L2 Unity in Disunity: VOCABULARY

"Unity in disunity"

The Economist, March 5th, 2016

Vocabulary and key phrases:

“Margaret Thatcher looked every bit her caricature”

Summit (n.)

G. Howe’s resignation triggered Thatcher’s fall from Office

Sunder (v.): split apart in a violent way (especially people or organisations)

“At the latest count”

The former / the latter: Merely disappointed in the former… the prime minister is incandescent at the latter.

“In a statement to the Commons…”

To issue a string of barely veiled attacks

Sheepishly (adv.) / Sheepish (adj.): (Of a person or expression) showing embarrassment from shame or a lack of self-confidence: a sheepish grin

A family feud

The months leading up to the referendum

Dire (adj.):

1. (Of a situation or event) extremely serious or urgent: dire consequences

2. (Of a warning or threat) presaging disaster: dire warnings about breathing the fumes

Baloney: nonsense

Scorn (n.) / Scornful (adj.)

“To heal the wounds”

Fringe (n.)

Forerunner: … “the forerunner to the euro” : one that precedes and indicates the approach of another / A sign or warning of something to come

Chide (v.) someone

Theatrics (n.): Excessively emotional and dramatic behaviour / “Stop your theatrics”

The outermost / the innermost

Britain’s interests “are best served by + v-ing”….

“At first glance”

“Veering all over the place like a shopping trolley”

Endorse (v.) something / a policy (…)

B. Johnson stands a good chance of succeeding Mr Cameron /

“Stand a chance of + v-ing”

Step down (v.) / step down from office

The campaign will “bruise egos”

Squabble (v.): quarrel noisily over a trivial matter