Welcome to B2 level vocabulary. At the upper-intermediate level, native speakers stop using basic vocabulary and start using idioms and discourse markers.
Whether you are leading a tour group or negotiating a business contract, knowing how to smoothly change the subject or find the hidden meaning in a conversation is a vital leadership skill. Today we explore common cultural idioms and conversation managers.
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Welcome to B2 level vocabulary. At the upper-intermediate level, native speakers stop using basic vocabulary and start using idioms and discourse markers.
Whether you are leading a tour group or negotiating a business contract, knowing how to smoothly change the subject or find the hidden meaning in a conversation is a vital leadership skill. Today we explore common cultural idioms and conversation managers.
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Idioms & Conversation Tools
Idiom
Break the ice/breɪk ði aɪs/
Definition: To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a strained situation or when strangers meet.
Example: The guide told a funny story about the monkeys to break the ice with the new tour group.
Idiom
Beat around the bush/biːt əˈraʊnd ðə bʊʃ/
Definition: To avoid getting to the main point of a topic, often because it is difficult or uncomfortable.
Example: Please do not beat around the bush; tell me exactly what the client complained about.
Idiom
Read between the lines/riːd bɪˈtwiːn ðə laɪnz/
Definition: To understand a hidden meaning or deduce what is not explicitly stated.
Example: The manager didn't say 'no', but reading between the lines, I knew our budget was rejected.
Discourse Marker
By the way/baɪ ðə weɪ/
Definition: Used to introduce a new, less important topic or to add a brief comment.
Example: We will finish the meeting now. By the way, the bus leaves at 8 AM tomorrow.
record_voice_over In Action: The Hotel Contract
A
Did the meeting with the hotel director go well?
B
Not really. He kept beating around the bush about the prices.
A
Oh no. Did he cancel our contract?
B
He didn't say it directly, but reading between the lines, I think so. By the way, we need to find a new backup hotel.
warning Watch Out: Literal Translations!
Never translate an idiom word-for-word.
Idioms often use physical imagery to describe a non-physical action. If you translate "break the ice" directly into another language, people might think you are talking about smashing frozen water with a hammer!
cancel Literal
Break the ice
Physically smashing frozen water (Incorrect context)
check_circle Idiom
Break the ice
Starting a conversation to make people comfortable (Correct)
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Professional Scenario Check
tour The Quiet Tour Group
You meet a new group of tourists, and they are very quiet and shy. You decide to tell a funny story about your childhood. You are trying to...
(Hint: You are trying to relieve the tension in a new group.)
business_center The Frustrating Meeting
A supplier has been talking for ten minutes but still hasn't told you the final price. You want them to get straight to the point. You say: "Please stop..."
(Hint: You want them to stop avoiding the main point.)
chat Changing the Subject
You finish discussing the itinerary, and suddenly you remember you need to tell your colleague about tomorrow's weather. Which phrase do you use?
(Hint: Which phrase is used to introduce a new, less important topic?)
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Study Resources
Lesson Summary & Review
Let's review the key concepts covered in the interactive module above to ensure you are ready to navigate English idioms and conversation flow.
Understanding Idioms
Idioms are phrases that have a figurative meaning different from the literal translation of the words. They are very common in spoken English.
Break the ice: To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a strained situation.
Beat around the bush: To avoid getting to the main point of a topic.
Read between the lines: To understand a hidden meaning or deduce what is not explicitly stated.
Using Discourse Markers
Discourse markers are words or phrases used to organize and manage the flow of conversation. For example, using "By the way" is an excellent tool when you need to introduce a new, less important topic without disrupting the entire conversation.
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