Let the cat out of the bag - English Vocabulary Lesson # 111

source: Learn English with Let's Talk    2014年01月10日
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Let the cat out of the bag - English Vocabulary Lesson # 111
Are you a person who lets out secrets unintentionally? A person who can't keep a secret, is someone who always lets the cat out of the bag.
The idiom 'to let the cat out of the bag' means to reveal a secret or a surprise by accident.
You give out information that you shouldn't, or reveal a surprise without intending to and you actually kill the surprise element.
Letting the cat out of the bag may be a symptom of being a blabbermouth or having loose lips. So when you let the cat out of the bag, it means that a secret slipped out just like a cat escaping from a bag.
For example, if a couple is at a family dinner, the husband announces that his wife is pregnant, he let's the cat out of the bag. He reveals a surprise before time even though he didn't intend to.

Example 01 : Lisa was shocked when her friend let the cat out of the bag about her suspension from school.
Example 02 : William didn't let the cat out of the bag before time; and waited to gift his wife on their birthday.
Example 03 : Despite stopping him, Peter let the cat out of the bag about Kevin's plan of resigning.
Example 04 : Her friends were shocked when Jessica let the cat out of the bag about her plastic surgery.
Example 05 : Dressed as Santa Claus for his grandchild, grandfather didn't let the cat out of the bag by revealing his real identity.
Example 06 : Though mother never let the cat out of the bag about her smoking habit, her daughter was shocked to see her smoking.
Example 07 : Amy's friends didn't let the cat out of the bag about her surprise birthday party before the actual day.
Example 08 : Gloria and Cathy share all their secrets and never let the cat out of the bag about each other's life.
Example 09 : Diana lost interest in the book after her friend let the cat out of the bag about the suspense.
When was the last time you let the cat out of the bag and realized that you shouldn't have?

Talking about MOVIES in English

source: English Lessons with Adam [engVid]   2014年2月17日
quiz: http://www.engvid.com/vocabulary-talk...
# vocabulary:
--genre: such as sci-fi, science-fiction, documentary, etcetera.
--a "chick flick" (a very emotional movie)
--"bromance" (a romance involving bros, brothers, two guys who might be a little bit too close to each other. They're not gay, they're just two good friends.)
--a "romcom" (a romantic comedy)
--"Cut to the chase" (Get to the point, get to the exciting part, get to what you need to say. Don't waste time.)
--"That's a wrap." (Meaning finished, we're finished, we're done, let's move on to the next thing.)
--"miscellaneous"
--An "A-lister" is a very top level celebrity; actor, actress, musician, etcetera.
--cameo
--blockbuster
--box office (smash)
--premiere
--debut
--cast
--director/producer
--sequel / prequel
--epic

SMS English ( Lesson) - Modern English abbreviations and Shortened text...

source: Learn English with Let's Talk  2014年1月27日
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Some common shortened text messages:
1. BRB - Be right back
2. BTW - By the way
3. BYOW - Bring your own booze.
4. LOL - Laugh out loud.
5. ROFL - Rolling of the floor laughing.
6. TGIF - Thank God its Friday.
7. HB2U - Happy birthday to you.
8. SOB - Stressed out bad.
9. Gr8 - Great!
10.TTYL - Talk to you later.
11.ZZZ.. _ Sleeping
12.IDK - I dont know.
13.CIAO - Good bye.
14.2NYT - Tonight
15.LMAO- Laughing my ass out.
16.M8 - Mate
17.NE1 - Anyone
18.EOD - End of debate
19.COS/CUZ - Because
20.N2S - Needless to say
21.CUL8R - Call you later.
All acronyms are originally internet slangs but now widespread in other forms of computer mediated communication. So be more emphatic and express your bodily reactions while texting with this SMS.

Internet Safety

source: EnglishLessons4U - Learn English with Ronnie!    2014年3月4日
Quiz: http://www.engvid.com/internet-safety/

Traffic & Commuting - Phrasal Verbs & Vocabulary

source: Learn English with Let's Talk   2014年3月29日
http://www.letstalkpodcast.com
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# Traffic Expressions:
--Stuck in traffic
--Traffic congestion
--Transportation woes
--Gridlock
--Maelstrom
--Traffic jam: a long line of vehicles on a road that cannot move or can only move very slowly.
--Bumper to bumper traffic: when cars are traveling so close together that their bumper bars are almost touching
--Hold ups: a situation that stops something from happening or making progress
--Road rage: violence and angry behaviour by car drivers towards other car drivers
--Rush hour / Peak hour: the time of day when the roads, buses, trains etc are most full, because people are travelling to or from work

# Phrasal Verbs
--Run out of (gas /petrol): "I ran out of petrol on the highway and had to wait for 1 hour until help arrived"
--Pull over: "I was driving too fast and the police signalled for me to pull over"
--Pull out: "The car pulled out right in front of me and I almost hit it"
--Run over: "I am so upset because this morning I ran over a cat on my way to work"

