Brain Fried and Other English Phrases

Introduction

Hello! It’s Kristine here with the Express to Impress podcast. This episode is part two of the episode Introducing the Shadowing Technique for English Learning. In this episode, you will learn new English phrases and idioms. Increasing your English vocabulary for everyday conversations in your personal life and work will allow you to really speak the English language and connect with native speakers.

You’ll learn seven definitions for the English phrases and idioms I used in the last episode. You’ll also get some homework at the end so you can continue to improve your English communication skills. If you’re an English learner and currently work or want to work with native English speakers from the U.S., you won’t want to miss it!

If you like my podcast, don’t forget to subscribe to receive notifications whenever I release a new episode. You can subscribe anywhere you download podcasts like Apple Podcasts, on my YouTube Channel, or my website at www.express-to-impress.com. 

Now, let’s begin!

English Phrases and Idioms

The Beauty of (Something)

Here’s how I used it, “The beauty of this technique is that anyone can do it alone.”

When someone says “the beauty of something,” they’re talking about the quality or benefits of something that makes it good, easy, or worth doing.

The Next Best Thing

Here’s how I used it, “Since most people learning a second language don’t have the opportunity to speak with native speakers often, speaking it on your own is the next best thing.”

The next best thing refers to the second-best option when the first one is not available.

Brain (is) Fried

Here’s how I used it: “In a short amount of time, my mouth becomes tired, and my brain is fried.”

It means your brain is overloaded with thoughts, work, or tasks, causing you a great deal of stress. When your brain is fried, it becomes hard to think, and you need some rest.

Line of Questioning

Here’s how I used it, “I began the same line of questioning.”

We use the English phrase, line of questioning when using a sequence of questions around a specific topic, to lead someone in a certain direction beneficial to our perspective or argument. This phrase comes from courtrooms, where lawyers can ask a sequence of questions to get a witness to support their argument.

Blow Someone Away

Here’s how I used it, “These two non-native English speakers blew me away with their accents.”

It means to overwhelm or significantly impress someone.

Here and There

Here’s how I used it, “I don’t expect perfection with this technique, so I don’t mind if I miss some words here and there.”

It means in, at, or to different places or points.

Pick Up

Here’s how I used it: “I pick up more words each time I hear it.”

In this context, pick up means to acquire things or words.

Business English Group Classes on the Horizon

As you may know, I used to teach Business English classes on Italki. While I loved my students, I stopped teaching the classes to shift my focus to producing this podcast to help more professionals develop Business English communication skills. But soon, I’ll be offering Business English classes again! This time I’ll offer group classes. I can’t wait! If you want to be added to the Business English group class communication list, write to me at hello@express-to-impress.com. I will send you a short survey and share more details about the classes with you. I can’t wait!

English Learning Homework

Alright, that’s all of the idioms and phrases for today! Learning takes repetition and implementation. So, I’ll give you some homework! Listen to this episode again and repeat the words out loud to practice. It will help you to improve your American pronunciation, among other things.

I wouldn’t say I like taking the time to do anything I don’t need to, so I hate to ask others to do the same. But if I know doing something extra that takes minimal effort will be a big help to someone I support, I’ll do it. I’m hoping you feel the same! If you liked this episode, please rate it, leave a comment, subscribe, or share it with a friend! Each of these small actions has a big impact on growing the Express to Impress audience. And if there’s something I can do to support you, write me an email at hello@express-to-impress.com, and I’ll be happy to help out.

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Express to Impress. See you next time. Bye!

 

Music By Lucas Knutter