idioms
Idioms & Natural Expressions
Fixed expressions and idiomatic language to sound more natural and precise.
30 minC1c1idiomssocial-class-privilege-mobilityprivilegesocial classmobility
Lesson objectives
- Use idiomatic language connected to social class, privilege & mobility more naturally.
- Distinguish neutral, formal and contemporary expressions.
- Recognise when an expression improves fluency without sounding forced.
Idioms & expressions — Social Class, Privilege & Mobility
To be born with a silver spoon in one's mouth · neutral
neutralMeaning:To be born into a very wealthy and privileged family.
Significado:Nacer en cuna de oro.
Example:He doesn't understand the struggles of the working class because he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
To climb the social ladder · neutral
neutralMeaning:To move upwards in social status or class through hard work or marriage.
Significado:Ascender en la escala social.
Example:Many immigrants work multiple jobs in an attempt to climb the social ladder for their children.
To pull oneself up by one's bootstraps · formal
formalMeaning:To improve one's situation through one's own efforts without help from others.
Significado:Salir adelante por cuenta propia / Esforzarse sin ayuda externa.
Example:The politician's speech about pulling oneself up by one's bootstraps was criticized as being out of touch with reality.
To live in a bubble · informal
formalMeaning:To be isolated from the realities of the wider world, often due to privilege.
Significado:Vivir en una burbuja.
Example:The tech executives live in such a bubble that they have no idea how inflation affects everyday people.
To bridge the gap · formal
formalMeaning:To reduce the difference between two social classes or groups.
Significado:Cerrar la brecha.
Example:New educational subsidies are designed to bridge the gap between low-income and high-income students.
To be an outsider · neutral
neutralMeaning:To be someone who does not belong to a particular social group or class.
Significado:Ser un extraño / No pertenecer al grupo.
Example:Despite his wealth, he always felt like an outsider in the elite circles of London.
To perform privilege · informal
formalMeaning:(Contemporary) To act in a way that visibly demonstrates one's social superiority or status.
Significado:(Contemporáneo) Exhibir o 'actuar' el privilegio para ganar estatus social.
Example:She was accused of performing privilege during the gala by constantly bringing up her exclusive connections.
To disrupt the hierarchy · formal
formalMeaning:(Contemporary) To challenge or change the established social or professional order.
Significado:(Contemporáneo) Romper con la jerarquía establecida.
Example:The new decentralized platform aims to disrupt the hierarchy of traditional media ownership.
To be algorithmically sidelined · neutral
neutralMeaning:(Contemporary) To be socially or economically disadvantaged due to digital systems or AI biases.
Significado:(Contemporáneo) Ser marginado o quedar en desventaja debido a algoritmos o sistemas digitales.
Example:Many gig workers feel they are being algorithmically sidelined, losing access to fair wages through automated systems.
to stay ahead of the curve · neutral
neutralMeaning:to be more advanced or better prepared than others in a changing situation
Significado:ir por delante de los demás en una situación cambiante
Example:In debates about social class, privilege & mobility, organisations need to stay ahead of the curve.