idioms
Idioms & Natural Expressions
Fixed expressions and idiomatic language to sound more natural and precise.
30 minC1c1idiomsconstitutional-law-rights-freedomsderecholibertadconstitucionalidiomas
Lesson objectives
- Use idiomatic language connected to constitutional law, rights & freedoms more naturally.
- Distinguish neutral, formal and contemporary expressions.
- Recognise when an expression improves fluency without sounding forced.
Idioms & expressions — Constitutional Law, Rights & Freedoms
To uphold the rule of law · formal
formalMeaning:To maintain and defend the principle that all people and institutions are subject to and must abide by law.
Significado:Velar por el cumplimiento de la ley / Mantener el estado de derecho.
Example:The Supreme Court's recent ruling is seen as a vital step to uphold the rule of law in an increasingly polarised society.
To infringe upon someone's rights · formal
formalMeaning:To limit or violate the legal rights of an individual.
Significado:Vulnerar o infringir los derechos de alguien.
Example:Legal experts argue that the new surveillance legislation might infringe upon the privacy rights of citizens.
A landmark decision · formal
formalMeaning:A legal decision that establishes a significant new precedent.
Significado:Una sentencia histórica / Un fallo trascendental.
Example:The verdict was hailed as a landmark decision for civil liberties and equality.
To be enshrined in the constitution · formal
formalMeaning:To be preserved or protected as a fundamental part of a constitution.
Significado:Estar consagrado en la constitución.
Example:Freedom of speech is enshrined in the constitution to ensure it cannot be easily overturned by future governments.
To bake in bias · neutral
neutralMeaning:To include inherent prejudices within a system, algorithm, or law from the very beginning.
Significado:Tener un sesgo intrínseco / Sesgo sistémico (incorporado desde el diseño).
Example:Critics argue that the new automated judicial scoring system has the potential to bake in bias against marginalised communities.
To deplatform a voice · neutral
neutralMeaning:To remove someone's ability to express their views on digital platforms, often sparking debates on freedom of speech.
Significado:Eliminar la presencia digital de alguien / Censura en plataformas.
Example:The debate over whether social media giants should deplatform political figures remains a central issue in digital rights.
To be algorithmically disenfranchised · formal
formalMeaning:To lose one's rights, access, or political influence due to automated systems or AI processes.
Significado:Sufrir la privación de derechos debido a algoritmos.
Example:As more public services move to AI-driven models, there is a growing risk of citizens being algorithmically disenfranchised.
To pull rank · informal
formalMeaning:To use one's higher position or authority to force someone to do something or to win an argument.
Significado:Imponer su autoridad / Usar su rango para salirse con la suya.
Example:The CEO tried to pull rank to bypass the ethical committee, but the board refused to comply.
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 constitutional law, rights & freedoms, 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 constitutional law, rights & freedoms can be a double-edged sword.