359 GG Do You Tell People to Pound Sand ...

1111. This week, we look at the phrase "near miss" and why this seemingly illogical term actually makes sense. Then, in honor of National Dog Day, we look at how 16 different dog breeds got their names, including why a dachshund is a "badger dog," a poodle is a "puddle dog," and ... Show More

1110. This week, we talk with Jane Friedman, an expert on the business of being a writer. We look at how to build a strong email newsletter and why it's a critical tool for authors in today's publishing world. Jane shares her best tips for getting started, what to write about, an ... Show More

1109. This week, we look at why kids and video gamers talk about "versing" someone. Then, we look at the linguistics of placeholder words like "whatchamacallit" and "thingamajig," including some fun international examples and the now-obsolete word "whiblin."The "thingamajig" segm ... Show More

Idioms 

Idioms 

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!) 

Learn an English expression about being polite. 

Weird or weird? English spelling is fascinating – but it's not always straightforward! 

In today’s lesson you will listen to one English dialogue and learn 2 new English idioms. The two idioms are "Catch his eye" and "Catch red-handed". These English idioms will enhance your ability to properly use advanced English idioms. This lesson will help you sound more like a ... Show More

Learn an English expression with bite!