logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2024
26m 46s

Don't steal my thunder! The history of i...

American Public Media
About this episode
The cat's out of the bag!  We’re back with a brand new episode, and we didn’t cut any corners!  This one is all about idioms, those funny expressions that don’t make sense until you know what they’re supposed to mean, like "steal my thunder" or "it's raining cats and dogs." Join Joy and co-host Zyah to learn all about the history behind some of the most comm ... Show More
Up next
May 13
How did soccer start?
Soccer is the most popular sport on the planet. But how did it get its start? And why do some people call it “soccer”, while others call it “football?” Hear the answers to these questions as Joy and co-host Brooke learn about the history of the sport, plus the story of the first ... Show More
27m 7s
May 6
Bird poop facials and toilet masks: Skin care of the past
There are so many trends in skin care, from fun-shaped pimple patches to Korean sheet masks. They might seem like the latest fad, but did you know some of these beauty treatments have been around for hundreds of years? Join Joy and co-host Roop as they look back through skin care ... Show More
26m 52s
Apr 29
Why did it take so long for the U.S. to pick its national anthem?
It’s super common for a country to have a national anthem. That’s an official song that is sung at special events and is supposed to bring people together. The United States of America’s anthem is called The Star Spangled Banner. But it took a long time, and a lot of contests, to ... Show More
30m 38s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2022
#12 - English Vocabulary - The most important idioms in English with Jay
In this episode, we’re focusing on an interesting and fun part of vocabulary - idioms. I’m sure you’ve heard of idioms. Ya know: kicked the bucket. It’s raining cats and dogs. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. A picture paints a thousand words. These are all examples o ... Show More
5m 43s
Sep 2025
480. 5 common and everyday English idioms you need to know
In today's episode, we're going to cover some of the top, must-know idioms that you'll hear in English! These idioms are great to sprinkle into your own conversation, but it will also help your comprehension when you understand other speakers better. Idioms are those funny little ... Show More
11m 43s
May 2023
664 - Idioms With Animals
In this episode, you can learn idioms with animals. The Happy English PodcastHelping people speak English better since 2014Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads📘 Get free weekly English lessons plus instant access to my FREE Vocabulary Workshop.:https://learn.myhappyenglish. ... Show More
7m 13s
Jun 2023
What is an Idiom in American English?
<p>In this episode, we&#39;ll explain what idioms are and how they have both <strong>literal and figurative</strong> meanings. Idioms are phrases that have a special meaning that is different from the words&#39; actual definitions. We&#39;ll explore popular idioms, find out where ... Show More
3m 2s
Jan 2020
Ep. 17 Ten More American Idioms
tail spinning
17m 56s
Sep 2025
Idioms about Money: English Podcast for Beginners & Intermediate
Welcome to English Unleashed! 🎧 In this episode, Tom and Sarah teach you 6 very useful English idioms about money in clear, simple English. Perfect for beginners and intermediate learners (A2–B1). 💡 You will learn: Flat broke – when you have no money at all Tighten your belt – ... Show More
19m 36s
Sep 2020
8 Idioms That People Actually Use!
<p>An idiom is a phrase that you can't guess the meaning to if you haven't heard it before. These are some useful ones that anyone learning English should know. (To see them written out, check the YouTube version of this episode!)</p> 
11m 39s
Nov 2020
#209 - 12 Beautiful English Idioms to Help you Understand Natives
If you have a soft spot for idioms, this podcast will take your breath away! Ethan and Andrea teach you 12 beautiful idioms so that you can understand their meaning and start using them in conversation. Plus, they answer the question we so often get asked: what's the difference b ... Show More
32m 44s
Apr 2021
#229 - 15 Useful Idioms: Weather Idioms to Use in Daily Conversation
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This week's podcast is all about idioms! Part of being fluent in the language is being able to speak with idiomatic expressions when they're appropriate. For example, when someone asks you "How are you?", don't always fall back to the old "I'm f ... Show More
37m 14s
May 2023
#364 | Do Idioms Really Matter?
<p><strong> </strong></p><br><p>There are thousands of idioms in the English language. Idioms are often present in the books we read, the shows we watch, and in everyday conversations.</p> <br> <p>In this episode, we’ll look into the different types of idioms, how to learn them e ... Show More
20m 15s