idioms
Idioms & Natural Expressions
Fixed expressions and idiomatic language to sound more natural and precise.
30 minC1c1idiomsinternational-humanitarian-law-conflictsihlconflictdiplomacy
Lesson objectives
- Use idiomatic language connected to international humanitarian law & conflicts more naturally.
- Distinguish neutral, formal and contemporary expressions.
- Recognise when an expression improves fluency without sounding forced.
Idioms & expressions — International Humanitarian Law & Conflicts
To uphold the sanctity of · formal
formalMeaning:To maintain and respect the sacredness or inviolability of a principle or law.
Significado:Preservar la inviolabilidad de / defender la integridad de.
Example:International bodies must work tirelessly to uphold the sanctity of humanitarian corridors during active hostilities.
A breach of protocol · formal
formalMeaning:An action that violates established rules or formal procedures.
Significado:Un incumplimiento de protocolo / una violación de las normas.
Example:The targeted strike on a hospital was widely condemned as a severe breach of protocol under the Geneva Conventions.
To navigate a minefield of · neutral
neutralMeaning:To deal with a very complicated or dangerous situation involving many risks.
Significado:Navegar por un campo de minas de (situaciones complicadas).
Example:Diplomats are currently navigating a minefield of legalities regarding the use of autonomous weapons.
To strike a balance · neutral
neutralMeaning:To find a compromise between two opposing ideas or requirements.
Significado:Lograr un equilibrio / encontrar un punto medio.
Example:The tribunal must strike a balance between national security interests and the rights of displaced persons.
Collateral damage · formal
formalMeaning:Incidental injury or damage to persons or objects that were not the intended target.
Significado:Daños colaterales.
Example:While the mission was precise, the civilian casualties were tragically viewed as collateral damage.
To draw a line in the sand · neutral
neutralMeaning:To create a limit that, if crossed, will cause a significant reaction.
Significado:Trazar una línea roja / establecer un límite infranqueable.
Example:The international community has finally drawn a line in the sand regarding the use of AI in combat operations.
To be caught in the crossfire · neutral
neutralMeaning:To be involved in a conflict between two opposing groups without being a direct participant.
Significado:Quedar atrapado en el fuego cruzado.
Example:Many innocent families often find themselves caught in the crossfire of geopolitical power struggles.
To fact-check in real-time · neutral
neutralMeaning:To verify the truth of information as it is being broadcast or shared (contemporary digital context).
Significado:Verificar hechos en tiempo real.
Example:With the rise of deepfakes, humanitarian agencies now need to fact-check in real-time to prevent misinformation during crises.
To weaponise information · formal
formalMeaning:To use data, news, or social media to manipulate public opinion or cause harm (contemporary digital context).
Significado:Instrumentalizar la información / usar la información como arma.
Example:Modern warfare involves more than just physical combat; many actors now attempt to weaponise information to destabilise regions.
Algorithmic bias fallout · formal
formalMeaning:The negative consequences resulting from automated decision-making systems (contemporary tech/ethics context).
Significado:Las consecuencias del sesgo algorítmico.
Example:Human rights lawyers are warning about the potential algorithmic bias fallout in automated border control systems.