ESL Podcast 611 – Having an Overbearing Father

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=9187534

- grown (a): become adult

I'm nearly a grown woman

- overbearing (a): control too much

You don't need be so overbearing. 

- to live by ~ to comply ~ to follow (rules)

you'll live by my rules

- curfew (n): the time you have to be at home (ex: 9pm )

I'll be home before curfew. 

- to tag along : to go swhere with sb when you're not expected to go with

I'm not going over to Damien's with you tagging along as our chaperon

======

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2010/08/100802_witn_uae_blackberry_page.shtml

- outright ban: complete prohibition

But the firm's refusal has led the government to issue its strongest statement yet. It calls the devices "a threat to national security". But given its popularity here, an outright ban will be controversial.

- to spark : to cause

But given its popularity here, an outright ban will be controversial. The move has already sparked widespread criticism.

- lucrative : profitable

But whilst this country is a lucrative market for the firm, it remains a small one. There are just 500,000 BlackBerry users across the country.

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 610 – Preparing to Travel

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=9167648

- to hold my mail : to not to deliver mail 

I've gone to the post office and filled out a form so they'll hold my mail while I'm gone

- to suspend : to not to do things temporarily 

I've also called the newspaper office to have my newspaper delivery suspended

- utility : service provided by government to you (water, gas, electricity)

- to cut off: to stop providing a service

Tomorrow I'll arrange for my bank to automatically pay my bills so I won't have my utilities cut off 

- to have (got) sth covered (informal): to have already fixed the problem , to control the problem

It's nice of you to offer, but I've got it covered

- to board : to pay for the animal to be at kennel

- kennel : place to leave pet while you're not at home , like a hotel for pet

I could board him at a kennel,

- to pitch in : to help / assist sb for sth (small thing)

- to be a sucker : to be easily cheated

 I'm willing to pitch in, but I'm no sucker! 

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

Mamma Mia!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/newsenglish/britain/080715_mamma_mia.shtml

- ever so-beloved : very popular

- silver screen: the cinema

The ever so-beloved West End musical Mamma Mia! has finally been taken from the stage to the silver screen.

- legendary : very famous

The film is based on the songs of legendary Swedish pop band ABBA

- bride-to-be: woman who is going to get married

Mamma Mia! uses the music of ABBA to tell the story of Sophie Sheridan, a 21-year-old American bride-to-be

- A-list cast : the actors in the film are from the top group of respected performers

Some people say maybe it is the mature A-list cast that makes the film work so well

===============

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2010/09/100909_6min_selfhelp_page.shtml

- self-help ~ self-improvement : solving your problems without having to ask others for assistance

- low-point : very difficult time in personal's life

people who are having real challenges in their lives, maybe they're at a low-point and they really do need some quick help

- junkie ~ addict

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 593 – Staying Home from School

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8899187

- to play hooky: to not go to school while you're supposed to do or to leave school soon without permissions

You're not sick. You're playing hooky.
- to put one over sb (infromal): to fool / trick sb

You're not going to put one over on Mom

- to give sb such a hard time: to bother sb

No, she won't, and why are you giving me such a hard time

- to cut class: ~ to play hooky : to not to go to school 

- now and then: sometime

I may cut class now and then

- foolproof (a): can not be failed, always be successful

I have a foolproof way of doing it so I don't get caught. 

- to forge notes: to make an illegal copy of sth

You mean you forge notes from Mom to let you get out of class for doctor's appointments and things like that. I know all about that.

- to pick things up (in this context): to understand from what has been observed 

I keep my eyes and ears open. I pick things up. 

.
--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 601 – Paying an Unexpected Visit

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=9028446

- a formal expression to say : why're you here?, what are you doing here ?

Hi, this is a surprise. To what do I owe this pleasure? 

- to drop in sb: to visit sb informally and without noticing in advance

Can't I just drop in on my little sister unannounced to see how she is

- to pay sb a visit: to visit sb

I would pay you a visit. 

- to be out of the blue : to be unexpected, don't think it happen

Of course, I'm glad to see you, but this is just a little out of the blue. 

- to happen to be : to happen by chance, without planning

I haven't seen you in over five months, and you just happened to be in the neighborhood? 

- out with it (informal) : to tell sb that they have to give the answer directly

Okay, out with it. What are you doing here? 

- to pursue : to try to discover info about a subject

I was thinking of taking a year off from school to pursue my art. 

- to devote : to spend a lot of time / effort for particular thing

I really feel I need to devote some time to my painting to see if I can make it as an artist. 

- i'm just saying : to emphasis what we said right before

You've always been the responsible one...I'm just saying... 

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 596 – Applying for Unemployment Benefits

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8948902

- to qualify : to meet basic requirement to do sth

- to be eligible for sth ~ to qualify

Yes, I was. I qualify, don't I? 

- to affirm : to officially state / declare

- to seek employment : to look for a job

 You have to affirm that you're able to work and that you're actively seeking employment

- to be meaning to do sth: to intent to do sth

I've been meaning to ask you, are you hiring? 

