idioms
Idioms & Natural Expressions
Fixed expressions and idiomatic language to sound more natural and precise.
30 minC1c1idiomsnutrition-science-diets-food-politicsnutritionfood politicsdiet
Lesson objectives
- Use idiomatic language connected to nutrition science, diets & food politics more naturally.
- Distinguish neutral, formal and contemporary expressions.
- Recognise when an expression improves fluency without sounding forced.
Idioms & expressions — Nutrition Science, Diets & Food Politics
To be calorie-dense in information · formal
formalMeaning:To provide a vast amount of complex or heavy information in a very short or concise format.
Significado:Contener una gran densidad de información o contenido complejo en un formato breve.
Example:The new policy briefing was calorie-dense in information, requiring several hours of analysis to fully grasp the implications for food security.
To gut-check a policy · neutral
neutralMeaning:To perform an instinctive, immediate assessment of whether a proposal is ethically or practically sound.
Significado:Hacer una evaluación intuitiva o rápida sobre la validez ética o práctica de una propuesta.
Example:Before we implement the new sugar tax, we need to gut-check the policy to ensure it doesn't disproportionately affect low-income families.
To feed the algorithm · informal
formalMeaning:To produce content or data specifically designed to trigger engagement on social media platforms.
Significado:Crear contenido diseñado específicamente para alimentar o manipular los algoritmos de las redes sociales.
Example:Many nutrition influencers focus on controversial diet trends just to feed the algorithm, rather than providing scientifically accurate advice.
To have a taste for something · neutral
neutralMeaning:To have a desire or inclination towards a particular activity, style, or idea.
Significado:Tener gusto por algo o inclinación hacia una actividad o idea.
Example:The committee has developed a taste for radical dietary shifts that could redefine global agricultural standards.
To bite off more than one can chew · neutral
neutralMeaning:To attempt to do something that is too difficult or to take on too much responsibility.
Significado:Abarcar más de lo que se puede (meterse en camisa nueva).
Example:By attempting to regulate both local farming and international imports simultaneously, the government has bitten off more than it can chew.
To salt the earth · formal
formalMeaning:To destroy something so completely that nothing can grow or develop again (often used in political/economic contexts).
Significado:Arrasar con todo; dejar algo totalmente destruido o sin futuro.
Example:The sudden withdrawal of subsidies could salt the earth for small-scale organic farming in the region.
To be a bitter pill to swallow · neutral
neutralMeaning:An unpleasant fact that must be accepted.
Significado:Algo difícil de aceptar; un trago amargo.
Example:The report's findings on rising obesity rates despite increased health spending were a bitter pill to swallow for the health ministry.
To cook the books · informal
formalMeaning:To manipulate financial records or data dishonestly.
Significado:Falsear la contabilidad o manipular datos financieros.
Example:The investigation revealed that the food conglomerate had been cooking the books to hide the true cost of their production methods.
To cut corners · neutral
neutralMeaning:To do something in the easiest, cheapest, or fastest way, often sacrificing quality or safety.
Significado:Tomar atajos; hacer algo de forma descuidada para ahorrar tiempo o dinero.
Example:In the rush to meet global demand, some manufacturers are cutting corners on food safety protocols.
To be food for thought · neutral
neutralMeaning:Something that provides mental stimulus or gives one much to think about.
Significado:Algo que da que pensar; material de reflexión.
Example:The documentary on synthetic proteins provided much food for thought regarding the future of sustainable nutrition.