idioms
Idioms & Natural Expressions
Fixed expressions and idiomatic language to sound more natural and precise.
30 minC1c1idiomsvideo-games-interactive-media-culturevideo gamesinteractive mediaculture
Lesson objectives
- Use idiomatic language connected to video games, interactive media & culture more naturally.
- Distinguish neutral, formal and contemporary expressions.
- Recognise when an expression improves fluency without sounding forced.
Idioms & expressions — Video Games, Interactive Media & Culture
To be in the driver's seat · neutral
neutralMeaning:To be in control of a situation or a process.
Significado:Tener el control de la situación.
Example:With the new software update, the development team is finally in the driver's seat regarding user privacy.
To level up · informal
formalMeaning:To advance to a higher stage of proficiency, status, or quality.
Significado:Subir de nivel / mejorar significativamente.
Example:She decided to take an advanced coding bootcamp to level up her technical skills for the new role.
A glitch in the system · neutral
neutralMeaning:A sudden, temporary problem or error in a process or plan.
Significado:Un fallo en el sistema / un error inesperado.
Example:The delay in the product launch was just a minor glitch in the system, not a total failure.
To hyper-niche · neutral
neutralMeaning:To focus on an extremely specific and narrow interest or market (2024-2026 usage).
Significado:Centrarse en un nicho extremadamente específico.
Example:The new indie studio decided to hyper-niche their content to target only professional architects.
To prompt-engineer one's life · informal
formalMeaning:To use AI-driven logic or tools to optimize one's daily routines and decisions (2025-2026 usage).
Significado:Optimizar la vida mediante el uso de IA / ingeniería de prompts aplicada a la vida diaria.
Example:He's trying to prompt-engineer his life by using AI agents to manage his entire schedule.
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 video games, interactive media & culture, organisations need to stay ahead of the curve.
to be a double-edged sword · neutral
neutralMeaning:to have both advantages and disadvantages
Significado:ser un arma de doble filo
Example:For many people, progress in video games, interactive media & culture can be a double-edged sword.
to gain traction · neutral
neutralMeaning:to start becoming more accepted, popular or effective
Significado:ganar impulso o aceptación
Example:Some new ideas about video games, interactive media & culture only gain traction once the public sees clear results.
to shift the needle · informal
formalMeaning:to make a noticeable difference
Significado:marcar una diferencia visible
Example:Small policy changes rarely shift the needle unless they are applied consistently in video games, interactive media & culture.
to rethink the way we do things · neutral
neutralMeaning:to reconsider established habits or systems
Significado:replantearse la forma de hacer las cosas
Example:The latest discussions around video games, interactive media & culture are forcing institutions to rethink the way we do things.