========================

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2010/07/100730_witn_bangladesh_page.shtml

- key link roads : very important roads which connect major areas of the city and are used by many people

- factory district: an area with lots of buildings where large amounts of goods are manufactured

Officials say thousands of workers first blocked one of the city's key link roads and then started attacking several cars in a factory district.

- key sector : very important part

More than three million people, mostly women, work in Bangladesh's garment industry, which is a key sector of the country's economy.

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 590 – Paying Airline Fees

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8869358

- to tack on sth: to include sth in addition , to add sth 

Haven't you noticed all of the fees the airlines are tacking on these days?

- oversize , overweight (a) : larger or weigh more than it's usually allowed

If you have oversize or overweight bags

==========

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2010/09/100902_6min_new_words_page.shtml

- a question of sth : used to make the statement becoming more important

it's not just a question of numbers, it's a question of different places it's being used so everywhere from magazines, to newspapers to chatrooms.

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 588 – Hiring Business Consultants

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8809700

- expansion : grow, become bigger

So your suggestion is to hire outside consultants to handle the extra work associated with the expansion. 

- expertise : specific knowledge on sth

we get someone with the right expertise quickly

- move ~ decision 

 I'm just not sure that's the right move right now.

- to me : in my opinion

- no-brainer : obvious  

To me, it's a no-brainer

- to call the shot: to make the decision , to be in charge

We call the shots. 

- to leave sb in a lurch : to leave sb when they need your help

the consultant won't feel any company loyalty and could quit working with us whenever he or she wanted to, leaving us in a lurch. 

- to be a thing of the past: no longer exist 

Company loyalty is a thing of the past.

- to take sth one step at a time : to do sth slowly, a little bit at a time

I think we should take it one step at a time. 

- to live with that : it's not what I want but I accept it, ok with it

Okay, I can live with that

==========================

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/148_phrasalverbs/page5.shtml

- to try on clothe : to wear a new clothe and check it

I love to try on new clothes

- to dress up: to wear nice clothe for important event or meeting

I'm doing some TV work later, and I have to dress up. 

- to put on (a clothe) : to place it in body in order to wear it

 I'm going to put on this brand new suit and tie! 

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 585 – Being Clear or Confusing

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8769928

- to keep sth straight : to be able to understand sth by keep it organized 

I have, but how am I supposed to keep all of these people straight? 

- convoluted (a) : difficult to understand

- twists and turns: unexpected changes

Your stories are always so convoluted, with too many twists and turns

- to go off on tangents : to write / talk about sth that is different from topic

- irrelevant: unrelated 

Is that what you call going off on tangents and including completely irrelevant information

- to contradict : to say sth opposite of what said

Half the time the end of the story contradicts the beginning! 

- intricate (a): very detail

You just don't appreciate intricate plots. 

- crystal clear : very direct, very easy to understand

My stories are crystal clear to anyone who pays attention

 

=================

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page6.shtml

It's OK

I can take it or leave it

I don't mind it

so-so

- 

Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 581 – Reading a World Map

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8710270

- compass (n): small flat round device having arrow on it, it points to N 

Give her a compass and she can find her way around anywhere.

- equator (n): an imagination line in the earth that split it into two parts

All right. You look above the equator and I'll look below it,

- sort of : kind of, somewhat

I sort of feel like I'm on an adventure myself. 

- to make heads and tails of sth: to be able to understand sth

I can't make heads or tails of this map

- statistics (n): detail info

I'll look it up on the Internet and get you all of the vital statistics you'd want

============

- camping rough : integral part of his character

For British cyclist Pete Jones, camping rough and cycling long distances through inhospitable terrain are second nature.

- under his own steam : without help

 London mayor Boris Johnson often riding to work under his own steam. 

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 584 – Calling in Sick to Work

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8750042

- to be fed up with sth : to be very tired of doing sth 

I was fed up with work and wanted the day off. 

- to call in sick : to call boss / supervisor and tell them you're sick and can't work today

I decided to call in sick.

- to be peppered with questions: to be asked many questions

I wasn't prepared, though, to be peppered with questions.

- to come in : to go to particular place where you're being expected to come (like work)

I won't be coming in today

- to be not feeling well : to be sick

 I'm not feeling well.

- to be up all night : to be awake all night

- to throw up : to vomit

I've been up all night throwing up and I feel terrible

- food poisoning : when you eat bad food that makes you sick

I had food poisoning two weeks ago

- 24-hour bug: a illness that is not serious. It only lasts a day

That was a 24-hour bug.

- in a row : consequentially , without gap

I see. That's one day off from work a week, four weeks in a row.

============

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/newsextra/2010/02/100218_nw_information_society.shtml

- information overload: a situation when you get so much information you are not able to think about it all clearly and it makes you tired and or confused

Phew, information overload. There's so much information about allergies it can all be a bit overwhelming.

