idioms
Idioms & Natural Expressions
Fixed expressions and idiomatic language to sound more natural and precise.
30 minC1c1idiomsbiodiversity-ecosystems-extinctionbiodiversityecosystemsextinction
Lesson objectives
- Use idiomatic language connected to biodiversity, ecosystems & extinction more naturally.
- Distinguish neutral, formal and contemporary expressions.
- Recognise when an expression improves fluency without sounding forced.
Idioms & expressions — Biodiversity, Ecosystems & Extinction
to be on the brink of extinction · formal
formalMeaning:to be very close to disappearing or ceasing to exist
Significado:estar al borde de la extinción
Example:Without immediate intervention, many of these unique coral species will be on the brink of extinction by the end of the decade.
a delicate balance · neutral
neutralMeaning:a situation where small changes can cause great problems
Significado:un equilibrio delicado
Example:The local ecosystem relies on a delicate balance between predator and prey populations.
to tip the scales · neutral
neutralMeaning:to cause a significant change in a situation, often towards a specific outcome
Significado:inclinar la balanza
Example:The introduction of invasive species can easily tip the scales towards total ecosystem collapse.
to be part of the food chain · informal
formalMeaning:to be subject to the natural order of power or survival
Significado:formar parte de la cadena alimenticia
Example:In this competitive corporate environment, you quickly realise that everyone is just part of the food chain.
to reap what you sow · neutral
neutralMeaning:to experience the consequences of your own past actions
Significado:cosechar lo que se siembra
Example:If we continue to ignore biodiversity loss, we will inevitably reap what we sow in terms of food security.
to be a drop in the ocean · neutral
neutralMeaning:a very small amount that has little effect on a large problem
Significado:una gota en el océano
Example:While individual recycling is good, many argue it is just a drop in the ocean compared to industrial pollution.
to greenwash the narrative · informal
formalMeaning:to manipulate information to make a company or policy look more environmentally friendly than it is (2023-2026 usage)
Significado:maquillar la narrativa con ecologismo (greenwashing)
Example:The tech giant is clearly trying to greenwash the narrative to distract from their massive carbon footprint.
to hit a tipping point · formal
formalMeaning:to reach a stage where a significant and often irreversible change occurs (current affairs context)
Significado:llegar a un punto de inflexión
Example:Climate scientists warn that we are rapidly approaching a tipping point regarding permafrost melting.
to be ecologically out of sync · neutral
neutralMeaning:to be disconnected from natural rhythms or environmental realities (modern social/digital context)
Significado:estar desfasado ecológicamente
Example:Our current urban lifestyles leave us feeling ecologically out of sync with the changing seasons.
to foster a regenerative mindset · formal
formalMeaning:to adopt a way of thinking that focuses on restoring and renewing rather than just sustaining (modern workplace/sustainability context)
Significado:fomentar una mentalidad regenerativa
Example:To survive the next decade, businesses must move beyond sustainability and foster a regenerative mindset.