An urban ecologist delivers an oral presentation at an academic symposium regarding the ecological restoration of wetland corridors in Bogotá, Colombia. During the talk, the speaker states:
"Para rescatar estos humedales urbanos, la comunidad científica decidió tomar cartas en el asunto antes de que la fragmentación del hábitat fuera irreversible. Aunque algunos promotores inmobiliarios intentaron hacer la vista gorda ante las normativas ambientales, las organizaciones vecinales lograron llevar la voz cantante durante las mesas de concertación ciudadana, asegurando que la protección biológica prevaleciera."
Based on the context of the presentation, match each Spanish idiomatic expression used by the speaker with its precise English meaning.
- tomar cartas en el asuntoTo take decisive initiative and actively intervene in resolving an issue
- hacer la vista gordaTo deliberately overlook or ignore infractions and regulations
- llevar la voz cantanteTo assume a leading role and direct discussions or decision-making
Answer
The expression 'tomar cartas en el asunto' matches 'To take decisive initiative and actively intervene in resolving an issue', 'hacer la vista gorda' matches 'To deliberately overlook or ignore infractions and regulations', and 'llevar la voz cantante' matches 'To assume a leading role and direct discussions or decision-making'.
Each expression corresponds directly to its contextual figurative usage within the oral presentation: 'tomar cartas en el asunto' signifies stepping in decisively to prevent ecological harm, 'hacer la vista gorda' denotes deliberately turning a blind eye to regulatory requirements, and 'llevar la voz cantante' reflects taking the leading role in steering the community negotiations.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Interpreting Idiomatic Expressions in Oral Academic Discourse
Estimated Time:1m 30s