Idioms and Phrases in English
Introduction
Hello! It’s Kristine here with the Express to Impress podcast. This episode is part two of “Why You Should Write Your Own Resume.” You will learn twelve idioms and phrases in English. Expanding your English vocabulary will allow you to communicate better with native English speakers. And as always, you’ll get some homework at the end so you can continue to improve your English communication skills.
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Now, let’s begin!
Idioms and Phrases in English
A Fan of (Someone or Something)
I’m a fan of having a master resume–perhaps one that’s many pages long–that you can cut down once there’s a job you want to apply for.
You can say you’re a fan of something when you strongly like, appreciate, support, or are interested in something.
Cut Down
I’m a fan of having a master resume–perhaps one that’s many pages long–that you can cut down once there’s a job you want to apply for.
The phrasal verb cut down means to reduce the size, amount, or quantity of something.
Have Your (Fair) Share of Something
While I firmly believe that every job seeker should write their own resume, at least the first draft of their resume, I have seen my fair share of resume-writing horror stories.
This means to have a lot or more than enough of something bad.
Horror Story
While I firmly believe that every job seeker should write their own resume, at least the first draft of their resume, I have seen my fair share of resume-writing horror stories.
Here, you can use “horror story” as a noun to describe something bad happening.
Mind You
These are professionals with successful careers, mind you.
We use this informal phrase to stress a preceding or following statement, so it will not be misunderstood.
What in the World
They wrote their resumes on their own, and yet it didn’t work out for them. So, what in the world was the problem?
We use “what in the world” as an exclamation to emphasize surprise, shock, anger, or disgust.
Be Easier Said Than Done
First and foremost, you need to brag about your accomplishments in your resume. It’s easier said than done, I know.
We use this phrase when something is more easily talked about than put into practice.
At (One’s) Fingertips
Sometimes potential clients ask me for specific, measurable results, and I don’t always have the numbers they want at my fingertips.
We use this phrase to describe information that is readily available or accessible.
On the Spot
It’s hard to come up with reliable numbers on the spot, but there’s time to gather this important data when writing a resume.
The phrase “on the spot” means immediately.
Keep in Mind
And keep in mind it’s better to write numbers than spell them so they stand out.
Keep in mind means to think of or remember someone or something. A noun or pronoun can be used between “keep” and “in.”
Out of Thin Air
A resume writer or editor can’t, or rather shouldn’t, come up with these numbers and percentages out of thin air.
We use this expression when something materializes suddenly and unexpectedly.
Let’s Face it
Let’s face it, applicant tracking systems are not humans with emotions that can be forgiving of a few mistakes on a resume, and they filter out qualified candidates every single day.
We use this informal phrase to indicate one should be realistic about an unwelcome fact or situation.
Alright, that’s all of the idioms and phrases in English for today!
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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 idioms and phrases in English 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.
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Music by Lucas Knutter
