Vocabulary practice · Episode 214

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 10 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

make a bet

To agree that someone will win or lose something depending on what happens.

Nuance: A bet may involve money, but the phrase can also describe a friendly prediction.

The farmer made a bet about the hundred carts.

They made a small bet about which team would win.

Expression 2

boast

Talk too proudly about yourself or your achievements.

Nuance: It normally has a negative tone.

The farmer boasted that his ox could pull a hundred carts.

Do not boast about a result you have not achieved yet.

Expression 3

companion

A person or animal who spends time or works with someone.

Nuance: Companion suggests company or a shared journey, not ownership.

The ox had been the farmer’s companion for years.

Her dog was a faithful companion on long walks.

Expression 4

admit you were wrong

To say honestly that your belief or action was mistaken.

Nuance: Admit takes responsibility; it is stronger than merely saying that a problem happened.

The farmer admitted he was wrong to hurt the ox.

I admitted I was wrong about the meeting time.

Expression 5

take your time

Do something without hurrying.

Nuance: This can sound reassuring; tone matters when someone is under pressure.

The farmer told the ox to take his time.

Take your time with the form; I can wait.

Expression 6

loosen your grip

To hold something less tightly.

Nuance: Grip is the way you hold an object; loosen can also suggest becoming less controlling.

The farmer loosened his grip on the rope.

She loosened her grip on the handle when the door opened.

Expression 7

prove a claim

To show that a statement is true with evidence or action.

Nuance: Prove is stronger than repeat or insist on a claim.

The ox moved the carts and proved the farmer’s claim.

The test results helped the team prove its claim.

Expression 8

call someone names

To insult someone with hurtful words.

Nuance: This phrase means using insulting labels; it does not mean speaking a person’s name aloud.

The farmer called the ox names, then apologised.

Children should not call each other names.

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