Press Vocabulary Flashcards
Fallacy
idée fausse/fausseté (falseness)
It’s a common fallacy that war is good for the economy. (idée fausse)
The defence lawyer proved the fallacy of the testimony (fausseté).
a pundit
un commentateur/critique
a prosumer
un compteur éclairé, sérieux
gatekeeper
An attendant employed to control who goes through a gate.
To empower (v)
- Give (someone) the authority or power to do something.
- Make (someone) stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights. (valoriser)
your opinion is at odds with the facts
votre opinion contredit les faits
Recently, there has been an upsurge in violent crime
Récemment, il y a eu une grosse montée de crimes violents
to sluice
drainer, mais de l’eau, vider d’eau
The young sailor’s job was to sluice the decks of the ship.
reignite
rallumer
uplift
soulever
slums
les quartiers pauvres / bidonvilles
a dweller
un habitant
a rancher
propriétaire d’un ranch
to be cluttered
être en désordre
underlying
sous-jacent
to take over
prendre le contrôle
a wanderer
un vagabond
clamp down
mettre un frein à
the pope
le pape
The boss endorsed Karen’s plan to make the office more efficient.
Le chef a soutenu le projet de Karen visant à faire gagner le bureau en efficacité
Gerald always insists on meeting his daughter’s boyfriends to see if he deems them suitable.
Gerald insiste toujours pour rencontrer les petits amis de sa fille afin d’estimer s’ils paraissent convenables
To deem : juger, estimer
to enforce
faire appliquer/imposer
The headteacher enforced the rules without making any exceptions. (faire appliquer les règles)
The slave driver enforced obedience. (imposer)
thriving
florissant/prospère (a thriving business)
a trend
tendance
distorted
déformé
‘Their distorted faces look flattened, as if they’d pulled pantyhose over their heads.’
Pantyhose
moulant
relate to
avoir un rapport avec
They could understand me and I could understand them and we could both relate to each other.’
I can relate to his situation.
be connected with, s’identifier à, se sentir proche de
a wake-up call
un réveil téléphonique
Matthew asked the hotel to send a wake-up call to his room in the morning.
by the time
at some point before..
You better have your chores done by the time I get home or you’re in big trouble
anachronistic
old-fashioned
Marriage is beginning to seem anachronistic in this day and age.
play into someone’s hands
Act in such a way as unintentionally to give someone an advantage.
‘they accused him of playing into the hands of the enemy’
newfound (adj)
Recently discovered or established.
‘he loved his new-found freedom’
maligned (adj)
Evil in nature or effect.
‘she had a strong and malign influence’
evil (adj)
Profoundly immoral and wicked.
‘no man is so evil as to be beyond redemption’
convenient (adj)
Fitting in well with a person’s needs, activities, and plans.
‘I phoned your office to confirm that this date is convenient’
whitelash (white backlash)
backlash by white racists against black civil rights advances
Backlash : strong negative reaction by a large number of people, especially to a social or political development.
overriding
More important than any other considerations. (=majeur)
‘the overriding concern of the organizers was the financial crisis’
The Ku Klux Klan
A secret hate group in the southern U.S., active for several years after the Civil War, which opposes to black people, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, foreign-born individuals, and other groups.
name-calling
Abusive language or insults.
Richard a tondu son gazon samedi.
Richard mowed his lawn on Saturday.
vilification
Abusively disparaging speech or writing.
ongoing
still in progress
ongoing negotiations
dismiss
Order or allow to leave; send away.
merely
Just; only.
‘Gary, a silent boy, merely nodded’
redolent of (adj)
Strongly reminiscent or suggestive of.
‘names redolent of history and tradition’
offstage (adj + adv)
not on the stage and so not visible to the audience.
adj : screams were heard offstage
adv : the offstage lives of celebrities
Dans les coulisses
proactive (adj)
préventif
We should be more proactive about threats to our environment.
to skimp on (v)
lésiner sur
‘When you are the founder of a company, you want to skimp on frills (extras); they seem like a waste of money to you.’
by dint of
by means of, by use of
‘She reaches this position by dint of sheer competence.’
a force de
by dint of effort : Grace à nos efforts
a still (n)
An ordinary static photograph as opposed to a motion picture, especially a single shot from a cinema film.
‘film stills’
cliché
to wreak havoc
faire des ravages/gros dégâts
A virus attached to an e-mail can wreak havoc.
Hurricanes wreak havoc on coastal areas.
on thin ice
In a precarious or risky situation.
‘you’re skating on thin ice’
‘His reign has been very controversial and he is on thin ice already.’
to plump for
pencher pour
Money or time? I’d plump for time.
in the wake of
Following, especially as a consequence.
‘Listening to these three albums in the wake of Smith’s suicide casts a certain pall on their contents.’
an inquiry
An act of asking for information. (enquête)
‘Police said nobody has been arrested as yet and they are still making enquiries.’
C’est vraiment le moment de prendre du recul et de faire le point.
This is truly the time to step back and take stock.
hindsight (n)
Understanding of a situation or event only after it has happened or developed.
‘with hindsight, I should never have gone’
the aftermath
The consequences of a significant unpleasant event.
