Oxford dons told not to use phrase ‘learn the ropes’ in ‘mad’ drive to avoid confusing international students
Oxford University’s style guide advises staff to avoid idioms such as “learn the ropes” and “find your feet”, which may confuse international readers. The guidance has been criticised by the Free Speech Union as “language policing”, while Oxford says it helps staff write clearly for a global audience.
Updated in May, the guide recommends plain English, short sentences and familiar wording, and advises against terms including “blindspots”, gendered job titles and “the elderly”. International students make up 46 per cent of Oxford’s students. For 2027, annual fees are capped at £10,050 for home students, while overseas students can pay £39,620 to £66,580.
- Oxford advises staff to avoid some idioms in written communications.
- The university says its style guide is advisory and supports clear writing.
- International students make up 46 per cent of Oxford’s student body.
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Oxford University has issued updated guidance to its staff about clear writing. The style guide recommends avoiding idioms and colloquial expressions such as "learn the ropes" and "find your feet", replacing them with more straightforward language. It also advises against gendered job titles and phrases including "blindspots" and "the elderly".
Nearly half of Oxford's students come from outside the UK. The university has introduced this guidance to help staff communicate more effectively with its international audience, aiming to make written communications clearer for all readers, particularly those for whom English is not their first language.
The style guide has prompted different reactions. Some have criticised it as excessive language policing, whilst the university maintains that the aim is to improve clarity rather than restrict how staff express themselves.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters contend that with nearly half Oxford's students being international, idioms like 'learn the ropes' genuinely impede comprehension for non-native English speakers, creating unnecessary barriers to equal access. The style guide is advice to improve clarity for a global audience—a practice most organisations serving international communities adopt. By removing idiomatic obstacles, they argue, universities can ensure all students engage equally with materials, aligning with basic principles of accessibility and inclusion.
The case against
Critics argue the guidance represents institutional overreach that unnecessarily polices language and undermines the natural communication of academics and staff. International students come to Britain to immerse themselves in English culture and language, including its idioms; the assumption that they cannot learn such expressions is itself patronising. They contend this reflects a broader pattern of sensitivity-driven restrictions on academic discourse that impoverishes communication and removes character from writing.