The idioms "Elbow Grease" explained. You'll also hear some exmapled from movies/series.
On the Vocab Man, we cover interesting idioms, expressions, phrases and sayings to make you a better English speaker.

Interview Links

• WORLD NEWS QUIZ on Luke's English Podcast
• Learning English WIth The News (also on Luke's English Podacst)
• What is the idea of Simple English News Daily Podacst? (short clip)
• My interview with Stephen (How to learn English with a news podcast)

Links

• Stephen Devincenzi on Linkedin
• Send7.org (where the learning with news happens)

Definition of Elbow Grease

The idiom "elbow grease" refers to physical effort or hard work, especially manual labor that requires physical exertion. When someone suggests using "elbow grease," they are typically emphasizing the need for diligent and strenuous effort to accomplish a task, often involving activities like cleaning, scrubbing, or any manual work that requires energy and perseverance.

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Some example phrases

1. "To get the stain out of the carpet, you'll need to apply some elbow grease and scrub it vigorously." 2. "Cleaning the garage will take some serious elbow grease, but it'll be worth it in the end."

1. "If you want those shoes to shine, put in some elbow grease while polishing them."
2. "The garden won't look its best unless you put some elbow grease into weeding and pruning."
3. "Fixing up an old bicycle requires more than just spare parts; it needs some elbow grease to make it ride smoothly again."

In this bonus episode, Bob explains some slang words that he is using when he is with his friends.
Bob's interview about him learning Spanish. https://youtu.be/31cDHLU-MHY?si=vRUxcr13xpIrtymb

Bob's YouTube Channel. GN Bob
MONDAYS with Bob
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https://www.speakpipe.com/myfluentpodcast_VOCAB_MAN

Hello learners of English!
The idiom Knock Yourself Out explained and with examples.

• Head over to Stephen's Podcast SEND 7 (News Podcast)
• Check out Stephen's first appearence where he covered the phrase Looking Forward To on The Vocab Man.
• Merriam Webster on Know Yourself Out

📬🎤Send in a voice Message via Speakpipe and become part of The Vocab Man.
Thanks for listening, Daniel.

If you want to learn English idioms, useful expressions, slang, then The Vocab Man podcast is something you might like.

The Expression "I Can't Be Bothered" Explained

According to Vanessa, don't use this expression in the US! (https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxIvdnjYd-hRnKnCLcpTJLLVY673oo8-On?si=0_IEBKa4Z60jIJEO)

Speak English With Vanessa (Don't Use it in the US)

Send a voice message to the VOCAB_MAN via speakpipe.com
(Tell us something about your favorite expression or ask questions)

The meaning of Grand Theft Auto.
Grand Theft Auto Trailer
EmpBruh Baron Black

D'ont hold your breath explained, with examples.

Learn what the idiom “Don't hold your breath” means.
It is a humerous way of saying, this will never happen. Why humerous, because try to hold your breath, how long can you hold your breath? Well, if you hold your breath, you will certainly die. So don't hold your breath. It tends to be used sarcastically and the speaker is expressing skepticism

EA Learning English - Video Lessons
https://youtu.be/oKjvoifOsJc?si=hocOSQPN14wLPfrr

Tutor Nick P
Don't Hold Your Breath - Idioms (640) Origin - English Tutor Nick P
https://youtu.be/B6rtSSL2-BU?si=G0LOFC0D9tnZOBkm

@aaawesomeenglish
Informal American idiom: Don’t hold your breath
https://youtube.com/shorts/LB_njG4sjTE?si=ayjLOxATaRV9WojX

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You might talk about your favorite expression, idiom, saying or whatever.
You might also say from where you are.

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Daniel

To Pull Someone's Leg explained.
I'm pulling your leg!

Head over to the interview with Sarah. 133 Reading in Italian until fluent - Sarah Ifeoma

Different meanings of "To Pull Someone's Leg":

1. To Tease or Joke Playfully:
   • Example: "I was just pulling your leg when I said the boss was looking for you."
2. To Deceive or Mislead in a Light-Hearted Manner:
   • Example: "Don't believe him; he's just pulling your leg about the surprise party."
3. To Engage in Friendly Banter or Prank:
   • Example: "John loves pulling his sister's leg by pretending to be a ghost in the dark."
4. To Play a Light-Hearted Trick or Practical Joke:
   • Example: "The kids pulled their teacher's leg by hiding all the chalk before class."

Alternative Phrases:

1. To Jest with Someone:
   • Example: "I was jesting with you; there's no need to take it seriously."
2. To Tease Gently:
   • Example: "She was just teasing, don't let it bother you."
3. To Engage in Light Banter:
   • Example: "We were just engaging in some light banter; no harm meant."

Etymology Stories:The origin of "to pull someone's leg" is a bit unclear, but several theories exist:

1. Theatrical Origin:
   • One theory suggests it originated in the theatrical world. In early theater, actors would literally trip or pull each other's legs to create comedic effects. Over time, this physical action evolved into a metaphor for playing a joke.
2. Pickpocketing Connection:
   • Another theory links it to pickpocketing. Some say that thieves would trip their targets to distract them while stealing from their pockets, giving rise to the expression.
3. Old English Slang:
   • There's also a belief that it's rooted in Old English slang where "pull" meant to trick or deceive. "Pulling someone's leg" could have been a figurative expression evolving from this linguistic background.
4. Nautical Origins:
   • A less common theory ties it to nautical slang, where "leg" referred to a rope. Pulling someone's leg might have been akin to figuratively pulling a person with a rope, suggesting trickery.

