Vocabulary practice · Episode 162

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

barely make a living

To earn only just enough money to pay for basic needs.

Nuance: Barely emphasises that the income is at the minimum limit. The phrase often describes difficult or insecure work and is stronger than simply saying earn a living.

The fisherman worked hard but could barely make a living.

Many artists barely make a living when they first begin.

Expression 2

cast a net

To throw a fishing net out over the water in order to catch fish.

Nuance: Cast has the same base form, past tense and past participle: cast, cast, cast. The third-person singular present is casts, and the -ing form is casting. Cast a net is a standard fishing expression.

The fisherman cast his net four times every morning.

She cast the net from the side of the small boat.

Expression 3

seal something shut

To close something so firmly that nothing can enter or escape.

Nuance: Shut reinforces the result of seal. The phrase suggests a complete, secure closure rather than simply putting on a lid or closing a door.

The fisherman sealed the jar shut before the jinni could escape.

Seal the bag shut to keep the food fresh.

Expression 4

set someone free

To release a person or creature from imprisonment, control or confinement.

Nuance: Set free focuses on giving freedom to someone who was trapped or controlled. The object goes between set and free: set the jinni free.

The fisherman reminded the jinni that he had set him free.

The rescuers set the trapped bird free.

Expression 5

lose your temper

To become suddenly angry and stop controlling your emotions.

Nuance: This common expression describes a change from self-control to visible anger. It does not mean permanently losing anything.

The jinni lost his temper after waiting for centuries.

Try not to lose your temper during a difficult conversation.

Expression 6

let alone

Used after a negative statement to show that a second thing is even less possible or likely.

Nuance: Let alone creates an emphatic comparison: if the first, easier thing is impossible, the second, more extreme thing is obviously impossible too.

The jinni’s foot could not fit in the jar, let alone his whole body.

I cannot afford a bicycle, let alone a car.

Expression 7

give someone your word

To make a serious promise to someone that what you say is true or that you will do something.

Nuance: Your word here means your personal honour and reliability. The expression sounds more solemn than simply saying I promise.

The fisherman demanded that the jinni give him his word.

I give you my word that I will return the money tomorrow.

Expression 8

keep your promise

To do what you said you would do.

Nuance: Keep a promise focuses on fulfilling it; make a promise is the earlier act of giving it. The opposite is break a promise.

This time, the jinni kept his promise.

She kept her promise and called me the next day.

Expression 9

outsmart someone

To defeat or gain an advantage over someone by thinking more cleverly than they do.

Nuance: Outsmart focuses on gaining an advantage through clever thinking or strategy. In this story it contrasts intelligence with physical power, but a difference in physical strength is not required.

The fisherman outsmarted the much more powerful jinni.

The detective outsmarted the thief by setting a simple trap.

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