Every family has its quirks, but the stereotypical outspoken brother-in-law at a Spanish festive dinner - be that on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve - stands out. These gatherings are supposed to bring relatives together, yet his behaviour often stirs up tension. As soon as he walks in, his blunt remarks tend to kick off awkward conversations. He seems to thrive on stirring up arguments, deliberately targeting anyone whose views don't align with his.
Of course, not everyone has a brother-in-law but usually there is a typical male in every extended family, maybe an uncle, a cousin or even a grandparent (yes, it’s usually a man) who just *has* to make his opinion heard.
Inevitably, he brings up topics ranging from football rivalries to conspiracy theories, steering the discussion towards controversial territory. When someone tries to call him out, he doubles down, claiming he's "just saying what everyone thinks." His strong opinions rarely go unchallenged, yet he refuses to back down, making the situation even more uncomfortable.
He often cuts in during heartfelt conversations, derailing them with his opinions. When someone attempts to smooth things over, he brushes them off, insisting he’s “entitled to his opinion.” Despite his disruptive nature, others sometimes go along with him just to avoid conflict.
While this character may seem exaggerated, it reflects a broader issue of confrontational personalities clashing with family dynamics. Many attendees try to rise above his provocations, but his persistence can wear them down. As the night drags on, his stubborn refusal to give in creates a tense atmosphere, overshadowing the festive spirit.
Ultimately, while most families stick together through these conflicts, the opinionated brother-in-law's behaviour often leaves a bitter aftertaste, reminding everyone of the challenge of uniting across deep divides.
Now see if you can match up some of the phrasal verbs in the text with their meanings:
Phrasal Verb |
Definition |
1. Bring up |
A. To interrupt a conversation rudely. |
2. Call out |
B. To gradually weaken someone’s resistance. |
3. Double down |
C. To publicly criticise something. |
4. Back down |
D. To dismiss something as unimportant |
5. Cut in |
E. To raise a topic for discussion. |
6. Brush off |
F. To withdraw from a position or argument. |
7. Go along (with) |
G. To increase commitment to a position despite criticism. |
8. Wear down |
H. To support or agree, often reluctantly. |
Word Match Answers
1.E, 2.C, 3.G, 4.F, 5.A, 6.D, 7H, 8.B
Here are all the phrasal verbs and the rest of the more advanced vocabulary explained!