This lesson practises 30 C2 collocations on News & Current Affairs. Collocations are fixed word pairings that native speakers expect — Cambridge examiners test them in Use of English Part 1 and reward precise lexis in Writing. Run through the interactive drills first, then open this glossary to revise every item in the set. For question-by-question feedback, use Review mode after you finish the session.
issue a public statement
The council will issue a public statement after the investigation.
bow to pressure
The minister refused to bow to pressure from the tabloid press.
break news
The editor decided to break the news at the morning briefing.
create an impression
The headline was designed to create an impression of urgency.
test of strength
The negotiation became a test of strength between the two leaders.
dispel a rumour
The spokesperson issued a statement to dispel a rumour about the closure.
throwaway comment
A throwaway comment during the interview triggered days of discussion.
call off a search
The rescue team will not call off the search until the missing hiker is found.
fair comment
The regulator said the criticism was fair comment on a matter of public interest.
dissenting voice
One dissenting voice questioned the figures during the broadcast.
create a good impression
A clear explanation can create a good impression during an interview.
news travels fast
In a small town, news travels fast after a major announcement.
show of unity
The joint statement was intended as a show of unity after the dispute.
provide an explanation
Officials must provide an explanation for the sudden change in policy.
regime topples
A regime topples when it loses the support of the army.
outpouring of grief
The actor's death prompted an outpouring of grief on social media, with thousands posting tributes.
dispute arises
A dispute arises when the two sides interpret the agreement differently.
under considerable pressure
The company was under considerable pressure to reduce costs.
broker an agreement
The editor helped broker an agreement between the paper and the union.
create a bad impression
A rushed correction can create a bad impression among readers.
negotiate a settlement
The parties hope to negotiate a settlement before the hearing.
secure a majority
The proposal needs to secure a majority before it can proceed.
re-open a debate
The article reopened a debate about school funding.
spark public debate
The documentary is likely to spark public debate about housing.
express admiration
The columnist used the review to express admiration for the volunteers.
trouble breaks out
Trouble breaks out when the crowd ignores the safety barriers.
instantly recall
The familiar song made her instantly recall the summer festival.
regular update
The newsroom will publish a regular update while the story develops.
nationwide search
A nationwide search began after the painting disappeared from the gallery.
press coverage
The event received extensive press coverage across the region.