I’ve been trying to keep my mind off of (not think about) the coronavirus pandemic (wide-spreading of a disease). So last week I decided to learn how to bake.

It was a disaster (very bad event).

I tried making two kinds of desserts (sweet things eaten after main meal). They tasted awful (terrible, bad).

I then realized that I should probably stick to (continue doing) what I know – teaching English. So I wrote a little “guide” to “pandemic English” you may be seeing in the news.

SOCIAL DISTANCING: To keep yourself away from other people as much as you can.

Here in the U.S., people are being told to stay at least 6 feet (about 2 meters) from other people on the street, in a store, etc. Of course, the best social distancing is to stay at home, which is what I’m doing.

COVID-19/CORNAVIRUS: These are the same thing, used to describe the virus itself.

HAND SANITIZER: This is a special liquid that helps keep your hands clean when you can’t wash them.

Health experts tell people to wash their hands with soap and water thoroughly (completely), at least 20 seconds, which is better than using sanitizer. But if you are out and away from a bathroom, then hand sanitizer is the next best thing (the second best thing).

QUARANTINE: To be placed apart from everyone else, especially if you have a disease.

Some governments are quarantining cities or areas, not allowing anyone in or out.

SELF-ISOLATE: Similar to quarantine, this means to stay away from other people, but usually does not involve a government order or law.

SHELTER IN PLACE: These means not to leave where you are right now (home), to NOT go anywhere unless it is necessary.

Shelter-in-place, self-isolation, and quarantining all basically look the same for most people.

FLATTEN THE CURVE: To reduce the number of people getting infected and dying from the coronavirus.

The idea is that if we do things like wash our hands, self-isolate, wear a mask, etc., we will prevent having too many sick people for the hospitals to help.

So stay safe wherever you are, and maybe try learn a new skill, like how to bake. I’m sure you’ll do better than I did!

~Jeff

P.S. The photo is of the world’s worst scones (a British sweet biscuit), made by me. They were so bad I had to throw them all away in the trash (really!).

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What Will I Learn in My Free Lesson?

Here is just a small part of what you’re going to learn in this free lesson:

• What “take a rain check” means and how to use it in a conversation . . .
• The difference between a “recluse” and a “busybody” . . .
• Why “to fend OFF” means something from “to fend FOR” . . .
• What it means to “take a rain check,” “keep to yourself,” and “to appoint (someone)” . . .
• What a social secretary is . . .
• The best way to use “to sort out” and “to turn down” . . .
• How to use phrasal verbs like “to settle in” and “to settle down” (they’re not the same!) . . .

Learn how and when we use the expression, “to give notice,” in this short video by ESLPod.com.

Learn more job-related vocabulary in our Daily English lesson 44 – Hiring for a Job.

Learn more about our Unlimited English membership, with access to more than 1800 lessons, here.

~Jeff

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What Will I Learn in My Free Lesson?

Here is just a small part of what you’re going to learn in this free lesson:

• What “take a rain check” means and how to use it in a conversation . . .
• The difference between a “recluse” and a “busybody” . . .
• Why “to fend OFF” means something from “to fend FOR” . . .
• What it means to “take a rain check,” “keep to yourself,” and “to appoint (someone)” . . .
• What a social secretary is . . .
• The best way to use “to sort out” and “to turn down” . . .
• How to use phrasal verbs like “to settle in” and “to settle down” (they’re not the same!) . . .

All of us at ESLPod.com hope that you and your loved ones (the people you love) are healthy and safe during these difficult times of the coronavirus.

We take the current threat (danger) very seriously. But if you’re like me, you’re stuck at home (can’t go out) and looking for ways to keep busy, especially something to take my mind off of our current troubles.

So today we’re offering a gift to you: a complete Daily English lesson from our collection. It’s our way of thanking you for your support.

We would not be here without you, our wonderful fans and members!

Our gift to you is Daily English 721 – A Widespread Epidemic. It contains some useful vocabulary to understand news in English about this serious topic.

We hope it will help you pass the time more quickly as we all self-isolate (stay away from other people).

Be safe!

~ Jeff + Lucy

P.S. This lesson is part of the 1800+ lessons we offer with our Unlimited English membership.

Learn how we talk about types of bedrooms and what a “hall” is in this short video from ESLPod.com.

And check out (take a look at) a Daily English lesson about houses that I talk about in the video – Daily English 131 – Sharing an Apartment.

~Jeff

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What Will I Learn in My Free Lesson?

