idioms
Idioms & Natural Expressions
Fixed expressions and idiomatic language to sound more natural and precise.
30 minC1c1idiomsclimate-policy-international-agreementsclimate policyinternational agreementssustainability
Lesson objectives
- Use idiomatic language connected to climate policy & international agreements more naturally.
- Distinguish neutral, formal and contemporary expressions.
- Recognise when an expression improves fluency without sounding forced.
Idioms & expressions — Climate Policy & International Agreements
to reach a tipping point · formal
formalMeaning:to reach a stage where a significant and often irreversible change occurs.
Significado:llegar a un punto de inflexión / punto de no retorno.
Example:Climate scientists warn that we have reached a tipping point regarding permafrost melting.
to move the goalposts · neutral
neutralMeaning:to unfairly change the rules or conditions of a process while it is happening.
Significado:cambiar las reglas del juego.
Example:Developing nations argue that wealthy countries are moving the goalposts by imposing new trade barriers under the guise of green policy.
to be at odds with · formal
formalMeaning:to be in disagreement or conflict with something.
Significado:estar en desacuerdo con / estar en conflicto con.
Example:The new industrial subsidies are fundamentally at odds with the commitments made in the latest COP summit.
to bridge the gap · neutral
neutralMeaning:to reduce the difference between two opposing groups or ideas.
Significado:cerrar la brecha / salvar la distancia.
Example:The new international fund aims to bridge the gap between developed and developing economies in the energy transition.
to greenwash · neutral
neutralMeaning:to make something appear more environmentally friendly than it actually is.
Significado:lavado de imagen ecológico.
Example:The tech giant was accused of greenwashing after its latest carbon-neutral claims were debunked by independent auditors.
to face a reckoning · formal
formalMeaning:to confront a period of unavoidable consequences or judgment for past actions.
Significado:enfrentarse a las consecuencias / rendición de cuentas.
Example:As extreme weather events intensify, global leaders will soon face a reckoning regarding their failure to act.
to be net-zero ready · neutral
neutralMeaning:to have the infrastructure and policies in place to achieve zero carbon emissions.
Significado:estar preparado para el cero neto.
Example:Investors are no longer looking for mere promises; they want companies that are truly net-zero ready.
to pivot towards · neutral
neutralMeaning:to fundamentally change direction or focus towards a new strategy.
Significado:pivotar hacia / cambiar el enfoque hacia.
Example:The administration decided to pivot towards aggressive renewable energy subsidies to meet the 2030 targets.
to be caught in a deadlock · formal
formalMeaning:to be in a situation where no progress can be made because of opposing views.
Significado:estar en un punto muerto / estancado.
Example:Negotiations regarding carbon tax credits remain caught in a deadlock between the major economic blocs.
to bake in (risks/costs) · neutral
neutralMeaning:to include something as a permanent or fundamental part of a plan or system.
Significado:incorporar de forma intrínseca / integrar.
Example:The latest economic models bake in the rising costs of climate-related supply chain disruptions.