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

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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.

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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! 

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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

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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

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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. 

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Thanks,
Duy Lam