idioms
Idioms & Natural Expressions
Fixed expressions and idiomatic language to sound more natural and precise.
30 minC1c1idiomsfashion-identity-sustainabilitymodaidentidadsostenibilidadmodismos
Lesson objectives
- Use idiomatic language connected to fashion, identity & sustainability more naturally.
- Distinguish neutral, formal and contemporary expressions.
- Recognise when an expression improves fluency without sounding forced.
Idioms & expressions — Fashion, Identity & Sustainability
To wear one's heart on one's sleeve · neutral
neutralMeaning:To make one's personal feelings and emotions obvious to everyone.
Significado:Mostrar sus sentimientos a todo el mundo; ser una persona transparente.
Example:In an era of curated social media profiles, she prefers to wear her heart on her sleeve and be authentically vulnerable.
A cut above the rest · neutral
neutralMeaning:To be significantly better or of higher quality than others.
Significado:Estar un paso por delante; ser superior a los demás.
Example:The new sustainable textile brand is clearly a cut above the rest in terms of durability and ethical sourcing.
To fit the mold · neutral
neutralMeaning:To conform to established standards or expectations.
Significado:Encajar en el molde; cumplir con las expectativas establecidas.
Example:Modern identity is too fluid to fit the mold of traditional gendered fashion.
To be dressed to kill · informal
formalMeaning:To wear very fashionable or glamorous clothing intended to impress.
Significado:Ir vestido de forma espectacular o impactante.
Example:She arrived at the gala dressed to kill, wearing a gown made entirely from recycled ocean plastics.
To live in borrowed clothes · neutral
neutralMeaning:To live in a way that is not truly one's own, often due to social pressure or imitation.
Significado:Vivir bajo una identidad prestada o fingida.
Example:If you only buy luxury items to impress others, you are essentially living in borrowed clothes.
To greenwash · formal
formalMeaning:To make false or misleading claims about the environmental benefits of a product or company.
Significado:Hacer 'greenwashing'; practicar el lavado de imagen ecológico.
Example:The company was accused of attempting to greenwash its image while continuing to use non-recyclable packaging.
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 fashion, identity & sustainability, 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 fashion, identity & sustainability 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 fashion, identity & sustainability 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 fashion, identity & sustainability.