Vocabulary practice · Episode 174

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–B2ConversationAbout 13 min + dynamic ads5 PDF versions 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

What have you been up to?

A friendly question about someone's recent activities.

Nuance: The present perfect connects recent experience to now; up to can have other meanings in other contexts.

What have you been up to since we last met?

Hi, Sam, what have you been up to?

Expression 2

You mentioned…

A way to return to something the other person said before.

Nuance: Shows attention and invites a follow-up; use a clause or noun after mentioned.

You mentioned you were moving house.

You mentioned an exam; how did it go?

Expression 3

take turns

To alternate doing something with another person.

Nuance: In conversation, both people get space to speak; take turns doing is a common pattern.

We took turns asking questions.

Please take turns speaking.

Expression 4

on paper

According to the recorded facts or plan, which may differ from lived reality.

Nuance: Figurative here; it does not require actual paper.

On paper, Juan had plenty of contacts.

The plan looks excellent on paper.

Expression 5

acquaintance

Someone you know but do not know closely.

Nuance: Less intimate than friend; it does not imply dislike.

She is an acquaintance from work.

An acquaintance can become a close friend.

Expression 6

dread

To feel strong worry about something that is going to happen.

Nuance: Looks forward to an unwanted event; dread doing is a useful pattern.

I was dreading the interview.

He dreaded telling them the news.

Expression 7

go first

To be the first person to act or speak.

Nuance: In the episode it means initiating honest sharing, not winning a race.

Somebody has to go first.

I was nervous, but I offered to go first.

Expression 8

might as well

Used to suggest a reasonable choice when there is no strong reason against it.

Nuance: Gentle encouragement here, not a statement of strong obligation.

Somebody has to go first; it might as well be you.

We are already here, so we might as well ask.

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