Vocabulary practice · Episode 112

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

cost an arm and a leg

To be extremely expensive.

Nuance: An informal exaggeration; cost stays cost in the past tense.

That new phone costs an arm and a leg.

The repairs cost us an arm and a leg.

Expression 2

on a shoestring

Using a very small amount of money.

Nuance: Use on a shoestring after a verb, but a shoestring budget before a noun.

We travelled around Europe on a shoestring.

They started the business on a shoestring budget.

Expression 3

make ends meet

To have just enough money to pay essential living costs.

Nuance: Ends is always plural; it does not imply earning a lot.

Many families struggle to make ends meet.

She works two jobs to make ends meet.

Expression 4

save for a rainy day

To keep money for a future problem or unexpected need.

Nuance: Rainy day is figurative; rainy-day is hyphenated before a noun.

I put some money aside every month for a rainy day.

Their rainy-day savings paid for the repair.

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