Grammar: 💡 Effective Word Choice & Style - Advanced (C2) - Lesson 3: Advanced Idiomatic Usage & Cultural Nuances in authentic contexts

C2 Cultural Mastery

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The Insider

Idioms for Strategic Communication

The elephant in the room

An obvious problem or difficult issue that people are avoiding discussing because it is uncomfortable.

Cultural Context: In Western business culture, politeness often prevents people from addressing big problems directly. Using this phrase signals that you are brave enough to speak up.

Play devil's advocate

To argue against an idea—even if you agree with it—just to test the validity of the argument.

Cultural Context: Essential for C2 level meetings. It allows you to criticize an idea without being seen as "negative" or "an enemy." You are framing your criticism as a helpful test.

Keep me in the loop

To keep someone informed about the latest developments of a project or situation.

Crisis Meeting 📉

Read between the lines.

CEO (Sarah)

We need to finalize the merger today. Everyone seems happy with the terms.

Manager (David)

Well, Sarah, I don't want to be difficult, but I think we are ignoring the elephant in the room.

CEO (Sarah)

You mean the layoffs? We will handle that later.

Manager (David)

I know, but let me play devil's advocate. If the news leaks before we sign, the deal is dead.

🕵️‍♂️ Decoder:

• Elephant in the room: David is politely forcing the CEO to talk about the "layoffs" (firing people), which she was trying to hide.
• Devil's Advocate: David implies the deal *might* fail, but frames it as a "hypothetical scenario" to avoid angering the CEO.

Situation Check 🧠

Choose the best idiom for the context.

1. Your boss proposes a risky plan. You want to point out the flaws without being rude.

2. Everyone at dinner knows John got fired, but nobody is talking about it.

3. You want your colleague to update you on the project while you are away.

Mission 📝

Use the idioms.

Scenario: The Family Meeting

Imagine your family is planning a trip, but nobody wants to talk about the cost (money). Also, your brother has a crazy idea to hike up a mountain, and you need to question safety.

Write 2 sentences:

1. Use "Elephant in the room" regarding the money.
2. Use "Devil's advocate" regarding the hike.