‘food prices soared in the aftermath of the drought’
to keep up with
Learn about or be aware of (current events or developments)
‘She kept up with all the news of the day and took a keen interest in local and national events.’
a footage (n)
Part of a cinema or television film recording a particular event.
‘film footage of the riot’
The media acquired some footage of the incident.
séquence
a caption (n)
A title or brief explanation accompanying an illustration, cartoon, or poster.
‘he designed a series of posters with the caption: ‘No One is Innocent’’
une légende
an overview
A general review or summary of a subject.
(vue d’ensemble)
‘a brief overview of the survey’
an array of
An impressive display or range of a particular type of thing.
‘She assembled an impressive array of photographs and memorabilia from the former residents and their descendants.’
un étalage de
leeway
The amount of freedom to move or act that is available. (marge de manoeuvre)
‘the government had greater leeway to introduce reforms’
That gives us only five minutes leeway to get to the airport.
the mainstream
The ideas, attitudes, or activities that are shared by most people and regarded as normal or conventional.
‘We predict whether the mainstream will adapt those attitudes or not.’
Courant dominant/opinion majoritaire
a truism
A statement that is obviously true and says nothing new or interesting.
‘the truism that you get what you pay for’
prononcer un discours
to deliver a speech
refined (adj)
With impurities or unwanted elements having been removed by processing.
This technique would need to be refined
in the meantime
meanwhile
‘in the meantime I’ll make some enquiries of my own’
thoroughly
completely, entirely
‘I thoroughly enjoyed the day’
Robert was thoroughly fed up after a day of dealing with unruly teenagers.
to bestow (v)
Confer or present (an honour, right, or gift)
‘Many honours have been bestowed on this outstanding algebraist.’
When will the queen bestow the award?
conférer, décerner
baffled (adj)
bewildered
The students looked baffled when they saw the exam questions.
‘an unexplained occurrence that baffled everyone’
laisser perplexe, déconcerter
a hindrance (n)
A thing that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to something or someone.
‘a hindrance to the development process’
to gaze (v)
Look steadily and intently, especially in admiration, surprise, or thought.
‘he could only gaze at her in astonishment’
contempler
eagerness (n)
Enthusiasm to do or to have something; keenness.
‘Though he missed her dearly, he accepted his new role and took to it with eagerness and dedication.’
filthy (adj)
Disgustingly dirty.
‘a filthy hospital with no sanitation’
a slaughter (n)
The killing of a large number of people or animals in a cruel or violent way.
loathing (n)
A feeling of intense dislike or disgust; hatred.
‘the thought filled him with loathing’
Dégoût
whilst (adv)
while
a foray (n)
A sudden attack or incursion into enemy territory, especially to obtain something; a raid.
‘Or, to be accurate, they probably had the same teachers but chose to tread a different path with the occasional forays into other territories.’
to tread (v)
Walk in a specified way
The government had to tread carefully so as not to offend the judiciary
to hamper (v)
Hinder or impede the movement or progress of.
‘their work is hampered by lack of funds’
freiner, ralentir
sort-out (n+verb)
An act of tidying or organizing things by separating them into categories. (trier)
‘I then had a big sort-out of my finances before setting off.’
organiser, régler (un problème)
scarce (adj)
(especially of food, money, or some other resource) insufficient for the demand.
‘as raw materials became scarce, synthetics were developed’
to stoke (v)
Add coal or other solid fuel to (a fire, furnace, boiler, etc.)
stoke the views, stoke a fire
to unpick (v)
Undo the sewing of.
‘Judy Cox unpicks the United Nations report into Israeli army atrocities’
démonter, mettre en pièces
to debunk (v)
Expose the falseness or hollowness of (an idea or belief) (discréditer)
‘she debunks all the usual rubbish about acting’
The newspaper debunked the mayor’s lies.
discréditer
to skew (v)
incliner, pencher
Irrational prejudices can skew people’s perceptions of others.
‘Finally, the income tax cuts accompanying the tax package were massively skewed towards upper-income earners.’
to shift (v)
Move or cause to move from one place to another, especially over a small distance. (décaler)
‘Soon the wall shifted and moved to open to a gigantic laboratory.’
a ceiling (n)
The upper interior surface of a room or other similar compartment.
Oblivion (n)
The state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening around one.
‘they drank themselves into oblivion’ (oubli)
Oath (n)
A solemn promise, often invoking a divine witness, regarding one’s future action or behaviour. (serment)
‘they took an oath of allegiance to the king’
‘I would swear on oath that she had not seen me’
To perk someone up
Become or make more cheerful, lively, or interesting.
the coffee had perked him up long enough to tackle the reviews
requinquer
Contentious (adj)
Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
‘a contentious issue’
An argument (n)
An exchange of diverging or opposite views, typically a heated or angry one.
‘I’ve had an argument with my father’
Slanderous (adj)
(of a spoken statement) false and malicious.
‘Publicly telling someone that they did not
belong in a neighborhood could be a very slanderous insult.’
‘Posting of slanderous, libelous, abusive or defamatory material is totally prohibited.’
Skyrocket (v)
(of a price, rate, or amount) increase very steeply or rapidly.
‘The new series’ total point fund skyrockets from $750,000 to $2 million.’
Soar (v)
Increase rapidly above the usual level.
