Vocabulary practice · Episode 192

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 15 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

a dry spell

A period with little or no rain.

Nuance: Used for weather and figuratively for a period without something expected.

The garden suffered during a long dry spell.

After the dry spell, everyone welcomed the rain.

Expression 2

an earthy smell

A natural smell like damp soil after rain.

Nuance: Earthy often suggests soil and a natural, fresh quality.

Rain brought an earthy smell into the garden.

I love the earthy smell after a summer storm.

Expression 3

take shelter

Move to a protected place because of weather or danger.

Nuance: Take shelter is more specific than simply go inside.

We took shelter under a tree during the shower.

The walkers took shelter when the wind became strong.

Expression 4

a stroke of luck

An unexpected piece of good fortune.

Nuance: It usually describes a helpful event that was not planned.

Getting two tickets was a stroke of luck.

Finding my keys was a real stroke of luck.

Expression 5

beginner's luck

Success that happens when someone is new to an activity.

Nuance: It can be playful and does not deny that the person may improve later.

Her first win may have been beginner's luck.

I got it right on my first try, perhaps through beginner's luck.

Expression 6

leave something to chance

Depend on luck rather than making a plan.

Nuance: Usually used negatively when preparation is wiser.

Do not leave the result entirely to chance.

We checked the route instead of leaving it to chance.

Expression 7

fine

Acceptable or satisfactory, but not necessarily excellent.

Nuance: Fine can sound less enthusiastic than great.

Tuesday is fine with me.

The plan is fine, but it could be better.

Expression 8

doomscrolling

Continuing to read upsetting news online for too long.

Nuance: An informal digital-culture word with a negative feeling.

I started doomscrolling after a worrying headline.

He stopped doomscrolling before bed.

Expression 9

a dramatic claim

A striking statement that may need context or evidence.

Nuance: Dramatic can describe the style of a claim, not proof that it is true.

The headline made a dramatic claim without context.

Check a dramatic claim before you share it.

Expression 10

hold on to

Keep something firmly or refuse to let it go.

Nuance: It can be literal or figurative.

The traveller held on to his cloak.

She held on to the old photograph.

Expression 11

persuade

Make someone agree or do something by giving reasons or encouragement.

Nuance: Persuade is gentler than force.

The Sun persuaded the traveller with warmth.

She persuaded me to try the course.

Expression 12

good value for money

Worth the price because of its quality or usefulness.

Nuance: It compares benefits with cost, not simply a low price.

The coat was good value for money.

This course is good value for money.

Expression 13

quiet quitting

Doing the duties in a job description without regularly taking on extra work.

Nuance: It does not literally mean resigning.

Quiet quitting does not usually mean leaving a job.

They discussed quiet quitting and workplace boundaries.

Expression 14

set clear boundaries

Make limits and expectations known.

Nuance: Often used about work, time and relationships.

Set clear boundaries before extra work becomes expected.

We set clear boundaries about weekend messages.

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