News Exercise #170

1. What was Putin’s explanation of the hacking claim made by Obama’s government (according to the interpreter)?
2. Why is Russia’s economy struggling?
3. The reporter used an idiom, relating to the scene in the video at the time, to say that Russia’s government may not be so strong in the future. What idiom did he use?

Answers:
1. What was Putin’s explanation of the hacking claim made by Obama’s government (according to the interpreter)?
He said that it had been just “sour grapes”, meaning that the Democratic Party are simply upset at losing the election. He also said that they are “passing the buck”, which means that they are deflecting responsibility.
2. Why is Russia’s economy struggling?
There are economic sanctions in place but also the price of oil has been dropping, and Russia’s economy is reliant on the sale of energy.
3. The reporter used an idiom, relating to the scene in the video at the time, to say that Russia’s government may not be so strong in the future. What idiom did he use?
He said, “If President Putin doesn’t mend the cracks in the economy, he’ll be building a superpower on thin ice.