Tag: LEARN ENGLISH

Under the Hammer (with transcript)

Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #679 Under the Hammer (with transcript)

The Phrase Under the Hammer, the gun that killed John Lennon and actress Pamela Salem dies.

https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/679-Under-the-Hammer-with-transcript-e2g9eo2

Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/141Y6dHtNSfuvQVd2cda1AAoiWpmSEqU6/view?usp=drivesdk

The Rising Trend of Cafe Bars (Essay)

The rising trend of café bars in the UK mirrors a broader cultural shift towards more versatile and sociable dining and drinking experiences. These hybrid spaces, which blend the relaxed atmosphere of a coffee shop with the more vibrant energy of a bar, cater to a wide array of preferences and schedules, reflecting the increasingly flexible lifestyles of their patrons. This essay explores the factors contributing to the popularity of café bars, the impact they have on local communities and social habits, and the potential challenges and opportunities they face.

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To Fall Through (with transcript)

Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #674 To Fall Through (with transcript).

Today I talk about the phrase “to fall through”,the young couple who lied about a house sale falling through and a story about a woman defending her seat on an airline. https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/674-To-Fall-Through-with-transcript-e2g2t1m

Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R1RwlljBdc4KKhyjPmnLP_t2zv6OPO56/view?usp=drivesdk

Getting Nowhere Meaning (from Today’s Podcast)

The expression “getting nowhere” is used to describe a situation where no progress is being made or when someone is not achieving any success despite their efforts. It suggests that despite the time, energy, or resources invested in trying to accomplish something, the outcome remains unchanged or the goal remains unattained. This phrase can be used in various contexts, from personal endeavors like trying to learn a new skill without seeing improvement, to professional scenarios where efforts to complete a project or achieve a target are proving fruitless. It conveys a sense of frustration or stagnation, where actions do not lead to any significant advancement or positive results.

  1. In a professional context: Despite the team’s overtime and weekend work, the project’s completion date seems no closer. The manager sighed and admitted, “We’re getting nowhere with this approach; it’s time to rethink our strategy.”
  2. Learning a new language: After months of trying to learn Japanese on her own, Maria felt she was still unable to hold a basic conversation. She expressed her frustration to a friend, saying, “I’ve been studying every day, but I feel like I’m getting nowhere.”
  3. In personal fitness: Kevin had been going to the gym regularly for the past year but saw little change in his physique. Disheartened, he told his trainer, “I’ve been consistent with my workouts, but it seems like I’m getting nowhere with my fitness goals.”
  4. In a relationship: Emma and Alex had been attending couples therapy to work on their communication issues. However, after several sessions with little improvement, Emma reflected, “We’ve been trying to work through our problems, but it feels like we’re getting nowhere. Maybe it’s time to reconsider our approach.”

Auctions – An Explanation (B2)

Auctions can be categorized into several types, each with unique rules and strategies. The most common include:

  1. English Auctions: Also known as open ascending price auctions, these involve bidders openly submitting higher bids until no further bids are made. The item is sold to the highest bidder. This type is prevalent in traditional auction houses and online platforms like eBay.
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Examples of “Head nor Tail”

More examples, supporting my podcast from this morning.

  1. I’ve read the instructions for the new software several times, but I can make neither head nor tail of them.
  2. After listening to the lecture, I could make neither head nor tail of the professor’s main argument.
  3. She told me her plans for the weekend, but I could make neither head nor tail of what she actually intends to do.
  4. The plot of the movie was so complicated that I could make neither head nor tail of it by the end.
  5. I received an email from the bank about my account, but I can make neither head nor tail of its content.
  6. He gave me directions to his house over the phone, but I could make neither head nor tail of them and got lost.
  7. The witness’s testimony was so contradictory that the jury could make neither head nor tail of it.
  8. I tried reading the philosophical text, but I could make neither head nor tail of the author’s theories.
  9. The financial report was filled with so much jargon that I could make neither head nor tail of our company’s performance.
  10. After trying to decipher the ancient manuscript, the historian admitted that he could make neither head nor tail of its meaning.

To be “Hard Pushed” (with transcript)

Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #667 To be Hard Pushed” (with transcript), I talk about the phrase “hard pushed”, the man who threw away his USB worth millions and we talk about Kelly Clarkson’s song Stronger. https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/667-To-be-Hard-Pushed-with-transcript-e2fouhk

Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZRaNJvcbNlwr_llDhvJ2lb7FhlmPXSdX/view?usp=drivesdk