Idioms: power and authority

This worksheet explores English idioms related to power, authority, and influence. Learners develop vocabulary, comprehension, and discussion skills by analyzing examples of leadership dynamics, completing idiom-based exercises, and reflecting on workplace relationships. The material suits upper-intermediate and advanced ESL students preparing for professional communication or business English contexts.

Detailed Overview:

Activity 1 – Idioms in Context
Learners read a short text about hidden power structures in modern corporations. They identify 6 idioms related to authority, such as call the shots and behind the scenes, and match them to their definitions.

Activity 3 – Situations and Sentence Completion
This task presents short workplace scenarios that illustrate different idioms. Learners complete sentences with the most suitable expressions, reinforcing contextual understanding and correct idiom usage.

Activity 3 – Discussion Questions
Students answer open-ended questions about leadership, influence, and control in professional settings. Questions such as “Why might someone behind the scenes have more power than the official boss?” prompt critical thinking and encourage natural use of idiomatic expressions.

Activity 4 – Dialogue Practice
Short dialogues introduce the rest of the idioms about power and authority like pulling the strings, in the driver’s seat, and pull rank. Students match these idioms to definitions.

Activity 5 – Fill-in-the-Blank Practice
Learners use context clues to complete partial sentences with idioms introduced earlier.

Activity 6 – Multiple Choice and Discussion
Students select the best idiom to complete each sentence, testing recognition and comprehension. Follow-up questions encourage deeper reflection on leadership roles, decision-making, and workplace hierarchy.

Activity 7 – Open Discussion
Learners respond to discussion prompts that explore opinions and experiences related to power and authority, helping them use idioms in extended conversation.

Activity 8 – Debate Task
Students engage in a debate based on short statements about leadership and influence. This final task promotes confident spoken communication while integrating the idioms learned throughout the worksheet.

For more speaking practice, and to review these idioms related to authority and power, you can use the printable conversation cards.