What is the meaning of Let Bygones be Bygones? What is its etymology?
Check out the article I wrote about Let Bygones Be Bygones: Let Bygones Be Bygones - The Vocab Man Podcast - Medium

#englishexpressions #englishidioms #englishlearning #englishvocabulary #videoclips #learnwithclips #videoshort

What is a Jack O'Lantern?

We discuss the meaning of "Grand" in the phrase "You Are Grand", which India from Ireland sayd to me when I was appologizing for having interrupted her.

Learn English with the Vocab Man!

Full Interview wiht India
https://youtu.be/PZFnwsVkYo8?si=x_AbRa2VJdJ0xW4j

The Vocab Man Podcast - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@thevocabman/featured

Irish Slang Words and Phrases: A Local’s Guide 2020 (tandem.net)
https://www.tandem.net/blog/irish-slang-words-phrases

List of other prases with alternative ways of saying "I interrupted you"

1. 'm so sorry for cutting you off. Please go ahead."
2. "My apologies for interrupting you. Please continue."
3. "I didn't mean to cut you off. Please finish what you were saying."
4. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. Please go on."
5. "Forgive me for jumping in. What were you saying?"
6. "I apologize for speaking over you. Please continue your thought."
7. "Sorry for the interruption. Please carry on with your point."
8. "I realize I interrupted you. Please, take the floor."
9. "My apologies for breaking in. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts."
10. "I'm sorry for not letting you finish. Please, share your perspective."
11. "I feel bad for interrupting. Please go ahead and complete your statement."
12. "I'm aware I cut you off. Please accept my apologies and continue speaking."

Martin Johnston's favorite word is "to smooch". It's a funny verb and I like it too.
Visit Martin's website rocknrollenglish.com and tune in into his great English learning Podcasts. Let's Rock N'Roll, baby!
Rock N'Roll Bible
Full interview here: Episode 128 of My Fluent Podcast

To Be Off The Hook explained.

Full Interview with Eugeniu AKA Lingo Junkie:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1JnvSgTkM4PNGR8rCyCwuQ?si=Yzcc2mjCTMeou8vOpZGj0A

Lingo Junkie - YouTube

In this episode, Stephanie Fuccio from the Geopats Podcast discusses the various meanings and uses of the word "chip." She highlights its different forms as a noun, a verb, and even as a name in some cases. Focusing on the verb form, she introduces the phrase "to chip away at," explaining that it involves gradually breaking off small pieces of something large until the task is completed. Stephanie provides examples of how this phrase can be applied to physical and mental tasks, emphasizing its versatility. She concludes with a lighthearted note, acknowledging the listeners' dedication to learning English phrases by chipping away at them.

STEPHANI'S Podcast: Geopats: cultural isolation ends here on Apple Podcasts
Music:
Scott Holmes Music - Stomps and Claps - Free Music Archive
Stomps and Claps by Scott Holmes Music is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

Freesound - "Retro Funk 20.03.2022 1714.m4a" by sonically_sound
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

We explain the idiom" living under a rock".
You have been living under a rock if you didn't know The Vocab Man. (I'm just kidding)

More examples:

JAMES, an enthusiastic pop culture fanatic, sits on the couch, surrounded by posters and action figures. EMILY, his friend, enters the room, holding a tablet.
EMILY
Hey, James! Have you heard about that new superhero movie?
JAMES
(looking perplexed)
What superhero movie?
EMILY
(confused)
Are you living under a rock? It's been all over the news and social media for weeks!
JAMES
(defensively)
Hey, I'm not living under a rock. I just haven't had time to catch up on the latest news.
EMILY
(raising an eyebrow)
Sure, James. Just like when you didn't know who won the World Cup last year?
JAMES
(smirking)
Okay, that time I might have been living under a rock. But not this time!
EMILY
(laughing)
Alright, I'll fill you in. It's about a group of superheroes saving the world from an alien invasion.
JAMES
(excited)
Wow! That sounds awesome! I need to get out from under this rock more often!
They both share a laugh as James grabs the tablet to catch up on the superhero movie buzz.

The phrase/quesion "What's it to you" explained with examples.

"What's it to you?" is an idiom often used in spoken English to express annoyance or to question why someone is interested or concerned about a particular matter. It can have different nuances depending on the context and tone of the speaker. Here's a breakdown of the phrase:

1. "What's": This is a contraction of "What is." It introduces a question or inquiry.
2. "it": Refers to the subject or topic under discussion or consideration. In this case, it represents the matter the speaker is referring to.
3. "to you": Indicates that the speaker is questioning the other person's involvement or interest in the matter. It suggests that the person being addressed doesn't have a legitimate reason to be concerned about it or that their concern is unwanted.

To Have A Thick Skin explained with Examples.

Today, we discuss the phrase "I am game" and give a few examples and synonyms.
Pioneers of The Continuum (Podcast for English Learners)
https://open.spotify.com/show/5THJiTVCQO1ICPtPoBvs3r?si=3e13715d6d1f46da

Do you want to participate on The Vocab Man Podcast?
Contact Daniel:

myfluentpodcast@gmail.com

Without Any Futher Ado explained.

Check out the fantastic English learning podcast: Luke's English Podcast.


Shakespeare's Comedy is called "Much Ado About Nothing"

Why we shouldn't say without any further ado?

Stop saying ‘without further ado’ (and do this instead) (franticallyspeaking.com)
https://franticallyspeaking.com/stop-saying-without-further-ado-and-do-this-instead/