Vocabulary practice · Episode 149

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–B2ListeningAbout 10 min + dynamic ads5 PDF versions available
FREE TRANSLATED PDF PACKSStudy this episode with support in your language EspañolDeutschFrançaisفارسی Open the PDF library →

A short study session

Read here, or listen on the episode page

This reader does not play audio. The link above opens the episode with this support selected; press Play or Resume when you are ready.

  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.

Readable web version

Vocabulary from the episode

English only. Choose one support language if you need it.

Your reading position will be saved on this browser.

Expression 1

on the fence

Unable to decide between two options or courses of action.

Nuance: It describes continuing indecision, not a final refusal. The natural pattern is “on the fence about” a noun or an -ing form.

I’m still on the fence about accepting the new job.

We’re on the fence about moving closer to the city.

Expression 2

sleep on it

To wait until the next day before making an important decision.

Nuance: It suggests giving yourself time and rest to think more clearly. It does not mean delaying forever.

The offer looks good, but I’d like to sleep on it.

Don’t answer tonight; sleep on it and call me tomorrow.

Expression 3

go with your gut

To trust your instinct when making a decision.

Nuance: It is useful after you have considered the available facts but no option is clearly better. The past form is “went with your gut”.

Both designs worked, so I went with my gut.

If the facts are balanced, go with your gut.

Expression 4

take the plunge

To finally make a bold or important decision and act on it.

Nuance: The image is of jumping into deep water. It combines commitment with action after hesitation or preparation.

After years of planning, they took the plunge and opened a café.

I finally took the plunge and registered for the course.

Expression 5

fascinating

Extremely interesting because something strongly attracts your curiosity or attention.

Nuance: It is stronger than “interesting” and often describes unusual, complex or surprising subjects.

The exhibition about memory was fascinating.

The documentary reveals a fascinating story about the deep ocean.

Expression 6

thought-provoking

Making you think seriously or consider an idea in a new way.

Nuance: It focuses on deeper reflection, not necessarily pleasure. The compound adjective is normally written with a hyphen.

The film offers a thought-provoking view of success.

Her question was uncomfortable but thought-provoking.

Expression 7

engaging

Pleasant and effective at holding attention or encouraging involvement.

Nuance: It often describes the way a speaker, lesson or book involves an audience, rather than the topic alone.

She is an engaging speaker who asks excellent questions.

The teacher turned a difficult topic into an engaging lesson.

Expression 8

hold your attention

To keep you interested and focused over a period of time.

Nuance: This collocation emphasises sustained attention, not merely attracting notice for a moment.

The opening story immediately held the audience’s attention.

A good explanation holds your attention without oversimplifying.

Expression 9

encourage involvement

To make people more willing to participate actively.

Nuance: “Involvement” suggests active engagement rather than passive attention.

The trainer used questions to encourage involvement.

Small-group tasks encourage involvement from quieter students.

Expression 10

stay in your mind

To remain memorable or continue to occupy your thoughts.

Nuance: It often describes an image, question or idea that keeps affecting you after an experience ends.

That question stayed in my mind all evening.

The final image will stay in your mind long after the film.

Expression 11

reconsider an idea

To think again about an idea, especially because new information may change your view.

Nuance: “Reconsider” does not guarantee that you will change your opinion; it means examining it again.

The film made me reconsider my idea of success.

New evidence forced the team to reconsider its original plan.

Expression 12

strongly attract your curiosity

To make you intensely interested and eager to discover more.

Nuance: This phrase explains why “fascinating” is stronger and more specific than the general adjective “interesting”.

The mysterious object strongly attracted my curiosity.

Stories about memory strongly attract her curiosity.

Expression 13

I should let you go

A polite way to end a conversation while showing consideration for the other person’s time.

Nuance: It is not literally about permission. It gently signals that the conversation is ending, especially on a friendly phone call.

I know you have an early meeting, so I should let you go.

It’s been lovely talking, but I should let you go.

Expression 14

I’d better get going

A natural way to say that you need to leave or finish the conversation now.

Nuance: The full form is “I had better get going”. It creates a clear transition towards leaving without necessarily sounding urgent.

I’d better get going; my train leaves in twenty minutes.

It’s getting late, so I’d better get going.

Expression 15

Let’s catch up soon

A warm suggestion that you talk again and share news in the near future.

Nuance: It can express a general friendly intention rather than a fixed plan. Add a specific day if you genuinely want to arrange the next conversation.

I’d better go, but let’s catch up soon.

Let’s catch up soon. Are you free next Tuesday?

Expression 16

It was good talking to you

A warm closing line after an enjoyable or useful conversation.

Nuance: The past tense treats the conversation as almost complete and helps signal a natural ending. A common reply is “You too”.

It was good talking to you. Give my regards to your family.

“It was good talking to you.” “You too.”

Expression 17

I won’t keep you

A polite way to say that you will not take any more of someone’s time.

Nuance: It is considerate and useful when the other person is busy. It can introduce the final goodbye without sounding abrupt.

I know you’re busy, so I won’t keep you.

I won’t keep you any longer. Thanks for your help.

Expression 18

I should get back to it

A natural way to say that you need to return to your work or previous activity.

Nuance: “It” refers to a task already understood from the context. The expression gives a practical reason to end the conversation.

This was a nice break, but I should get back to it.

I should get back to it before the deadline.

Expression 19

Let’s do this again soon

A friendly suggestion to repeat an enjoyable meeting or conversation.

Nuance: “This” refers to the shared activity. Like “Let’s catch up soon”, it sounds warmer and more reliable when followed by a concrete plan.

I had a great time. Let’s do this again soon.

Let’s do this again soon—how about next Friday?

Expression 20

Take care

A warm, common goodbye that expresses goodwill and concern for the other person.

Nuance: It works in friendly speech and messages. It is warmer than a neutral “goodbye” but does not require a long emotional farewell.

Thanks for calling. Take care!

Take care, and have a safe journey home.

Expression 21

I’ll be in touch

A promise or intention to contact someone again.

Nuance: It is useful in friendly and professional contexts. If action matters, make it specific by saying when or how you will contact the person.

I’ll be in touch when I have the final details.

Thanks for the meeting. I’ll be in touch next week.

Print or study offline

Choose a PDF version

Each button names the available language, format and file size. No email or account is required.

If a PDF does not open, use the complete web reader above and try the download again later. The episode audio remains available on its own page.

Put it back into context

Now listen for what you studied

The resource is support; the listening is the lesson. Return to the same episode and continue from your saved position.

Open episode 149 →