Talking about Clothing -- Shirt -- Basic English Lesson

source: Learn English with Let's Talk   2014年4月5日
1. put on a shirt
2. wear a shirt
3. take your shirt off
4. change your shirt
5. change into a shirt
6. change out of a shirt
7. roll up your sleeves
8. pop your collar (some people do this to look cool)
9. tuck in your shirt
10. spill something on your shirt / spill something all down your shirt
11. iron your shirt
12. button up your shirt
13. unbutton your shirt
14. get your shirt dry-cleaned
15. go shirtless (for men)
16. go topless (for women)

How to politely end a conversation? - Business English

source: Learn English with Let's Talk   2014年5月21日
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Here are some ways to end or depart a conversation gracefully.
1. Body Language -
Carefully observe body language.Signs the other person is ready to leave include a wandering gaze, a small step away from you, and increasingly shorter responses to what you say. Other behavior telling you they want to go are putting things in a bag or putting on a jacket or sweater.

2. Pause -
Wait for a pause and offer a handshake.As the other responds, say, "It was great talking with you" or "I have a few more things to do but I enjoyed our conversation. See you later."

3. Apoligize but be firm -
Offer an apology."I don't want to keep you any longer/I can see you're busy, but it was good to see you."

4. Appreciate -
Say you have to leave. You can say, "I'm sorry but I have some things I have to get done today." Remain polite but firm.

5. Smile and say goodbye.
This will communicate you're friendly. You could add something about being happy you've had a chance to talk.

6. Suggest.
If you want to see the other person again, suggest meeting in the near future. Be specific. "How about next Wednesday morning?" is better than "We'll have to get together soon."

Describing a bad day at work

source: Learn English with Let's Talk 2014年6月26日
http://www.letstalkpodcast.com
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1. Can't stand office politics -- unable to bear or can no longer take something. It is beyond your tolerance level.
2. kissing up : butter up someone. When you want favors from influential or important people in your office, you speak very sweetly and sugar coat your words.
3. call the shots -- to make important or big decisions.
4. to move up the ranks -- to climb the career ladder.
5. boss always tries to micromanage -- to have a strict control/excessive control
6. breathing down my neck- too watch too closely in a way that annoys you.
7. I'm spread too thin -- to handle too many things
8. salary and benefits leave a lot to be desired -- highly unsatisfied
9. to be done yesterday- immediately
10. wrap up- to conclude/ finish

Difference between Problem, Trouble & Issue

source: Learn English with Let's Talk   2014年6月22日
http://www.letstalk.co.in
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--The word "problem" is connected with the word "solution". A problem is something negative that needs to be solved. Some bad things that happen can't be called "problems" because they're unsolvable. For example, if you broke your leg, you probably wouldn't call your broken leg a "problem". The broken leg can't be fixed. On the other hand, figuring out how to get to work with a broken leg is a problem.
--"Trouble" is less connected to solutions. It's more connected to negative feelings that you get when bad things happen.
--"Issue" is associated with difficult decisions and disagreements. We use "issue" in a similar way to "problem" or "trouble", but it also has another meaning. It can mean a topic that people are talking about or disagreeing on. Social issues and political issues are examples of this kind of "issue".

Vocabulary and Phrases - Football or Soccer

source: Learn English with Let's Talk  2014年6月16日
The way football is played now was first codified in England. Nowadays, it is governed by the FIFA, "Fédération Internationale de Football Association" (International Federation of Association Football.)
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Talking about Alcohol & Drinking in English (Advanced English vocabulary)

source: Learn English with Let's Talk   2014年6月5日
Vocabulary related to drinking liquor:
Sober - Before a person drinks any alcohol, they are sober.
Bartender - a person who serves alcohol, usually alcoholic beverages behind the bar in a licensed establishment.
Brewski -- It is slang word used for cold beer.
Pitcher / Pint -- Pitcher is a large jug of beer, whereas a pint is a small bottle of beer.
Heavy Drinker - A person who drinks a lot of liquor
Aperitif - a small drink of alcoholic liquor taken to stimulate the appetite before a meal. It helps develop a good appetite.
Cocktails and Mocktails - Cocktails is a mixed alcoholic drink that requires mixing either with one type of alcohol with juices, soft drink and other fruits juices or mixing multiple alcoholic drinks with juices or ice tea.
Mocktail is any mixed drink that does not have alcohol. The name mock tail is derived the word 'mock' meaning to "imitate or mimic" referring to mock tails imitating a cocktail as it seems very similar to a cocktail but does not have alcohol or any other spirits.
On the rocks- Whisky served undiluted with ice cubes.
Neat -- neat is to drink alcohol straight up without diluting with any juice or beverage.
Shot -- Alcohol served undiluted in small glasses.

Phrases to talk about someone who is drunk:
Tipsy -- When your are slightly drunk you feel a little unsteady, staggering, or foolish from the effects of liquor.
Bombed -- when one is highly intoxicated by drinks.
Three sheets to the wind -- This is a popular phrase used for someone who is extremely drunk. It is mostly a sailors language.
Plastered - Being in a temporary state in which one's physical and mental faculties are impaired by an excess of alcoholic drink.
Hung-over -- The sickness caused by drinking excessive alcohol.

