Vocabulary practice · Episode 84

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.

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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

to break the ice

To make people feel more relaxed when they first meet.

Nuance: A common social idiom; the ice represents initial awkwardness.

Introducing yourself properly is a good way to break the ice.

A friendly question broke the ice at the meeting.

Expression 2

to properly meet someone

To be formally introduced and learn who another person is.

Nuance: Properly adds the idea that earlier brief encounters did not count as a real introduction.

I do not think we have properly met.

We had seen each other before, but we only properly met yesterday.

Expression 3

to show genuine interest

To demonstrate sincere curiosity about another person.

Nuance: Genuine contrasts with politeness that is only superficial.

Asking about their family shows genuine interest.

Good listeners show genuine interest through follow-up questions.

Expression 4

to give someone a hand

To help someone with a practical task.

Nuance: Informal and very common; it does not literally refer to giving your hand.

I can give you a hand with the shopping.

Could you give me a hand moving this table?

Expression 5

to take in a parcel

To receive and keep a delivery temporarily for someone else.

Nuance: Especially common in British English when speaking about neighbours.

I can take in a parcel if you are away.

Our neighbour took the parcel in for us.

Expression 6

to settle in

To become comfortable in a new home, job or community.

Nuance: Intransitive here; settle someone in is the transitive form.

How have you been settling in?

It took her a few weeks to settle in at work.

Expression 7

to get to know someone

To gradually learn more about a person and build a relationship.

Nuance: It describes a process, unlike meet, which can happen once.

I would love to get to know you properly.

We got to know each other during the course.

Expression 8

no pressure

Used to show that someone is free to refuse or decide later.

Nuance: A friendly conversational phrase that reduces social obligation.

We should have coffee sometime—no pressure.

You can answer tomorrow; there is no pressure.

Expression 9

to show up with warmth

To approach a situation with friendliness and emotional openness.

Nuance: Show up can describe not only arriving, but also the attitude you bring.

People remember the warmth you showed up with.

She always shows up with warmth and patience.

Expression 10

to turn a stranger into someone you know

To create a connection with a person who was previously unfamiliar.

Nuance: A figurative pattern: turn A into B means transform one state into another.

A short conversation can turn a stranger into someone you know.

Shared routines turned the neighbours into friends.

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