• Clear the air 🌬️
  Definition: To dispel tension or bad feelings
  Example: Let’s clear the air before starting the meeting.
• Bury the hatchet ⛏️
  Definition: To make peace or settle differences
  Example: They decided to bury the hatchet and work together.
• Be on thin ice ⛸️
  Definition: To be in a risky or precarious situation
  Example: He’s on thin ice after that argument with the boss.
• Throw in the towel 🤲
  Definition: To give up
  Example: He almost threw in the towel, but then decided to stick it out.
• Break the ice ❄️
  Definition: To relieve tension or awkwardness
  Example: We did a team-building exercise to break the ice.

• Smooth things over 🌊
  Definition: To try to resolve conflicts or restore good relations
  Example: After the heated argument, Sarah tried to smooth things over by apologising for her part in the misunderstanding.
• Sweep something under the rug 🧹
  Definition: To ignore or hide a problem instead of facing it
  Example: We can’t just sweep this issue under the rug; we need to address it directly.
• Meet halfway 🤝
  Definition: To compromise with someone by giving up part of what you want
  Example: To resolve the dispute, both parties agreed to meet halfway.
• Add fuel to the fire 🔥
  Definition: To worsen an already bad situation by saying or doing something
  Example: Talking about past issues in the middle of a conflict usually adds fuel to the fire.
• Call a spade a spade ♠️
  Definition: To speak honestly and directly about a situation, even if it’s awkward or unpleasant
  Example: If we’re going to resolve this conflict, we need to call a spade a spade and address the issues head-on.

• Hash out 🗨️ Definition: To discuss something thoroughly
  Example: We need to hash out the details of this project.
• Clear up ☀️ Definition: To resolve or clarify
  Example: I’m glad we cleared up that misunderstanding.
• Patch up 🩹 Definition: To mend or resolve
  Example: They managed to patch up their differences.
• Stand down 🛑 Definition: To withdraw or disengage
  Example: She decided to stand down as the CEO
• Speak up 📣 Definition: To voice one’s opinion
  Example: If you disagree, you should speak up.

Round 1 – Let’s Warm Up

1. In your opinion, what are the primary causes of conflicts among team members?
2. How can a person identify early signs of discord within a team? Are you good at identifying these signs? Why? Why not?
3. What approaches can you use to manage conflict?
4. Can conflict be beneficial to team dynamics? Why? Why not?

Round 3: Ready to Role-play?

Scenario: You are two team members who have a conflicting approach to a project. One thinks that prioritising quality is key, while the other believes in speed.

Student A: You are the team member advocating for quality. Prepare some arguments.

Student B: You are the team member who believes in speed. Come up with counter-arguments.

Objective: Try to resolve the conflict by finding common ground or a compromise.

Extra: Use at least one phrasal verb, idiom, or expression from the list above in your role play.