idioms
Idioms & Natural Expressions
Fixed expressions and idiomatic language to sound more natural and precise.
30 minC1c1idiomslabour-law-unions-workers-rightslabour lawunionsemployment
Lesson objectives
- Use idiomatic language connected to labour law, unions & workers' rights more naturally.
- Distinguish neutral, formal and contemporary expressions.
- Recognise when an expression improves fluency without sounding forced.
Idioms & expressions — Labour Law, Unions & Workers' Rights
To be in breach of contract · formal
formalMeaning:To fail to honour the terms of a legal agreement between employer and employee.
Significado:Incumplir un contrato.
Example:The company was found to be in breach of contract after failing to provide the agreed-upon remote working stipends.
To strike a deal · neutral
neutralMeaning:To reach an agreement through negotiation, often between a union and management.
Significado:Llegar a un acuerdo / cerrar un trato.
Example:After weeks of tense negotiations, the union finally managed to strike a deal regarding the new overtime policy.
To be redundant · formal
formalMeaning:To lose one's job because the position is no longer required by the employer.
Significado:Quedar despedido por recorte de plantilla / quedar en situación de desempleo por extinción de puesto.
Example:Due to the recent merger, several administrative roles have been made redundant.
To pull rank · neutral
neutralMeaning:To use one's higher position or authority to force someone to do something.
Significado:Imponer su autoridad / usar su rango.
Example:The manager tried to pull rank to avoid discussing the safety concerns raised by the junior staff.
To toe the line · neutral
neutralMeaning:To conform to the rules or standards of an organisation.
Significado:Seguir las reglas / cumplir con lo establecido.
Example:The new CEO expects everyone to toe the line regarding the strict new digital privacy protocols.
Quiet quitting · informal
formalMeaning:Doing only the minimum required tasks in a job and no more, often as a response to burnout or low pay.
Significado:Renuncia silenciosa (hacer lo mínimo indispensable).
Example:Management is concerned that the recent dip in productivity is a result of widespread quiet quitting among the tech team.
To be ghosted by an employer · informal
formalMeaning:To have all communication suddenly cease from an employer without explanation (often during recruitment or termination).
Significado:Ser ignorado por un empleador (sin respuesta alguna).
Example:After the final interview, I was completely ghosted by the employer, leaving my employment status in limbo.
Algorithmic management · formal
formalMeaning:The use of algorithms and AI to supervise, direct, and evaluate workers.
Significado:Gestión algorítmica.
Example:Labour unions are currently fighting against the lack of transparency in algorithmic management used by delivery platforms.
To level the playing field · neutral
neutralMeaning:To create a situation where everyone has the same opportunities or rights.
Significado:Nivelar el campo de juego / igualar las condiciones.
Example:The proposed legislation aims to level the playing field for freelance workers regarding social security benefits.
To be at loggerheads · neutral
neutralMeaning:To be in strong disagreement or a state of conflict.
Significado:Estar en desacuerdo / estar enfrentados.
Example:The workers and the board remain at loggerheads over the implementation of the new AI-driven monitoring tools.