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 580 – Retiring From a Job

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8690384

- glimpse (n): a quick look at sth

Sure, I want a glimpse of the future.

- golden handshake : ~ incentive - a lot of money company pay for employee to encourage them to retire

It'll be a long time before you get the golden handshake.

- to save up: to save money for a particular thing you want to buy

- nest egg : money saved for retirement

 I've saved up a nice little nest egg over the years. 

- to be in sb's shoes : to be in sb position

- to hem and haw : to hesitater 

If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't hem and haw about it.

- to get worked up : to worry, anxious 

Why are you getting all worked up

- to after sth: to want to have sth

Are you after my job? 

- to trace places: to exchange 

- in a minute : now, without thinking

I'd trade places with you in a minute.

================

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2010/07/100728_with_pak_crash_page.shtml

- torrential (a): heavily 

There was torrential rain and heavy mist in the area

- domestically: flies to destinations within the country, not only abroad

The company operates flights domestically as well as to Britain and to the Gulf.

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 579 – Telling People Where You’re From

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8680441

- to be from around here: to be in that area, to be born in that place

Same here. Are you from around here? 

- to be native swhere: to have been born

 I'm a native Californian

- to move quite a bit: a lot

so we moved quite a bit, but mainly around the Middle East. 

- adopted hometown : second mother land

But I've lived in Los Angeles for over 10 years and consider it my adopted hometown. 

- to have a lot of catching up to do: to need to do / learn many things to become familiar 

I  was only eight years old when my family moved away, so I have a lot of catching up to do. 

============

Tim:	Ladies and gentlemen, if you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them now.
Carrie:	Yeah, can I just ask, graph number 3, that last one you showed us, can you explain to me where you're intending to find the extra income to increase the designer range in the maternity wear?
Tim:	Yes, a very good question. I've looked at the office wear range and it's quite heavy on materia

- 

Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 574 – Shopping for Produce

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8600897

- to resolve to do sth: to make a firm decision to do sth
I resolved to eat better, so I could feel better.
- to make a beeline for sth: to go directly a particular place or person without stopping anywhere
- produce department : fresh fruit or vegetable
I made a beeline for the produce department.
- to look picked over: in a fruit box, the picked over fruits are remained after other best one was picked by earlier people
They looked picked over
- organic (a): grown naturally without chemical
I saw some organic tomatoes

========

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2010/08/100826_6min_women_train_page.shtml

- on purpose : deliberately
- cramped (a): crowd
Sometimes there are men who bump and push into us on purpose, and they take advantage of the cramped conditions



--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 571 – Assigning Blame in a Car Accident

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8561125


- to be shaken up : to be shock, scared, a little confused after sth dramatic
Tarik: Are you okay? Stacey: Yeah, I think so. I'm just a little shaken up, but look at my car!
- to total a car : to destroy it completely by accident
Good thing, though, it wasn't totaled.
- to crash into sb/sth: to hit sb while moving at high speed
-  to rear ended sb : your car hits back of sb car
You crashed into me! You rear ended me!
- to swerve : to turn (a car) shortly, quickly, certainly
- to slam on your brake : to stop car very quickly
That's only because you swerved in front of me and slammed on your brakes!
- to jibe : to match
That's your account of what happened, and it doesn't jibe with mine
- to battle it out :  to argue or fight
I say we each call our respective insurance companies and let them battle it out.

============

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page5.shtml

To be honest , I don't really like it => softer
To be honest , I really don't like it => stronger

Language for expressing likes
Subject	Adverb	Verb	Noun
I	(really)	don't like can't stand	it them ice cream Chinese food playing football watching TV
About the adverb 'really'. This adverb as we have seen is very useful in making what you say stronger. When talking about things you don't like though it can have a different meaning depending on where you put it in the sentence. For example: "I really don't like it!" This means you have a strong dislike of something. BUT "I don't really like it." This is not very strong. It means that you do not like something, but it is not a very strong dislike.

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

Duchess - or Princess

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/newsenglish/britain/080916_duchess.shtml

- to parallel sth : to be similar to sth, to remind of sth
The British actress Keira Knightley has rejected claims that her latest film The Duchess, a historical drama set in the 18th Century, parallels the life of Princess Diana
- a fascinating insight : a very interesting, engaging and profound look
The Duchess provides a fascinating insight into personal relationships in a society where divorce was taboo.



--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 568 – Describing Brisk and Slow Business

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8511410

- to have a banner month : to be very good (for company)
My company has had a banner month.
- foot traffic : the number of people who coming to the store/business
Foot traffic is down and business is slow – really slow.
- brisk (a): very fast , a lot of energy / excitement
I thought that Yao's company was doing brisk business.
- to be all the rage : to be very popular
he was selling a line of cell phones that was all the rage,
- to beat down sb's door : to do anything to get the product
customers were beating down his door to get one.
- inventory (n) : thing that a company owns to sell
- to unload : to sell or to give sth away (nobody wants it)
he has inventory he can't unload




--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 563 – Reducing Household Expenses

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8441809

- to live with: to follow, to agree
it shouldn't be too hard to come up with a budget that we can both live with
- discretionary (a) : optional, unnecessary
- nonessential : discretionary
If you look at our discretionary spending on this spreadsheet I created, you'll be surprised at how much money we spend on nonessentials.
- to cut back on sth: to spend less on sth
I can cut back on nonessentials.





