Hey there! This is TOP episode 218. 15 Must-Know American Expressions
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Hello there, welcome back, thank you for choosing this episode. Idiomatic expressions in American English. These expressions not only add flavor to your conversations but also help you understand American English speakers better. Tv shows as well. In this episode, we’ll explore 15 American expressions that are commonly used in everyday conversations. We’ll break down their meanings and provide clear examples to help you become more confident in using these idioms.
One. What the heck is going on?
You know when something surprising or confusing happens? It’s like that moment when you walk into a room full of people yelling “Happy Birthday” when it’s not your birthday. You’d be like, “What the heck is going on?”
Two. Don’t quote me on that.
“Don’t quote me on that.” It’s like saying, “This is just between us.” Don’t take my words as official information. I’m not quite sure I’m right. I think he used to be a lawyer but don’t quote me on that.”
Three. Pig out. This means to eat excessively, often to the point of feeling sick. It’s when you eat a lot of food without self-control.
During the holiday season, I tend to pig out on cookies and pies.
Four. In no time.
In a very short period of time, very quickly. You can easily bake a cake from scratch. It will be done in no time.
Five. Pass the buck.
Have you ever seen people who refuse to take responsibility for their mistakes? They pass the buck onto someone else, like saying, “It’s not my problem.” She’s always trying to pass the buck and I’m sick of it!
Six. Hyped.
Remember that feeling before a concert or another fun event of some sort? When you can’t contain your excitement, you’re hyped! You might feel this way about a party or a new movie release. Anything really. I’m so hyped. I’m super-excited.
Seven. Hit the spot.
You know that perfect meal that satisfies your hunger completely? It’s as if it “hit the spot.” Like eating warm soup on a cold day hits the spot. Or: You hit the spot, that warm soup is exactly what I need right now.
Eight. Heads up.
Picture a situation where you want to alert someone about something important. You give them a “heads up” to prepare them. You warn them in advance that something might be happening soon. Give me a heads up if you know anything about the meeting with the big bos.
Nine. Play by ear.
Sometimes, plans aren’t set in stone. You might just say, “Let’s play it by ear” when you don’t have a fixed schedule and want to see how things go. To act without a plan, to improvise. I know you’re not prepared but you can just play it by ear.
Ten. Quality time.
This is when you spend time with someone, and you’re really present, not distracted by your phone or other things. You’re enjoying each other’s company and having a good conversation. Do you spend enough quality time with your children?
Eleven. Top notch.
When something is of the highest quality, you’d call it “top-notch.” It’s like saying, “This restaurant’s service is top-notch” if they treat you exceptionally well.
Twelve. You bet.
When someone asks if you’re sure or excited about something, and your answer is a resounding “yes,” you’d say, “You bet!” It’s like saying, “Absolutely!”
Thirteen. My bad.
Have you ever made a mistake and needed to admit it? You’d say, “My bad.” You’re taking the blame. It’s a casual way to take responsibility, like saying, “Oops, I messed up. My bad.”
Fourteen. Bestie.
Bestie is a fun and informal way to say “best friend.” It’s like the best friend you really enjoy spending time with.
I’m going to the movies with my bestie, this weekend.
Fifteen. Break a leg.
This is a funny one. When you want to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance or an important event, you say, “Break a leg!” It’s a way of saying, “Do your best and rock it!”
Let’s now get you speaking some American English. Please listen to these sentences and repeat the out loud:
What the heck is going on?
I think he used to be a lawyer but don’t quote me on that.
During the holiday season, I tend to pig out on cookies and pies.
It will be done in no time.
She’s always trying to pass the buck and I’m sick of it!
You hit the spot, that warm soup is exactly what I need right now.
Give me a heads up if you know anything about the meeting with the big bos.
I know you’re not prepared but you can just play it by ear.
Do you spend enough quality time with your children?
This restaurant’s service is top-notch.
You bet!
Oops, I messed up. My bad.
I’m going to the movies with my bestie, this weekend.
Break a leg!
So there you have it—some handy American expressions to make your conversations more colorful and lively.
I’m sure you found this episode interesting and it will help you understand American spoken English a bit better. If that’s true – catch me on Instagram, let me know you’re a podcast listener.
Don’t forget to complete the Worksheet for this episode. It’s available at teacherola.com/218. Or, you’ve got it in your inbox if you’re a member of TOPeople. I’ll be back next week, until then, stay fearless, keep speaking, and take care. My name’s Ola Mierniczak, and you were listening to Teacher Ola Podcast. Bye for now! Till next time!