This lesson practises 30 C2 collocations on Politics, Government & Authority. 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.
break diplomatic relations
The government threatened to break diplomatic relations after the incident.
pre-emptive strike
At a government policy meeting, the policy debate featured the pre-emptive strike.
disband an army
In a government policy meeting, the government will disband an army.
had the muscle to enforce the new rules
The regulator had the muscle to enforce the new rules.
call for a ceasefire
The international group will call for a ceasefire in the region.
invoke emergency powers
In a government policy meeting, the government will invoke emergency powers.
cut through red tape
In a government policy meeting, the government will cut through red tape.
ceasefire comes into effect
The ceasefire comes into effect at midnight after days of negotiations.
wield considerable influence
In a government policy meeting, the government will wield considerable influence.
arrive at an agreement
In a government policy meeting, the government will arrive at an agreement.
spate of attacks
At a government policy meeting, the policy debate featured the spate of attacks.
unprovoked attack
At a government policy meeting, the policy debate featured the unprovoked attack.
surgical strike
At a government policy meeting, the policy debate featured the surgical strike.
flout a rule
In a government policy meeting, the government will flout a rule.
in breach of the law
The company was in breach of the law after ignoring the safety rules.
infringe the regulations
In a government policy meeting, the government will infringe the regulations.
go on the offensive
In a government policy meeting, the government will go on the offensive.
faceless bureaucrats
At a government policy meeting, the policy debate featured the faceless bureaucrats.
introduce regulations
In a government policy meeting, the government will introduce regulations.
in a position of authority
The minister was in a position of authority during the policy discussion.
uneasy truce
At a government policy meeting, the policy debate featured the uneasy truce.
standardise procedures
In a government policy meeting, the government will standardise procedures.
carry out a risk assessment
In a government policy meeting, the government will carry out a risk assessment.
reach agreement
In a government policy meeting, the government will reach agreement.
comply with the law
In a government policy meeting, the government will comply with the law.
restore power
In a government policy meeting, the government will restore power.
seize power
The army attempted to seize power during the crisis.
exacting standards
At a government policy meeting, the policy debate featured the exacting standards.
introduce new legislation
In a government policy meeting, the government will introduce new legislation.
mitigating circumstances
At a government policy meeting, the policy debate featured the mitigating circumstances.