Learning English Conversations The English We Speak: Off base
Nov 25, 2025
Discover the expression 'off base,' meaning someone's idea is far from reality. Hear amusing tales of cake decorating gone wrong and costume fitting mishaps that illustrate this phrase. Explore example uses and learn how adding modifiers like 'totally' or 'completely' can emphasize its meaning. Dive into the baseball origins of the term, connecting it to being in the wrong place. It’s a fun and educational chat that sharpens your English skills!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Baking Ambition Goes Wrong
- Beth offered to bake a princess cake but discovered she couldn't decorate it well.
- She describes the result as looking more like a monster than a princess.
Meaning And Common Modifiers
- 'Off base' means mistaken or far from reality and often pairs with modifiers like totally or way.
- The hosts highlight informal emphasis words and common usage contexts.
Costume Measurements Misjudged
- Feifei mismeasured a costume and made it too small for her son.
- She admits being 'way off base' about the measurements.