idioms
Idioms & Natural Expressions
Fixed expressions and idiomatic language to sound more natural and precise.
30 minC1c1idiomsrenewable-energy-smart-gridsrenewable energysmart gridssustainability
Lesson objectives
- Use idiomatic language connected to renewable energy & smart grids more naturally.
- Distinguish neutral, formal and contemporary expressions.
- Recognise when an expression improves fluency without sounding forced.
Idioms & expressions — Renewable Energy & Smart Grids
To bridge the gap · neutral
neutralMeaning:To connect two different concepts, eras, or technological stages.
Significado:Cerrar la brecha / Conectar dos conceptos.
Example:The new smart grid infrastructure is designed to bridge the gap between legacy fossil fuel plants and modern wind farms.
To be ahead of the curve · neutral
neutralMeaning:To be more advanced or innovative than others in a specific field.
Significado:Estar a la vanguardia.
Example:By investing in hydrogen storage now, the company is clearly staying ahead of the curve in the energy transition.
To tap into · neutral
neutralMeaning:To manage to use something that is available to you.
Significado:Aprovechar / Sacar partido de.
Example:We need to find more efficient ways to tap into geothermal energy to stabilise the national grid.
A zero-sum game · formal
formalMeaning:A situation in which one person's or group's gain is equivalent to another's loss.
Significado:Un juego de suma cero.
Example:Sustainable development shouldn't be a zero-sum game between economic growth and environmental protection.
To spark innovation · neutral
neutralMeaning:To cause new ideas or creative thinking to begin.
Significado:Impulsar la innovación.
Example:The sudden rise in energy costs has sparked innovation in domestic battery storage solutions.
To reach net-zero · formal
formalMeaning:To achieve a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere.
Significado:Alcanzar las cero emisiones netas.
Example:The government has set a strict timeline for all major cities to reach net-zero by 2040.
To be greenwashed · informal
formalMeaning:To be misled by a company's deceptive marketing regarding its environmental friendliness.
Significado:Ser víctima de lavado de imagen ecológico.
Example:Many consumers are becoming skeptical of tech giants, fearing their 'eco-friendly' claims are just being greenwashed.
To pivot to green · neutral
neutralMeaning:To fundamentally change a business model or strategy towards sustainability.
Significado:Dar un giro hacia lo ecológico.
Example:After years of declining oil profits, the conglomerate decided to pivot to green energy solutions.
To be data-driven · formal
formalMeaning:To make decisions based on the analysis of data rather than intuition.
Significado:Basarse en datos / Estar orientado a los datos.
Example:Modern smart grids are entirely data-driven, allowing for real-time adjustments in energy distribution.
To scale up · neutral
neutralMeaning:To increase the size, amount, or importance of something.
Significado:Escalar / Aumentar la escala.
Example:The pilot project was successful, so the next step is to scale up the solar array across the entire province.