Learn two idiomatic expressions to describe old and worn out things. Discover the technique of distressing to give new items a vintage appearance. Andrew and Suzanne share their experience renovating an old house. Explore the meaning of 'seen better days' and its usage examples. Hear a conversation about a chipped coffee mug and a stressed coworker. Discuss the importance of offering support to a friend in need.
The idiom 'seen better days' is used to describe something or someone that is old, worn out, or deteriorated.
'Worse for wear' is used to describe something or someone that is in poor condition due to wear and tear or having endured difficult situations.
Deep dives
Expression: Seen Better Days
Seen better days is used to describe something or someone that is old, worn out, or deteriorated. It refers to a time in the past when the thing or person was in a better condition.
Examples:
1. A friend's laptop is running slow and he says it has seen better days. He thinks it's time for an upgrade.
2. Two friends find a chipped chair at a garage sale. One says it has seen better days, but with some TLC, it could be a nice addition to the room.
Expression: Worse for Wear
Worse for wear is used to describe something or someone that is in poor condition due to wear and tear or having endured difficult situations. It implies that the thing or person has deteriorated over time.
Examples:
1. A coworker notices a chipped coffee mug and says it looks worse for wear. The coworker suggests getting a new one.
2. Two coworkers discuss their friend Lisa, who seems down and not her usual self. They mention that she looks worse for wear due to work-related stress.
There are many different ways to talk about things that are old and worn out in English. In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne teach you two idiomatic expressions you can use to describe these things: seen better days and worse for wear.
Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. This series teaches you how to use everyday expressions, idioms, and slang to improve your speaking and listening skills.
Fun facts
In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about giving old things new life by fixing them up. What’s interesting is that sometimes people do just the opposite: they buy new things and intentionally make them look old. This technique is known as distressing. It involves creating artificial signs of wear and tear in order to give items a vintage appearance.
Expressions included in the study guide
Seen better days
Worse for wear
TLC
Heyday
Past its prime
Wear and tear
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Pixabay (Pexels.com)
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