ESL Podcast 981 - Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

diplomatic sanctions - reductions or elimination of embassies and consulates to punish another country or show disapproval for its policies or actions

When the country announced diplomatic sanctions, all the people who worked at the embassy had to return home.

economic sanctions - financial penalties forced on a country, such as restrictions on bank accounts or trade, or increases in tariffs, used to punish another country or show disapproval for its policies or actions

The people are suffering, because the price of food and other necessities has risen as a result of the economic sanctions.

it's about time - a phrase used to show relief that something has happened, especially when one has been waiting a long time for that thing to happen.

Did you hear that Quincy proposed to Norah? It's about time!

to violate - to break a rule; to do something that is illegal or is not allowed

What can we do to prevent people from violating our copyright?

international law - laws that many countries recognize and agree to follow

International law does not allow slavery.

high-level talks - important discussions between powerful decision-makers and/or political leaders

The members of the United Nations are engaged in high-level talks about global warming.

to call off - to cancel or end something so that it no longer occurs as planned or scheduled

Why did Wyatt call off his two-week trip to Asia?

embassy - a building with the offices of the ambassador and other people who officially represent their country in a foreign country

You'll need to come to the embassy to fill out the visa application and complete an interview.

trade - import and export; the sale and purchase of goods internationally

What percentage of the country's trade is in precious metals?

embargo - a ban on trade with another country; a policy or rules preventing the buying and selling of goods with another country

Why is there an embargo on ivory?

naval blockade - prevention of a country's ability to communicate or travel by sea through the use of ships in a specific area or a through a specific waterway

The naval blockade is preventing all ships from delivering goods to the country.

to enforce - to make sure that people follow a law and/or are punished if they do not follow a law

Technically it's illegal to cross the street here, but the police never enforce it.

to thumb (one's) nose - to act disrespectfully toward someone; to disregard a rule or a law

You can get in trouble for thumbing your nose at a teacher like that.

to get away with (something) - to not be punished for one's bad behavior

Lola is their favorite daughter, so when she was a child she could get away with almost anything.

repercussion - a negative consequence; something bad that happens as a result of something else

They never considered the repercussion of cheating on their taxes.

to flout - to ignore a rule or law; to be aware of a rule or law, but choose not to follow it

The accountants were clearly flouting government regulations on how to report income.