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ring-fenced

/ˈrɪŋ fɛnst/
adjective★Intermediate
💰Finance
formal

to protect or isolate something (such as funds or resources) from being used for other purposes

The government ring-fenced the education budget to prevent cuts.

The government allocated the education budget separately to ensure it wouldn't be reduced.

The company ring-fenced its profits to ensure stability during the crisis.

The company set aside its profits to protect them from being used elsewhere, ensuring financial stability.

💡

Often used in financial or business contexts to describe the protection of funds or resources.

Collocations

ring-fenced fundsmoney that is protected and cannot be used for other purposesring-fenced budgeta budget that is allocated separately to prevent cuts or misuse

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

set asidephrase
to reserve something for a specific purpose
earmarkphrase
to allocate funds for a specific purpose

💡Pro Tip

Financial Context

This term is often used in financial reports and business strategies to describe protected funds.

⚡Gold Rule

Formal Usage

Use 'ring-fenced' in formal contexts such as financial reports or business meetings.

📖Word Origin

The term originates from the literal act of fencing something off with a ring, metaphorically applied to financial or organizational isolation.

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used in financial and business contexts to describe the protection of funds or resources from being used for other purposes.

Word Breakdown

ring
a circular or enclosed boundary
root
+
fenced
to enclose or protect with a barrier
root
English Dictionary

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