Vocabulary practice · Episode 185

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–B2Everyday EnglishAbout 4 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.
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Vocabulary from the episode

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Expression 1

an earthy smell

A smell that reminds you of soil or damp ground.

Nuance: Earthy describes a quality of the smell; it does not mean that the whole planet smells this way.

An earthy smell rose from the garden after the rain.

The mushrooms had a rich, earthy smell.

Expression 2

a dry spell

A period with little or no rain.

Nuance: Here spell means a period of time, not magic; long and prolonged often describe a dry spell.

The garden needed water after a long dry spell.

Farmers were worried that the dry spell would continue.

Expression 3

release into the air

To let a substance leave its source and enter the surrounding air.

Nuance: Use release + something + into the air; the passive form is be released into the air.

Crushing mint leaves releases their scent into the air.

The machine releases steam into the air.

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