Lesson 1: Cultural Idioms & Discourse Management
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. Vocabulary List: Break the ice (Idiom) - To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a strained situation or when strangers meet. Beat around the bush (Idiom) - To avoid getting to the main point of a topic, often because it is difficult or uncomfortable. Read between the lines (Idiom) - To understand a hidden meaning or deduce what is not explicitly stated. By the way (Discourse Marker) - Used to introduce a new, less important topic or to add a brief comment. Common Mistake: Literal Translations Idioms cannot be translated word-for-word. "Break the ice&qu…
