Vocabulary practice · Episode 94

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 13 min + dynamic ads5 PDF versions available
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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

speak English

To communicate using the English language.

Nuance: This phrase is used to describe the act of using English to express thoughts, ideas, or information. It can imply varying levels of proficiency and comfort depending on context.

When was the last time you spoke English and actually enjoyed it?

Think about that when you speak English.

Expression 2

for a living

As a means of earning money or making a living.

Nuance: This phrase is used to describe one's occupation or how someone earns their income. It often implies a regular or primary source of income.

I teach this language for a living.

So if it happens to you, imagine the person who is three months into learning it.

Expression 3

take with you

To carry or bring something along with you.

Nuance: This phrase is often used metaphorically to mean retaining information or lessons learned, in addition to its literal meaning of physically carrying something.

Everything we talk about today, you can take with you.

So if a word catches you today, you know exactly where to find it.

Expression 4

switch off

To stop paying attention or to disconnect mentally.

To turn off a device or machine.

Nuance: In a figurative sense, it means to stop focusing or engaging with something mentally. Literally, it refers to turning off electrical devices.

And that is exactly why they switch off.

Right. So let's strip all of that away.

Expression 5

paying attention

Focusing one's mind on something.

Being aware of or noticing something.

Nuance: This phrase emphasizes the act of concentrating or being mindful of the present, often used in contexts of learning or mindfulness.

Mindfulness is just this: paying attention to the present moment, without judging it.

You are here. You notice you are here.

Expression 6

in the present moment

Existing or occurring in the current time.

Being fully aware and engaged with the current experience.

Nuance: This phrase is often used in mindfulness and meditation contexts to emphasize being fully present and attentive to the current experience without distraction.

Okay, but Martin, when I am speaking English, I am not "in the present moment."

You are everywhere except in the actual conversation.

Expression 7

room to breathe

Space or freedom to act or think without pressure.

Allowing something to develop or progress naturally.

Nuance: This phrase is often used metaphorically to describe giving someone or something the freedom to grow or develop without constraints.

You are giving the sentence room to breathe.

The English you already speak, with its little cracks, is not broken.

Expression 8

at ease

Feeling comfortable and relaxed.

Free from worry or anxiety.

Nuance: This phrase is often used to describe a state of relaxation or comfort, both physically and mentally.

Relaxed. At ease.

Learn English the way you would enjoy a warm evening — not the way you'd sit a test.

Expression 9

let it go

To release or relinquish something.

To stop worrying about or dwelling on something.

Nuance: This phrase is often used to suggest the act of releasing emotional or mental burdens, allowing oneself to move on.

So let that go.

"Let it go." Even the Stoics were saying it two thousand years ago.

Expression 10

effortless action

Acting without strain or struggle.

Performing tasks with ease and natural flow.

Nuance: This concept, often associated with Taoism, emphasizes achieving goals through natural, unforced actions rather than through effort and struggle.

There is a concept in Taoism — "wu wei". Effortless action.

Flowing instead of forcing.

Expression 11

to notice

To become aware of something or someone by seeing, hearing, or feeling them.

To pay attention to something or someone.

Nuance: 'To notice' implies a conscious act of becoming aware, often used in everyday contexts to describe the act of perceiving something that might not be immediately obvious.

Just noticing.

So two phrases here: "to notice", and "to flow".

Expression 12

to flow

To move in a smooth, continuous way.

To proceed or be produced smoothly and easily.

Nuance: 'To flow' suggests a natural, effortless movement or progression, often used metaphorically to describe speech, writing, or ideas that come easily and without interruption.

Let it flow.

When the English flows, stop analysing it.

Expression 13

this is enough

An expression indicating that something is satisfactory or sufficient.

Used to convey contentment or acceptance with the current state or amount.

Nuance: 'This is enough' is often used to express satisfaction or adequacy, suggesting that no more is needed or desired. It can convey a sense of contentment or resignation.

The feeling of "this is enough".

Your English today is enough to start a conversation today.

Expression 14

you are not alone

An expression of reassurance indicating that someone is not by themselves in a situation.

Used to offer comfort and solidarity.

Nuance: 'You are not alone' is often used to provide emotional support, suggesting that others share similar experiences or feelings. It conveys empathy and solidarity.

You are not alone in it.

"You are not alone." That is the phrase from Ubuntu.

Expression 15

to release

To allow or enable something to escape from confinement.

To let go of something, especially something that is held or trapped.

Nuance: 'To release' often implies freeing something or someone from a physical or metaphorical constraint. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as releasing emotions or stress.

Ho'oponopono is about releasing — letting go of what weighs on you.

"To release." That's the last phrase.

Expression 16

hyper-alert

Extremely or excessively alert.

In a state of heightened awareness and readiness.

Nuance: 'Hyper-alert' describes a state of being overly attentive or watchful, often due to stress or anxiety. It suggests a heightened level of awareness that can be exhausting if prolonged.

You are hyper-alert.

And underneath it all, there's a quiet fear: "someone is going to notice I got it wrong."

Expression 17

alpha state

A state of relaxation and calmness, often associated with a specific brainwave pattern.

A mental state characterized by being awake but relaxed.

Nuance: 'Alpha state' refers to a relaxed yet alert mental state, often associated with creativity and reduced stress. It is a term used in psychology and neuroscience to describe a specific brainwave pattern.

When your brain feels safe and calm, it moves into what scientists call an alpha state.

Relaxed, but awake.

Expression 18

lower the alert

To reduce the level of alertness or readiness.

To decrease the intensity of vigilance or caution.

Nuance: 'Lower the alert' suggests reducing the level of vigilance or readiness, often in response to a perceived decrease in threat or stress. It implies a relaxation of heightened awareness.

Lower the alert.

Tolerate the mistake.

Expression 19

let the mistakes live

To allow errors to exist without correction.

To accept imperfections as part of the process.

Nuance: 'Let the mistakes live' encourages acceptance of errors as a natural part of learning or communication, suggesting that perfection is not necessary. It promotes a relaxed approach to mistakes.

Have one conversation a day where you do not correct yourself. Not once. Let the mistakes live.

Just communicate.

Expression 20

name it in English

To identify or express something using English words.

To articulate feelings or thoughts in English.

Nuance: 'Name it in English' encourages expressing emotions or thoughts in English, which can help in language learning by practicing articulation and vocabulary usage.

When you feel something, name it in English instead of hiding it.

"I'm nervous." "I'm not sure how to say this." "This is hard for me."

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