Phrases from stories in the news. They use English in a way that you might think is intended to confuse but it’s usually perfectly clear to the native speaker.
A couple of stories in the news are talking about a “chemical cosh”.
In the Telegraph they wrote: “Chemical cosh” of powerful drugs still routinely used to knock out dementia patients in care homes”.
In the Mirror: “Care homes use ‘chemical cosh’ of powerful anti-pyschotic drugs on unruly dementia patients in 77% of cases.”
And the Express: “‘Chemical cosh’ still used on dementia patients despite Government calling for review.”
So, what is this “chemical cosh”? The word “cosh” usually describes a thick, heavy stick or bar used as a weapon. The papers are using the word “chemical” to describe the drugs prescribed or given, and by putting the two words together they are implying that the use of the drugs is suspect, and most likely harmful to the patients.