am not sure how frank/rude the phrase should sound in English as it is rather official document. Unrestricted appears to have the best balance so far
Peer comment(s):
agree Emma Paulay : In a different register it could be 'willy-nilly', but I don't think it fits here ;-)
13 mins
Thanks Emma
agree David Goward : with "indiscriminate" or "unrestricted". "All-out" is another alternative.
21 mins
Thanks DG
agree Bruon : Right, the use of "tous azimuts" is improper here. Maybe "dyed in the wool" could also match here.
1 day 5 hrs
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4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "Thanks."
9 mins

All-round OR all encompassing (all embracing)

My suggestion.
Peer comment(s):
neutral David Goward : Not bad suggestions but I think "all-out" would be better.
41 mins
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12 mins

all directions (note)

Dans le Larousse (Encycl) vous trouverez également: théorie stratégique visant à assurer la défense d'un pays contre toute agression, quel que soit son point de départ.
Depending on the more extensive context.....
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13 mins

to all the rhumbs of the rose

Terme de marine "poétique"...

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 14 mins (2008-05-30 08:28:23 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/rhumbs
Peer comment(s):
neutral B D Finch : Thanks for sharing this lovely expression. Unfortunately, it means almost the precise opposite of "tous azimuts".
5 mins
Please explain why? Since I know what an azimut is...
neutral Martin Cassell : "rhumb"/"rhumb line" correspond plutôt à une «loxodromie»
1 hr
In ne s'agit pas de la même expression!
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1 hr

staunch

This word is frequent in political contexts, a 'staunch supporter' being somebody who remains firmly loyal, through thick and thin.

'Staunch atlanticist / atlanticism' gets a fair few google hits:
Reference:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2007/oct/04/horizons-of-the-new-atlanticism/

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