English Phrase: Boots on the ground
There are times when having boots on the ground is essential.
Most countries would prefer to negotiate when there is a possibility of a violent military confrontation.
However, the meaning of the phrase boots on the ground is to have soldiers physically present in a location instead of only planes in the air, for example.
Most often this phrase refers to military troops in a combat (fighting) situation, but not always.
Many times the troops are there to prevent a combat situation from starting up again.
Another reason they are there is to help people recover from conflict.
The main benefit of having soldiers in a location to keep the peace is that they keep an ear to the ground experience what’s happening, interact with the local people and help the people get back to normal daily life activities such as shopping.
United Nations Peacekeepers are an excellent example of boots on the ground to keep the peace and help people who only fight if they have to.