This lesson trains 25 C2 idioms on Science, Technology & Change. 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.
you're not wrong
You are correct; I agree.
During a research-and-development workshop, the trainer referred to “you're not wrong”, a useful expression for the idea “You are correct; I agree”.
be light years away from [something]
Be a very long way from achieving something.
In a discussion about digital transformation, participants used “be light years away from [something]” to communicate this idea: “Be a very long way from achieving something”.
a quantum leap
A very large and important advance or change.
In a science-and-technology seminar, “a quantum leap” was explained as an expression meaning “A very large and important advance or change.”.
have [something] up your sleeve
Have a secret plan or idea.
While taking part in a discussion about digital transformation, the speaker highlighted “have [something] up your sleeve”, which means “Have a secret plan or idea”.
turn over a new leaf
Start behaving in a better way.
In a technology-innovation meeting, “turn over a new leaf” was explained as an expression meaning “Start behaving in a better way”.
wax and wane
Increase and decrease over time.
While taking part in a science-and-change seminar, the speaker highlighted “wax and wane”, which means “Increase and decrease over time”.
a leopard can't change its spots
People cannot easily change their basic character.
During a research-and-development workshop, the facilitator introduced “a leopard can't change its spots”, an expression meaning “People cannot easily change their basic character”.
as thick as two short planks
Very stupid.
While taking part in a science-and-change seminar, the speaker highlighted “as thick as two short planks”, which means “Very stupid”.
what is the world coming to?
Used to express shock at modern behaviour or events.
In a discussion about digital transformation, participants used “what is the world coming to?” to communicate this idea: “Used to express shock at modern behaviour or events”.
of your own making
Caused by your own actions.
While taking part in a research-and-development workshop, the speaker highlighted “of your own making”, which means “Caused by your own actions”.
do [something] on autopilot
Do something automatically without thinking.
During a technology-innovation meeting, the facilitator introduced “do [something] on autopilot”, an expression meaning “Do something automatically without thinking”.
beyond your wildest dreams
More wonderful than you ever imagined.
During a research-and-development workshop, the trainer referred to “beyond your wildest dreams”, a useful expression for the idea “More wonderful than you ever imagined”.
the brainchild of [someone]
A clever original idea created by someone.
In a science-and-change seminar, participants used “the brainchild of [someone]” to communicate this idea: “A clever original idea created by someone”.
the tip of the spear
The leading or most advanced part of an effort, group or field.
During a discussion about digital transformation, the trainer referred to “the tip of the spear”, a useful expression for the idea “The leading or most advanced part of an effort, group or field”.
run its course
Come to a natural end.
During a discussion about digital transformation, the facilitator introduced “run its course”, an expression meaning “Come to a natural end”.
plus ça change
Things change, but some things stay the same.
In a technology-innovation meeting, participants used “plus ça change” to communicate this idea: “Things change, but some things stay the same”.
get a new lease of life
Become energetic or active again.
In a science-and-change seminar, “get a new lease of life” was explained as an expression meaning “Become energetic or active again”.
as stubborn as a mule
Very unwilling to change your mind.
In a technology-innovation meeting, “as stubborn as a mule” was explained as an expression meaning “Very unwilling to change your mind”.
that's about the size of it
That is an accurate summary.
While taking part in a technology-innovation meeting, the speaker highlighted “that's about the size of it”, which means “That is an accurate summary”.
suck it and see
Try something to see whether it works.
In a research-and-development workshop, “suck it and see” was explained as an expression meaning “Try something to see whether it works”.
trim your sails
Change your behaviour or plans to suit circumstances.
During a research-and-development workshop, the facilitator introduced “trim your sails”, an expression meaning “Change your behaviour or plans to suit circumstances”.
like it or lump it
Accept a situation because you cannot change it.
In a discussion about digital transformation, “like it or lump it” was explained as an expression meaning “Accept a situation because you cannot change it”.
it's all systems go
Everything is ready to start.
During a science-and-change seminar, the facilitator introduced “it's all systems go”, an expression meaning “Everything is ready to start”.
if it ain't broke, don't fix it
Do not change something that already works well.
In a research-and-development workshop, participants used “if it ain't broke, don't fix it” to communicate this idea: “Do not change something that already works well”.
ring the changes
Make changes to make things less boring.
During a science-and-change seminar, the trainer referred to “ring the changes”, a useful expression for the idea “Make changes to make things less boring”.