idioms
Idioms & Natural Expressions
Fixed expressions and idiomatic language to sound more natural and precise.
30 minC1c1idiomsdrug-policy-harm-reduction-addictionaddictionharm reductiondrug policy
Lesson objectives
- Use idiomatic language connected to drug policy, harm reduction & addiction more naturally.
- Distinguish neutral, formal and contemporary expressions.
- Recognise when an expression improves fluency without sounding forced.
Idioms & expressions — Drug Policy, Harm Reduction & Addiction
to walk a fine line · neutral
neutralMeaning:to be in a difficult situation where one must balance two opposing things carefully.
Significado:caminar por la cuerda floja / mantener un equilibrio delicado.
Example:Policymakers are walking a fine line between strictly enforcing drug laws and implementing life-saving harm reduction strategies.
to hit rock bottom · neutral
neutralMeaning:to reach the lowest possible level of a situation or personal state.
Significado:tocar fondo.
Example:Many recovery programmes are designed to support individuals who have hit rock bottom due to substance abuse.
a slippery slope · formal
formalMeaning:a situation that is likely to lead to something bad or dangerous.
Significado:una pendiente resbaladiza / un terreno peligroso.
Example:Critics argue that legalising certain substances could lead to a slippery slope regarding public health oversight.
to be in the throes of · formal
formalMeaning:to be in the middle of a very intense or difficult period.
Significado:estar en medio de / estar en pleno proceso de (algo difícil).
Example:The healthcare system is currently in the throes of a massive overhaul to address the addiction crisis.
to pull someone back from the brink · neutral
neutralMeaning:to rescue someone from a very dangerous or disastrous situation.
Significado:sacar a alguien del abismo / salvar a alguien de la catástrofe.
Example:Effective intervention programmes are crucial to pull vulnerable individuals back from the brink of overdose.
to be caught in a loop · neutral
neutralMeaning:to be stuck in a repetitive, often harmful, cycle (contemporary/digital context).
Significado:estar atrapado en un bucle / ciclo repetitivo.
Example:Without proper social support, many people find themselves caught in a loop of relapse and recovery.
to de-risk the conversation · formal
formalMeaning:to approach a sensitive or controversial topic in a way that reduces tension or social stigma (contemporary/professional).
Significado:suavizar el terreno / abordar un tema delicado para evitar conflictos.
Example:The new community workshop aims to de-risk the conversation around drug use to encourage honest dialogue.
to lean into the discomfort · neutral
neutralMeaning:to embrace a difficult or awkward situation to achieve a necessary goal (contemporary/wellness culture).
Significado:enfrentar la incomodidad / aceptar lo difícil para avanzar.
Example:To solve the addiction crisis, leaders must lean into the discomfort of changing long-standing social stigmas.
to stem the tide · formal
formalMeaning:to stop something bad from increasing or continuing.
Significado:frenar la marea / contener la tendencia.
Example:Newly implemented harm reduction kits are designed to stem the tide of overdose-related deaths.
to take the edge off · informal
formalMeaning:to make something less intense or unpleasant.
Significado:mitigar / suavizar / quitarle intensidad (a un síntoma o sensación).
Example:Some patients use prescribed medication to take the edge off the withdrawal symptoms during detox.