‘the soaring crime rate’
Toll (n)
The number of deaths or casualties arising from a natural disaster, conflict, accident, etc. (bilan, number de morts)
‘It is believed some children are still being held - more than 400 have been rescued, but the death and casualty toll varies wildly.’
Warfare (n)
Engagement in or the activities involved in war or conflict.
‘The relationship between guerrilla warfare and terrorism was always complicated.’
A maverick (n)
An unorthodox or independent-minded person. (non conformiste)
‘They want independent minds, mavericks and free thinkers.’
Non conformiste, marginal
Steve Bannon
Steve Bannon is an American media executive, political activist who is executive chairman of Breitbart News.
He served as the White House Chief Strategist in the administration of Donald Trump during the first seven months of his term. (he was dismissed by Trump)
Pace (n)
The speed or rate at which something happens or develops. (rythme)
‘Because of its unhurried pace, the Adagio is sometimes played at memorial services.’
Payload (n)
The part of a vehicle’s load, especially an aircraft’s, from which revenue is derived; passengers and cargo. (charge utile)
‘The aircraft could carry a payload of only 265 pounds and had neither instruments nor weapons.’
charge utile
to pip someone {at/to} the post
Defeat someone at the last moment. (gagner à l’arrachée)
Roger thought he was going to win the race, but he was pipped at the post by one of the other runners.
a contender (n)
A person or group competing with others to achieve something.
‘He kicks a good amount of ass in the film, but he’s certainly no Oscar contender.’
concurrent
to shrink (v)
Become or make smaller in size or amount.
‘the sun had shrunk and dried the wood’
rétrécir
to open up (v)
Begin shooting.
‘the enemy artillery had opened up’
a flock (n)
A large number or crowd of people (troupeau)
‘a flock of paparazzi tailed them all over London’
Procurement (n)
The action of obtaining, procuring something.
Many people are interested in the procurement of wealth.
venture capital (n)
Capital invested in a project in which there is a substantial element of risk, typically a new or expanding business.
‘He financed the company with a combination of venture capital and government grants.’
capital-risque
A realm (n)
A kingdom
‘Along it, empires, kingdoms, and colonial realms have been plunged into war and bloodshed.’
Bloodshed (n)
The killing or wounding of people, typically on a large scale during a conflict.
‘Violence is rare but once started often escalates quickly to bloodshed and serious injury.’
carnage/effusion de sang
An orphan (n)
A child whose parents are dead.
a flock (n)
A large number or crowd of people (troupeau)
‘a flock of paparazzi tailed them all over London’
Procurement (n)
The action of obtaining, procuring something.
Many people are interested in the procurement of wealth.
venture capital (n)
Capital invested in a project in which there is a substantial element of risk, typically a new or expanding business.
‘He financed the company with a combination of venture capital and government grants.’
to entail (v)
Involve (something) as a necessary or inevitable part or consequence.
‘a situation which entails considerable risks’
“Getting a degree entails a lot of hard work.”
Bloodshed (n)
The killing or wounding of people, typically on a large scale during a conflict.
‘Violence is rare but once started often escalates quickly to bloodshed and serious injury.’
An orphan (n)
A child whose parents are dead.
‘he was left an orphan as a small boy’
Compelling (adj)
Evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.
Not able to be resisted
‘the temptation to give up was compelling’
‘The compelling visuality of the work of art resists appropriation by either the cleverness of historical explanations or the eloquence of descriptive language.’
wistful (adj)
Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.
Henry was in a wistful mood as he reflected on his childhood and how things had changed since then.
Anna had a wistful look in her eyes and looked as if she had been crying recently.
mélancolique
fitful (adj)
Active or occurring spasmodically or intermittently; not regular or steady.
‘His sleep was fitful and intermittent, and he soon rose from bed to go and see his son.’
intermittent
fitful sleep = nuit agitée
hub (n)
The effective centre of an activity, region, or network.
‘the city has always been the financial hub of the country’
(technologically)-Attuned (adj)
receptive or aware
‘a society more attuned to consumerism than ideology’
sensible à
to outline (v)
A line or set of lines enclosing or indicating the shape of an object in a sketch or diagram. The contours of an object.
‘the chalked outline of a human body’
“Let me outline my ideas for you.”
to conjure up something (v)
Make (something) appear unexpectedly or seemingly from nowhere, call an image to the mind.
The audience yawned as the magician conjured up yet another rabbit from the hat.
faire apparaître comme par magie
Seemingly (adv)
Apparently
‘a seemingly competent and well-organized person’
answer/response (n)
Anytime a person returns communication it can be called a response or a reply, while an answer is a form of response which is a solution to a problem or question.
hub (n)
The effective centre of an activity, region, or network.
‘the city has always been the financial hub of the country’
to foster (v)
Encourage the development of something
‘the teacher’s task is to foster learning’
an attendee (n)
A person who attends a conference or other gathering.
Robert is a regular attendant at the weekly meetings.
Participant
day-to-day (adj)
Happening regularly every day.
‘the day-to-day management of the classroom’
quotidien
slate (n)
A fine-grained grey, green, or bluish-purple metamorphic rock easily split into smooth, flat plates. (ardoise)
Our house has a roof covering of slates.
