Hey there! This is TOP episode 229. Daily Conversations – 10 Idioms

Are you tired of lacking confidence when speaking English? Does it block you from achieving your true goals? This podcast is the place for you. This is Teacher Ola Podcast. My name’s Ola Mierniczak, I’m a teacher empowering English learners to become confident speakers. The key to fluency is in your pocket. Join my TOPeople newsletter for weekly motivation and free materials. Enjoy your journey to fluency! 

Hey there! Thanks for joining me here today. Idioms. Highly useful idioms. Not some random nerdy ones. Idioms that are never used and you sound awkward and confuse people around you but rather idioms that are so common you are surprised that they are actually idioms.  Before we get into the list of 10 idioms, let me tell you this.

Tenses Masterclass is coming! I’m going to give you a free training on grammar, in particular: tenses. I’ll be giving not just one but a 3-day free training on grammar. Past, present and future. 3-day tenses masterclass! Sign up now! Go to teacherola.com/webinar. It’s on the 22, 23, 24 January 2024. And now let’s get back to the episode.

Ten everyday idioms you need for conversations in English. 

One. Long time no see. This idiom is used to greet someone you haven’t seen in a long time.

Hey John, long time no see! How have you been?

Two. Break the ice: To initiate conversation in a social setting, especially in situations where people are unfamiliar with each other.

I told a funny joke to break the ice at the party.

Three. Spill the tea: To share the latest gossip or information.

Come on, spill the tea! What’s happening with Sarah and Mike?

Four. Touch base: To make contact or connect with someone, often for a brief conversation or update.

Let’s touch base next week to discuss the project’s progress.

Five. So far, so good: Things are progressing well up to this point.

I just started the new job, and so far, so good.

Six. Slip my mind: To forget something or fail to remember.

I’m sorry, but your birthday completely slipped my mind.

Seven. The best of both worlds: Enjoying the advantages of two different things at the same time.

Working from home gives me the best of both worlds – a comfortable environment and professional success.

Eight. Up for grabs: Available for anyone to take or use; not yet claimed or decided.

There are a few job opportunities up for grabs in the company.

Nine. On the same page: To have a shared understanding or agreement about something.

It’s important that we’re on the same page before starting the project.

Ten. I’m all ears: I’m ready and eager to listen to what you have to say.

Tell me about your day; I’m all ears.

Time to practice. As always, listen carefully, retain the sentence in your memory and say it out loud. Hear your voice, embrace how you sund in English and do it twice with each sentence. Ok, here we go.

Hey John, long time no see! How have you been?

I told a funny joke to break the ice at the party.

Come on, spill the tea! What’s happening with Sarah and Mike?

Let’s touch base next week to discuss the project’s progress.

I just started the new job, and so far, so good.

I’m sorry, but your birthday completely slipped my mind.

Working from home gives me the best of both worlds – a comfortable environment and professional success.

There are a few job opportunities up for grabs in the company.

It’s important that we’re on the same page before starting the project.

Tell me about your day; I’m all ears.

Well done! That’s it for today thanks for being here. Stay consistent with your English, don’t give up. Don’t forget to complete the Worksheet for this episode. It’s available at teacherola.com/229.

Sign up for a 3-day free training, 3-day tenses masterclass where you’ll learn how to choose tenses properly! Sign up at teacherola.com/webinar. 

I’ll be back soon, and you stay fearless, say it out loud and take care! I’m your teacher, Teacher Ola, and you were listening to Teacher Ola Podcast. Bye for now!