The Vocab Man - Fluent Vocabulary

The idioms "Elbow Grease" explained. You'll also hear some exmapled from movies/series.
On the Vocab Man, we cover interesting idioms, expressions, phrases and sayings to make you a better English speaker.

Interview Links

• WORLD NEWS QUIZ on Luke's English Podcast
• Learning English WIth The News (also on Luke's English Podacst)
• What is the idea of Simple English News Daily Podacst? (short clip)
• My interview with Stephen (How to learn English with a news podcast)

Links

• Stephen Devincenzi on Linkedin
• Send7.org (where the learning with news happens)

Definition of Elbow Grease

The idiom "elbow grease" refers to physical effort or hard work, especially manual labor that requires physical exertion. When someone suggests using "elbow grease," they are typically emphasizing the need for diligent and strenuous effort to accomplish a task, often involving activities like cleaning, scrubbing, or any manual work that requires energy and perseverance.

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Some example phrases

1. "To get the stain out of the carpet, you'll need to apply some elbow grease and scrub it vigorously." 2. "Cleaning the garage will take some serious elbow grease, but it'll be worth it in the end."

1. "If you want those shoes to shine, put in some elbow grease while polishing them."
2. "The garden won't look its best unless you put some elbow grease into weeding and pruning."
3. "Fixing up an old bicycle requires more than just spare parts; it needs some elbow grease to make it ride smoothly again."

In this bonus episode, Bob explains some slang words that he is using when he is with his friends.
Bob's interview about him learning Spanish. https://youtu.be/31cDHLU-MHY?si=vRUxcr13xpIrtymb

Bob's YouTube Channel. GN Bob
MONDAYS with Bob
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Hello learners of English!
The idiom Knock Yourself Out explained and with examples.

• Head over to Stephen's Podcast SEND 7 (News Podcast)
• Check out Stephen's first appearence where he covered the phrase Looking Forward To on The Vocab Man.
• Merriam Webster on Know Yourself Out

📬🎤Send in a voice Message via Speakpipe and become part of The Vocab Man.
Thanks for listening, Daniel.

If you want to learn English idioms, useful expressions, slang, then The Vocab Man podcast is something you might like.

The Expression "I Can't Be Bothered" Explained

According to Vanessa, don't use this expression in the US! (https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxIvdnjYd-hRnKnCLcpTJLLVY673oo8-On?si=0_IEBKa4Z60jIJEO)

Speak English With Vanessa (Don't Use it in the US)

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The meaning of Grand Theft Auto.
Grand Theft Auto Trailer
EmpBruh Baron Black

D'ont hold your breath explained, with examples.

Learn what the idiom “Don't hold your breath” means.
It is a humerous way of saying, this will never happen. Why humerous, because try to hold your breath, how long can you hold your breath? Well, if you hold your breath, you will certainly die. So don't hold your breath. It tends to be used sarcastically and the speaker is expressing skepticism

EA Learning English - Video Lessons
https://youtu.be/oKjvoifOsJc?si=hocOSQPN14wLPfrr

Tutor Nick P
Don't Hold Your Breath - Idioms (640) Origin - English Tutor Nick P
https://youtu.be/B6rtSSL2-BU?si=G0LOFC0D9tnZOBkm

@aaawesomeenglish
Informal American idiom: Don’t hold your breath
https://youtube.com/shorts/LB_njG4sjTE?si=ayjLOxATaRV9WojX

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Daniel

To Pull Someone's Leg explained.
I'm pulling your leg!

Head over to the interview with Sarah. 133 Reading in Italian until fluent - Sarah Ifeoma

Different meanings of "To Pull Someone's Leg":

1. To Tease or Joke Playfully:
   • Example: "I was just pulling your leg when I said the boss was looking for you."
2. To Deceive or Mislead in a Light-Hearted Manner:
   • Example: "Don't believe him; he's just pulling your leg about the surprise party."
3. To Engage in Friendly Banter or Prank:
   • Example: "John loves pulling his sister's leg by pretending to be a ghost in the dark."
4. To Play a Light-Hearted Trick or Practical Joke:
   • Example: "The kids pulled their teacher's leg by hiding all the chalk before class."

Alternative Phrases:

1. To Jest with Someone:
   • Example: "I was jesting with you; there's no need to take it seriously."
2. To Tease Gently:
   • Example: "She was just teasing, don't let it bother you."
3. To Engage in Light Banter:
   • Example: "We were just engaging in some light banter; no harm meant."

Etymology Stories:The origin of "to pull someone's leg" is a bit unclear, but several theories exist:

1. Theatrical Origin:
   • One theory suggests it originated in the theatrical world. In early theater, actors would literally trip or pull each other's legs to create comedic effects. Over time, this physical action evolved into a metaphor for playing a joke.
2. Pickpocketing Connection:
   • Another theory links it to pickpocketing. Some say that thieves would trip their targets to distract them while stealing from their pockets, giving rise to the expression.
3. Old English Slang:
   • There's also a belief that it's rooted in Old English slang where "pull" meant to trick or deceive. "Pulling someone's leg" could have been a figurative expression evolving from this linguistic background.
4. Nautical Origins:
   • A less common theory ties it to nautical slang, where "leg" referred to a rope. Pulling someone's leg might have been akin to figuratively pulling a person with a rope, suggesting trickery.

What is the meaning of Let Bygones be Bygones? What is its etymology?
Check out the article I wrote about Let Bygones Be Bygones: Let Bygones Be Bygones - The Vocab Man Podcast - Medium

#englishexpressions #englishidioms #englishlearning #englishvocabulary #videoclips #learnwithclips #videoshort

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