Are English idioms important in academic essays?

across the board [“Scientists across the board are encouraging governments to react to the situation before it becomes too dire.”] Something that applies to all within a group.

along the lines of [“The methodology we are using is along the lines of that which Smith (2020) used in her study.”] Similar to something without being precisely identical.

at the end of the day [“At the end of the day, whether governments invest the money or not, if significant change is not soon enacted, the result will be the same.”] After taking everything into consideration; the most important point.

bear in mind [“Governments should however bear in mind the exorbitant effects that a lack of such policy would ultimately create.”] To remember to consider something important.

beg the question [“All this evidence begs the question of whether the significant change that the world needs will indeed come.”] To raise an obvious question that has for some reason not been dealt with.

bridge the gap [“Smith’s (2019) study bridges the gap between previous investigations.”] A reduction of the differences that separate two things.

come into play [“When external variables come into play, the results can be viewed somewhat differently.”] Something that helps to influence or produce a result. 

driving force [“Increasing infant mortality rates are one of the driving forces in the recent investment into healthcare infrastructure.”] A primary motivation for something happening.

from scratch [“Due to the incorrect hypotheses we made early on, our investigation had to be started again from scratch.”] To begin from the beginning without relying on a previously used method. 

go hand in hand with [“An increase in industrialisation goes hand in hand with an increase in air pollution.”] To be closely associated with something.

gold standard [“While lab tests are certainly the gold standard for providing empirical evidence, they are not infallible.”] The most prestigious or reliable thing in its category.

golden age [“The industrial revolution was, when compared to previous centuries, a golden age in innovation.”] When a particular skill or art or industry is at its zenith.

in light of [“This change in governmental focus is in light of recent global events.”] To take information from something or to take something into consideration.

in its own right [“Smith’s (2019) study is, in its own right, a resounding success.”] A result of one’s own efforts rather than through association.

in the long run [“In the long run, governments will have to invest in clean energy.”] After a considerable period of time; eventually.

last resort [“Although the closing of national borders is a last resort for governments, this is indeed what happened in many countries during COVID-19.”] A final option, one which is used when all other options have been exhausted.

on the one hand [“On the one hand, global warming is clearly having a negative impact on global health.”] Used to show contrast between two facts, points of view or situations, focussing on the first point.

on the other hand [“On the other hand, global warming can sometimes have a positive impact too.”] Used to show contrast between two facts, points of view or situations, focussing on the second point.

rule of thumb [“As a rule of thumb, laboratory experiments should be conducted under strictly controlled environments.”] A guiding principle, usually based on practice.

state of the art [“The equipment used to conduct the experiment was state of the art.”] Belonging to the most modern form of technology.

the big picture [“Governments are clearly not seeing the bigger picture when it comes to the effects of capitalism on the environment.”] Seeing the whole perspective of something; taking everything into account.

the bottom line [“The bottom line is that governments must react swiftly.”] The final outcome of a situation.

trial and error [“The most recent set of experiments were a matter of trial and error.”] Experimenting with various methods until success is reached.

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