For Crying Out Loud and More Idioms in English

Introduction

Hello! It’s Kristine here with the Express to Impress podcast. This episode is part two of 8 Takeaways About US Business Culture: Erin Meyer’s The Culture Map. We have a lot of new English idioms and phrases to cover today! You will learn nine common idioms and phrases with definitions to improve your spoken English. Learning to detect and use idiomatic expressions and phrases will allow you to communicate better with native English speakers. You won’t feel confused when you hear English idioms and phrases and will be able to keep up with the conversation. As always, you’ll get some homework at the end so you can continue to improve your English pronunciation.

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Now, let’s begin!

Phrases and Idioms in English With Definitions

Now, let’s take a look at some phrase and idiom examples and definitions.

 

To Get Kicked Out

 

I’ll take you back to a time that I committed so many faux pas unknowingly that I got kicked out of a yoga class.

This phrasal verb means that someone has been dismissed, or forcefully removed from a place or position. It could happen when the person has done something wrong or was never allowed to be there in the first place.

 

At the Last Minute

 

About four years ago, I slipped into a yoga class with a mat in hand at the last minute.

This idiom means that something is done at the last possible opportunity before it’s too late.

 

Doesn’t Fly

 

But this time, I wasn’t in America, I was in France, and it didn’t fly.

This idiom means that there is no chance that a proposed action or idea will be successful.

 

Bark Out Orders

 

I immediately heard a loud, stern voice barking out orders in French that seemed to be coming from a petite woman at the head of the class.

This idiom means to give instructions in a loud, angry voice.

 

To Pack One’s Bags

 

Most people would pack their bags at this point.

This idiom means that a person is leaving a place or job position suddenly and permanently, usually due to a disagreement.

 

Push Back

 

So, I decided to push back.

In this example, this phrasal verb means to resist something, usually a change or order.

 

To Hang By a Thread

 

Feeling bewildered and resigned to another mishap in Paris, I slung my yoga mat over my shoulder and walked out of the classroom defiantly, my dignity hanging by a thread.

This idiom means that something is very close to failing or having a bad outcome.

 

A lick of (something)

 

Firstly, I didn’t speak a lick of French.

This phrase means a little bit or a small amount of something.

There are a lot of funny idioms in English, like the final one we’ll cover today!

 

For Crying Out Loud

 

It was just a yoga class, for crying out loud.

This informal idiom is used to express anger or frustration.

Now you know some of the best idioms and phrases. I encourage you to start using these idiomatic expressions today!

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English Learning Homework

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 not only expand your English vocabulary but help you to improve your American English pronunciation, listening skills, and intonation. You’ll be doing the Shadowing Technique! If you need a reminder about implementing the Shadowing Technique, check out episode 15, Introducing the Shadowing Technique for English Learning.   

Thank you so much for listening to the Express to Impress podcast. If you found this episode helpful, please remember to share it with a friend. See you next time. Bye!

 

 

Music by Lucas Knutter