Vocabulary practice · Episode 194

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 18 min + dynamic ads5 PDF versions available
FREE TRANSLATED PDF PACKSStudy this episode with support in your language EspañolDeutschFrançaisفارسی Open the PDF library →

A short study session

Read here, or listen on the episode page

This reader does not play audio. The link above opens the episode with this support selected; press Play or Resume when you are ready.

  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.

Readable web version

Vocabulary from the episode

English only. Choose one support language if you need it.

Your reading position will be saved on this browser.

Expression 1

to take part

To be involved in an activity or conversation, rather than only watching or listening.

Nuance: Often followed by in. It can describe active participation even when you say only a little.

That is the difference between understanding and taking part.

Everyone can take part in the discussion, even if they are new to the topic.

Expression 2

tired English

English that feels harder to use when you are mentally or physically tired.

Nuance: A conversational metaphor, not a formal language-learning term. The words may still be known but feel harder to reach.

At ten o’clock, my English is tired.

After a long shift, even simple words can feel far away.

Expression 3

to nod

To move your head up and down, often to show agreement or understanding.

Nuance: Nodding can mean different things across situations. If you have not understood, nodding may give the other person the wrong impression.

Nodding when I have not understood can mislead the other person.

She nodded to show that she agreed with the plan.

Expression 4

to catch something

To hear or understand a word, detail, or part of what someone says.

Nuance: In this meaning, it is common in negatives and questions: «I didn’t catch that» means you did not hear or understand it clearly.

Sorry, I did not catch the last bit.

I caught the main idea, but I missed the date.

Expression 5

sorted

Taken care of, arranged, or successfully dealt with.

Nuance: Common in informal British English: «We’re sorted» means everything is arranged or there is nothing else to do.

The booking is sorted now.

Don’t worry about the tickets; we’re sorted.

Expression 6

cheers

An informal British expression used to say «thank you» or, in some situations, «goodbye».

Nuance: It is casual and friendly. Use «thank you» in more formal situations or when you need to be especially clear.

Cheers for helping me carry these boxes.

Cheers, see you tomorrow.

Expression 7

no worries

An informal way to say that something is not a problem or that someone does not need to worry.

Nuance: It can respond to an apology or a request. It is friendly and common in everyday British English.

No worries, I can repeat that.

Thanks for waiting. — No worries.

Expression 8

you all right?

A common British expression that can mean «hello» or a genuine question about how someone feels.

Nuance: Context and tone matter. In a quick casual exchange, a short reply such as «Yeah, all right, thanks. You?» is usual.

He came in and said, “You all right?”

She looked upset, so I asked, “You all right?”

Expression 9

a streak

A period of doing something repeatedly without missing a day or turn.

Nuance: Apps often use streaks to track daily activity. A streak shows consistency, but it does not prove that the activity is useful or conversational.

I had a very long streak.

She kept her reading streak for thirty days.

Expression 10

to be ready

To have the confidence, ability, or preparation needed to do something.

Nuance: In the episode, waiting until your English is «ready» becomes an excuse to delay real conversations. The phrase can also be literal: prepared to begin.

I was waiting to be ready.

You do not need to be fully ready before you try something new.

Expression 11

to make room for someone

To create space or an opportunity for someone to join a place or group.

Nuance: It can be literal, such as moving a chair, or social: welcoming someone into a conversation or activity.

We told you about the night he made room for somebody in a circle at a party.

They made room for the new student at their table.

Expression 12

a comfortable explanation

A reason that feels reassuring because it avoids an uncomfortable truth or action.

Nuance: Here, «comfortable» is figurative: the explanation protects the speaker from taking a difficult step, even if it is not the whole truth.

It was a very comfortable explanation.

Blaming the delay on bad luck was a comfortable explanation, but it did not solve the problem.

Expression 13

to ask someone to repeat

To request that a person say something again because you did not hear or understand it.

Nuance: A clear, polite request such as «Could you repeat the last part?» keeps the conversation moving and shows that you want to understand.

I asked a girl to repeat something twice.

If you miss a name, ask the speaker to repeat it.

Print or study offline

Choose a PDF version

Each button names the available language, format and file size. No email or account is required.

If a PDF does not open, use the complete web reader above and try the download again later. The episode audio remains available on its own page.

Put it back into context

Now listen for what you studied

The resource is support; the listening is the lesson. Return to the same episode and continue from your saved position.

Open episode 194 →