idioms
Idioms & Natural Expressions
Fixed expressions and idiomatic language to sound more natural and precise.
30 minC1c1idiomssociety-law-justicejusticialeysociedad
Lesson objectives
- Use idiomatic language connected to society, law & justice more naturally.
- Distinguish neutral, formal and contemporary expressions.
- Recognise when an expression improves fluency without sounding forced.
Idioms & expressions — Society, Law & Justice
To be above the law · neutral
neutralMeaning:To be exempt from the rules or laws that apply to everyone else, often due to power or wealth.
Significado:Estar por encima de la ley.
Example:The public is outraged because they believe the tech giants are effectively above the law when it comes to data privacy.
To set a precedent · formal
formalMeaning:To do something that serves as an example or rule for future similar situations.
Significado:Sentar un precedente.
Example:The judge's decision regarding AI-generated copyright will certainly set a precedent for the entire creative industry.
To uphold the law · formal
formalMeaning:To support, maintain, or defend the law.
Significado:Velar por la ley / Hacer cumplir la ley.
Example:It is the fundamental duty of every citizen to uphold the law and respect the rights of others.
A miscarriage of justice · formal
formalMeaning:A failure of the court system to achieve justice, often resulting in the conviction of an innocent person.
Significado:Un error judicial.
Example:The lawyer argued that the conviction was a complete miscarriage of justice due to flawed DNA evidence.
To face the music · neutral
neutralMeaning:To accept the unpleasant consequences of one's own actions.
Significado:Afrontar las consecuencias / Dar la cara.
Example:After the scandal involving the fraudulent accounts, the CEO had to face the music during the press conference.
To draw a line in the sand · neutral
neutralMeaning:To establish a limit beyond which certain actions will not be tolerated.
Significado:Trazar una línea roja / Poner un límite.
Example:The international community has drawn a line in the sand regarding the violation of human rights in the region.
To be caught in a loop · informal
formalMeaning:(Contemporary) To be stuck in a repetitive, often bureaucratic or algorithmic, cycle that prevents resolution.
Significado:Estar atrapado en un bucle (burocrático o digital).
Example:I've been trying to appeal the automated fine, but I'm just caught in a loop of endless digital verification steps.
To deplatform someone · neutral
neutralMeaning:(Contemporary) To remove someone's access to a social media platform or public forum to prevent them from spreading their views.
Significado:Eliminar a alguien de las plataformas digitales / Censurar digitalmente.
Example:The debate continues: is it a matter of justice or censorship when social media companies decide to deplatform controversial figures?
To be algorithmically biased · formal
formalMeaning:(Contemporary) To suffer from prejudice or unfairness built into automated decision-making systems.
Significado:Tener un sesgo algorítmico.
Example:Legal experts are warning that if we rely solely on automated sentencing, we risk being algorithmically biased against certain demographics.
To weigh in on something · neutral
neutralMeaning:To give an opinion or express a view on a particular matter.
Significado:Intervenir / Dar su opinión sobre algo.
Example:Several human rights organisations have decided to weigh in on the new legislation regarding digital surveillance.