English Phrases and Idioms

Introduction

Hello! It’s Kristine here with the Express to Impress podcast. This episode is part two of How to Present Ideas Successfully. You will learn nine new English phrases and idioms about presenting ideas successfully. 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. 

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Before diving into English phrases and idioms today, I want to point out that my podcast is entirely ad-free. It’s something I’m proud of, and I want to keep it that way! Instead, I’d like to ask you, my listeners, to consider donating. If my podcast has helped you with your interview prep or workplace communication, please consider donating. 100% of any amount you give will go to production expenses. You can donate with a debit card, credit card, or Paypal account on my website at express-to-impress.com/podcast.  

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Now, let’s begin!

English Phrases and Idioms

 

See the Light of Day

Though sadly, most of them (good ideas) never see the light of day. 

We use “see the light of day” to refer to something that is revealed and available to the public. 

Be Glued to Something

Now fast forward to 2021, where everyone seems to be glued to their phones.

This means to pay very close attention to something, especially an electronic device.

A Thing or Two

Peter knows a thing or two about how to present ideas successfully.

We say someone knows a thing or two about something when they are knowledgeable about something. It’s almost always used as an understatement. While we say someone knows a thing or two, in reality, they know quite a lot about that topic.

All Ears

You want them to be all ears by the time you present your idea. 

Being all ears means to be ready and eager to hear what someone has to say. Someone who is all ears is prepared to listen intently.

Throw Out

I want to throw out a possible solution to our problem.

Throw out has many meanings, but in this case, it means to utter or propose something casually. Keep in mind that a noun or pronoun can be used between “throw” and “out.” For example, “She threw a list of names out of people who might be interested in joining the volunteer committee.”

Another Story

Many people can convince others’ they have a good idea. But convincing others a good idea is plausible is another story.

We use this idiom to say that one thing is very different from another.

To Boot

You don’t need to have it all figured out, but you need to provide sufficient information and enthusiasm to boot. 

To boot essentially means “on top of that.” It’s an informal phrase that we use to emphasize we’ve just added something extra to a statement. 

(To Be) Hard-Pressed

Imagine someone shares an amazing idea that people love, but it would require technology that hasn’t been invented yet. They would be hard-pressed to find supporters.

Here, being hard-pressed means to have difficulty doing something. It may be possible, but it would be very difficult.

Sit On (Something)

You may find that it’s beneficial to sit on your idea for a while before sharing it with others.

There are various ways you can use the phrasal verb sit on something, but in this case, it means to delay, postpone, or avoid using something.

Alright! That’s all of the English Phrases and Idioms we’ll be talking about today.

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As you learned last week, I’m offering the most generous discount I’ve ever extended on my most popular online video course, “How to Succeed in a Job Interview,” until February 1. For just a few more days, you can get the course for just $39. Then, the price will return to $59. 

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You will learn everything from body language to etiquette to answering questions confidently in the course. You’ll get two in-depth handouts, including 14-pages of common interview questions and tips on how to answer them. 

I invite you to watch the course introduction and the Interview Etiquette and Techniques lessons for free by visiting courses.express-to-impress.com/courses. If you plan to switch jobs anytime in the future, now is the time to get my course.  

English Learning Homework

Alright, learning takes repetition and implementation, and I can’t resist the English teacher in me. So, I’ll give you some homework! Listen to this episode again and repeat the words out loud. It will not only expand your knowledge of English Phrases and Idioms but help you to improve your American English pronunciation, listening skills, and intonation. You’ll be doing the Shadowing Technique! If you need a reminder about implementing the Shadowing Technique, check out episode 15, Introducing the Shadowing Technique for English Learning.  

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