idioms
Idioms & Natural Expressions
Fixed expressions and idiomatic language to sound more natural and precise.
30 minC1c1idiomselectoral-systems-voting-democracyelectoral systemsdemocracyvotingpolitics
Lesson objectives
- Use idiomatic language connected to electoral systems, voting & democracy more naturally.
- Distinguish neutral, formal and contemporary expressions.
- Recognise when an expression improves fluency without sounding forced.
Idioms & expressions — Electoral Systems, Voting & Democracy
To cast a decisive vote · neutral
neutralMeaning:To make a choice that determines the final outcome of an election or decision.
Significado:Emitir un voto decisivo.
Example:With the polls being so tight, the youth turnout could cast a decisive vote in next month's election.
To run on a platform of · formal
formalMeaning:To campaign based on a specific set of policies or principles.
Significado:Presentar una candidatura basada en...
Example:The new coalition is running on a platform of radical transparency and digital democracy.
A landslide victory · neutral
neutralMeaning:An overwhelming win in an election with a huge majority.
Significado:Una victoria aplastante.
Example:The incumbent party was caught completely off guard by the landslide victory of the opposition.
To sway the electorate · formal
formalMeaning:To influence the opinions or votes of the people.
Significado:Influenciar al electorado.
Example:The candidate's recent speech on climate policy was designed to sway the undecided electorate.
To pull a political U-turn · neutral
neutralMeaning:To suddenly reverse a policy or political position.
Significado:Dar un giro político radical.
Example:After losing support in the suburbs, the minister had to pull a political U-turn on tax reform.
To be in the crosshairs · neutral
neutralMeaning:To be the target of intense criticism or scrutiny.
Significado:Estar en el punto de mira.
Example:As the lead negotiator, she found herself in the crosshairs of both the media and the opposition.
To manufacture consent · formal
formalMeaning:To use media and propaganda to manipulate public opinion into agreeing with a policy.
Significado:Fabricar el consenso.
Example:Critics argue that the algorithm-driven news cycle is designed to manufacture consent for controversial laws.
To glitch the consensus · informal
formalMeaning:To disrupt a widely accepted social or political agreement through sudden, unexpected actions or digital interference.
Significado:Romper el consenso (término contemporáneo sobre disrupción digital/social).
Example:The sudden surge in viral misinformation threatened to glitch the consensus before the vote even began.
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 electoral systems, voting & democracy, 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 electoral systems, voting & democracy can be a double-edged sword.