Slate is a type of rock that can be split into layers.
answer/response (n)
Anytime a person returns communication it can be called a response or a reply, while an answer is a form of response which is a solution to a problem or question.
a planner (n)
a person who makes plans
‘economic planners’
albeit (conjunction)
though
The flowers are beautiful, albeit not appropriate for this event.
reluctantly (adv)
In an unwilling and hesitant way. (à contrecoeur)
‘he reluctantly agrees to do his duty’
to point out (v)
Say something to make someone aware of a fact or circumstance. (souligner un fait)
‘As Councillor Ralph Berry rightly points out, vandalism can knock the heart out of a community.’
Souligner
to offset (v)
Counteract (something) by having an equal and opposite force or effect.
The gains offset the losses.
‘donations to charities can be offset against tax’
‘his unfortunate appearance was offset by a compelling personality’
Compenser/Contrebalancer
a decoy (n)
A bird or mammal, or an imitation of one, used by hunters to attract other birds or mammals.
‘a decoy duck’
leurre/appât
a lure (n)
Something that tempts or is used to tempt a person or animal to do something.
‘the film industry always has been a glamorous lure for young girls’
to topple (v)
Overbalance or cause to overbalance and fall. (Figuré et Propre)
Revolutionaries toppled the government in 2011.
Be careful that you don’t topple that stack of dishes.
Renverser
to botch (v)
Carry out (a task) badly or carelessly.
‘a botched attempt to kill them’
soirée, bâclée
retaliation (n)
The action of returning a military attack; counter-attack. (représailles)
‘the bombings are believed to be in retaliation for the trial of 15 suspects’
to undermine (v)
Lessen the effectiveness, power, or ability of, especially gradually or insidiously. (ébranler, discréditer)
‘That law undermined the power of local authorities.’
Fighting broke out during the ceasefire, undermining the peace talks.
to corroborate (v)
Confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding (confirmer), to back up
It is impossible to corroborate these North Korean claims
to resent (v)
Feel bitterness or indignation at (a circumstance, action, or person) (éprouver du ressentiment contre)
‘In standing up against the injustices, we have obviously hurt them and they resent us.’
Mary resents her ex-husband.
en vouloir à
class-conscious (adj)
Aware of belonging to a particular social class or of the differences between social classes.
‘a highly class-conscious group of politically engaged artists’
within (prep)
inside something
‘the spread of fire within the building’
I could hear a scratching sound coming from within.
‘we were within sight of the finish’
a have-not (n)
A person, nation, etc., that has little or nothing of something, especially money or material possessions; a poor or disadvantaged person, nation, etc (démuni)
‘The have-nots rise up and seek retribution against the hyper privileged and favoured residents of Pyongyang”
a have-got (n)
A wealthy or privileged person, nation, etc
to seek (v)
Attempt or desire to obtain or achieve (something)
‘the new regime sought his extradition’
retribution (n)
Punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act. (châtiment)
‘employees asked not to be named, saying they feared retribution’
a plot (n)
The main events of a play, novel, film, or similar work, devised and presented by the writer as an interrelated sequence. (l’intrigue)
‘the plot consists almost entirely of a man and woman falling in love’
to deflect (v)
Cause (something) to change direction; turn aside from a straight course.
‘the bullet was deflected harmlessly into the ceiling’
The boxer skillfully deflected his opponent’s punches.
Notwithstanding (adv)
In spite of this, nevertheless
‘she tells us she is an intellectual. Notwithstanding, she is a beauty queen’
Notwithstanding the new health care law, Peter didn’t buy insurance because he didn’t think he would get sick.
Malgré
To sway (v)
Control or influence (a person or course of action)
‘he’s easily swayed by other people’
The outcome (n)
The way a thing turns out; a consequence.
‘it is the outcome of the vote that counts’
To assert (v)
State a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
‘the company asserts that the cuts will not affect development’
To claim (v)
State or assert that something is the case, typically without providing evidence or proof.
‘the Prime Minister claimed that he was concerned about Third World debt’
To state (v)
Express something definitely or clearly in speech or writing.
‘‘Money hasn’t changed me,’ she stated firmly’
to internalise (v)
Make (attitudes or behaviour) part of one’s nature by learning or unconscious assimilation. (assimiler)
‘people learn gender stereotypes and internalize them’
Inherently (adv)
In a permanent, essential (au sens d’essence), or characteristic way (fondamentalement)
‘criticism is inherently threatening’
bias (n)
Inclination or prejudice for or against one person or group, especially in a way considered to be unfair. (penchant pour)
‘There is a strong cultural bias against non-fiction.’
Liability
Handicap
Having a Texas accent in Academics is a liability
Frank’s education was a liability when he tried to find a job because he was overqualified.
Retribution (n)
Punition
‘employees asked not to be named, saying they feared retribution’
Tech-savvy (adj)
Well informed about or proficient in the use of modern technology, especially computers.
‘today’s tech-savvy consumers’
Proficient (adj)
Competent or skilled in doing or using something.
‘I was proficient at my job’
Compétent
To game (v)
Manipulate (a situation), typically in a way that is unfair or unscrupulous.
