Learning New English Vocabulary

Introduction

Hello! It’s Kristine here with the Express to Impress podcast. This episode is part two of How to Learn a New Language. You will learn eight new English idioms and phrases. If English is your second language, expanding your English vocabulary will allow you to communicate better with native English speakers.

You’ll also get some homework at the end so you can continue to improve your English communication skills.

Don’t forget to subscribe to receive notifications whenever I release a new episode. You can subscribe anywhere you download podcasts like Pandora, Apple Podcasts, or my website at express-to-impress.com.

Now, let’s begin!

 

Idioms and Phrases to Expand Your English Vocabulary

A Means to an End

For some people, learning another language is a means to an end.

This idiom refers to something you do because it will help you achieve something else.

Talk About (Something)!

Talk about motivation!

This is an informal term used to emphasize what you are saying.

Come in Handy

It will come in handy when you need a pick-me-up!

This is an informal phrase that means something is useful.

Pick-me-up

It will come in handy when you need a pick-me-up!

A pick-me-up is something that cheers a person up, makes them happy, restores them, or gives them more energy. Coffee is commonly referred to as a pick-me-up.

Stay Put

But with the onset of the pandemic, I stayed put, in Brazil!

“Staying put” refers to when a person or object remains somewhere without moving or being moved.

Have a Leg Up

I also had a huge leg up as my partner speaks Portuguese fluently.

This phrase means to have an advantage over someone.

Good for a Laugh

I’m certain my pronunciation and intonation were far from perfect, but it was good for a laugh.

This simply means something is amusing or funny and can make people laugh.

Burning with (Something)

Many learners are burning with enthusiasm at the beginning.

In episode 21, I explained you could use Burning Desire when you are extremely interested in something or want to do something very much. Similarly, to burn with something means to strongly feel a particular emotion, which in this case, is enthusiasm.

 

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Communicating clearly, confidently, and effectively in job interviews and the workplace is critical for your career success. Having a robust English vocabulary will help, and that’s one reason I produce the Express to Impress podcast.

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English Learning Homework

Alright, that’s all of the English idioms and phrases for today! Learning takes repetition and implementation. So, I’ll give you some homework! Listen to this episode again and repeat the words out loud to practice. It will not only expand your English vocabulary but help you to improve your American pronunciation, listening skills, and intonation.

If there’s something I can do to support you, write me an email at hello@express-to-impress.com, and I’ll be happy to help out.

Thank you so much for listening to the Express to Impress podcast. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend. See you next time. Bye!

Music by Lucas Knutter