Vocabulary practice · Episode 98

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.

B1VocabularyAbout 4 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

back to square one

Back at the starting point because an attempt or plan failed.

Nuance: Informal and common. Use be back to square one or go back to square one.

So you were back to square one.

For example: the computer lost our work, so we are back to square one.

Expression 2

a blessing in disguise

Something that seems bad at first but later brings an unexpected benefit.

Nuance: Use it after the positive result has become visible.

Then the rain was a blessing in disguise.

Losing one opportunity can be a blessing in disguise if it leads to a better one.

Expression 3

go with the flow

Accept what is happening and adapt instead of trying to control every change.

Nuance: Informal. It suggests flexibility in a particular situation, not a refusal to make decisions.

My picnic was gone. I could complain all afternoon, or I could go with the flow and enjoy the pizza.

We had no fixed schedule on holiday, so we went with the flow.

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