‘it was very easy for a few big companies to game the system’
Holocaust (n)
- Destruction or slaughter on a mass scale, especially caused by fire or nuclear war.
‘a nuclear holocaust’
2.Historically : The mass murder of Jews under the German Nazi = La Shoah
Accrue (v)
(of a benefit or sum of money) : Be received by someone in regular or increasing amounts over time.
“Interest on this account accrues at 4% a year.”
S’accumuler
Outcome (n)
The way a thing turns out; a consequence.
‘it is the outcome of the vote that counts’
Résultat
Dumbfounded (adj)
Greatly astonished/amazed
‘she was dumbfounded at the sight that met her eyes’
stupéfait
To scrape (v)
Drag or pull a hard or sharp implement across (a surface or object) so as to remove dirt or other matter.
‘remove the green tops from the carrots and scrape them’
Gratter, érafler
Data mining (n)
The practice of examining large pre-existing databases in order to generate new information.
Exploration de données
A leash (n)
Lead for dog
“an emotional leash”
Une laisse
Breitbart News
Breitbart News is a far-right American news, opinion and commentary website. The site has published a number of falsehoods and conspiracy theories, as well as intentionally misleading stories.
Its journalists are ideologically driven, and some of its content has been called misogynist, xenophobic and racist.
Steve Bannon is the executive chair
Executive (n)
A person with senior managerial responsibility in a business.
Un cadre
A falsehood (n)
Mensonge/Malhonnêteté
Although the politician is charismatic, he is also known for his falsehood.
To undertake (v)
Commit oneself to and begin (an enterprise or responsibility);
‘a firm of builders undertook the construction work’
Entreprendre
Quirk (n)
A peculiar aspect of a person’s character or behaviour.
‘they accepted her attitude as one of her little quirks’
Excentricité/bizarrerie
To bypass (v)
Avoid or circumvent (an obstacle or problem)
The research team has found a way to bypass this problem by training antibodies
contourner
synonyme : circumvent
To swing (v)
Have a decisive influence on (something, especially a vote or election)
‘an attempt to swing the vote in their favour’
Il fallait quand même profiter de l’occasion
Still, I had top jump at the chance
A tide of
Une vague/marrée de
“A tide of sexual allegations”
Allegation (n)
A claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically one made without proof.
‘he made allegations of corruption against the administration’
Accusation
Sweep (v)
Affect an area or place swiftly (rapidement) and widely
violence swept the country’
balayer
Sip (v) /sipped
Drink (something) by taking small mouthfuls.
“Jasper sipped his cocoa.”
Siroter
Bombshell (n)
an unexpected event, especially an unpleasant one.
‘the news came as a bombshell’
Bombe/Gros choc (figuré)
Theresa May
Theresa Mary May is a British politician serving as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party since 2016.
Following Cameron’s resignation, May won a leadership election in July 2016, becoming the second female Prime Minister after Margaret Thatcher.
As Prime Minister, May began the process of withdrawing the UK from the European Union, triggering Article 50 in March 2017
Article 50
Withdrawal from the European Union is the legal and political process whereby a member state of the European Union ceases to be a member of the union.
Member states have the right to withdraw from the Union under the 2007 Treaty on European Union (TEU), Article 50, which states that:
“Any Member State may decide to withdraw from the Union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements.”
Pull out (v)
Withdraw from an undertaking.
‘he was forced to pull out of the championship because of an injury’
Se retirer
Michael Fallon
Sir Michael Fallon, is a British politician of the Conservative Party serving as member of parliament (MP)
From 2014 to 2017, he was Secretary of State for Defence and a member of the National Security Council
In late October 2017 it was reported that Fallon had repeatedly and inappropriately touched journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer’s knee during a dinner in 2002.
Glittering (adj)
Shining with a shimmering or sparkling light.
‘glittering chandeliers’
Scintillant
Awash (adj)
Containing large numbers or amounts of someone or something.
‘the city was awash with journalists’
Inondé
synonyme : flooded
Vehemently (adv)
In a forceful, passionate, or intense manner; with great feeling.
‘he vehemently denied any suggestion of improper conduct’
frénétiquement
Ripple effects (n)
The continuing and spreading results of an event or action.
‘the ripple effect is huge when something like this happens’
Propagation
An aide (n)
An assistant to an important person, especially a political leader.
‘a presidential aide’
assistant/conseiller
To Stem the tide (expression)
Endiguer, Ralentir, Freiner
The government stepped in to stem the tide of foreclosures.
Foreclosure (n)
The action of taking possession of a mortgaged property when the mortgagor fails to keep up their mortgage payments.
‘assistance for mortgage borrowers facing foreclosure’
Saisie
Fallout (n)
Figurative : Aftermath
We’re still dealing with the fallout from her sudden resignation.
Retombées, répercussions
flood (n)
An overwhelming quantity of things or people happening or appearing at the same time.
‘his column provoked a flood of complaints’
Un déluge de
a swirl (n)
A quantity of something moving in a twisting or spiralling pattern.
‘swirls of dust swept across the floor’
Tourbillon
Unseemly (adj)
(of behaviour or actions) not proper
Inconvenant/déplacé
A sideshow (n)
Un petit spectacle de foire
A hothouse (n)
An environment that encourages rapid growth or development
‘the hothouse atmosphere of the college’
Une serre
Subsume (v)
Include or absorb (something) in something else.
