Vocabulary practice · Episode 207

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 6 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

rain cats and dogs

To rain very heavily.

Nuance: Informal and colourful; use it for heavy rain rather than a light shower. 'It is pouring' is a neutral alternative.

The picnic was cancelled because it was raining cats and dogs.

Take an umbrella; it is raining cats and dogs.

Expression 2

every cloud has a silver lining

A difficult or disappointing situation can have a positive side.

Nuance: A hopeful expression, but it may sound dismissive if someone needs sympathy or a chance to be heard first.

The picnic was cancelled, but cooking together was a silver lining.

Losing one opportunity led her to a better one; every cloud has a silver lining.

Expression 3

a storm in a teacup

A lot of worry or anger about a relatively unimportant issue.

Nuance: Common in British English; 'a tempest in a teapot' is an American variant. It expresses the speaker's judgment that the problem is small.

Their argument over the blanket colour was a storm in a teacup.

The dispute over a tiny change to the sign became a storm in a teacup.

Expression 4

under a cloud

Regarded with suspicion or disapproval.

Nuance: It indicates that suspicion exists, not that wrongdoing has been proved. It differs from 'under the weather', which means feeling unwell.

The manager left the company under a cloud after questions about missing money.

The official remained under a cloud while the allegations were investigated.

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 207 →