--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 562 – Buying Fake Products

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8421923

- steal : bargain, low price
Look at this designer bag I bought. It was such a steal!
- imitation : copy, fake
Let me see that. You do know that this is an imitation, not the real thing, right?
- genuine (n):  real, not fake
there was a guy on the street selling all of these genuine designer bags.
- straight from sth/sb : directly
- markdown : discount
He said he got them straight from the factory, and that's why he could sell them at such a markdown.
- dirt cheap : very inexpensive / cheap
- knockoff : copy, imitation
The reason he could sell it dirt cheap is because this is a knockoff.
- to be sucker for sth: to like sth too much and easily to be cheated
- to fell for sth: to be tricked for sth
I know you're a sucker for a bargain, but I can't believe you fell for his line.
- to get ripped off: to get cheated
I still think this is real, and I'm sure I didn't get ripped off.


=============

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/business/talkingbusiness/unit3presentations/2body.shtml

Clip 1
"If you have a look at this first graph, you can see that our sales topped 50 million the year before last... However, this year sales have continued to drop to an all time low of 30 million. Now let's look at our market share. As you can see, we have 25% of the market share, 10% down on last year."

Clip 2
"A good example of how important internal communications are is shown by some findings from research that we have recently undertaken. Good communications is a very key factor in staff motivation. If you look at this slide, you will see how important it is to get the basics in place.... A good illustration of the communication process is when all those basics fall into place naturally."

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 562 – Buying Fake Products

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8421923

- steal : bargain, low price
Look at this designer bag I bought. It was such a steal!
- imitation : copy, fake
Let me see that. You do know that this is an imitation, not the real thing, right?
- genuine (n):  real, not fake
there was a guy on the street selling all of these genuine designer bags.
- straight from sth/sb : directly
- markdown : discount
He said he got them straight from the factory, and that's why he could sell them at such a markdown.
- dirt cheap : very inexpensive / cheap
- knockoff : copy, imitation
The reason he could sell it dirt cheap is because this is a knockoff.
- to be sucker for sth: to like sth too much and easily to be cheated
- to fell for sth: to be tricked for sth
I know you're a sucker for a bargain, but I can't believe you fell for his line.
- to get ripped off: to get cheated
I still think this is real, and I'm sure I didn't get ripped off.


=============

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/business/talkingbusiness/unit3presentations/2body.shtml

Clip 1
"If you have a look at this first graph, you can see that our sales topped 50 million the year before last... However, this year sales have continued to drop to an all time low of 30 million. Now let's look at our market share. As you can see, we have 25% of the market share, 10% down on last year."

Clip 2
"A good example of how important internal communications are is shown by some findings from research that we have recently undertaken. Good communications is a very key factor in staff motivation. If you look at this slide, you will see how important it is to get the basics in place.... A good illustration of the communication process is when all those basics fall into place naturally."

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

BBC - 6m English

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2010/08/100819_6min_boomerang_page.shtml

- leave home : to move out of your parents' house and live somewhere else
Now, Rob we're talking about something that most people have to do at some point in their lives – leave home…
- booming : growing or increasing rapidly
The boomerang generation is booming!
- adulthood : when a person is fully grown, legally responsible and becomes an adult
Professor Gill Jones says they have to defer adulthood


--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 556 – Scheduling an Appointment

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8332436

- to tided up : to be busy
No, she's tied up all Tuesday afternoon
- to shuffle around : to move / change things, to reorganize things
but I could shuffle around some of her commitments to free her up on Tuesday morning, if that helps.
- to be out: not an option, not possible
Unfortunately, Tuesday morning is out.
- better yet: how about
Better yet, I may be able to finagle something
-  to push back sth: to move it to later time, to delay
maybe push back that appointment until she gets back to the office.
- to pencil sb in: to write sb's name on calendar but an appointment haven't been made yet
Why don't you pencil her in for now?
- a heads up : a warning or an information in advanced
Sure, I'll give you a heads up no later than noon on Monday if I can't push back her other appointment.



--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 551 – Scheduling a Medical Appointment

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8262835


- to be routed : to be sent to the right person/direction
Before I could schedule my appointment, I had to listen to several recorded messages to be routed to the right medical office.
- to stay on the line: not to hand up the phone, to hold the line
The recording said to stay on the line for assistance.
- returning patient : sb already used or met the doctor
Are you a new patient or a returning patient?
- to be booked up : to have full schedule
It looks like Dr. Gupta is booked up for the next three weeks
- opening : free time
She has an opening on March 2nd, at 4:30 p.m
- to put sb down : to schedule sth for sb
You'll need to check in at 10:45 to fill out paperwork. Should I put you down for that?