Here is just a small part of what you’re going to learn in this free lesson:

• What “take a rain check” means and how to use it in a conversation . . .
• The difference between a “recluse” and a “busybody” . . .
• Why “to fend OFF” means something from “to fend FOR” . . .
• What it means to “take a rain check,” “keep to yourself,” and “to appoint (someone)” . . .
• What a social secretary is . . .
• The best way to use “to sort out” and “to turn down” . . .
• How to use phrasal verbs like “to settle in” and “to settle down” (they’re not the same!) . . .

What do we mean when we say we’re having a “three-course meal”? Learn how to talk about different parts of a meal in this quick video from ESLPod.com.

Also, take a look at the Daily English lesson we mention in this video, #121 – Cooking Dinner, for more cooking-related vocabulary.

And why not take a look at our Unlimited English membership, which will give you unlimited access to 1800+ English lessons? Start here: https://tv.eslpod.com

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We hate spam, too! We will never sell, rent, or give your information to anyone – ever!

What Will I Learn in My Free Lesson?

Here is just a small part of what you’re going to learn in this free lesson:

• What “take a rain check” means and how to use it in a conversation . . .
• The difference between a “recluse” and a “busybody” . . .
• Why “to fend OFF” means something from “to fend FOR” . . .
• What it means to “take a rain check,” “keep to yourself,” and “to appoint (someone)” . . .
• What a social secretary is . . .
• The best way to use “to sort out” and “to turn down” . . .
• How to use phrasal verbs like “to settle in” and “to settle down” (they’re not the same!) . . .

We often talk about a “groundbreaking study” or a “groundbreaking invention,” but what does that mean exactly?

Learn how to use “groundbreaking” in English in this quick video from ESLPod.com:

Also, check out the Daily English lesson #88 – Socializing at a Reception that we talk about in this video.

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What Will I Learn in My Free Lesson?

Here is just a small part of what you’re going to learn in this free lesson:

• What “take a rain check” means and how to use it in a conversation . . .
• The difference between a “recluse” and a “busybody” . . .
• Why “to fend OFF” means something from “to fend FOR” . . .
• What it means to “take a rain check,” “keep to yourself,” and “to appoint (someone)” . . .
• What a social secretary is . . .
• The best way to use “to sort out” and “to turn down” . . .
• How to use phrasal verbs like “to settle in” and “to settle down” (they’re not the same!) . . .

There is a famous saying (short piece of advice or wisdom): “Flattery will get you nowhere.”

What is “flattery,” and what does this well-known saying mean?

We call saying nice things about a person praise (“What a beautiful dress you have on, dear!”). But when we give some too much praise so that it seems insincere (false; not saying what you really think), that’s called flattery.

People usually use flattery to try to get something they want.

If you want a promotion (higher-level job), you might try to flatter your boss. But if your coworker thinks that’s a bad idea, she may tell you, “Flattery will get you nowhere.”

This means that even if you say nice things about the other person, you will not get what you want from him.

If you flatter someone, you of course hope he or she will feel or be flattered. If you feel flattered, you feel pleased with the praise or respect that someone has shown you.

For example, if you asked me to sing at your wedding, I would be flattered!

Interestingly, to be flattered (or to feel flattered) doesn’t have the same negative meaning as “flattery.” It just means you feel good about what someone has said about you.

Rather than using flattery, if you genuinely (truthfully) want to say nice things about someone, you give them a compliment.

You can still have an ulterior motive (hidden reason) for complimenting someone, but a compliment by itself is not a bad thing. It’s a nice thing to say about person, without being too much or insincere.

If my wife gets a haircut, I might compliment her by saying, “Your hair looks nice!”

One thing I would never give my wife is a backhanded compliment.

You hear the term “backhand” most often in the sport of tennis (see photo). Backhand refers to hitting the ball while the back of your hand is facing where you want the ball to go — again, see the photo.

A backhanded compliment is something that sounds like a compliment, but really isn’t. It may even be an insult (something disrespectful).

Usually with a backhanded compliment, the insult is implied (not said directly).

Here are some examples:

– “I didn’t think you’d get the job. Congratulations!” (Implying that you are not qualified or good enough for the job)
– “Those pants really make you look taller.” (Implying that normally you look short)
– “It’s amazing that somebody is publishing your book.” (Implying that it’s not really a good book)
– “You look so good in the photo that I didn’t recognize you.” (Implying that you don’t normally look that good)

What do I do when I get a backhanded compliment?

I say “thank you.” Nothing is more annoying than an insult that doesn’t hit home (get the expected bad response)!

~ Jeff

P.S. For more information on how to use “compliment,” see our Daily English lesson #219 – Giving Compliments.

