Learning English

A new prime minister for Britain

Britain is to get its first female prime minister since Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s. Theresa May will replace David Cameron, who resigned after losing the so-called Brexit referendum.

Language challenge

What does the idiom ‘put your foot in your mouth’ mean?

a) Say something embarrassing.
b) Forget to brush your teeth.
c) Tell a lie.

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The story

The woman who will be Britain's next prime minister has promised to make the country's exit from the European Union a success, despite backing the remain campaign in last month's referendum.

Norman Smith – BBC News

Although Theresa May was the clear favourite to succeed David Cameron, even she probably never anticipated events would move quite so swiftly.

Instead of taking over in September, Mrs May will now become prime minister on Wednesday evening. A rapid handover that became almost inevitable as soon as Mrs Leadsom announced her decision to quit.

Key words and phrases

set to 
ready to / likely to

to become
is going to become 

follow in someone's footsteps
to do something (normally a job) which someone has done before you

take the reins
to take control of something

To do

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Downloads

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Language challenge - answer

a) Say something embarrassing.

End of Session 2

Join us in Session 3 for Lingohack - our video which teaches you words from the news using the latest BBC World News bulletins.