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.
join the ranks of
Become one of a group.
In a political-analysis seminar, “join the ranks of” was explained as an expression meaning “Become one of a group”.
the power behind the throne
A person who secretly has real control.
In a public-policy debate, “the power behind the throne” was explained as an expression meaning “A person who secretly has real control”.
a second-class citizen
A person treated as less important than others.
In a public-policy debate, “a second-class citizen” was explained as an expression meaning “A person treated as less important than others”.
there's a lot to be said for
There are good reasons in favour of something.
During a conversation about power in society, the trainer referred to “there's a lot to be said for”, a useful expression for the idea “There are good reasons in favour of something”.
hand over the reins
Give control to someone else.
While taking part in a political-analysis seminar, the speaker highlighted “hand over the reins”, which means “Give control to someone else”.
the shit hits the fan
A situation suddenly becomes very bad or public.
In a political-analysis seminar, participants used “the shit hits the fan” to communicate this idea: “A situation suddenly becomes very bad or public”.
the first lady of [something]
The leading or best woman in a field.
During a conversation about power in society, the facilitator introduced “the first lady of [something]”, an expression meaning “The leading or best woman in a field”.
laissez-faire
A policy of allowing people freedom without control.
While taking part in a conversation about power in society, the speaker highlighted “laissez-faire”, which means “A policy of allowing people freedom without control”.
at sixes and sevens
In a state of confusion.
While taking part in a discussion of social issues, the speaker highlighted “at sixes and sevens”, which means “In a state of confusion”.
de facto
Existing in fact, although not officially recognised.
During a conversation about power in society, the trainer referred to “de facto”, a useful expression for the idea “Existing in fact, although not officially recognised”.
big Brother
A powerful authority that watches people closely.
In a political-analysis seminar, participants used “big Brother” to communicate this idea: “A powerful authority that watches people closely”.
do a U-turn
Completely reverse a decision or policy.
During a public-policy debate, the facilitator introduced “do a U-turn”, an expression meaning “Completely reverse a decision or policy”.
status quo
The present situation.
During a political-analysis seminar, the trainer referred to “status quo”, a useful expression for the idea “The present situation”.
shrouded in mystery
Surrounded by uncertainty and secrecy.
In a discussion of social issues, participants used “shrouded in mystery” to communicate this idea: “Surrounded by uncertainty and secrecy”.
in broad daylight
In full daylight, openly.
During a discussion of social issues, the facilitator introduced “in broad daylight”, an expression meaning “In full daylight, openly”.
right off the bat
Immediately.
While taking part in a public-policy debate, the speaker highlighted “right off the bat”, which means “Immediately”.
in all but name
In fact, though not officially.
During a public-policy debate, the trainer referred to “in all but name”, a useful expression for the idea “In fact, though not officially”.
have friends in high places
Know powerful or influential people.
In a conversation about power in society, participants used “have friends in high places” to communicate this idea: “Know powerful or influential people”.
a paper tiger
A person or organisation that seems powerful but is not.
During a conversation about power in society, the facilitator introduced “a paper tiger”, an expression meaning “A person or organisation that seems powerful but is not”.
mr Big
The most important person in an organisation.
During a discussion of social issues, the trainer referred to “mr Big”, a useful expression for the idea “The most important person in an organisation”.
red tape
Official rules and procedures that cause delays or difficulty.
In a conversation about power in society, “red tape” was explained as an expression meaning “Official rules and procedures that cause delays or difficulty”.
public enemy number one
A person or thing widely disliked.
During a political-analysis seminar, the facilitator introduced “public enemy number one”, an expression meaning “A person or thing widely disliked”.
the rat race
A competitive way of life focused on money and status.
While taking part in a discussion of social issues, the speaker highlighted “the rat race”, which means “A competitive way of life focused on money and status”.
grey vote
The voting power of older people.
In a discussion of social issues, “grey vote” was explained as an expression meaning “The voting power of older people”.
men in grey suits
Powerful but little-known people in business or politics.
In a public-policy debate, participants used “men in grey suits” to communicate this idea: “Powerful but little-known people in business or politics”.