‘most of these phenomena can be subsumed under two broad categories’
englober/inclure
Draw up (v)
Draft, Plan out
“Draw up new codes”
établir
a crumb of comfort (expression)
un brin de réconfort
Roy Moore
Roy Moore is an American politician and jurist who served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Alabama.
He was the Republican nominee in the 2017 USA special election in Alabama to fill the seat vacated by Jeff Sessions. Moore lost to Democratic candidate Doug Jones.
During this special election allegations of sexual misconduct were made against him. 3 Women stated that he had sexually assaulted them when they were at the respective ages of 14, 16 and 28.
Moore acknowledged that he may have approached and dated teenagers while he was in his 30s, but denied that any of the girls were underage or that he had sexually assaulted anyone LOL
Chief Justice (n)
The presiding judge in a supreme court
‘The Supreme Court chief justice only presides over the trial, he cannot vote when the case is up for resolution.’
Whatsoever (adv)
At all (used for emphasis)
I don’t know anything whatsoever about Greek history
‘I have no doubt whatsoever’
To come forward (v)
Volunteer oneself for a task or post or to give evidence about a crime.
When they requested volunteers I came forward since I had nothing better to do.
Se proposer
The Washington Post
Position plutôt démocrate
The Washington Post is an American daily newspaper. Published in Washington, D.C.
Located in the capital city of the United States, the newspaper has a particular emphasis on national politics.
Impeachment (n)
L’impeachment, qui signifie « mise en accusation », est une procédure américaine permettant au pouvoir législatif de destituer un haut fonctionnaire. Également utilisée en de rares occasions au Royaume-Uni, cette procédure est surtout connue au début du xxie siècle par son utilisation aux États-Unis.
To grope (v)
Peloter, tripoter
Some guy groped me on the subway this morning.
To run for office (v)
Se présenter aux élections
To run for president (v)
être candidat aux élections présidentielles
The governor decided not to run for president after all.
The USO
United Service Organisation
The United Service Organizations Inc. (USO) is a nonprofit organization that provides live entertainment, such as comedians and musicians, and other programs to members of the United States Armed Forces and their families
a lawmaker (n)
a legislator
Lawmakers have decided to legalize same-sex marriage.
‘Attempts by lawmakers of the democratic camp to relax controls of the legislation were also blocked.’
un législateur
a nursing home (n)
A private institution providing residential accommodations with health care, especially for elderly people.
une maison de retraite
Father, if you do not behave yourself, I’ve half a mind to send you to a nursing home!
Acquittal (n)
Acquittement
‘the trial resulted in an acquittal’
Imbroglio (n)
From Italian, An extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation.
‘the Watergate imbroglio which lead to Richard Nixon resignation’
Resignation (n)
Démission
Following Jerry’s resignation, the company had to start looking for a replacement.
Conspiracy (n)
A secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful.
‘a conspiracy to destroy the government’
complot
To gauge (v)
Form a judgment or estimate of (a situation, mood, etc.)
Jauger
Ron tried to gauge the distance to the trees.
‘she is unable to gauge his mood’
To Bragg about (v)
Se venter
Trump bragged about grabbing women’s genitals
A stunt (n)
A trick to gain advantage
Some people suspected the politician’s marital problems were just a stunt to gain sympathy.
‘the story was spread as a publicity stunt to help sell books’
une combine
To throw off (v)
Se débarrasser de / déstabiliser
I can’t seem to throw off the depression I’ve been feeling. She managed to throw off her doubts. (se débarrasser)
Her silly answers threw me off. (déstabiliser)
A purple state (n)
A US state where the Democratic and Republican parties have similar levels of support among voters.
-> A mix of blue state and red state
‘Iowa today is a purple state, pretty evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats’
Laudable (adj)
Deserving praise
Louable
‘Obviously, it’s a laudable aim, but it is oddly catholic in its objectives.’
To draw on (v)
Faire appel à
Henrietta drew on her experience as a hockey captain when asked to lead the project.
Glass ceiling (concept)
Limit on ability to raise in work hierarchy
Though we’ve come a long way, there’s still a glass ceiling for women in many industries.
‘the first female to break through the glass ceiling in Engineering’
‘To get through the glass ceiling you need a diamond cutter.’
Plafond de verre
gloom (n)
Darkness
During winter, the sun almost never breaks through the gloom.
‘he strained his eyes peering into the gloom’
Obscurité
to deepen (v)
Devenir plus profond
Alison’s love for her husband deepened over the years. The mystery deepened
Our financial troubles deepened when I lost my job.
To downplay (v)
dédramatiser
‘this report downplays the seriousness of global warming’
To address an issue
Aborder une question/un problème
A taskforce (n)
Un groupe de travail
The Mayor formed a task force to wipe prostitution off the streets of the city.
Claims (n)
Des affirmations, déclarations
To be shelved (exp)
Être abandonné
Hoax (hoaxes) (n)
De l’intox, des canulars, une fausse alerte
Fred hoaxes other people all the time, don’t take anything he says seriously. (annular, deceive someone)
The story about the massacre was a big hoax. (fausse alerte)
To come under fire (expr)
essuyer des critiques, être sous le feu
One may well deny it, but just about every measure that has been taken has come under fire from this House.
