Vocabulary practice · Episode 184

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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  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

Sorry, I didn’t catch that.

A polite way to say that you did not hear or understand what someone said.

Nuance: It sounds softer than “What?” and focuses on the message, not your English level.

Sorry, I didn’t catch that. Could you repeat the name?

I didn’t catch that over the music.

Expression 2

the last bit

The final small part of what someone said.

Nuance: Informal and useful when you heard most of a sentence but missed its ending.

I got the meeting time, but I missed the last bit.

Sorry, what was the last bit you said?

Expression 3

give someone something to work with

To provide enough specific information for someone to respond or help.

Nuance: In this episode, a precise repair request tells the other person what to repeat.

Tell me which word you missed; that gives me something to work with.

A clear question gives the teacher something to work with.

Expression 4

Would you mind …?

A polite way to ask someone to do something.

Nuance: Use it with a verb in -ing; it is courteous, not excessively formal.

Would you mind saying that again, a bit slower?

Would you mind moving a little closer?

Expression 5

fill in the gaps

To guess missing information from what you already know.

Nuance: It can describe how the brain understands incomplete speech in a noisy place.

I heard the beginning and filled in the gaps.

Context helps you fill in the gaps when a speaker talks fast.

Expression 6

keep up with

To continue at the same speed or level as something.

Nuance: With a conversation, it means following it as it moves forward.

I can keep up with one person, but not with a whole group.

Slow down a little so everyone can keep up.

Expression 7

jump in

To join a conversation or activity that has already started.

Nuance: Usually friendly when you add a relevant comment or question; it is less forceful than “butt in”.

Sorry to jump in, did you say you were from Krakow?

Feel free to jump in if you have an idea.

Expression 8

butt in

To interrupt a conversation rudely or without being invited.

Nuance: It often has a negative tone, especially when you speak over another person.

He kept butting in before she could finish.

I do not want to butt in, but the train is leaving.

Expression 9

make room for someone

To create physical or social space so another person can join.

Nuance: It can mean moving your body or deliberately including someone in a group.

She moved her chair to make room for the new student.

A good host makes room for quieter people.

Expression 10

be left out

To be excluded from an activity, group or conversation.

Nuance: It describes the feeling of not being included, often without anyone saying it directly.

Nobody wants to be left out of the conversation.

Invite her over so she does not feel left out.

Expression 11

I should get going.

A natural, polite sentence for starting to leave.

Nuance: It signals an exit without sounding abrupt; add a positive comment after it.

I should get going, but it was great to see you.

It is getting late, so I should get going.

Expression 12

I should let you go.

A considerate way to end a conversation by giving the other person an exit.

Nuance: It suggests that you respect their time, even if they have not said they need to leave.

I should let you go; I know you have an early start.

Thanks for calling. I should let you go now.

Expression 13

stay in the room

To remain involved in a conversation instead of withdrawing after a difficulty.

Nuance: Figurative here: it means staying present and engaged, not literally remaining in one place.

Ask for repetition and stay in the room.

You do not need every word to stay in the room.

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