AI & Tech Idioms
This B2 lesson teaches ten common idioms connected to AI and technology. Students match idioms to definitions, practice using them in context, and discuss real tech topics like data privacy and AI development. It’s a solid way to build natural-sounding vocabulary around a topic most students already have opinions about.
Lesson overview
- Practice matching AI and tech idioms to their correct definitions
- Discuss real-world technology topics using new idiomatic expressions
- Build confidence with phrases like “in the loop” and “game changer”
- Explore idiom origins through short research and class presentations
Student's Version (Light/Dark)
Teacher's Version (Answer Keys)
Printable Classroom Version (A4)
| Level | Vocabulary | Lesson Time |
| B2 / Upper-Intermediate | 10 idioms | 60 min |
Vocabulary
- In the loop
- Crunch the numbers
- A learning curve
- Ahead of the curve
- Game changer
- State of the art
- Walk before you run
- Pull the plug
- Open Pandora’s box
- Raise the bar
Contents
- Lead-in 1
- Lead-in 2
- Why idioms are important?
- Idioms 1
- Idioms 2
- Idioms 3
- Definitions
- Speaking 1
- Speaking 2
- Vocabulary practice 1
- Vocabulary practice 2
- Practice
- Questions
- Quote
- Further reading
Start with the lead-in questions about AI. These work well in pairs or small groups. Students probably have strong feelings about AI risks and creative applications, so let the conversation flow for about five minutes. After that, move to the “one word fits all” puzzle with Pandora’s box, think outside the box, and black box. This is a nice brain teaser that gets students thinking about how one word can shift meaning completely.
Next, walk through the three idiom-matching slides. Have students read the example dialogues and try matching each idiom to its definition before you confirm answers. Go at a comfortable pace here. Some of these idioms like “crunch the numbers” and “pull the plug” are fairly transparent, but others like “ahead of the curve” might need extra examples. Ask students to create one original sentence with each idiom. This helps them move from recognition to active use.
The vocabulary practice section works great as individual work followed by pair checking. Students pick the correct idiom for each gap-fill sentence. After checking answers, spend a few minutes on the picture-matching speaking activity. Students look at images and connect them to idioms, which reinforces meaning through visual association.
Wrap up with the discussion questions. These tie the idioms back to real tech topics, so students practice the new language while sharing opinions about AI privacy, project failures, and technology trends. If you have time, the idiom origins research task makes a good homework assignment. Students pick two idioms, look up where they came from, and share findings next class.
