idioms
Idioms & Natural Expressions
Fixed expressions and idiomatic language to sound more natural and precise.
30 minC1c1idiomsgender-identity-social-normsgéneroidentidadnormas socialesidiomas
Lesson objectives
- Use idiomatic language connected to gender, identity & social norms more naturally.
- Distinguish neutral, formal and contemporary expressions.
- Recognise when an expression improves fluency without sounding forced.
Idioms & expressions — Gender, Identity & Social Norms
To break the glass ceiling · neutral
neutralMeaning:To overcome an invisible barrier that prevents women or minorities from reaching top positions.
Significado:Romper el techo de cristal.
Example:After years of being overlooked, she finally broke the glass ceiling by being appointed as the CEO.
To challenge the status quo · formal
formalMeaning:To question or fight against the existing social norms or established ways of doing things.
Significado:Desafiar el statu quo.
Example:The new policy aims to challenge the status quo regarding traditional gender roles in the workplace.
To walk in someone's shoes · neutral
neutralMeaning:To understand someone's perspective by imagining yourself in their situation.
Significado:Ponerse en los zapatos de alguien.
Example:To truly understand the struggles of minority groups, we must try to walk in their shoes.
A double-edged sword · neutral
neutralMeaning:Something that has both favorable and unfavorable consequences.
Significado:Un arma de doble filo.
Example:The visibility provided by social media can be a double-edged sword for those fighting for identity recognition.
To push back against · neutral
neutralMeaning:To resist or oppose a particular idea, norm, or authority.
Significado:Oponerse a / resistirse a.
Example:Many employees are starting to push back against the rigid gendered expectations of corporate attire.
To fit the mold · neutral
neutralMeaning:To conform to established standards or expectations of how someone should be.
Significado:Encajar en el molde.
Example:She refused to fit the mold of a traditional leader, opting instead for a more empathetic approach.
To perform identity · formal
formalMeaning:To behave in a way that expresses one's social identity or gender role (contemporary sociological term).
Significado:Performar la identidad (actuar según la identidad social).
Example:Sociologists argue that many of our daily actions are ways we perform identity to meet social expectations.
To deconstruct norms · formal
formalMeaning:To analyse and dismantle established social rules or traditional structures (contemporary academic/social term).
Significado:Deconstruir las normas.
Example:The workshop was designed to help participants deconstruct norms regarding masculinity and emotional expression.
To be intersectional · formal
formalMeaning:To consider how various social identities (race, gender, class) overlap and create unique experiences (contemporary term).
Significado:Tener una perspectiva interseccional.
Example:Our diversity strategy must be intersectional to ensure we address the specific challenges of all groups.
To lean into discomfort · neutral
neutralMeaning:To embrace difficult or awkward situations to facilitate growth or social change (contemporary coaching/social term).
Significado:Aceptar/enfrentar la incomodidad para crecer.
Example:To achieve true inclusivity, leaders must learn to lean into discomfort when discussing sensitive identity issues.