Anyone who suggests a middle way between opposites is likely to come under fire from both sides.
Alleged (adj)
Présumé :
The alleged criminal demanded a lawyer.
Douteux :
Dr. Jim’s alleged cure-all tonic did not work for Susan.
Bygone (adj)
Révolu, d’autrefois
Railway station porters belong to a bygone era.
Back to bygone days
A newscast (n)
Un bulletin d’informations
synonyme : Newsreport
The newscast described the recent terrorist attack in Bangkok.
The UKIP
The UK Independence Party (UKIP) is a Eurosceptic and right-wing populist political party in the United Kingdom. It presently has three representatives in the House of Lords and 19 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), making it the third-largest UK party in the European Parliament
A trade unionist (n)
Un syndicaliste
Nigel Farage
Nigel Farage is a British politician, broadcaster and political analyst who was the leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) from 2006 to 2009 and again from 2010 to 2016.
Since 1999 he has been an MEP for South East England. He co-chairs the Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy. A prominent Eurosceptic in the UK, he has been noted for his sometimes controversial speeches in the European Parliament and has strongly criticised the euro currency.
leverage (n)
-levier (power)
He moved his grip on the handle for better leverage.
-Avantage
She took advantage of the situation to gain leverage in the negotiations. (prendre l’avantage)
-Influence
Talk to him. He has leverage with the city council. (avoir du poids/influence)
A dearth (n)
Une pénurie
A dearth of medical staff
The NHS
National Health Service
-> Provide a comprehensive range of health services, free for people residing in the UK
One of the major social reforms following WWII.
The founding principles were that services should be comprehensive, universal and free at the point of delivery.
Unwilling (adj)
Réticent (reluctant do to)
The manager was unwilling to make people redundant just before Christmas, but his superiors had instructed him to do so.
Demeaning (adj)
Dégradant, dévalorisant
A demeaning speech to women and minorities.
Demeaning jobs
wage (n)
Salaire
All most people want is a job that pays a decent wage.
strain (n)
effort
the strain on public services like school and hospitals
rampant (adj)
Effréné, qui se développe rapidement
Crime is rampant
The rampant spread of the disease is worrying officials.
In the run-up TO something
à l’approche de qqch
Restaurants make a large part of their annual profit in the run-up to Christmas.
underhanded (adj)
sournois, fourbe
The company was accused of using underhanded business tactics.
Tables have turned
La roue a tourné
To bear the brunt of something
passé : bore the brunt
être le plus touché par
Embourgeoisement (n)
Gentrification
In the aftermath of something
-les conséquences
Our office is dealing with the aftermath of our general manager’s arrest.
-à la suite de
In the aftermath of the hurricane, many people had to live in temporary accommodation while their homes were rebuilt.
boil down to something
se résumer à
The answer boils down to one word : immigration
at the expense of
aux dépens de
If the UK continues to focus on trade and the future relationship at the expense of immigration reform, (…)
to play down (v)
minimiser
In my job interview I played down my previous failures and emphasized my successes.
wrapped up with something (expr)
accaparé par
She was very wrapped up with her plans for Christmas
a power broker (n)
un homme d’influence, personnage puissant
Media and power brokers
bigotry (n)
sectarisme, intolérance
religious bigotry (fanatisme) racist bigotry (racisme)
potency (n)
puissance, pouvoir
The new constitution decreased the potency of the president.
unintended (adj)
accidentel
Tony Blair and David Cameron were left as the unintended architects of Brexit
blue-collar (adj)
Ouvrier
My dad comes from a blue-collar family.
to run the risk of doing something (expr)
Courir le risque de faire qqch
The government’s management of Brexit tells us it is running the risk of replicating the entire cycle
Lancaster House
Lancaster House is a mansion in the St James’s district in the West End of London. Much of the site was once part of the palace complex
single-handedly (adj)
Tout seul, sans laide de personne
An issue that almost single-handedly sparked the most dramatic change to the political status quo in decades
be beholden to somebody (v)
être redevable à
The Conservative party is beholden TO City donors
watered-down (adj)
dilué
a slightly watered-down settlement
to shrug (v)
hausser les épaules
we shouldn’t expect voters to shrug their shoulders if they feel let down by the government
The Dublin System (culture)
The Dublin System is a set of measures set out with the purpose of regulating the distribution of asylum seekers over the various member states (France is a member)
Accélérer les communications
Speed up Communications
Fasten est un faux sens (fasten = attacher)
sustainable development (n)
Ne prend qu’un seul p !!!
développement durable
all the rage (expr)
faire fureur
sustainable projects are all the rage these days
couch something in something (v)
formuler, rédiger
Center piece of major urban redevelopment initiatives that are couched in the rhetoric of sustainable development
I couched my proposal in flattering terms
amenities (n)
les aménagements, équipements, infrastructures
They bring positive environmental amenities to an area
retail (n)
Vente
Local shopping and retail services
substantial (adj)
important, conséquent
I received a substantial number of job offers this week
subsidy (n)
subvention
It involves substantial pubic subsidy
a trail (n)
Un sentier, un chemin
Chicago’s 606 Trail
housing marker (n)
le marché immobilier
regions where, overall, the housing market is too strong
overall (adv)
dans l’ensemble, globalement
absent (something) (prep)
En l’absence de
Absent any objections, the measure is approved
ultimately (adv)
en fin de compte, à la fin
The Atlanta Beltline will ultimately connect 45 Atlanta neighbourhoods via a 22-mile loop of trails
streetcar (n)
tramway
In the 1950s the automobile replaced the streetcar as the main mode of urban transportation.