=====================

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page4.shtml

Language for expressing likes
Subject	Adverb	Verb	Noun	Extra
I	(really)	like love	it them ice cream Chinese food playing football watching TV	a lot

Pronunciation - Consonant to vowel linking

When speaking fluently words link together in different ways. One way is when one word ends in a consonant sound and the following word begins with a vowel sound. For example, look at the following phrase: I like it a lot. The word 'like' ends with the consonant sound /k/. The word 'it' begins with the consonant sound /I/. These two words can link together. Also the word 'it' ends in the consonant sound /t/ and the following word 'a' is a vowel sound by itself. These two words can also link together. To find out more about this and other kinds of linking visit the Connected Speech section of our Pronunciation area.

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 548 – Working for an Impossible Boss

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8213120

- to mile around ~ to hand around : to be around and doing nothing
Why are all these people milling around doing no work
- to be incompetent : to be unable to do sth (not have ability or skill or knowledge)
You're in charge when I'm out of the office and you're incompetent!
- this is a idiom : if you can put up with heat, just go out of kitchen so that you don't suffer the hot
If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen.
- constructive criticism : to tell sb things they're doing wrong in order they can do it better and correctly
I would certainly take any constructive criticism, but this is really about your inappropriate behavior.
- to hold your tongue: to not say sth even though you want to
I've held my tongue long enough.
- to go off on sb : to criticize, yell at sb
you go off on me in front of the other employees
- to undermine sb authority : to decrease the amount of power sb has
That undermines my authority and puts me in an impossible position.
- use this expression to show disagreement without making listener angry
With all due respect, this is no way to run a department.

========
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/newsenglish/britain/081028_freshers_week.shtml

- well-respected (n): considered as good
The UK has a well-respected higher education system
- to overwhelm : to cope with difficultly
The UK has a well-respected higher education system and some of the top universities and research institutions in the world. But to those who are new to it all, it can be overwhelming and sometimes confusing.
- academic calendar : a period from one October to the next October when all the lectures, seminars, assignments, exams and extra-curricular activities (i.e. activities which are not part of the usual college course) that a student's life is made up of take place
October is usually the busiest month in the academic calendar.
- to settle into <place> : become familiar with and start feeling comfortable and happy about
It's a great opportunity to make new friends, join lots of clubs and settle into university life.
- to blend in : look or seem the same as people around you, fit in with others
- social etiquette : rules of behaviour that are accepted by a certain group of people
blend in. Make sure you are aware of British social etiquette


-
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 544 – Working from a Home Office

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8153462

- to be functional : to work properly
So this is your new home office. It's nice. Victor: It's functional, and I like it.
- to decentralize : to spread things out
When my company decided to lower its overhead by decentralizing,
- to think twice : to hesitate
I didn't think twice about making the change.
- would kill to do sth: really want to do that thing
Lots of people would kill to work from home
- to block sth out : to ignore sth, not to pay attention to sth
It's true that there are a lot more distractions at home, but I try to block them out
- drawback : disadvantage , negative aspect
it's getting myself to stop thinking about work all the time! That's one of the drawbacks of working where you live.
- work-centered : focus on your work
I'm more productive, but I'm also more work-centered.
- to take sth1 over sth2 : to prefer sth1
I can see that, though I'd still take working from home over working at the office any day.
- to be conducive to do sth else : to be useful, helpful
I do, but it's not very conducive to getting any work done.
- to double as : to be used for more things
My home office doubles as the guestroom and the kids' playroom!




--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 541 – Reporting the News

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8113690

- to be the first taste of sth : to have first experience of sth, to do it first time
- press (new word) ~ media : tv, newspaper, magazine, radio , website ...
the newspaper was just a piece of paper on which I'd written my stories and drew my pictures, but it was my first taste of the power of the press.
- copy (~ text) editor : person whose job is to review what other has written, maybe improve by making small changes
I worked on the university newspaper and started out as a copy editor, editing stories and writing headlines.
- to cover : to research, investigate into particular topic
-  byline : the line in newspaper saying who wrote this story
Then, I began to cover news events, getting my first bylines
- to be in print: to be published in public document like books, magazine, newspaper
I can't tell you how excited I was to see my name in print for the first time!
- to shoot for sth: to try to do / get sth difficult
You never know in the newspaper business, but I'm shooting for a Pulitzer!



