Vocabulary practice · Episode 159

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

be taken in

to be deceived by a person, story or appearance that seems genuine

Nuance: This informal passive expression focuses on believing a false impression. It is commonly followed by by: be taken in by a convincing story.

Hoichi is taken in by the sounds of an invisible palace.

Do not be taken in by an offer that sounds too good to be true.

Expression 2

keep something to yourself

to avoid telling other people about information, a feeling or an opinion

Nuance: The reflexive pronoun changes with the person: keep it to myself, yourself, herself or themselves. It can describe secrecy or tactful restraint.

The court lady orders Hoichi to keep his visits to himself.

I disagreed with the decision, but I kept my opinion to myself.

Expression 3

hold your breath

to stop breathing for a short time, deliberately or because of fear or suspense

Nuance: It can be literal, as in the story, or figurative in the negative expression don’t hold your breath, meaning do not expect something soon.

Hoichi holds his breath when the samurai calls his name.

She held her breath while the judges announced the result.

Expression 4

leave something out

to omit something by mistake or by choice

Nuance: This separable phrasal verb places a pronoun between the verb and particle: leave it out, not leave out it. It may describe missing information, ingredients or people.

The priest’s assistant leaves out Hoichi’s ears when writing the sacred text.

The report is clear, but it leaves out two important costs.

Expression 5

whatever happens

regardless of what event or difficulty occurs

Nuance: This clause often comes before a firm instruction or promise. Whatever is broader than if and signals that every possible outcome has been considered.

Whatever happens tonight, Hoichi must not answer or move.

Whatever happens in the interview, be proud of your preparation.

Expression 6

under the care of

being looked after, protected or treated by a particular person or organisation

Nuance: This neutral collocation is used for children, patients, animals or anyone receiving responsibility-based support. Care here means supervision and protection, not simply affection.

Hoichi lives at the temple under the care of a kind priest.

After the operation, she remained under the care of a specialist.

Expression 7

fall into someone’s power

to become controlled by someone and lose the ability to act freely

Nuance: This dramatic expression suggests a dangerous loss of independence. Fall into highlights an unwanted change of state rather than a deliberate choice.

The priest warns Hoichi that he has fallen into the spirits’ power.

The kingdom feared falling into the enemy’s power.

Expression 8

remain perfectly still

to continue without making any movement at all

Nuance: Remain is more formal than stay, while perfectly intensifies still to mean completely motionless. The phrase is useful for instructions, suspense and medical contexts.

Hoichi remains perfectly still while the samurai searches for him.

The photographer asked everyone to remain perfectly still for a moment.

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