Vocabulary practice · Episode 143

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–B2Everyday EnglishAbout 17 min + dynamic ads5 PDF versions available
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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

to get into the habit of doing something

To begin doing something regularly until it becomes part of your routine.

Nuance: Use get into the habit of followed by a noun or an -ing form, not an infinitive: get into the habit of walking, not of walk.

I am trying to get into the habit of walking after dinner.

She got into the habit of preparing lunch the night before.

Expression 2

to cut down on something

To reduce the amount or frequency of something without necessarily stopping completely.

Nuance: A three-part phrasal verb followed by a noun or -ing form. It contrasts with give up, which means stop completely.

I have cut down on it, but I have not given it up.

He is trying to cut down on checking his phone at night.

Expression 3

to give something up

To stop doing, using or consuming something completely.

Nuance: A separable phrasal verb: give sugar up or give up sugar. With a pronoun, the pronoun goes in the middle: give it up.

I have cut down on it, but I have not given it up.

She gave up smoking several years ago.

Expression 4

hold that thought

Remember the idea just mentioned because the speaker will return to it shortly.

Nuance: An informal conversational instruction. It can also briefly pause someone, but here it creates a link to the next topic.

Hold that thought, because it is habit number two.

Hold that thought; I want to compare it with another example.

Expression 5

life expectancy

The average number of years a person or population is statistically expected to live.

Nuance: A population estimate, not a prediction or guarantee for one individual. Common patterns include life expectancy at birth and at age fifty.

The study estimated differences in life expectancy at age fifty.

Life expectancy can vary between populations and over time.

Expression 6

observational evidence

Evidence obtained by observing people or events without assigning participants to a controlled intervention.

Nuance: Observational studies can reveal strong associations, but they do not by themselves prove that one factor caused the outcome.

It is observational evidence, not a promise about one person’s life.

The association is important, although the evidence is observational.

Expression 7

peer-reviewed

Evaluated by independent specialists in the same field before formal academic publication.

Nuance: Usually placed before a noun, as in a peer-reviewed study. A preprint has normally not yet completed this process.

The analysis had not yet been peer-reviewed.

She looked for a peer-reviewed study rather than a social media claim.

Expression 8

to stay independent

To remain able to manage daily life and make choices without relying heavily on other people.

Nuance: A common collocation in discussions of healthy ageing. Independent here refers to everyday functioning, not emotional distance.

Maintaining strength can help you stay independent as you grow older.

Accessible transport helps many older adults stay independent.

Expression 9

to age well

To grow older while maintaining relatively good health, function and quality of life.

Nuance: A broad, non-absolute expression. It does not mean avoiding every illness or difficulty and is normally used without an object.

The episode examines patterns found in populations that age well.

Social contact and daily movement may help people age well.

Expression 10

highly processed

Changed substantially through industrial preparation, often with many added ingredients.

Nuance: Usually describes food. It is a useful everyday expression, but it is broader and less technical than the formal category ultra-processed.

If your grandmother would not recognise it, it may be highly processed.

The ingredient list suggested that the snack was highly processed.

Expression 11

to have had enough

To have consumed, experienced or tolerated as much as is needed or wanted.

Nuance: Present perfect form of have enough. Context determines whether it means being satisfied, being full, or no longer willing to tolerate something.

Slowing down can help you notice when you have had enough.

After three delays, the passengers felt they had had enough.

Expression 12

risk-free

Having no possibility of harm, loss or negative consequences.

Nuance: A hyphenated adjective used before or after a noun. No activity is risk-free means that some degree of risk remains.

The WHO says that no form of alcohol consumption is risk-free.

The treatment is useful, but it is not completely risk-free.

Expression 13

to respond at any age

To show a positive physical or mental adaptation regardless of how old someone is.

Nuance: In this episode, respond describes how muscle adapts to appropriate training; it does not mean replying to a question.

Muscle can respond at any age when it is challenged appropriately.

The brain can still respond to practice later in life.

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