Let’s put it on the shelf for now
04/14/2013
by Culips
in Catch Word
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Sometimes we don’t want to discuss something right now. We want to discuss it later instead, because it is not immediately important. In this case, we can put something on the shelf and talk about it again in the future. This week’s episode is about putting those kinds of things on the shelf. You don’t want to forget about something completely, but it just doesn’t have priority. Don’t put listening to this episode on the shelf! Listen and start using the expressions right away.
| Maura: | The beginning of this expression sounds just like the first expression, but it’s different at the end. To put something on the back burner. |
| Harp: | Yes. To put something on the back burner. |
| Maura: | And this means just the same as to put something on the shelf. When you put something on the back burner, you are not going to deal with it right now, you’re going to temporarily put it on hold. And at some time in the future, you will deal with it. |
| Harp: | Yeah. You’re not gonna give it immediate action or thought, you’re gonna let it go for a little bit and not think about, and later you’re gonna deal with it. |
| Maura: | Right. It’s something that doesn’t need to be discussed right now. Now, a back burner is actually part of a stove. And when you put something on the back burner, it’s not something that needs your immediate attention while cooking. You can kind of put it on the back and just let it simmer on its own; you don’t need to pay close attention to it. The same goes for whatever you’re dealing with. If you’re not going to give it full attention right now, you can say you put it on the back burner. |
Expressions from this episode included in the Learning Materials:
| To do your own thing | To put something on the shelf |
| A secretary | To deal with something |
| Funny story | To find common ground |
| Extra hands | To put something on the back burner |
| A lemon | To put something on ice |
| A city councillor | A time frame |
Podcast/Learning Materials: Culips English Podcast, Photo Culips
The corporate world
04/7/2013
by Culips
in Chatterbox
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Work! Love it or hate it, most of us have to do it. In this episode, Harp and Maura talk about the corporate world and what it’s like nowadays. Almost everyone hopes to make as much money as they can, and some people work to climb the corporate ladder in order to get prestige as well. Harp and Maura also talk about the latest interview trends and discuss what the job market currently looks like. This is a super-informative episode, and some of the ideas in this episode were suggested by two Culips listeners!
| Harp: | It seems that more and more people are working around the clock because of things like smart phones and laptops at home. People are always connected so they feel like they have to respond to emails, they have to answer calls. |
| Maura: | That is definitely true. The idea of working just 9 to 5 doesn’t really exist if you’re in the corporate world and you’re trying to climb the corporate ladder. Now, another part of working and living in the corporate world is the rat race. |
| Harp: | The rat race. |
| Maura: | And we want to give a very special thank you to one of our Culips listeners, who suggested that we talk about the rat race, on Facebook. |
| Harp: | Yeah. Thanks, Ehsanaagha. |
Expressions from this episode included in the Learning Materials:
| To climb the corporate ladder | On the other hand |
| A go-getter | A career path |
| VP and CEO | The glass ceiling |
| To take something | To work around the clock |
| To get around something | A workaholic |
| The rat race | A shout-out |
| A split-second decision | The STAR approach to answering behavioural questions |
| Baby boomers | Booming |
Podcast/Learning Materials: Culips English Podcast, Photo Culips
Let bygones be bygones
03/31/2013
by Culips
in Catch Word
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
This episode is all about forgetting the negative things that happened to us in the past and moving forward with our lives. This is always a good idea, so we’ve got a few expressions to remind us of this. If you had an argument with someone, or if something didn’t happen the way you wanted it to, it may be better not to think about it anymore. Put the past behind you and listen to this episode.
| Maura: | This expression sounds very repetitive because it repeats the same word twice—bygones. So the expression is let bygones be bygones. |
| Harp: | Yeah. And bygones mean something from the past, something that happened at an earlier time. And so this expression, to let bygones be bygones, it means to let unpleasant things that have happened in the past stay in the past. You forget about them. You don’t bring them up again. You just let it go. |
| Maura: | Right. It’s like saying something that happened in the past happened in the past, not the present, so don’t think about it now. |
| Harp: | For example, if you had an argument or a fight with someone in the past, don’t bring it up again. Don’t think about it. Let bygones be bygones. |
Expressions from this episode included in the Learning Materials:
| To let bygones be bygones | To bring something up |
| Miffed | To put something behind you |
| To flare up | To get down on yourself |
| To let sleeping dogs lie | Split infinitives |
| To be around | To be on someone |
| An old flame | To go down that road (again) |
| To come to your senses | To be right around the corner |
Podcast/Learning Materials: Culips English Podcast, Photo eHow
It’s in mint condition
03/24/2013
by Culips
in Catch Word
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
When buying or selling used items, it’s important to know what condition the items are in. In this episode, we talk about some expressions that are used to describe an item’s condition. We look at expressions to say that something is in excellent condition, bad condition, or somewhere in the middle. If you like looking for deals online from people selling their stuff, or if you’re a second-hand shopper, then this episode is worth a listen!
| Harp: | These expressions are often used when you’re buying or selling something. |
| Maura: | All right. So, first we’re going to talk about an expression that means something is in very, very good condition; that it’s like brand new. |
| Harp: | Yeah. This expression is mint condition. |
| Maura: | You know, I really like this expression. It is mint condition. |
| Harp: | Yeah. Mint condition. |
| Maura: | Now, you know, I kind of remember when I was a kid and hearing this expression for the first time, and thinking that it was so strange. I didn’t understand, because I was thinking of mint, you know? Like the herb or, like, you have a mint after dinner. And I did not understand how mint condition could mean very good condition. |
Expressions from this episode included in the Learning Materials:
| Mint condition | Brand new |
| New to someone | Or anything |
| Wear and tear | To see something for yourself |
| Craigslist | To keep on an eye on something |
| To have seen better days | Up close |
| To keep an eye out for something | To be in good shape |
Podcast/Learning Materials: Culips English Podcast, Photo Culips
Commuting
03/17/2013
by Culips
in Chatterbox
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Most of us travel to work many times in one week. Some of us have a quick little trip and others spend hours on public transportation. This episode is all about that—travelling to and from work. Harp and Maura talk about what commuting is like in Canada, how people get to work, and how long it usually takes them. They also share their own experiences of getting to work every day. If you’re a commuter, listen to this episode on your way to work.
| Harp: | And then we’re gonna talk about our some of our own personal experiences with commuting. |
| Maura: | You know, it is something very personal. Sometimes people love their commute, or they hate their commute. So people really have a strong feeling about it. |
| Harp: | Yes. I definitely agree with you. |
| Maura: | OK. So let’s start by talking about how people get to work in Canada. |
| Harp: | Well, I have to be honest; most people get to work by car. |
| Maura: | That is definitely true. I think, internationally, Canada and the US are known for drivers. People really like to drive around here. |
| Harp: | Yeah. People love their cars and they love driving to work, or anywhere. |
| Maura: | And most of the time, people are alone in their cars. So you have a car with one person driving to their workplace. |
Expressions from this episode included in the Learning Materials:
| To commute/a commute | A carpool/to carpool |
| To take turns | Hardcore |
| A traffic jam | Right off the bat |
| The metro | No problem |
| To hold back | To see where this is going |
| To jaywalk | I don’t blame you |
Podcast/Learning Materials: Culips English Podcast, Photo Culips
