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Vocabulary practice · Episode 87

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 nod along

To keep nodding as if you understand or agree.

Nuance: It can imply that someone is pretending to follow a conversation.

Do not simply nod along if the explanation is unclear.

He nodded along even though he had lost the thread.

Expression 2

a parent-teacher meeting

A scheduled conversation between a child’s family and teacher.

Nuance: Parent-teacher conference is common in American English.

She prepared three questions for the parent-teacher meeting.

The teacher discussed his progress at the parent-teacher meeting.

Expression 3

an area of improvement

A skill or behaviour that could become better.

Nuance: Often used as a constructive alternative to weakness.

Could we focus on one area of improvement first?

Pronunciation is one area of improvement in her English.

Expression 4

to redirect the pace

To actively change how quickly a conversation or activity is moving.

Nuance: Redirect means guide something in a different direction.

The question helped her redirect the pace of the meeting.

Ask for a pause if you need to redirect the pace.

Expression 5

to break something into manageable pieces

To divide a difficult task into smaller, easier parts.

Nuance: A widely useful learning and problem-solving metaphor.

Break the explanation into manageable pieces.

He broke the project into manageable pieces.

Expression 6

to set a boundary

To clearly state a limit or condition that should be respected.

Nuance: Common in work, relationships and wellbeing contexts.

Asking for one topic at a time sets a boundary.

She set a boundary around after-hours calls.

Expression 7

to report an absence

To officially tell a school or employer that someone will not attend.

Nuance: Report is the formal action; explain the reason only if necessary.

Call the office to report an absence.

Parents can report an absence through the school app.

Expression 8

to be absent from school

Not to attend school on a particular day.

Nuance: Absent is an adjective and normally takes from.

My child will be absent from school today.

He was absent from school because of a fever.

Expression 9

after-school pick-up

The time or process of collecting a child after classes.

Nuance: Pick-up is a noun here; pick up is the corresponding phrasal verb.

I want to confirm the after-school pick-up time.

Traffic is heavy during after-school pick-up.

Expression 10

extra activities

Optional clubs, sports or lessons outside normal classes.

Nuance: Extracurricular activities is the more formal term.

Are the extra activities still running today?

She joined two extra activities this term.

Expression 11

to leave the premises

To go away from the building and the land around it.

Nuance: Premises is plural in form but can refer to one business or institution.

Please confirm the time before you leave the premises.

Visitors must sign out before leaving the premises.

Expression 12

to take up space

To confidently occupy a place or role without apologising for being there.

Nuance: Literal in some contexts, but figurative here: assert your right to participate.

You are allowed to take up space in your child’s education.

She learned to take up space in professional meetings.

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