torpedo
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torpedo
A cigar-shaped, self-propelled underwater projectile that is fired from submarines, ships, or aircraft and explodes when it hits a target.
Das U-Boot feuerte einen Torpedo auf das feindliche Schiff ab.
The submarine fired a torpedo at the enemy ship.
torpedo
In a figurative sense, a person or thing that is deliberately used to attack, disrupt, or damage something or someone.
Die Opposition schickte ihren rhetorischen Torpedo in die Debatte, um den Gesetzesentwurf zu Fall zu bringen.
The opposition sent its rhetorical torpedo into the debate to bring down the bill.
In a military context, a torpedo is typically combined with verbs such as 'abfeuern' (to fire), 'abschießen' (to launch/fire), or 'starten' (to launch). The target is 'getroffen' (hit) by a torpedo.
Das U-Boot hat zwei Torpedos abgefeuert.
The submarine fired two torpedoes.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the context. If the topic is politics, discussions, or business, it usually refers to a person or an aggressive action, not the weapon.
In der Talkshow trat der Journalist als rhetorischer Torpedo gegen die Regierung auf.
On the talk show, the journalist appeared as a rhetorical torpedo against the government.
In the figurative meaning, a 'Torpedo' (torpedo) is a person or action intended to cause destruction or disruption in a targeted way. The metaphor emphasizes its aggressive and purposeful character.
Die Firma setzte einen externen Berater als Torpedo ein, um unpopuläre Entscheidungen durchzusetzen.
The company used an external consultant as a torpedo to push through unpopular decisions.
rocket
Die Rakete and der Torpedo are both self-propelled projectiles used for military purposes. A Rakete travels through the air or into space, whereas a Torpedo moves underwater. Therefore, use Rakete for the flying projectile and Torpedo for the underwater projectile.
Der Torpedo bewegte sich unter Wasser auf das Schiff zu.
The torpedo moved underwater toward the ship.
Die Rakete flog über das Meer auf das entfernte Ziel zu.
The rocket flew over the sea toward the distant target.
