Hey there! This is TOP episode 297. Learn English With Panic At the Disco “High Hopes”
You read English. You understand English. You’ve been learning for years, but when it’s time to speak—your mind just freezes, and the words don’t come out. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I’ve been exactly where you are. I’m Ola Mierniczak, and this is the Teacher Ola Podcast. I’m here to help you finally speak out loud—the words, the ideas, the English that have been stuck in your head for too long. This isn’t about perfect grammar or fancy vocabulary. This is about your voice. Your words. Your real English.
Hey there! Today, we’re diving into a song that feels like a motivational espresso: “High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco.
We both know that you’ve got goals. You take action. You learn English because you know it opens doors. And you don’t just talk about dreams — you chase them. This song is about staying focused, keeping your vision alive, and pushing forward even when things aren’t easy — and yes, it’s packed with brilliant phrases that’ll make your English powerful.
So, let’s break it down. We’ll go through 10 powerful lines from the song — I’ll explain what they mean, how you can use them in real life, and throw in a few examples along the way. Let’s get into it!
Before we do just that, I want to tell you something. You know that feeling when you try and try, but the same mistakes keep coming back. When you want to say more, but words just don’t flow. And it frustrates you. It’s like something’s blocking you, and you don’t know what.
I’ve got something for you. It’s called Glow Up. A focused 2-hour online workshop where you will hear yourself speaking English. After the event you’ll get honest, personal feedback on your pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, exactly where you need it. Then, for a full week after, you’ll have my ear and a whole group of learners just like you in a private voice chat.
This isn’t another course. It’s a moment to break the cycle. To finally get unstuck. To start speaking the way you want to. And it costs 21 zł.
If you’re ready to stop the learning English madness and start taking real action (I mean speaking of course), fill out the short form. I read every application personally, and I only invite the people who are truly ready to push forward. Real support for people who are ready to speak up. Apply by contacting me. Send a message on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok, or email me at: contact@teacherola.com.
Now, let’s get to today’s episode. “High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco — a song for anyone with big dreams and a fire to learn English. Let’s jump in.
10 phrases from “High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco. Let’s go:
One. Had to have high, high hopes for a living.
You dreamt big about your future, especially about your job, your life path. You’ve always had high hopes. High hopes. It’s a great way to express ambition or long-term dreams, especially when talking about career or purpose. For instance I can say: “Back when I started teaching, I had high hopes for a living, I wanted to inspire people, not just pay the bills.”
Two more examples:
I had high hopes for this job.
She’s got high hopes for her new business.
Two. Shooting for the stars when I couldn’t make a killing.
Let’s focus on the first part: shooting for the stars. I was chasing big dreams. Again, I had high hopes. I still have high hopes.
Use it for example when talking about side hustles, career, projects, big dreams. Listen to this: “I started my bakery in a tiny kitchen. I was shooting for the stars, even though I couldn’t afford many things.”
Shoot for the stars!
Three. Couldn’t make a killing
He couldn’t make a killing, so he didn’t earn a lot of money. Remember this phrase: ‘to make a killing” = to earn a ton of money. Listen to this: “I started freelancing last year. Couldn’t make a killing at first, but now things are picking up.”
Two more examples:
I loved teaching, but I couldn’t make a killing at school.
He quit because he wasn’t making a killing.
Four. Didn’t have a dime but I always had a vision
I was broke, but I knew what I wanted. Didn’t have a dime – I was broke, I didn’t have money, but I always had a vision – I always had a clear goal in my head. “I had nothing but dreams.” Somebody might say: “In college, I didn’t have a dime, but I had a vision of building my own app one day.”
One more sentence:
We didn’t have a dime when we moved out.
Five. Be something greater
Become more than you are now. Grow. Level up. Be something greater. It’s encouraging. A nice phrase for self-motivation or giving advice to someone who feels stuck. For instance: “I’m tired of just surviving. I want to be something greater.”
Two more examples:
He’s always known he would be something greater.
Six. Go make a legacy
Do something meaningful that people will remember you for. It sounds epic. I can inspire someone to take action. For example: “You’ve got talent and a message. Go make a legacy and start a podcast!”
One more sentence:
Don’t just work to pay bills. Go make a legacy.
Seven. Back in the days
It’s a casual way of saying “a long time ago” or “when I was younger.” Super common in storytelling, everyone uses this to sound nostalgic or funny. For example: “Back in the days, we used flip phones and thought we were so cool.”
Two more examples:
Back in the days, we had to use dial-up internet.
I used to write poems back in the days, so cringy now!
Eight. Light up your wildest dreams
Make your biggest, craziest dreams come true. Bring them to life. Another inspirational text, great for pep talks or vision boards. Listen to this sentence: “Don’t play it small — go light up your wildest dreams!”
Another one:
Light up your wildest dreams and go for it.
Nine. I’d hate to see you waiting
Don’t wait too long or miss your chance. I care, and I want you to act now. A great phrase for encouraging someone. Like in this example: “You keep talking about speaking English. I’d hate to see you waiting another year!”
One example:
Just apply already. I’d hate to see you waiting.
Time for practice! Listen and repeat out loud:
I had high hopes for this job.
Shoot for the stars!
He quit because he wasn’t making a killing.
We didn’t have a dime when we moved out.
He’s always known he would be something greater.
Don’t just work to pay bills. Go make a legacy.
Back in the days, we had to use dial-up internet.
I used to write poems back in the days, so cringy now!
Light up your wildest dreams and go for it.
Just apply already. I’d hate to see you waiting.
I’d hate to see you waiting to improve your spoken English!Eespecially when the chance to Glow Up is right here. If you want personal feedback on your speaking, a supportive group, and a clear plan to get unstuck, Glow Up is made for you. It’s a 2-hour workshop, plus one week of voice chat with me and it costs 21 zł.
To join, just DM me on Instagram/TT/Facebook or send me a quick message at contact@gmail.com, and I’ll send you the registration form.
Don’t wait too long — I read every application and reach out only to those who are ready. I have a limited number of spots because I want this group to be intimate.
And don’t forget — there’s a free worksheet waiting for you at teacherola.com/297. It’s the perfect way to review today’s 10 phrases and practise them at your own pace.
Keep chasing your dreams, light up your wildest goals, and remember: the way you speak matters. So stay fearless, take care, and say it out loud!
I’m Teacher Ola, and you’ve been listening to the Teacher Ola Podcast. Bye for now!