Cambridge FCE Archives

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More sailing idioms

Written by Hugh Dellar on June 23, 2025. Posted in Chunk of the day, Chunks, Lexis. 2 Comments on More sailing idioms

This is the second in a short series of posts looking at sailing idioms and idioms connected to the UK’s long history as a maritime nation. It’s a reflection of the way in which our 8000-mile coastline has shaped the language and the way we process the world – and by the way, you can read the first post here, if you missed it.Today, I’ll explain the literal meanings of some boat-related words and then look at these link to our sailing idioms and phrases. All aboard!Sailing Idioms on deck The deck of a boat is the flat area you can walk on that’s built across the...

Literary figures in everyday speech

Written by Hugh Dellar on January 18, 2023. Posted in Chunks, Phrase of the day. 2 Comments on Literary figures in everyday speech

In one of my recent classes, we were discussing the way in which the use of social media inside authoritarian countries like Russia, China and Iran is almost always monitored, and how posting something that’s deemed to be subversive or in opposition to the state can land you in hot water. Share an anti-government meme or express support for Ukraine or the Women, Life, Freedom protesters and you might find the secret police knocking on your door in the small hours.Many people living inside such countries are all-too well aware of the fact that Big Brother is always watching you. Now,...