Vocabulary practice · Episode 164

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

to grill someone

To ask someone many direct questions in rapid succession, making the exchange feel uncomfortable or like an interrogation.

Nuance: Informal and usually critical. The image comes from cooking food over intense heat; in conversation it suggests pressure, not friendly curiosity.

Juan grilled Priya with fourteen questions and shared nothing about himself.

The interviewer grilled me about every gap in my CV.

Expression 2

free information

An unrequested detail in someone’s answer that offers a natural direction for the conversation.

Nuance: Here free means volunteered rather than without cost. It is a conversation technique: notice the details the speaker gives you and respond to one of them.

Lisbon was free information, so Martin could ask about the trip.

When she mentioned her late shift, she gave us free information about her work.

Expression 3

to give something away

To reveal information, a feeling or a fact that was previously hidden or unknown.

Nuance: The phrasal verb can also mean to donate something or give it for free. In this episode it means revealing a small piece of information about yourself.

Adding one personal detail gives something away and helps the other person connect.

His expression gave away how nervous he felt.

Expression 4

to backchannel

To give short verbal or non-verbal signals that show you are listening while another person is speaking.

Nuance: Typical backchannels include mm, right, oh really? and did you? They support the speaker without taking over the conversational turn.

Julia backchannelled with an interested ‘Oh really?’.

A few natural backchannels made the video call feel less formal.

Expression 5

your mind goes blank

You suddenly become unable to remember what you wanted to say or do.

Nuance: The expression describes a temporary mental block, often caused by pressure, nerves or surprise. Blank evokes an empty page or screen.

Juan’s mind went blank after Priya answered his question.

My mind went blank when I had to introduce myself.

Expression 6

a safety net

A backup method or source of support that helps you when your first approach fails.

Nuance: The literal safety net catches someone who falls. Figuratively, it is a fallback, not a rigid procedure that must always be followed.

The four topic directions are a safety net when your mind is empty.

Savings gave her a safety net while she looked for a new job.

Expression 7

What keeps you busy?

A broad, friendly question asking what currently occupies someone’s time or attention.

Nuance: It is more open than What do you do? because the answer can involve work, family, study, hobbies or any current commitment.

Martin suggests ‘What keeps you busy?’ instead of asking directly about a job.

What keeps you busy outside university?

Expression 8

How are you finding it?

How are you experiencing something, and what is your opinion of it so far?

Nuance: This common British question is useful for a new job, course, city or experience. Find means experience or perceive here, not discover or locate.

Priya could ask Juan, ‘How are you finding the course?’.

You moved to Bristol last month — how are you finding it?

Expression 9

to find your way around

To learn how to navigate a new place or understand how a new environment works.

Nuance: It can describe physical orientation in a neighbourhood or learning the routines and systems of a new workplace, course or organisation.

Juan is still finding his way around after moving to a new city.

It took me a week to find my way around the new office.

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