Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
guns-and-butter
noun
/ɡʌnz ənd ˈbʌtər/
Definition
A phrase referring to the trade-off between a nation’s investment in defense and civilian goods.
Examples
- During times of conflict, the government often faces a guns-and-butter dilemma.
- The senator argued for a budget that prioritizes guns-and-butter spending equally.
Meaning
The concept highlights the balance that governments must strike between military spending and social programs that promote economic welfare.
Synonyms
- military vs. domestic spending
- defense vs. welfare
- arms vs. necessities
