Hey there, this is Teacher Ola Podcast episode 70: Gifts And Presents. Vocabulary Booster
My name’s Ola and I’ve overcome a massive language blockade myself and now I help you do the same. I’ve been teaching English since 2012. If you want to eliminate your fear of speaking and boost your vocabulary, brush up your grammar, improve your pronunciation, this podcast is for you! Go to my website for full transcripts and worksheets to each episode. Happy learning!
Hello there! Thank you for listening to this episode. I hope you’ll like it, I hope you’ll learn a lot and have some fun. The title of this episode is a bit mysterious. I guess you’re not sure what to expect. Let me break it down for you.
Today you’ll learn 7 idioms and phrases with the word ‘gift’ and the word ‘present’. We’re looking closer at these particular words because Sanat’s on its way, right? You wanna be prepared. In fact, the vocabulary elements I picked have not much in common with Santa or Christmas or even giving presents. It’s been just a kind of inspiration.
Today you’ll learn a bit of history. Yes, you’ve heard me correctly. We’re going to learn about Troy and Trojan horse. You’ll find out who calls himself a ‘god’s gift’. What kind of person does that? We’ll also look a gift horse in the mouth. You’ll find out what ‘to gab’ means. There will be one phrase that originates in the British army and so much more!
Beware of Greeks bearing gifts – When someone says “beware of Greeks bearing gifts” they mean that you should not trust enemies or opponents who are being friendly, showing kindness or being generous. They may have a secret motive. Be sceptical. This idiom refers to a famous ploy during the Trojan wars, which led to the downfall of Troy. The Greeks sent the Trojans a large wooden horse as a gift. When the Trojans opened the gates and brought the horse into their city, Greek soldiers jumped out and attacked the city. In modern times, people use this phrase to caution others, to send a warning.
Let’s jump into today’s phrases. Shall we?
God’s gift – If a person thinks they are God’s gift to someone or something, they think they are perfect or extremely good. That person believes that they are better than anyone else. It’s this attitude of people who think that they are very talented, attractive, etc. It’s ironic. So, that’s not a compliment. I hope you’ve sensed that.
To look a gift horse in the mouth – to look in a critical way at something that has been given to one. To refuse or criticize something that is given to you for nothing. Usually, we say that you shouldn’t do this. It’s impolite, it’s rude. Just take the gift, put a smile on your face. Don’t be ungrateful when you receive a gift.
The gift of the gab – this is the ability to speak easily and to persuade other people with your words. The ability to speak confidently in a way that makes people want to listen to you and believe you. To gab means to talk for a long time about things that are not important. The gift of the gab.
All present and correct – it’s used to say that everyone who is supposed to be in a place, at a meeting etc is now here. All the people who are supposed to be at a place or event are there. If you’re interested in the origins of this phrase let me tell you that it was part of the British Army’s King’s Regulations. The officer of the day used to get this message that the roll-call was successfully completed. All present and correct.
No time like the present – now is the best time to do something, not in the future. If you say ‘There’s no time like the present’, you are suggesting to someone that they should do something now, not later.
For the present – for now, for a while, in the meantime, for a short time, temporarily. The situation may change later though.
Ok, that’s all I promised. But! I have one more, or actually two more idioms. Because you stayed with me until now I have a little bonus, little surprise. Two more idioms:
A stocking stuffer or a stocking filler – a small present that is put in a Christmas stocking. Guess which one, stocking stuffer or a stocking filler is a British English word. Well, it’s a stocking filler. Stocking stuffer is North American English. So. A stocking filler is a small present put in a Christmas stocking. What’s a Christmas stocking? It’s an empty sock or a sock-looking bag prepared for Santa to be filled with small toys, gifts and sweets. I’ve sent you an email with some ideas. How to surprise your loved ones. Even if they’re adults. Let’s have some fun and make a small gift. Be Santa’s helper! I‘ve sent this e-mail to my lovely group, ‘TOPeople. If you want to be a member, go to teacherola.com/newsletter.
This is definitely not the end. The most important part of this episode is coming right now. Please practise with me. Listen and repeat out loud. It has to be done out loud. Trust me!
I just want you to beware of Greeks bearing gifts.
I can’t stand him – he thinks he’s God’s gift to women.
He considers himself God’s gift to the world.
I noticed the guitar wasn’t made of real wood, but I didn’t say anything because you shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
The students are all present and correct.
Joe’s got the gift of the gab—he can sell anything.
She’s got the gift of gab – she should work in sales and marketing.
Don’t wait until New Year to organise your life. There’s no time like the present.
After all, there’s no time like the present.
There’s no time like the present, so get to it.
This house is big enough for the present, but we’ll have to move if we have children.
For the present at least, they appeared to be safe.
I think it makes an ideal stocking filler.
Are you looking for a last-minute stocking filler?
Awesome work! Now, I want more! I want you to go to teacherola.com/70 and download your worksheet. This is your homework. TOPeople already have it in their inboxes. Check your inbox or download it. Why haven’t you subscribed yet? Just do it. Download your first worksheet and become a member of TOPeople. Teacher Ola People.
Ok! Let’s wrap up, let’s have all the phrases once again. Listen carefully. This is the list of idioms or phrases you’ve learned and practised today:
Beware of Greeks bearing gifts
God’s gift
To look a gift horse in the mouth
The gift of the gab
All present and correct
No time like the present
For the present
A stocking filler or a stocking stuffer
Here you have it! 7 idioms and phrases with the word gift’ or ‘present’. I hope it was interesting and valuable. Share this episode with someone you think might need it.
Next week we’re going to explain song lyrics. Christmas song lyrics. Say hello to Santa and have a good week, please take care. Happy learning bye-bye!