idioms
Idioms & Natural Expressions
Fixed expressions and idiomatic language to sound more natural and precise.
30 minC1c1idiomsnature-the-environmentenvironmentnaturesustainability
Lesson objectives
- Use idiomatic language connected to nature & the environment more naturally.
- Distinguish neutral, formal and contemporary expressions.
- Recognise when an expression improves fluency without sounding forced.
Idioms & expressions — Nature & the Environment
to stem the tide · formal
formalMeaning:to stop or control something unpleasant from increasing or continuing
Significado:frenar la marea / contener la tendencia
Example:The government has introduced new carbon taxes to stem the tide of rising global temperatures.
a force of nature · neutral
neutralMeaning:someone with a very strong personality who is difficult to control
Significado:una fuerza de la naturaleza
Example:Our new CEO is a true force of nature; she has completely restructured the company in just three months.
to be in the eye of the storm · neutral
neutralMeaning:to be in the centre of a lot of criticism or controversy
Significado:estar en el ojo del huracán
Example:The tech giant is currently in the eye of the storm due to the recent data privacy scandal.
to weather the storm · neutral
neutralMeaning:to successfully deal with a very difficult period or situation
Significado:capear el temporal / sobrevivir a la crisis
Example:Despite the economic downturn, the startup managed to weather the storm through smart investment.
to plant a seed · neutral
neutralMeaning:to suggest an idea that might influence someone's thoughts in the future
Significado:sembrar una semilla / plantar la idea
Example:The keynote speaker planted a seed of doubt regarding the long-term viability of fossil fuels.
to branch out · neutral
neutralMeaning:to start doing something different from your usual activities
Significado:diversificarse / expandirse
Example:The sustainable fashion brand is branching out into biodegradable tech accessories.
to be greenwashed · informal
formalMeaning:to be misled by a company's false claims about environmental friendliness (contemporary)
Significado:ser víctima de lavado de imagen ecológico / greenwashing
Example:Many consumers feel they are being greenwashed when brands use recycled packaging but ignore ethical labour.
climate anxiety · neutral
neutralMeaning:chronic fear of environmental doom (contemporary social term)
Significado:ecoansiedad / ansiedad climática
Example:The documentary explores how climate anxiety is affecting the mental health of Gen Z globally.
to disrupt the ecosystem · formal
formalMeaning:to fundamentally change the way a market or social structure works (contemporary business/tech)
Significado:alterar el ecosistema / romper el equilibrio del sector
Example:The arrival of generative AI has significantly disrupted the digital content ecosystem.
to turn over a new leaf · neutral
neutralMeaning:to start behaving in a better way
Significado:pasar página / empezar de cero
Example:After the scandal, the corporation promised to turn over a new leaf by adopting net-zero policies.