Vocabulary practice · Episode 107

Review the useful expressions from the episode

Study the episode’s central expressions with English definitions, nuance and examples, plus reviewed support-language versions where available.

B1–B2StoriesAbout 14 min + dynamic ads5 PDF versions available
FREE TRANSLATED PDF PACKSStudy this episode with support in your language EspañolDeutschFrançaisفارسی Open the PDF library →

A short study session

Read here, or listen on the episode page

This reader does not play audio. The link above opens the episode with this support selected; press Play or Resume when you are ready.

  1. Choose one expression. Read its definition, nuance and examples.
  2. Make it yours. Write one true sentence from your own life.
  3. Return to the episode. Listen for the expression in its original context.

Readable web version

Vocabulary from the episode

English only. Choose one support language if you need it.

Your reading position will be saved on this browser.

Expression 1

jump to conclusions

To decide that something is true before you have enough evidence.

Nuance: Usually critical: the conclusion may feel convincing, but it is premature.

I jumped to conclusions when she did not reply.

Ask what happened before you jump to conclusions.

Expression 2

give someone the benefit of the doubt

To choose a favourable interpretation when you do not know all the facts.

Nuance: It expresses trust without claiming that you are certain.

I gave him the benefit of the doubt and waited for an explanation.

Good relationships require giving people the benefit of the doubt.

Expression 3

read too much into something

To find more meaning or significance in something than was probably intended.

Nuance: Common with messages, facial expressions, silences and small changes in tone.

Do not read too much into one short message.

I read too much into her silence and worried all evening.

Expression 4

speak your mind

To say openly and honestly what you think or need.

Nuance: It suggests directness; depending on tone, it can sound courageous or blunt.

She spoke her mind without being disrespectful.

If something is wrong, speak your mind calmly.

Expression 5

give it your best shot

To make your strongest genuine attempt, even though success is not guaranteed.

Nuance: Encouraging and informal; it values honest effort rather than a perfect result.

I may not win, but I will give it my best shot.

Give the interview your best shot and let go of the result.

Expression 6

burn out

To become physically and emotionally exhausted after prolonged stress or overwork.

Nuance: As a verb: burn out. The condition is the noun burnout, written as one word.

She burned out after months without a proper break.

Working harder is not useful if you burn out.

Expression 7

be hard on yourself

To judge or criticize yourself more severely than is fair or helpful.

Nuance: Often used to reassure someone after a mistake or disappointment.

Do not be so hard on yourself; you are still learning.

I was hard on myself for not getting a perfect result.

Expression 8

let something go

To stop holding on to anger, regret, an expectation or a painful thought.

Nuance: It can mean emotional acceptance, not that the event was unimportant or acceptable.

Once I knew the truth, I could let the argument go.

Prepare carefully, then let go of the result.

Print or study offline

Choose a PDF version

Each button names the available language, format and file size. No email or account is required.

If a PDF does not open, use the complete web reader above and try the download again later. The episode audio remains available on its own page.

Put it back into context

Now listen for what you studied

The resource is support; the listening is the lesson. Return to the same episode and continue from your saved position.

Open episode 107 →