This lesson trains 25 C2 idioms on Society, Politics & Power. Idioms signal fluency when used naturally — forcing them into every sentence hurts your score. Practise in the runner first, then revisit every expression in the glossary. Review mode after completion shows how each idiom fits its context.
black and blue
Badly bruised.
During a conversation about power in society, the facilitator introduced “black and blue”, an expression meaning “Badly bruised”.
big fish in a small pond
An important person in a small group.
During a political-analysis seminar, the trainer referred to “big fish in a small pond”, a useful expression for the idea “An important person in a small group”.
grass roots
Ordinary members rather than leaders.
In a public-policy debate, “grass roots” was explained as an expression meaning “Ordinary members rather than leaders”.
pull the strings
Control events secretly.
In a conversation about power in society, participants used “pull the strings” to communicate this idea: “Control events secretly”.
be in the public eye
Be well known and watched by the public.
In a discussion of social issues, participants used “be in the public eye” to communicate this idea: “Be well known and watched by the public”.
rig an election
Arrange an election dishonestly.
While taking part in a conversation about power in society, the speaker highlighted “rig an election”, which means “Arrange an election dishonestly”.
throw a lifeline
Give help to someone in serious difficulty.
During a political-analysis seminar, the trainer referred to “throw a lifeline”, a useful expression for the idea “Give help to someone in serious difficulty”.
movers and shakers
Powerful people who make important things happen.
During a conversation about power in society, the trainer referred to “movers and shakers”, a useful expression for the idea “Powerful people who make important things happen”.
no strings attached
With no conditions or obligations.
During a public-policy debate, the facilitator introduced “no strings attached”, an expression meaning “With no conditions or obligations”.
be built on sand
Be based on weak or unreliable foundations.
While taking part in a public-policy debate, the speaker highlighted “be built on sand”, which means “Be based on weak or unreliable foundations”.
the chattering classes
Educated people who like discussing social and cultural issues.
While taking part in a public-policy debate, the speaker highlighted “the chattering classes”, which means “Educated people who like discussing social and cultural issues”.
take it easy
Relax or calm down.
In a conversation about power in society, “take it easy” was explained as an expression meaning “Relax or calm down”.
put the brakes on
Slow down or stop a plan.
During a discussion of social issues, the facilitator introduced “put the brakes on”, an expression meaning “Slow down or stop a plan”.
put our heads together
Think or plan something together.
During a public-policy debate, the trainer referred to “put our heads together”, a useful expression for the idea “Think or plan something together”.
out of hand
Out of control; also immediately refused.
In a discussion of social issues, “out of hand” was explained as an expression meaning “Out of control; also immediately refused”.
rock bottom
The lowest possible point.
In a public-policy debate, participants used “rock bottom” to communicate this idea: “The lowest possible point”.
have the upper hand
Have an advantage or control.
While taking part in a discussion of social issues, the speaker highlighted “have the upper hand”, which means “Have an advantage or control”.
as thick as thieves
Very close and friendly.
In a conversation about power in society, “as thick as thieves” was explained as an expression meaning “Very close and friendly”.
silent majority
People who do not express their views publicly.
During a political-analysis seminar, the facilitator introduced “silent majority”, an expression meaning “People who do not express their views publicly”.
put your foot down
Assert your authority firmly.
In a political-analysis seminar, “put your foot down” was explained as an expression meaning “Assert your authority firmly”.
think twice
Consider something carefully before acting.
In a discussion of social issues, participants used “think twice” to communicate this idea: “Consider something carefully before acting”.
marathon talks
Very long discussions or negotiations.
In a political-analysis seminar, participants used “marathon talks” to communicate this idea: “Very long discussions or negotiations”.
see sense
Become sensible or reasonable.
During a discussion of social issues, the trainer referred to “see sense”, a useful expression for the idea “Become sensible or reasonable”.
plunge into chaos
Enter a state of complete disorder.
While taking part in a political-analysis seminar, the speaker highlighted “plunge into chaos”, which means “Enter a state of complete disorder”.
a leading light
An important, influential person in a group.
During a political-analysis seminar, the facilitator introduced “a leading light”, an expression meaning “An important, influential person in a group”.