And for the difference between “complIment” and “complEment,” see Cultural English lesson #328.

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What Will I Learn in My Free Lesson?

Here is just a small part of what you’re going to learn in this free lesson:

• What “take a rain check” means and how to use it in a conversation . . .
• The difference between a “recluse” and a “busybody” . . .
• Why “to fend OFF” means something from “to fend FOR” . . .
• What it means to “take a rain check,” “keep to yourself,” and “to appoint (someone)” . . .
• What a social secretary is . . .
• The best way to use “to sort out” and “to turn down” . . .
• How to use phrasal verbs like “to settle in” and “to settle down” (they’re not the same!) . . .

Image by skeeze from Pixabay

English is infamous for (famous for, but in a bad way) lots of confusing phrasal verbs. So today I’ll try to explain one set (group) of common phrasal verbs using “to step.”

Many of these phrasal verbs with “step” have a simple “physical” meaning. They describe an action you take with your legs.

But often they refer to a more “metaphorical” meaning, one that is not related directly to (in this case) a physical action.

A good case of this is the phrasal verb to step forward. To step forward can mean to move your legs so that your body goes forward.

If you’re waiting in a long line for a cashier (person who takes your money at a store), the cashier might ask the next person in line to step forward.

But to step forward is also used to mean “to volunteer,” to offer to do something when asked: “I was looking for someone in my company to help with the new project, and Julie stepped forward and said ‘Yes, I’ll help.’”

To step up can mean either to move forward with your legs OR to do a very good job with a difficult task: “Margo had a tough project last month, but she really stepped up and did a great job.”

A related expression is “to step up to the plate,” which comes originally from baseball. The plate or “home plate” is where the batter (hitter) stands. To step up to the plate means to give something a try when you have an opportunity to do it, to make a good effort at something.

Similarly, to step down can mean to use your legs to go down, say, a set of stairs in your house. But it can also mean to resign or to quit: “The president of the company stepped down last month after the directors saw the Instagram photos of his vacation with his secretary.”

To step aside can mean to move your legs so that your body goes either left or right, such as when you need to get out of someone’s way on a busy subway train.

But to step aside can also mean to quit or simply to let someone else try something that you are not able to do: “The producers asked Martin, Sam, and Quentin to step aside and let Bong finish the movie.”

If you watch a lot of American crime shows, you may have heard the police say something like “Step away from the door!” to a criminal. That just means to move away from a place using your legs.

Informally, we also use “step away” at work, when we leave our desk for a short time: “Ms. Robbie has stepped away from her desk for a few minutes. Can I help you?”

Stepping back can mean the opposite of stepping forward, in the sense of physically moving your body by going backwards.

To step back (from) also means to be less involved with something, to do less of a thing: “I’ve decided to step back from some of my duties at work because I am working too hard.”

Finally, we have the phrase to step out, which can mean to leave a building for a short time. It is similar to “to step away” but implies that the person left the office or building completely: “I’m going to step out for an hour to visit a client (customer).”

To step out on someone means to cheat on one’s boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife. To cheat on means to be romantically involved with someone who is NOT one of the above: “Juan is married to Maria, but I think he’s stepping out on her with that new blonde in accounting.”

~Jeff

P.S. For more information on phrasal verbs, see these Unlimited and Select English lessons:

Daily English #14 – Going to the Post Office

Daily English #552 – A Homeowners’ Association

Cultural English #288

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What Will I Learn in My Free Lesson?

Here is just a small part of what you’re going to learn in this free lesson:

• What “take a rain check” means and how to use it in a conversation . . .
• The difference between a “recluse” and a “busybody” . . .
• Why “to fend OFF” means something from “to fend FOR” . . .
• What it means to “take a rain check,” “keep to yourself,” and “to appoint (someone)” . . .
• What a social secretary is . . .
• The best way to use “to sort out” and “to turn down” . . .
• How to use phrasal verbs like “to settle in” and “to settle down” (they’re not the same!) . . .

And much, much more!

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

If you ate too much over the holidays, you may be looking to (trying to; hoping to) lose weight.

Find out how to use a few common expressions in English such as “to slim down” and “to drop a few pounds” in this short video.

Jeff

P.S. For more English expressions on weight loss, see our Daily English lesson #291 – Going on a Diet and #827 – Fad Dieting.

P.P.S. Like this short English lesson? Get a FREE sample lesson (no money needed) – SIGN UP BELOW!

Just fill out the form below and we’ll send a FREE lesson to try!

We hate spam, too! We will never sell, rent, or give your information to anyone – ever!

