Dive into the fascinating world of idioms and vocabulary, starting with 'under the weather' and 'to milk it'. Explore the ethical dilemmas of exploiting others' misfortunes for sympathy. Enjoy a quirky story about Barry, who exaggerates his cold for attention but faces serious consequences as his health spirals downward. Discover the meanings of words like 'aside' and 'trepidation' while practicing pronunciation. This engaging journey highlights the importance of honesty and care in both language and life!
The idiom 'under the weather' is commonly used in casual settings to describe feeling unwell, typically referring to minor ailments.
The term 'spiral' conveys the rapid deterioration of a situation, highlighting its relevance in both personal struggles and organizational issues.
Deep dives
Understanding Everyday Idioms
The episode introduces the idiom 'under the weather,' which describes a state of feeling unwell or poorly. This expression is often used in casual conversations to denote minor ailments, such as a cold or a slight fever. For example, the speaker uses this idiom when asking their children about their health or when they themselves feel a bit off. It's important to note that this phrase is typically reserved for non-serious illnesses, highlighting its common use in everyday language.
Exploring the Concept of 'Milking It'
'To milk it' is another idiom discussed, meaning to exploit a situation for maximum benefit, often in a somewhat dishonest way. The speaker illustrates this concept with the hypothetical scenario of someone exaggerating their misfortunes after a natural disaster to garner attention and aid, even after their situation has improved. An example provided is that of a person asking for excessive sympathy after an accident, despite their ability to perform simple tasks. This idiom captures the idea of taking advantage of a situation for personal gain, emphasizing the thin line between seeking help and manipulation.
The Importance of Context in Vocabulary
The podcast also covers the verb 'spiral,' which refers to a situation that deteriorates rapidly and progressively worsens. An example provided is that of a company's finances spiraling out of control due to reckless management, conveying the urgency of the situation. This term can also apply to personal struggles, such as emotional or mental health issues where an individual may feel overwhelmed by their thoughts. By linking this verb to relatable scenarios, the podcast illustrates the importance of context in fully understanding the nuances of vocabulary.
E339: 🎙️ Hello and welcome to The English Like a Native Podcast. My name is Anna, and you're listening to Week 40, Day 2 of Your English Five a Day. This series focuses on increasing your active vocabulary while also improving your listening skills.
🥛 First up on today's vocabulary list are the idioms "under the weather" and "to milk it". Then, we move on to the verb "spiral", followed by the adverb "aside". Last but not least, we finish our list with the noun "trepidation".
🤧 We'll practise pronunciation together and use these terms in a story that brings them to life. In that story, we'll see how Barry exaggerates his cold to get sympathy from his girlfriend Geena. Initially, he enjoys the attention, but his condition soon spirals into a serious illness. Realising the consequences of his actions, Barry learns a lesson about honesty and health.
⭐ ENGLISH LIKE A NATIVE PLUS ⭐
Join English Like A Native Plus - a membership allowing you to access the bonus episodes, plus live classes and all podcasts' transcripts & vocab lists. Become a Plus Member here: https://englishlikeanative.co.uk/elan-podcast/
Five-a-Day Database Access all the vocabulary covered in the Five-a-Day series. This database is constantly updated. You can even make a copy and personalise it with your own example sentences. Get access now by joining my ELAN Newsletter 👈
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode