| raise concerns /reɪz kənˈsɜːnz/ | make people worry about something | The empty stadium raised concerns about ticket prices. |
| pose a threat /pəʊz ə ˈθret/ | be a danger | Plastic in the ocean poses a threat to sea turtles. |
| reach a consensus /riːtʃ ə kənˈsensəs/ | agree as a group | After an hour of discussion, the class reached a consensus on the trip. |
| spark a debate /spɑːk ə dɪˈbeɪt/ | start a discussion or argument | The new school rules sparked a debate among parents. |
| bear a resemblance /beər ə rɪˈzembləns/ | look similar to | The singer bears a striking resemblance to her grandmother. |
| come into effect /kʌm ˈɪntuː ɪˈfekt/ | (of a rule or law) start to apply | The new speed limit will come into effect on 1 January. |
| make strides /meɪk straɪdz/ | make good progress | She has made great strides with her piano since last year. |
| place emphasis on /pleɪs ˈemfəsɪs ɒn/ | treat something as especially important | This school places emphasis on creativity and sport. |
| harbour doubts /ˈhɑːbə daʊts/ | privately feel unsure | Even after signing up, he still harboured doubts about running a marathon. |
| strike a balance /straɪk ə ˈbæləns/ | find a good middle point between two things | It's hard to strike a balance between study and free time. |