Mikhail Ilarionovich Kutuzov
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Proper noun A Russian military commander and field marshal, most famous for leading the Imperial Russian Army during the French invasion of Russia in 1812, which culminated in the strategic retreat from and eventual abandonment of Moscow, contributing significantly to Napoleon's defeat.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (as a proper name):
- Mikhail Ilarionovich Kutuzov is a central figure in Tolstoy's War and Peace.
- The strategy employed by Kutuzov relied heavily on patience and the Russian winter.
- A monument to Field Marshal Kutuzov stands in front of the Kazan Cathedral in Saint Petersburg.
Advanced Usage
- "A Kutuzov-like strategy": Used to describe a military or even non-military strategy that emphasizes strategic retreat, patience, attrition, and leveraging environmental or logistical factors against a seemingly stronger opponent.
- The team, facing a superior opponent, adopted a Kutuzov-like strategy, conserving energy and waiting for them to make a mistake.
Variants and Related Words
- Kutuzov (noun): The common shortened form of the full name, used to refer to the historical figure.
- Kutuzov's leadership was crucial in 1812.
- Kutuzovite (noun, historical/rare): A follower or admirer of Kutuzov or his tactics.
Synonyms
- Field Marshal Kutuzov
- The Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army (1812)
- Prince of Smolensk (A title he was awarded)
Related Phrases
- "Kutuzov's gaze": A literary or historical reference, often describing a weary, patient, and calculating demeanor, alluding to his famous portrait and described character.
- He listened to the debate with a Kutuzov's gaze, saying nothing until the very end.
Noun
- Russian field marshal who commanded the Russian opposition to Napoleon (1745-1813)