logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2025
19 m

186 - Expression: To Play It By Ear

Shana Thompson
About this episode
In today’s episode, you’ll learn the common English expression “to play it by ear,” which means to improvise or make decisions without having a fixed plan. We’ll look at where the expression comes from, how to use it naturally in conversation, and go over three everyday examples to help you understand it clearly. You’ll also hear a lighthearted joke involvi ... Show More
Up next
Aug 21
197 - 5 Prepositions Advanced Speakers Still Get Wrong (with Lucas!)
Think you’ve mastered English prepositions? Think again. In this episode, I sit down with my husband Lucas (an advanced English speaker) to tackle 5 prepositions even fluent speakers still get wrong. We’ll cover:✅ Invest ____✅ Be interested ____✅ Participate ____ / Take part ____ ... Show More
25m 11s
Aug 14
⭐ Feature: The Incredible Flight of "Lawn Chair" Larry
In today's episode, you’ll hear the incredible story of a man named Larry Walters, or "Lawn Chair" Larry, who bought over 40 weather balloons, attached them to a lawn chair in his backyard and flew 16,000 feet up in the air. The story is weird and funny, and it gives way to a lar ... Show More
30m 21s
Aug 7
196.2 - Invasion of Burmese Pythons in South Florida
In this wild episode, we dive deep into the Burmese python invasion in Florida’s Everglades, which is one of the most unexpected and dramatic ecological crises in U.S. history. It all started with exotic pet owners, relaxed laws in the '80s and '90s, and one catastrophic storm: H ... Show More
39m 13s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2021
AE 952 - Expression: Scaredy Cat
Send us a textLearn Australian English in this Expression episode of the Aussie English Podcast.These episodes aim to teach you common English expressions as well as give you a fair dinkum true-blue dose of Aussie culture, history, and news and current affairs.In today's epi ... Show More
17m 20s
Mar 2025
Bonus episode #141 – Living like a local
In this episode, Andrew shares a couple more stories from his recent trip to Hawaii and reflects on some unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences he and his wife had during their travels. Listening to authentic, natural English from a native speaker is one of the best ways to impr ... Show More
23m 30s
Apr 2025
Bonus episode #144 – A Little Bit of Everything
In this episode, Andrew shares a mix of real-life updates and personal stories, from sleeping alone in a queen-size bed to trying to fix a podcast recording disaster. He also talks about replacing social media habits with Japanese reading practice and learning how to do DIY home ... Show More
20m 27s
Nov 2024
Catch Word #281 – Just the ticket
In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Suzanne teach you two useful expressions that describe when something is exactly what you need. These expressions are perfect for situations when you get something that suits you perfectly or brings you comfort. You will learn how to use “ex ... Show More
24m 12s
Feb 2025
Bonus episode #136 – Onwards and upwards
In this episode, Andrew talks about going to his nephew’s elementary school graduation and realizing the power of celebrating small wins. He shares how a simple ceremony can bring families closer, boost confidence, and lead to bigger successes. He also explains why supporting eac ... Show More
12m 12s
Aug 2024
Catch Word #278 – Left to your own devices
In this episode of Catch Word, Andrew and Kassy teach you two useful expressions for describing situations where you are left alone without support: “Left to your own devices” and “High and dry.” With several helpful example conversations, they discuss the meaning and nuance of t ... Show More
21m 49s
Apr 2025
Catch Word #284 – A dead ringer
Have you ever seen someone who looks exactly like someone else? In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy teach two fun English expressions: “A dead ringer” and “A spitting image.” You’ll hear clear examples, learn the difference between the two, and understand when and how to ... Show More
24m 47s
Jul 17
Catch Word #286 – Tone it down
Have you ever been in a situation where someone was being too loud, too intense, or acting like they're better than everyone else? In today's episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two essential expressions that native English speakers use all the time to ask someone to change the ... Show More
27m 21s
Jan 2024
#4- 16 Phrasal Verbs, Slang Words & Expressions for Shopping
<< Download the Study Packet and Transcript HERE >> In this episode of the Real Life English with Gabby podcast, we’ll dive into the world of shopping. You’ll be introduced to 16 popular American phrasal verbs, slang words, and expressions related to shopping, such as splurge, BO ... Show More
17m 59s
Jan 2025
#424 - Test Your English! — Do You Know These 20 Advanced Expressions for Everyday Life? Improve Your Vocabulary for Real-Life Situations
Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App.   The English language is packed with idiomatic expressions — those quirky phrases that often don't make sense if you take them literally. But once you learn how to use them, they can bring a whole new level of col ... Show More
36m 20s