Zero tolerance

Meaning

The idiom "zero tolerance" means that there is no tolerance for certain behavior or attitudes, and that they will be met with immediate and severe consequences. This phrase often refers to a strict policy enforced by an authority figure or organization that does not allow any exceptions or compromises. It can also refer to a cultural or societal norm that does not accept any deviation from a certain standard or value.

Usage

• The police department has implemented a zero tolerance policy for drug possession in the city. This means that anyone caught with illegal drugs will be arrested and charged with a crime.
• My school has a zero tolerance policy for bullying. If any student is found to be bullying another student, they will face disciplinary action.
• The CEO of the company has a zero tolerance policy for tardiness. Employees who arrive late to work will be sent home without pay.
• In many countries, there is a zero tolerance policy for corruption in government. Any official found guilty of bribery or embezzlement will face severe punishment.
• The city has a zero tolerance policy for littering. Anyone caught dumping trash on the streets will be fined heavily.

Roots and History

The phrase "zero tolerance" first appeared in the 1980s in the United States as part of a campaign against drug trafficking. It was used to describe a strict enforcement policy that did not allow any exceptions or compromises. Over time, this phrase has been applied to other issues such as bullying, racism, and other forms of intolerance. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards zero tolerance policies in many areas of life, including education and healthcare.

Synonyms in English

• No exceptions
• Strict enforcement
• Zero tolerance policy
• Immediate consequences
• Severe punishment

Synonyms in other languages

• 零容忍的，零容觀的 (Japanese) - Refers to a strict policy or attitude that does not tolerate any exceptions or compromises.
• Нетерпимость, невыносимость (Russian) - Refers to an intolerance of certain behavior or attitudes that is considered unacceptable.
• 不容忍的，不容觀的 (Swedish) - Refers to a strict policy or attitude that does not tolerate any exceptions or compromises.
• 零容忍的，零容觀的 (Finnish) - Refers to a strict policy or attitude that does not tolerate any exceptions or compromises.
• 零容忍的，零容觀的 (Norwegian) - Refers to a strict policy or attitude that does not tolerate any exceptions or compromises.

Similar Idioms

• zero hour

• toot one’s own horn

• beyond the pale