Vocabulary practice · Episode 113

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 19 min + dynamic ads5 PDF versions available
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  1. Choose one expression. Read its definition, nuance and examples.
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Vocabulary from the episode

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Expression 1

follow up on something

To take the next necessary action after an earlier conversation, event or investigation.

Nuance: Follow up on is followed by the subject; follow up with is followed by the person you contact.

The detective followed up on the witness’s statement.

I will follow up with the client tomorrow.

Expression 2

case file

A collection of reports, evidence and records connected with one investigation.

Nuance: A file may be a physical folder or a digital record; case file is a common professional collocation.

Tom begins his morning by reading a case file.

The lawyer reviewed the case file before the meeting.

Expression 3

piece things together

To connect separate details until the whole situation becomes understandable.

Nuance: This figurative phrasal verb compares information with pieces of a puzzle.

The detectives pieced the timeline together from several accounts.

I pieced together what happened from her messages.

Expression 4

working theory

A temporary explanation used to decide what should be examined next.

Nuance: It guides an investigation but must change when new evidence contradicts it.

Their working theory helped them choose the next interview.

We have a working theory, not a final conclusion.

Expression 5

keep an open mind

To avoid deciding too early and remain willing to consider different explanations.

Nuance: The expression suggests intellectual flexibility, not uncertainty or lack of principles.

A good detective keeps an open mind until the facts are clear.

Keep an open mind when you hear the other proposal.

Expression 6

prove yourself

To demonstrate through your actions that you are capable or worthy.

Nuance: Often used when someone is new to a role and feels pressure to earn other people’s confidence.

As a rookie detective, Tom wants to prove himself.

She proved herself during her first difficult project.

Expression 7

follow a lead

To investigate information that may help move a case forward.

Nuance: A lead is a possible direction, not confirmed evidence or a guaranteed solution.

Tom followed a lead that came from a witness.

The reporter travelled abroad to follow a promising lead.

Expression 8

go nowhere

To produce no useful progress or result.

Nuance: With an investigation, conversation or plan, it means the effort reaches a dead end.

The team checked the lead, but it went nowhere.

Our discussion went nowhere because nobody would compromise.

Expression 9

stay sharp

To remain alert, focused and ready to notice or react.

Nuance: Informal and positive; sharp refers to mental attention rather than a physical edge.

Detectives must stay sharp when reviewing small details.

A short break helps me stay sharp in the afternoon.

Expression 10

feel off

To seem slightly wrong, unusual or not quite normal.

Nuance: Informal and deliberately vague; it describes an impression that may need checking, not proof.

Something about the timeline felt off to Tom.

I cannot explain it, but the room feels off today.

Expression 11

put someone at ease

To help a person feel calmer, safer and more comfortable.

Nuance: Often used in interviews, healthcare and social situations where reducing pressure improves communication.

Tom uses a calm tone to put a witness at ease.

Her friendly introduction immediately put me at ease.

Expression 12

train of thought

The connected sequence of ideas that someone is thinking or expressing.

Nuance: Common verbs are follow, lose, interrupt and break someone’s train of thought.

Tom avoids interrupting a witness’s train of thought.

The phone call made me lose my train of thought.

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