--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 540 – Promoting a New Product

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8093804

- final touches : final steps
- line : kind, sort
My business partners and I have been putting the final touches on our new line of energy drinks.
- beverage : drink
Really? I didn't even know that you were in the beverage business.
-  to branch out : to expand/grow into different area / field
Yeah, we've branched out into a few other areas.
- to go that route : to do that thing
I don't think we're going to go that route just yet.
- trade show: big, large event for producer to show their products
Are you taking the new products to trade shows
- product placement : TV show or video use a particular product to ad for it and the producer will pay fee for that
We're working on product placement in some music videos and maybe a TV show or two.
- endorsement : recommendation
We're working on a couple of endorsement deals right now.
- to plug : to endorse , to promote
With him plugging your energy drinks, sales will go through the roof.
- to settle for : to accept sth that is not first choice
Yeah, but I think we'd be shooting too high. We might have to settle for someone a little less famous

===================

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2010/07/100723_witn_china_energy_page.shtml

- to be bound to : was very likely to
- to overtake : catch up with and move past something that is moving more slowly
China was bound to overtake the US in terms of total energy consumption sooner or later
- consumer goods: items that that mainly is used for home
One long-term factor behind this development is China's population – more than four times that of the US – with a growing appetite for consumer goods that need energy to use and to manufacture
- relentless efforts : constant attempts
- emissions: substances released into the air, usually pollutants
Chinese officials have said the IEA's data are unreliable, and fail to account for what they call their relentless efforts to cut energy use and emissions.
- legitimate : fair and reasonable
A senior official at the agency described China's growing energy consumption as legitimate, considering its population.


--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 538 – Finding the Perfect Gift

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=8063975

- to knock sb's socks off : to impress / surprise sb very much in a good way
something that'll really knock her socks off.
- to pick out : to choose, to select
That way, she can pick out her own gift.
-to put thought into sth: to think about sth very carefully, to think all options
She would think that I didn't put any thought into buying her a present at all,
- to rack brain : to spend a lot of time to think about very difficult sth
I've been racking my brain to think of something she'll like.
- to get carried away: to do too much of sth, to take thing very seriously while it should not be
Now, don't get carried away.
- to please sb: to make sb happy
I know you want to please your mothe
- to hold sb against sb : not to forgive sb for sth happening in past, to continue to angry at sb for sth in past
she'll hold it against me for the rest of my life.
- to boggle sb: to confuse sb, to make sb surprising
It boggles my mind
- to work yourself up : to get worried about sth
how you can work yourself up like this every year.



--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 529 – Insulting Other People

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7934716

- to mess around : to do unimportant thing to waste the time
Those kids are just messing around.
- to pipe down : to be quite, stop making noise
they'll pipe down and go home
- to get on sb's nerves : to annoy sb, to bother sb
- a disgrace : sth is very bad, unacceptable, unapproved
They're really getting on my nerves, playing loud music and making all that noise. They're a disgrace.
- to get a rise out of sb: to receive a response from sb who you're bothering intently
Get away from that window before they see you. If they see that they can't get a rise out of us, they'll move along
- to wave sb off : to move your hand in the air to show you tell sb to leave
I'm going to use it to wave them off.
- slight : small offensive saying
- to set sb off : to make sb angry
Teenagers can be unpredictable. You don't know if a small slight might set them off
- nut : crazy
Are you nuts?! You can't moon them back.

========================

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page3.shtml

Closing topics
so...	anyway...	but...	right...	okay...	well...
Use these words with sentences that give your final opinion about the topic summarise what has already been said lead to you saying 'goodbye' Examples But, we shall see if it makes a difference... Anyway, I must be off! So, it's something, anyway, to look forward to... Well anyway, it's lovely talking to you, but I must get on... Right... well... I guess I'd better get back

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 528 – Negotiating Salary

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7914830

- salary requirement : a polite way to ask salary
What are your salary requirements?
- budget constraints : the allowance  of budget
Hmm, that's a bit higher than I was thinking, given our budget constraints.
- to be open to sth: to be willing to do sth
I'm certainly open to negotiations,
- to be comparable : to be similar
I think that the salary range I named is comparable to that of similar positions in the field
- to walk away : to say no (this content)
That's certainly true, and I don't you to walk away from this job
- to up : to increase
- to be doable : to make it, to be great
If you're willing to up the offer to $60,000, then I think it may be doable
- the ceiling : the highest amount
Well, $60,000 is really the ceiling for that position

I'll have to give it some thought and call you back.
Please do, and again, thank you very much for the offer. It would be an honor to work with you and to work at Cinetect.


===================
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/newsenglish/britain/081118_what_to_wear.shtml

- glam = glamorous : dress or made up to be extremely good-looking and fashionable
Some girls go for a 'glam' look. They wear T-shirts; trousers are usually preferred, blue or black
- to be finished off : to be completed
the look is finished off with metallic bags and shoes and arms full of bracelets
- out of place : strange, as if you don't belong
Follow the fashion tips above, and you shouldn't feel out of place.



--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 523 – Having Trouble Making a Decision

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7845229

- to weigh your options: to carefully consider choices
I'm still looking at consumer reviews and weighing my options.
- to keep options open : not decide yet
I'm keeping my options open for now.
- to live with the decision : to accept the result from the decision
I'm the one who has to live with the decision
- to be crippled : to be unable to do sth, work properly / correctly
- to stall : to delay in doing (unimportant) sth
I think you're crippled by indecision, and you're stalling.
- to hold sb to sth: to make sb do sth
I'm holding you to that!