What Will I Learn in My Free Lesson?

Here is just a small part of what you’re going to learn in this free lesson:

• What “take a rain check” means and how to use it in a conversation . . .
• The difference between a “recluse” and a “busybody” . . .
• Why “to fend OFF” means something from “to fend FOR” . . .
• What it means to “take a rain check,” “keep to yourself,” and “to appoint (someone)” . . .
• What a social secretary is . . .
• The best way to use “to sort out” and “to turn down” . . .
• How to use phrasal verbs like “to settle in” and “to settle down” (they’re not the same!) . . .

And much, much more!

Americans love surveys (questions asking people’s opinions). For example, I recently saw a magazine survey in which Los Angeles was voted the second rudest (insulting; not very nice) city in the United States.

(“Only second?” I asked myself.)

Now, being rude or impolite isn’t anything new in big cities. In fact, according to this survey, the #1 rudest city in America is New York City. Number three is Washington, D.C., number four is Chicago, and number five is Boston.

You’re probably asking yourself, “How can I be rude to people when I visit these cities?”

Well, if you want to fit in (be like other people socially), here are two classic insults (disrespectful phrases) you can use.

Actually, these aren’t really bad insults, not the kind that will get you beat up (assaulted or physically hurt). They are the kind of “insults” that good friends may say to each other in fun.

“Age Before Beauty”

Your age is how old you are, of course. Beauty is how attractive or good looking you are.

Typically (usually), you use this insult when you’re walking with someone, let’s say (use as an example) your friend. You reach a doorway (where you enter a room) and one of you needs to go through first.

You hold the door open so that your friend can pass through (walk through), saying, “Age before beauty.”

You mean that your friend is old and that you are younger (and more beautiful), so your friend (“age”) should go first before you (“beauty”).

Note you can also use “Age before beauty” to flatter (give a compliment to; to say something nice about) someone.

If you go first through the doorway and say, “Age before beauty,” you are saying saying that the person who follows you is younger and/or more beautiful. This meaning is possible, but it’s not used as often as the insult, and is certainly less fun.

“Pearls Before Swine”

Pearls are small, hard, round balls with a beautiful shiny (usually white) surface (see photo). They actually grows in oysters, a type of animal in the sea with a shell.

Pearls are often used for necklaces. Good-quality pearls are very valuable (and cost a lot of money, as any man with a girlfriend or wife knows).

Swine is another name for a pig, a farm animal that I look like after I eat a big Thanksgiving dinner.

“Swine” is also an insulting term for someone who is a jerk, a person who isn’t very nice, though it’s not as common these days as it once was.

The expression “Pearls before swine” comes from the Bible (Matthew 7:6), when Jesus tells his disciples (followers) that they should not take spiritually valuable things and give them to people who do not want or appreciate them.

You can use “Pearls before swine” when you give or show something to others who don’t appreciate it, who don’t think it’s as good as it really is, as good as you think it is.

Let’s say I sing a song in front of my friends. They laugh and tell me that I’m a bad singer (that happens a lot, actually).

I might say to them, “Pearls before swine!” I mean that my singing is great but that pigs, like my friends, can’t appreciate its beauty.

Now you know two commonly-used insults you can try on your friends. I can’t guarantee, though, that you won’t get beat up.

Jeff

P.S. For more on insults in English and ways of getting into a fight, see these episodes in our Unlimited English program:

Daily English 1299: Trading Insults

https://secure3.eslpod.com/podcast/daily-english-1299-trading-insults/

Daily English 529: Insulting Other People

https://secure3.eslpod.com/podcast/esl-podcast-529-insulting-other-people/

Daily English 282: Offending Someone

https://secure3.eslpod.com/podcast/esl-podcast-282-offending-someone/

P.P.S. Like this short English lesson? Get a FREE sample lesson (no money needed) – SIGN UP BELOW!

Just fill out the form below and we’ll send a FREE lesson to try!

We hate spam, too! We will never sell, rent, or give your information to anyone – ever!

What Will I Learn in My Free Lesson?

Here is just a small part of what you’re going to learn in this free lesson:

• What “take a rain check” means and how to use it in a conversation . . .
• The difference between a “recluse” and a “busybody” . . .
• Why “to fend OFF” means something from “to fend FOR” . . .
• What it means to “take a rain check,” “keep to yourself,” and “to appoint (someone)” . . .
• What a social secretary is . . .
• The best way to use “to sort out” and “to turn down” . . .
• How to use phrasal verbs like “to settle in” and “to settle down” (they’re not the same!) . . .

And much, much more!

Image by ?? ? from Pixabay