This lesson trains 25 C2 idioms on Communication & Conversation. 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.
non sequitur
A statement not logically connected to what came before.
During a meeting focused on clear communication, the trainer referred to “non sequitur”, a useful expression for the idea “A statement not logically connected to what came before”.
of like mind
Sharing the same opinions.
During a team discussion, the facilitator introduced “of like mind”, an expression meaning “Sharing the same opinions”.
to say the least
Used to say something is an understatement.
In a conversation between colleagues, “to say the least” was explained as an expression meaning “Used to say something is an understatement”.
end of [story]
The discussion is finished; there is nothing more to say.
In a meeting focused on clear communication, “end of [story]” was explained as an expression meaning “The discussion is finished; there is nothing more to say”.
in no uncertain terms
Very clearly and strongly.
While taking part in a communication-skills workshop, the speaker highlighted “in no uncertain terms”, which means “Very clearly and strongly”.
on the one hand, on the other hand
Used to compare two opposing aspects.
In a communication-skills workshop, “on the one hand, on the other hand” was explained as an expression meaning “Used to compare two opposing aspects”.
tell me about it
I strongly agree because I know the problem.
In a meeting focused on clear communication, participants used “tell me about it” to communicate this idea: “I strongly agree because I know the problem”.
bone to pick
A grievance or issue to discuss with someone.
In a team discussion, participants used “bone to pick” to communicate this idea: “A grievance or issue to discuss with someone”.
a contradiction in terms
A phrase whose words appear to conflict.
In a conversation between colleagues, “a contradiction in terms” was explained as an expression meaning “A phrase whose words appear to conflict”.
sing from the same hymn sheet
Express the same opinion or message.
While taking part in a conversation between colleagues, the speaker highlighted “sing from the same hymn sheet”, which means “Express the same opinion or message”.
I beg to differ
Politely state that you disagree.
In a team discussion, “I beg to differ” was explained as an expression meaning “Politely state that you disagree”.
you've got me there
I do not know the answer; you have made a good point.
During a communication-skills workshop, the trainer referred to “you've got me there”, a useful expression for the idea “I do not know the answer; you have made a good point”.
too much information
More personal detail than you want to hear.
While taking part in a meeting focused on clear communication, the speaker highlighted “too much information”, which means “More personal detail than you want to hear”.
full stop
Completely; with no further discussion.
In a communication-skills workshop, participants used “full stop” to communicate this idea: “Completely; with no further discussion”.
to say nothing of
In addition to; not even mentioning.
During a communication-skills workshop, the facilitator introduced “to say nothing of”, an expression meaning “In addition to; not even mentioning”.
damn with faint praise
To praise someone or something so weakly that the praise is effectively criticism.
In a advanced communication seminar, “damn with faint praise” was explained as an expression meaning “To praise someone or something so weakly that the praise is effectively criticism.”.
a case in point
A clear example supporting a statement.
During a communication-skills workshop, the facilitator introduced “a case in point”, an expression meaning “A clear example supporting a statement”.
drop a clanger
Say or do something embarrassing or foolish.
During a conversation between colleagues, the facilitator introduced “drop a clanger”, an expression meaning “Say or do something embarrassing or foolish”.
you may well ask
Used when a question points out something strange or annoying.
In a team discussion, participants used “you may well ask” to communicate this idea: “Used when a question points out something strange or annoying”.
beg the question
Raise a question without answering it; often used loosely to mean prompt the question.
While taking part in a meeting focused on clear communication, the speaker highlighted “beg the question��, which means “Raise a question without answering it; often used loosely to mean prompt the question”.
don't get me wrong
Do not misunderstand what I am saying.
During a communication-skills workshop, the trainer referred to “don't get me wrong”, a useful expression for the idea “Do not misunderstand what I am saying”.
have the ear of [someone]
Be listened to by someone important.
During a conversation between colleagues, the trainer referred to “have the ear of [someone]”, a useful expression for the idea “Be listened to by someone important”.
[hold/bite] your tongue
Stop yourself from saying something.
During a meeting focused on clear communication, the facilitator introduced “[hold/bite] your tongue”, an expression meaning “Stop yourself from saying something”.
to put it mildly
Used to say a statement is an understatement.
During a team discussion, the trainer referred to “to put it mildly”, a useful expression for the idea “Used to say a statement is an understatement”.
mum's the word
I promise to keep the secret.
In a conversation between colleagues, participants used “mum's the word” to communicate this idea: “I promise to keep the secret”.