Vocabulary practice · Episode 109

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.

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A short study session

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  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.

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Vocabulary from the episode

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Expression 1

jinx something

To cause bad luck by speaking too confidently about a hoped-for result.

Nuance: Often used jokingly when someone avoids celebrating too early.

I did not mention our winning streak because I did not want to jinx it.

Do not say the project is finished yet—you might jinx it.

Expression 2

off the record

Said privately and not intended to be published or officially attributed.

Nuance: Common in journalism and informal conversations when information is confidential.

She told me off the record why the meeting had been cancelled.

Can we speak off the record for a moment?

Expression 3

get someone started

To prompt someone to begin talking at length, especially about a subject that annoys or excites them.

Nuance: The warning “Do not get me started” means the speaker has many strong opinions on the topic.

Do not get Julia started on badly written emails.

One question about football got him started for half an hour.

Expression 4

make it past

To succeed in continuing beyond a particular point or stage.

Nuance: Often used when success initially seemed uncertain.

I did not think we would make it past episode ten.

Many new podcasts never make it past their first year.

Expression 5

say something out loud

To speak words audibly instead of only thinking them.

Nuance: Out loud is the usual everyday expression; aloud is slightly more formal.

I did not say it out loud in case I jinxed it.

Reading the sentence out loud will help your pronunciation.

Expression 6

in my defence

Used before giving a reason that makes a mistake seem more understandable.

Nuance: Common in informal speech and often mildly humorous.

In my defence, I had never heard my recorded voice before.

In my defence, nobody told me the schedule had changed.

Expression 7

back to back

One immediately after another, with little or no break.

Nuance: Common with meetings, episodes, games and performances.

We recorded four episodes back to back.

She had three meetings back to back this morning.

Expression 8

selling point

A feature or quality that makes something attractive or valuable.

Nuance: It can describe a product, service, person or idea.

Speaking slowly became the show’s main selling point.

The flexible schedule is the job’s strongest selling point.

Expression 9

show a crack

To reveal a moment of weakness, stress or loss of control.

Nuance: A figurative expression based on a crack appearing in a solid surface.

I thought being the anchor meant never showing a crack.

He stayed calm and did not show a crack under pressure.

Expression 10

pull an episode

To withdraw an episode before or after publication.

Nuance: Pull is common in media when material is removed from release.

I almost pulled the episode the night before it went out.

The producers pulled the episode after discovering an error.

Expression 11

in passing

Briefly and without treating something as the main topic.

Nuance: Common with mention, say and refer to.

I first mentioned Elena in passing in episode seventy.

She mentioned the new project in passing.

Expression 12

come a long way

To make a great deal of progress from an earlier point.

Nuance: Usually expresses positive development over time.

The website has come a long way since we started.

Your listening has come a long way this year.

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