Vocabulary practice · Episode 189

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–B2StoriesAbout 6 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

hold on to

To keep a firm grip on something rather than let it go.

Nuance: In this story the meaning is physical; retain both on and to before the object, as in hold on to the rail.

The traveller held on to his cloak in the wind.

Hold on to the handrail when the bus starts moving.

Expression 2

give up

To stop trying to do something.

Nuance: It can stand alone or be followed by an -ing form: give up trying; the past form is gave up.

The Wind gave up when blowing harder did not help.

I did not give up trying to solve the puzzle.

Expression 3

persuade someone to do something

To get someone to agree to an action through reasons or a convincing approach.

Nuance: Use persuade + person + to + verb; persuasion differs from forcing someone to act.

The Sun persuaded the traveller to remove his cloak by making him warm.

She persuaded her friend to join the walk by describing the view.

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