In this episode, we explore hyperboles, dramatic and exaggerated figures of speech commonly used in American English. Shana and her mom, Mara, share everyday examples and discuss their meanings in a fun, relatable conversation.
What's a hyperbole?
- Hyperboles are not meant to be taken literally. They emphasize a point or evoke strong feelings such as humor, drama, or enthusiasm. For example: "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."
Everyday Hyperboles
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“I’m melting”: Used when feeling extremely hot.
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This bag "weighs a ton”: Describes something very heavy.
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“As old as dirt”: Refers to someone or something extremely old.
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“My mouth was on fire”: Indicates eating very spicy food.
Losing Body Parts (Metaphorically!)
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“Cry your eyes out”: Feeling extreme sadness.
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“Laugh your head off”: Laughing uncontrollably.
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“Dance your feet off”: Dancing with great energy.
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“Sing your heart out”: Singing with passion and volume.
More Common Hyperboles
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“Bored to death”: Extremely bored, as Mara describes watching football.
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“Floating on air”: Feeling extremely happy, such as discovering you’re going to be a grandparent.
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“So angry you could explode”: Expressing intense frustration.
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“Tastes like heaven on earth”: Describing an exceptionally delicious dessert.
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“In your wildest dreams”: Imagining something extraordinary, like meeting Jane Austen.
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“Speechless”: Amazed or overwhelmed, often by a breathtaking experience.
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To be on top of the world: To be thrilled, or feel ecstatic / excited about life.
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“Everyone and their mom”: EVERYONE and more.
Mentioned in the episode
Season 4
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