Phrases & Expressions 21

idiom C2 • synonyms: unacceptable, outrageous, indecent • beyond the pale behavior/remark/action; morally/socially beyond the pale; beyond the pale of decency/reason • freq in AmE: 4/10

outside the bounds of acceptable behavior, morality, or social norms; considered shocking, offensive, or unacceptable

idiom C2 • synonyms: claim moral superiority, act righteously • take/maintain/lose the moral high ground; moral high ground in debate/politics/conflict; stand on moral high ground • freq in AmE: 5/10

to adopt a position of ethical superiority, especially in a conflict or debate; to act or speak in a way that emphasizes one’s own moral integrity, often to contrast with others’ questionable behavior

idiom B2 • do the right thing despite pressure/fear; strive/want to do the right thing; doing the right thing vs what’s easy/profitable; do the right thing and speak out/take action/apologize • freq in AmE: 8/10

to act in a morally correct or responsible way, especially when faced with a difficult choice; to follow one’s conscience or ethical principles

idiom C1 • synonyms: forward-thinking, proactive, innovative • stay/be/remain/keep ahead of the curve; stay ahead of the curve in adopting tech/predicting change; ahead of the curve on trends/innovation/regulation/sustainability • freq in AmE: 6/10

more advanced, innovative, or proactive than others — especially in anticipating trends, adopting new ideas, or outperforming competitors

idiom C1 • synonyms: outdated, reactive, slow to adapt, behind the times • fall/be/remain behind the curve in adopting tech/regulation; risk being behind the curve • freq in AmE: 6/10

less advanced, slower to respond, or less informed than others — especially in adapting to change, recognizing trends, or implementing innovations

idiom C2 • synonyms: be at stake, be in jeopardy • your job/reputation/life is on the line; everything/all we’ve built is on the line; be on the line emotionally/financially; put something on the line; what’s on the line is... • freq in AmE: 6/10

to be at risk of loss, harm, or failure; to be in a situation where something important is threatened or exposed to danger

idiom C2 • rule with an iron fist/grip/hand; leader/regime/manager rules with an iron fist; iron-fisted control/discipline; contrast: rule with a velvet glove • freq in AmE: 5/10

to govern or control in a very strict, harsh, and authoritarian way; to exercise power with little tolerance for dissent or opposition