===================




--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 518 – Learning Self-Defense

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7765685

- to size up sth : to access, to determine the characteristic of sth (how big, how serious)
Today, you'll learn how to size up a situation
- hand-to-hand combat : two people fighting without any arms/weapons , just their hand
You'll also begin to learn some hand-to-hand combat moves to defend yourselves.
- to beat up sb : to hit (many times) sb
I can beat up anyone who tries anything.
- to confront sb: to face, meet or feal with difficult situation or person
- to be pumped up : to be very exciting to do sth
It's not a good idea to confront someone pumped up on adrenaline
- to defuse the situation : to make it less dangerous, to make it more safer
If you can defuse the situation or run away, that would be the best strategy.
- mindset : perspective , the way of thinking things
I'm not sure if that's the right mindset…
- offense : # defense
The best defense is a good offense!

======================

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2010/07/100719_witn_marsupials_page.shtml

- treasure trove : collection of valuable things
- fossil : preserved remains of animals or plants, usually found in rocks
- breathtaking: exciting and surprising
The treasure trove of preserved fossils found in an outback cave has given palaeontologists a rare view into the weird and breathtaking world of prehistoric Australia.
- specimen : example
they've found the remains of some of the strangest specimens anyone could possibly imagine.
- gem : highly-prized articles; things that are very beautiful
- unearthed : discovered
These ancient gems were unearthed at the famous Riversleigh World Heritage fossil fields in north-western Queensland



--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 516 – Naming and Appointing Officials

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7735856

- to succeed sb: to take over sb position
Who do you think will be appointed to succeed Ramon on the board?
- to fill the job : to put sb in the job
I don't know whom they'll pick to fill the position
- higher ups (n): boss, top grass, management people
- to vet : to talk, look at candidate profile and decide who qualifies and not
The higher ups have been quietly vetting three people
- to be at liberty (formal) : to have permission , freedom to do sth
I'm not at liberty to say
- to be buddy-buddy with sb : to be close friend or relationship with sb
You mean we might actually get a new board member who's not buddy-buddy with the higher ups
- to have inside track : to have advantage to get a job because you know sb in company
Everybody thinks he has the inside track.
- to keep sth under wraps : to keep sth secretly
I can't tell you that. The selection is being kept under wraps until next Thursday.
- to let sth slip : to accidentally tell a secret sth to sb
I've already let slip too much.


===============

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2010/08/100805_6min_book_page.shtml

- to spill the beans : to reveal, to say secret things
Now, would you ever consider writing a book that spills the beans
- to spar : to argue in friendly, softly, gentle way with other
The Kans are as famous for her willingness to spar with him in public as for their endurin marriage.


--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 512 – Changing the Subject in Conversation

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7676198


- to turn to sth : to begin sth else
Let's turn to this month's report
- to hand sb sth (polite): to give sth to sb
I didn't get a copy of it. Could someone hand me one?
- to shift sth : to turn to  sth
I have just one last comment before we shift our focus to this month's report.
- off the record : unofficially
Dee is quitting and Kara will be taking her place. This is off the record, of course
- speaking of sth : by the way
Speaking of personnel changes, did you know that Lee is being promoted to V.P. next month?
- to be in line for : to wait for , will happen
She's been in line for that job for years.
- to be put on the back burner : to be delayed temporarily
I think it's being put on the back burner for now.
- precisely : exactly
I think that's precisely what you're trying to do
- what's the matter with : what's wrong with
What's the matter with this month's report?

=====================

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/business/talkingbusiness/unit3presentations/1opening.shtml

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for coming along here today. I hope my presentation isn't going to take too long and that you will find it interesting. The purpose of today's presentation is to discuss how we can improve internal communications within our company.

Now let me begin by explaining that I'd like to talk about the business case for better communication; secondly, I want to cover different styles and methods; and finally

. I'd be very happy to invite you to ask questions at the end of the session and

At the end I'd be happy to answer any of your questions."

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 507 – Guarding One’s Privacy

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7606597

- to get a peek : to take a quick look on sth which is very to be seen
I don't want him to get a peek into my apartment.
- voluntarily (av): without any request or requirement
Do you think I would voluntarily give people that information
- to be on guard : to be very careful, alerted, cautious
I have to be on guard all of the time
- need-to-know : situation that is absolutely a must to comply
These days, I only give out personal information on a need-to-know basis.
- paranoid (n, negative expression): an extremely worry feeling without any reason
There's a lot of paranoia about crime at the moment.
- to be out to get sb : to try to sth (bad) to sb
But isn't that a little paranoid? You act as though everybody is out to get you.
- to disclose : to share or tell sb a secret to sb else
We constantly have to disclose our most personal information on forms
- rest assured : don't worry, there is no problem
Yes, that's right. But, rest assured,