How to tell a story (Past Events) in English?

source: Learn English with Let's Talk   2014年7月18日
http://www.letstalkpodcast.com
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First step to tell a story is to link your ideas together. Once you sequence them it is easy for you to put it in words.

Beginning
If you are going to tell your story after someone else has already spoken to you, then you can start by saying:
- That reminds me!
- Something similar happened to me.
- Words like Firstly, to start off with can help you to start telling your story or any past event.

Continuing
Words that help you to connect or continue your story are:
- Then
- After that
- Next

Interruptions / New elements to the story
While you are telling your story and certain elements have to be added then you can use words like:
- Suddenly
- Unexpectedly

Ending
To end the story words that can be used are:
- Finally
- In the end
- Eventually
- Lastly

Tenses
Varieties of tenses are used to tell stories such as:
1) Present Tense -- used for telling jokes, or to give a dramatic effect.
2) Past simple- used to tell a story in a chronological order
3) Past continuous -- used to describe activities in progress at the time of your story or give a background to it.

Talking about men you like

source: Learn English with Emma [engVid]  2014年7月15日
quiz: http://www.engvid.com/talking-about-m...
--He's manly / sexy / hot / hairy / tall and lanky / skinny / suave / charming / romantic / loaded / well-dressed / thoughtful / athletic / muscular / flirty.
--He's a smooth talker / a good dresser / a mama' boy / a bad boy / a gentleman / a joker / a flirt.
--He has killer abs / a 6-pack.

On an Airplane - English Vocabulary Lesson

source: Learn English with Let's Talk   2014年7月22日
http://www.letstalkpodcast.com
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http://www.letstalk.co.in

To board a plane | Embark - To get on the plane which is ready to takeoff.
Cabin - The interior of the aircraft.
Flight attendant - Man or Woman who provides service for passengers during a flight.
Aisle - the long empty space that you walk down ( between the seating rows)
Overhead bin - The place above the seats for storing luggage.
Galley - A kitchen or an area with kitchen facilities in a plane.
Cockpit - The part of the plane where the captain and his co-pilots sit.
Pilot - The person who drives/flies the plane.
Co-pilot - Person who helps the captain fly the plane.
Taxing - Driving an airplane to the correct place for taking off or deboarding.
Take-off - When the plane leaves the ground.
Motion sickness - A bad feeling in the stomach that passengers get during a rough ride in a plane.
To cruise - To fly at a constant speed that permits maximum operating efficiency.
Turbulence - Violent or unsteady movement of air.
Call light - A button passengers can press to get a crew member's attention.
Flight entertainment - Refers to the entertainment available to aircraft passengers during a flight.Usually LCD screens on the back of the seat playing movies and songs.
Refreshments - Drinks and snacks offered to passengers during the flight.
Touch down - When the aircraft wheels land on the ground.

Body Appearances

source: Learn English with Let's Talk - Free English Lessons   2014年8月2日

Gorgeous – someone who is very pretty
Lovely – Beautiful woman
Head turner –It implies that when a woman or man walks down the street, people turn their heads to focus their attention on her/him.
Stunning- means extremely beautiful, like a woman who is so beautiful that she attracts a lot of attention!
Charming - someone who is very pleasing and appealing
Attractive – someone who is very pretty
Hot – Slang for a good looking woman or man
There are times we do come across some fat and thin people, so let’s learn the right words that can be used for such people.

Vocabulary for Fat people
Flabby - typically used for fat around arms, stomach, thighs, and butt.
Chubby – Describing fat kids
Husky /Heavyset – Describing fat men
Plump /Curvy – Describing fat women however curvy is more positive connotation
Obese – For extremely fat people

Vocabulary for thin people
Lean – thin and muscular
Wiry – thin and muscular
Petite- Short and thin
Lanky- Tall and thin
Skinny – very thin mostly used in a negative manner
Slender – thin

12 Phrasal Verbs about CLOTHES: dress up, try on, take off...

source: Learn English with Emma [engVid]   2014年7月31日
http://www.engvid.com/
quiz: http://www.engvid.com/12-phrasal-verb...
dress up / zip up / button up / do up / have on / put on / try on / throw on / take off / kick off / wear in / hang up

# Click this line for relevant grammar videos: phrasal verbs

The difference between ‘passed’ and ‘past’

source: Learn English with Let's Talk - Free English Lessons 2014年7月30日

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Passed
The word 'passed' is the past simple of the verb pass or the past participle of the verb:
Example 01: She passed the exam with distinction. Pass = to be successful in a
Example 02:The secretary passed the message to me. Pass = hand over (give)
Example 03:We had passed the shop 5 times before we saw it. Pass = to move past

Past
The word 'past' is not a verb. It has several uses. 'Past' is usually related to a time before the present or to indicate movement - from one side of a point to another.
Example 01: This past month was a difficult time for me.
Example 02: Thankfully all the trouble we had with the neighbors is all in the past.
Example 03: John ran past. He didn't even see us.