Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: Uncertainty and Judgement
Explore uncertainty and judgement with eight useful expressions, including suspend judgement, on a knife edge, in the balance. Read the meanings and examples, then use the language in eight C2 discussion questions.
What’s in the worksheet?
- Eight expressions with meanings and example sentences
- Eight matching discussion questions
- One printable page
- Open-ended speaking practice
Use eight C2 expressions to discuss decisions under uncertainty. Learners distinguish withholding judgement, cautious action and weakly informed guesses while considering who bears the costs of delay.
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A simple way to teach it
Before the lesson
Prepare the single open-ended discussion sheet. Note that read the tea leaves is figurative here, and second-guess refers to anticipating another person's intentions.
- Compare on a knife edge with in the balance, then contrast a shot in the dark with an evidence-informed forecast.
- Discuss the eight prompts, giving conditions under which waiting or acting would be responsible. Avoid assuming caution is cost-free.
- Draft an imagined update about an uncertain project, explaining what remains unknown and when a recommendation could change.
Support and extension
Support with a fictional review pending further evidence. Extend by comparing a meaningful reservation of rights with a promise so vague that it provides no assurance.
Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.
