On today’s podcast, you’ll learn 8 more colloquial expressions so that you can sound more like a native speaker.

Voice message from Sara from Spain
XI’m listeningX (I listen) to your podcast almost every day
Really nice intonation and stress
It’s a good idea to vary your listening and not only listen to us!

8 common colloquial expressions – Part 10
(the other 9 episodes: 410, 391, 385, 382, 381, 379, 375, 373, 371)

1. The thing is…
   We use “the thing is” to introduce an explanation, comment, or opinion that relates to something that has just been said.
   “The thing is” is often used to identify a problem relating to what has just been said.
   Example: ‘Why didn’t you invite me?’
   ‘Well, the thing is, I didn’t think you would want to come.’

1. Kind of/sort of (Pron:kinda/sorta)
   a) A replacement or alternative to the real thing.
   Example: “I used my shoe as a kind of hammer to fix the car door.”

b) Partially, a bit
Example “I’m kind of sad that I didn’t have a Christmas dinner this year.”
“I’m feeling sort of hungry, even though I’ve recently had my dinner.”

c) when something is difficult to describe.
Example: a podcast is sort of a radio show for the internet.
His shirt is kind of a greenish-blue colour.

3.Par for the course
Normal, typical, or to be expected (especially when something is a source of annoyance or frustration)
Example: Of course we’re not getting a rise in salary this year. That’s just par for the course at this company.

Up to par
As good as what was expected, required, or demanded; satisfactory or adequate.
“The food was up to par with its usual standard.”
“It’s nice to see that Reza’s podcasting is up to par today.”

4.to put someone on the spot
to force someone into a situation in which they must make a difficult decision or answer a difficult question.
Example: “I don’t want to put you on the spot, but how much money do you expect to make next year?”

5.to give the go-ahead
To give permission to do something
Example: We’ve been given the go-ahead to sign the contract with a podcast sponsor.
(Also, “to green light something” – “The council has given the green light to the new shopping centre.”
Also, “to give the OK” – “My boss has given me the OK to go home early from work tomorrow.”)

6.to lose your train of thought
“I’ve lost my train of thought. I’ve totally forgotten what I wanted to say.
(Also, to have a senior moment or to have a brain fart – “My forgetful old grandfather often has senior moments in the middle of a conversation.”)

7.to cut corners
to do something in the easiest or cheapest way
“There’s often a temptation to cut corners when time is short”
“You can’t cut corners with the safety of passengers on a plane, even though it costs a lot.”

8.to brainstorm
hold a group discussion to produce ideas.
“Reza and Craig brainstormed some ideas for future podcast episodes.”

…and now it’s your turn to practise your English.
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Send us an email with a comment or question to craig@inglespodcast.com or belfastreza@gmail.com

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In next week’s episode: The Old Satchel by Jose Molino Marco

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