7 English idioms to talk about the climate crisis and how humanity is in deep water
- These phrases will help you discuss the urgency of environmental issues and global warming
- We can’t beat around the bush when it comes to saving the planet
Humanity’s actions have led to the destruction of the environment, so we must take action to save it – after all, we reap what we sow. Photo: ShutterstockThere’s no doubt we’re in the middle of a climate emergency. Scientists have warned of exacerbating extreme weather around the globe – from floods to unprecedented heatwaves and destructive tornadoes in the US.
Here are seven idioms you can use to start a conversation about environmental issues and the climate crisis.
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1. In deep water
Meaning: to be in a difficult or embarrassing position
Example: The strike by garbage collectors in Paris has left the city in deep water – rubbish has piled up on the streets and posed a health hazard.
2. The elephant in the room
Meaning: a major problem or controversial issue which is obviously present but avoided as a subject for discussion
Example: The surge in dust storms is the elephant in the room that we do not talk about enough – we need to make a joint effort to mitigate the devastating effects of the climate emergency.
3. Beat around the bush
Meaning: to talk about unimportant things without getting to the point of an issue
Example: At the climate conference, youth climate advocates were let down by the people in power who beat around the bush and prioritised their interests.
4. Reap what you sow
Meaning: everything that happens is a result of things which you have done in the past
Example: If we fail to address the climate crisis, we will reap what we sow and face catastrophic consequences in the future.
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5. (To be) out of the woods
Meaning: no longer in danger or trouble
Example: Although Europe has made some strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the threat of climate change still looms – we are not out of the woods yet.
6. A storm in a teacup
Meaning: a situation in which people are very angry or upset about something that is not important
Example: The recent debate about banning plastic straws is just a storm in a teacup to distract people from the more pressing issue of waste.
7. Our house is on fire
Meaning: A famous quote from youth climate activist Greta Thunberg’s speech at the World Economic Forum in 2019, where she urged leaders to act on global warming: “Our house is on fire. I am here to say, our house is on fire.” This phrase suggests that our planet is at a tipping point, which creates a sense of imminent danger.
Example: Our house is on fire – the North and South Poles experienced unprecedented heatwaves last year, and temperatures were up to 40 degrees Celsius above average.