a railroad track (n)
une voie ferrée
Abandoned railroad tracks that encircle Atlanta
paradigm (n)
exemple type, modèle
Her course is a paradigm for how history should be taught.
shovel (n)
une pelle
housing prices will begin to rise well before shovels hit the ground
groundbreaking (adj)
révolutionnaire, novateur
He received the Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking research in genetics.
provide for something (v)
supporter financièrement
He had a family to provide for, and couldn’t waste money.
to spur (to) (v)
inciter qqun à faire qqch
Amenities can spur higher housing costs very quickly
Getting beaten in his latest race has spurred the athlete to greater efforts.
trickle-down (v)
être réinjecté dans l’économie
to get up a head of steam (expr)
développer assez d’énergie, enthusiasme, motivation pour entreprendre qqch
It is not enough to plan for trickle-down affordable housing development after the project gets up a head of steam
It’s nearly noon before I can get up a full head of steam and accomplish something.
A rogue nation (n)
Un Etat-Voyou, un état qui ne respecte pas les lois internationales même les plus essentielles, organise ou soutient des attentats, ou viole de manière systématique les droits les plus élémentaires de l’être humain.
a bloodshed (n)
un carnage, une effusion de sang
to spill (v)
renverser, se répandre
embroidered (adj)
brodé
it was embroidered “Poverty is sexist” on this sweater
a gown (n)
une robe/robe de mariée
Jane’s wedding gown was breathtaking.
high-end (adj)
haut de gamme
high-end boutiques and department store
zeitgeist (n)
air du temps
sewing the zeitgeist onto clothing
overnight (adv)
dans la nuit
it transformed overnight
craft (n)
artisanat, travaux manuels
a women’s craft that is not taken seriously
cohesive (adj)
cohérent
a cohesive language
runaway (adj)
hors de contrôle, qui fugue
The runaway train sped down the hill at a frightening speed.
canny (adj)
astucieux, malin, rusé
Careers build on a canny understanding of the habits of the rich and famous
to hijack (v)
détourner (v)
town planning (n)
urbanisme
The city council is responsible for city planning
a town planner (n)
un urbaniste
urban sprawl (n)
expansion urbaine, croissance urbaine
a city dweller (UK) / an urbanite (US) (n)
un citadin
Many city dwellers live in tiny apartments without garages.
council housing (UK) / public housing (US) (n)
les logements sociaux
a council estate (UK) / a public housing project (US) (n)
un parc de logements sociaux et HLM
deprived neighbourhoods (n)
les quartiers défavorisés, les cités
In other cities the situation in disadvantaged neighbourhood worsened due to the crisis.
The inner/outer suburbs (n)
la proche/grande banlieue
a suburbanite (n)
une personne vivant en banlieue
the exurbs
la banlieue aisée, a prosperous area beyond the suburbs
a gated community (n)
une enclave résidentielle protégée
Residential areas in a closed perimeter of walls and fences with restricted security access. They appeal to affluent and middle-class homeowners and renters looking for safety
a megacity/megapolis (n)
une mégapole/mégalopole
a metropolitan area with a total population over 10 million people
a stride (n)
un pas
Jack crossed the room in three strides
Len strode into the office and demanded to see the manager
sheer (adj)
an other tactic : sheer size
sustainable (adj)
durable
sustainable ressources, development, etc..
a surge (n)
une hausse, montée
There is always a surge IN consumer spending before Christmas.
so-called (adj)
soi-disant
This so called teacher has no skills at all!
a blueprint (n)
le plan, projet
Penelope designed the blueprints for this house.
Roger will create the blueprint for the department’s sales plan.
to alleviate (v)
soulager, calmer (to relieve)
Aspirin is proven to alleviate mild headaches for most people.
Katya’s new secretary alleviated much of her heavy work load.
to alleviate (v)
soulager, calmer (to relieve)
Aspirin is proven to alleviate mild headaches for most people.
Katya’s new secretary alleviated much of her heavy work load.
waterfront (n/adj)
bord de mer
A waterfront property can cost more than $1 million.
shoreline (n)
le littoral
Two turtles sunned themselves on the shoreline.
a dike (n)
une digue, un fossé
A body in the dike
livelihood (n)
gagne-pain
Because of the recession Larry lost his job and his livelihood.
reliance on (n)
dépendance à qqch
Our reliance on cheap oil may be a bad idea in the long run.
entrenched (adj)
enraciné, établi, bien ancré
environmental challenges are already entrenched in existing cities
embedded (adj)
enfoncé, incrusté, intégré
Digital functionality is embedded from the start into key infrastructures
to garner (v)
récolter, engranger
She garnered praise from all her colleagues for working so hard
(praise = louange)
