Learning English

Review of 2021

Rob and Roy look back at some of the most interesting stories that we've discussed in BBC News Review and revisiting some of the vocabulary that was used. Will your favourite story be among them?

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Key words and phrases

bombshell
describes a shocking event or piece of news

• It was a bombshell moment when Kazuo told his boss he was quitting just one week before the project finished.
• Jitka dropped a bombshell when she told her parents she was leaving the country forever.

a wake-up call
a shocking event which can cause changes in behaviour or attitude

• Last month’s extreme weather was a wake-up call for the government’s environment agency.
• My last test result was a wake-up call! I need to work harder.

damp squib
something less impressive than expected

• The announcement was a damp squib. We were hoping for a pay rise!
• That Michelin star restaurant was a bit of a damp squib. I could have cooked a better meal myself.

To do

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