The big news story of the moment is Trump and Putin meeting in Alaska to discuss Ukraine.
The proximity of the US and Russia proved a shock to some on the internet.
Because of the way that maps are normally drawn, I had never realised that the US (Alaska) and Russia are almost touching. I am shook.
— #Will Kingston (#@WillKingston)
9:12 AM • Aug 15, 2025
Anyway, the US Army rolled out the red carpet for Putin, as he looked to carve up Ukraine.
Who knows what will happen, but a couple of expressions came to mind while reading the news today:
“You give an inch and they take a mile”
and, as my father might say:
“I wouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him”
I don’t think either needs much explanation.
Let’s see how things play out.
Until next week 👋.
This week’s three tips:
SOMETHING TO AVOID 🫣
🤦🏻♀️ “It was a historical meeting”
The words look almost identical, but they aren’t used in the same way.
Historical → means related to history in general, not necessarily important.
I’m reading a historical novel set in medieval England
✅ “It was a historic meeting”
Historic → means very important in history or likely to be remembered.
If you’re describing something that will make history → use historic.
If you’re talking about something that simply relates to history → use historical.
It was a historic meeting between Trump and Putin
SOMETHING TO SOUND CONFIDENT 🧐
👔 Business expressions
“Play hardball”
To be tough, aggressive, and uncompromising in negotiations or discussions. It’s the opposite of being “soft” or “flexible.”
The union threatened to strike, so management decided to play hardball and refused to raise salaries.
SOMETHING TO DO 👀
We have developed a new level test
If you are a student - you will be asked to do it in September
If you’re not a student - you are more than welcome to test your level
So either way - please take the test
NEXT STEP ➡️
LOOKING FOR MORE?🔎
Keep learning,
The Crystal Clear English Team
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