=================

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2010/07/100729_6min_smile_page.shtml

- universal : a sign or symbol that is immediately understood by everyone around the world
Smile is a universal signal for being friendly


--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 506 – Being Generous and Stingy

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7586711

- to hit up sb (informal) : to ask sb for money
I was thinking of hitting up Jane for a little loan
- to spot sb (informal): to make a loan to sb, to give money to sb
What are the chances she'll spot me a couple hundred dollars until next month
- cheapskate (informal, insult to call sb cheapskate) (n): person who spend very little money
I wouldn't exactly call her a cheapskate
- to part with sth: to be separate from sth
He could easily part with a couple hundred bucks without giving it a second thought.
- stingy (informal, insulting)  ~ cheapskate
Who do we know who isn't stingy?
- to be charitable : to share time, money with other people
Who do we know who is big-hearted and charitable?
- to tight sb over : to help sb for short period of time , maybe by giving money
- payday: day you're paid for your job
Here's $150 to tide you over until your next payday.


--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 505 – Teaching Children About Safety

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7576768

• field trip : at school, sometime the children can have trip organized by school to go somewhere (museum, park, zoo) to learn sth
  

I'm taking all of you on the field trip tomorrow

• ground rule: basic rule
• to go over : to review
  

There are some ground rules we need to go over

• to get through sth: to finish, complete sth
  

I'll take questions later. Let me get through all of my instructions first.

• to abduct : to kidnap
• to lure : to get sb to do sth wrong by making it exciting
  

There are predators out there who are looking to lure children away from their family and friends and to abduct them

• to let your guard down: to stop being careful
  

don't let your guard down.

=================

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/newsaboutbritain/2009/01/090121_nab_advent.shtml

The four weeks before Christmas are called Advent

• on the way : approaching, coming
  

In fact, as early as September or October, you start to see signs that Christmas is on the way.

• apart from : here, in addition to
  

Apart from the special Christmas dinner of roast turkey or goose, people buy lots of chocolates, nuts and snacks for everyone to enjoy.



--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 504 – Training Inexperienced Employees

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7556882

• to be wet behind the ears: to be inexperience
  

Don't mention it. I remember when I was still wet behind the ears.

• veteran (n): experienced employee (done sth for a long time)
  

the veterans in the company gave me the benefit of their time and expertise

• to prop sb up : to support sb, to help sb
  

They propped me up until I can work well

• novice : newbie
  

I can't imagine you as a novice.

• cornerstone (n): sb/sth that is necessary for the success of a company
  

Everybody here thinks of you as the cornerstone of the institution.

• to be reckless: to do risky things without thinking the danger involved
  

I was naive and reckless

• to be adept at doing sth : to be able to do sth easily, quickly and well
  

I may be more adept at my job now

• old hand (n): person who has a lot of exp in doing sth
  

I gave them the same advice that an old hand gave me when I first started

================
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/newsextra/2010/03/100318_nw_money_laundering.shtml

• money laundering : action to make illegal money becomes legal
  

a law is designed to prevent money laundering

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 502 – Storing Luggage on an Airplane

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2010/07/100714_witn_cuba_page.shtml

The first group of political prisoners are on their way to freedom, heading for exile [forced to leave and live in another country] in Spain.

Omar Ruiz, who had been serving a 12-year sentence for treason [the crime of being disloyal to your country]

he and six other inmates [prisoner] had been driven there, where they were reunited with their relatives in a special waiting room.

All the dissidents [people who publically criticise the government] were arrested under a major government crackdown [strict, repressive action against people who the authorities feel have broken the law] in 2003, when Fidel Castro was still in power

*******************
http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7527053

Yoshi: Can you hold my jacket while I try to get my roller bag down the aisle?

Tatiana: All right, but I have to roll my own bag down the aisle, you know.

Yoshi: Fine, give it back to me. All of these overhead bins are full. Where are we supposed to store them?

Tatiana: Look, there are two spaces in the back of the plane. You put our big bags in those bins, and I'll put our carry-ons under the seats in front of us.

Yoshi: Fine, but these seats are already cramped, and now, I'll have no legroom for the entire flight. Great! That's what we get for not getting seats in the emergency exit row.

Tatiana: If we had seats in the emergency exit row, you'd be complaining about not being able to recline in your seat right now. At least we don't have bulkhead seats. Stop grumbling and get moving before somebody else snags those overhead bins and we have to check those bags.

Yoshi: Whose idea was it to go on vacation?

Tatiana: It was mine. We both need some time to get away and unwind.

Yoshi: Yeah, right, I can't remember the last time I felt this relaxed!

===========

- roller bag : suit case on wheel
- overhead bin : space above the seat in airplane to keep things for you
- to be cramped : to be crowed
- to recline your seat: to lean backward
- to snag : to grab or get sth quickly
- to check their bag : to give the bag to air plane so that they are kept in basement of air plane
- to unwind : to relax



--
Thanks,
Duy Lam