Idioms & Expressions
What does “to bite the bullet” mean?
decide to do something difficult or unpleasant that one has been putting off or hesitating over.
What are the main causes of income inequality?
Globalization, advances in technology, education, racial bias, gender bias, economic conditions
Who painted Guernica and what does it represent?
In 1937, Picasso expressed his outrage against war with Guernica, his enormous mural-sized painting displayed to millions of visitors at the Paris World's Fair. It has since become the twentieth century's most powerful indictment against war, a painting that still feels intensely relevant today.
What does “ephemeral” mean?
Lasting a very short time
What is existentialism?
Existentialism is a way of thinking that focuses on what it means for people to exist. It is a philosophical movement.
What’s the meaning of “the elephant in the room”?
There is an obvious problem or difficult situation that people do not want to talk about
How does globalization affect local cultures?
Local cultures tend to become more uniform with global cultures. This often results in the erosion of local cultural identity and the decline of cultural diversity
What is the significance of postmodern literature?
Postmodern literature is a form of literature that is characterized by the use of metafiction, unreliable narration, self-reflexivity, and intertextuality.
Define “ubiquitous” and use it in a sentence.
present, appearing, or found everywhere.
Who wrote Brave New World and what is its central theme?
A Brave New World is a dystopian novel written by Aldous Huxley, first published in 1932. It presents a chilling vision of a future society that has sacrificed individuality and emotional depth in exchange for technological advancement and societal stability.
What does “burning the midnight oil” refer to?
To stay awake late at night to work or study:
How does access to clean water influence economic development in low-income countries?
Reliable water supply boosts productivity in agriculture, energy, and industry.
What’s the difference between high culture and pop culture?
High culture encompasses a thought of higher education and intellect, including cultural activities in the arts like ballet, opera, theater, and classical music. Pop culture, however, is accessible to and celebrated by the majority.
What’s a synonym for “meticulous”?
accurate, cautious, conscientious, exact, fastidious, fussy, painstaking, precise, scrupulous, strict, thorough.
What does “the allegory of the cave” symbolize?
The Allegory of the Cave is about the existence of two worlds or experiences. It is about two radically different states of consciousness and awareness, or two radically different life perspectives. The “cave” or “cavic existence” is the physical and the sensible world.
What does “jump on the bandwagon” mean?
to join an activity that has become very popular or to change your opinion to one that has become very popular so that you can share in its success
What are the environmental consequences of fast fashion?
Habitat degradation, proliferation of chemicals and microplastics in waterways, and the increasing impact of climate change from anthropogenic greenhouse gases
What is the role of satire in modern media?
Although satire is usually meant to be humorous, its greater purpose is often constructive social criticism, using wit to draw attention to both particular and wider issues in society. Satire may also poke fun at popular themes in art and film.
What does “conundrum” mean and how is it used?
an intricate and difficult problem.
What is the central idea of nihilism?
Nihilism is the belief that all values are baseless and that nothing can be known or communicated. It is often associated with extreme pessimism and a radical skepticism that condemns existence.
What does “throw someone under the bus” imply?
To "throw (someone) under the bus" is to blame or abandon a person for selfish reasons
How does youth unemployment impact social stability and mental health in urban areas?
Unemployed young people suffer substantially more from depression and anxiety, as they are expected to contribute to society with a meaningful job. Societies lose precious workforce and therefore suffer with unskilled or too old people occupying jobs.
How does street art challenge traditional notions of art?
It challenges traditional notions of art and ownership, blurring the lines between public and private space. Street art gives voice to marginalized communities, addresses social and political issues, and fosters dialogue and debate.
Define “idiosyncratic” and give an example.
relating to idiosyncrasy; peculiar or individual.
How does dystopian fiction reflect societal fears?
They challenge us to confront the consequences of unchecked power, the erosion of civil liberties, and the dangers of environmental negligence.