idioms
Idioms & Natural Expressions
Fixed expressions and idiomatic language to sound more natural and precise.
30 minC1c1idiomspoetry-metaphor-literary-languagemetaphorliterary languagenuance
Lesson objectives
- Use idiomatic language connected to poetry, metaphor & literary language more naturally.
- Distinguish neutral, formal and contemporary expressions.
- Recognise when an expression improves fluency without sounding forced.
Idioms & expressions — Poetry, Metaphor & Literary Language
To read between the lines · neutral
neutralMeaning:To understand the hidden meaning in something that is said or written.
Significado:Leer entre líneas / comprender el significado implícito.
Example:The CEO didn't explicitly mention layoffs, but if you read between the lines, the message was clear.
A way with words · neutral
neutralMeaning:The ability to use language effectively and persuasively.
Significado:Tener facilidad de palabra / ser elocuente.
Example:She has a real way with words; her speeches always manage to inspire the entire team.
To write one's own narrative · neutral
neutralMeaning:To take control of how one's life or story is perceived by others.
Significado:Escribir la propia narrativa / ser dueño de su propia historia.
Example:After the scandal, the influencer worked hard to write her own narrative through a series of raw, honest videos.
To be a closed book · neutral
neutralMeaning:To be a person who is difficult to understand or someone who does not share much information.
Significado:Ser un libro cerrado.
Example:Despite working together for years, he remains a bit of a closed book regarding his private life.
To paint a picture · neutral
neutralMeaning:To describe something in a way that helps people to imagine it clearly.
Significado:Pintar un cuadro / describir vívidamente.
Example:The documentary paints a chilling picture of the impact of climate change on coastal cities.
To echo · formal
formalMeaning:To repeat or reflect the ideas or opinions of someone else.
Significado:Hacer eco / reflejar las ideas de alguien.
Example:The latest policy changes echo the concerns raised by the environmental committee last month.
To live in a semantic bubble · formal
formalMeaning:To only use or understand language within a very specific, often isolated, social or professional context.
Significado:Vivir en una burbuja semántica.
Example:Tech developers often live in a semantic bubble, making it difficult for them to communicate with the general public.
To ghostwrite one's reality · informal
formalMeaning:To manipulate digital personas or social media profiles to present a false version of one's life.
Significado:Escribir de forma ficticia la propia realidad (en redes sociales).
Example:Many users are tired of people who seem to ghostwrite their reality through heavy AI filters and staged photos.
To be lost in translation · neutral
neutralMeaning:When the meaning or nuance of a message is lost when moving from one language or context to another.
Significado:Perderse en la traducción / perder el sentido.
Example:The subtle sarcasm in his email was completely lost in translation when his manager read it in English.
To weave a tale · formal
formalMeaning:To tell a story in a complex, often imaginative or deceptive way.
Significado:Tejer una historia / urdir un relato.
Example:The novelist spent years weaving a tale of political intrigue that captivated readers worldwide.