Vocabulary practice · Episode 140

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

No way!

An informal reaction that expresses strong surprise or disbelief.

Nuance: Tone distinguishes surprised “No way!” from the firm refusal “No way. I refuse.” It suits friends and relaxed conversation more than formal professional settings.

“They upgraded our tickets for free.” “No way!”

“I met my favourite actor yesterday.” “No way!”

Expression 2

That’s great news!

A warm reaction that shows happiness and genuine interest in positive news.

Nuance: More engaged than simply saying “good”. A natural follow-up question shows that you are listening and keeps the conversation moving.

“Our application was accepted.” “That’s great news!”

“I can start running again.” “That’s great news! When do you begin?”

Expression 3

What a relief!

A reaction showing that worry, pressure or uncertainty has ended.

Nuance: It focuses on the disappearance of worry, not simply on a positive result. Choose it when the listener had been anxious about the outcome.

“The test results were normal.” “What a relief!”

“The airport found my suitcase.” “What a relief!”

Expression 4

I’m sorry to hear that.

A considerate reaction that shows sympathy after bad or disappointing news.

Nuance: It does not mean that you caused the problem. Add “very” for warmth with serious news, and follow with a supportive question when appropriate.

“My interview did not go well.” “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“My father has been unwell.” “I’m very sorry to hear that.”

Expression 5

You’re joking!

An informal reaction showing that news is so surprising that you can hardly believe it.

Nuance: Usually playful rather than accusatory. A rising, friendly tone asks for confirmation; avoid it when serious news requires sensitivity.

“We got free front-row tickets.” “You’re joking!”

“Sam finished the marathon in three hours.” “You’re joking!”

Expression 6

I’m so pleased for you.

A warm way to say that you are genuinely happy about another person’s good news.

Nuance: The phrase centres the other person rather than your own excitement. It is warmer and slightly more personal than “That’s great news”.

“I got the scholarship.” “I’m so pleased for you.”

“We finally found a new home.” “I’m really pleased for you both.”

Expression 7

Thank goodness!

An exclamation of relief or gratitude when a feared problem has not happened or has been resolved.

Nuance: Common and conversational. It can stand alone or be followed by a clause: “Thank goodness the keys were still there.”

Thank goodness the missing documents were found.

“The flight is only delayed, not cancelled.” “Thank goodness!”

Expression 8

That’s a shame.

A gentle reaction showing disappointment or sympathy about an unfortunate situation.

Nuance: Suitable for mildly bad or disappointing news. For serious illness or loss, “I’m sorry to hear that” is usually warmer and more appropriate.

“My favourite café is closing.” “That’s a shame.”

“I can’t join you on Friday.” “That’s a shame. Maybe next week?”

Expression 9

That must be difficult.

An empathetic response that recognises the emotional weight of another person’s situation.

Nuance: “Must” expresses a compassionate inference, not an obligation. It avoids pretending that you know exactly how the person feels and leaves room for them to respond.

“I’m caring for my father while working full-time.” “That must be difficult.”

“We have to move again next month.” “That must be difficult for the children.”

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