Learning English

Belarus: Protests spread

In Belarus, people are demanding the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power for 26 years. They are angry after widespread allegations of vote-rigging in recent elections. Neil and Catherine look at the vocabulary in the news about this story.

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The story

More workers’ strikes are due to get underway today in Belarus following Sunday’s mass protest against President Alexander Lukashenko.

It’s estimated that at least 100,000 people marched through the capital.

Key words and phrases

eclipses
makes something seem less important

• Coronavirus eclipsed Brexit in the UK’s media.
• When she scored her 100th goal, she eclipsed all other players’ achievements for the club.

(something/someone’s) moment
an opportunity to achieve something significant

• This seems like climate protestors’ moment. Most people now accept something needs to be done.
• It’s Jones’s moment. If he doesn’t take it now, he may never become champion.

embattled
experiencing a lot of difficulties

• The embattled prime minister was finally forced to resign after yet another scandal.
• The embattled department store eventually had to shut down after years of low profits.

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