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Historical Phrases Vocabulary
Expressions rooted in significant historical moments
10 words
All 10 Words
let them eat cake
/ˌlet ðəm ˌiːt ˈkeɪk/a callous dismissal of others' suffering by the privileged
“Telling workers to just find better jobs is a 'let them eat cake' response.”
blood, toil, tears and sweat
/ˌblʌd ˌtɔɪl ˌtɪərz ənd ˈswet/the full measure of human sacrifice and effort
“I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat—Churchill's 1940 speech.”
the iron curtain
/ði ˌaɪərn ˈkɜːrtən/a barrier to information and free movement
“An iron curtain has descended across the continent—Churchill's Fulton speech.”
speak softly and carry a big stick
/ˌspiːk ˌsɒftli ənd ˌkæri ə ˌbɪɡ ˈstɪk/negotiate gently but be prepared to use force
“His management style: speak softly and carry a big stick.”
the shot heard round the world
/ðə ˌʃɒt ˌhɜːrd ˌraʊnd ðə ˈwɜːrld/an event that triggers far-reaching consequences
“The assassination was the shot heard round the world.”
give me liberty or give me death
/ˌɡɪv mi ˌlɪbərti ɔːr ˌɡɪv mi ˈdeθ/the ultimate commitment to freedom
“His stance on privacy was give me liberty or give me death.”
the buck stops here
/ðə ˌbʌk ˌstɒps ˈhɪər/ultimate responsibility rests with me
“As CEO, the buck stops here.”
Ich bin ein Berliner
/ˌɪx bɪn aɪn bɛrˈliːnər/a declaration of solidarity with those under threat
“His statement was an 'Ich bin ein Berliner' moment for the movement.”
tear down this wall
/ˌtɪər ˌdaʊn ðɪs ˈwɔːl/a call to remove barriers to freedom
“Activists demanded: tear down this wall between workers and management.”
we shall fight on the beaches
/wiː ʃəl ˌfaɪt ɒn ðə ˈbiːtʃɪz/a vow of total, unyielding resistance
“His we shall fight on the beaches speech rallied the demoralized team.”
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