Learn English with podcast conversation season 1 | episode 1

Summary

In this engaging lesson, Marco and Amir discuss the common situation of cutting in line, exploring essential phrases and expressions such as 'unbelievable,' 'a mile long,' 'there's no way,' and 'cut in line.' They explain how these phrases can be used in everyday conversations, emphasizing their meaning and usage in various contexts. The dialogue also touches on cultural differences, with a focus on queuing practices in the UK and the US, highlighting how these societies react to line-cutting. This lesson provides a fun and informative way to expand vocabulary while learning about social customs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cutting in line is a common frustration, and it's important to know the language used to address it.
• 😀 'Unbelievable' is used to describe something that is incredible or amazing, but in the context of the script, it reflects frustration over traffic in New York.
• 😀 Phrases like 'we'll be in Hawaii' demonstrate how to talk about future locations in English.
• 😀 'Must be a mile long' is an exaggeration to describe a very long line, even if it's not literally a mile long.
• 😀 'There's no way' is a phrase used to express impossibility or frustration in situations, such as not waiting in a long line.
• 😀 'Cut in line' refers to when someone stands in front of you in a line without waiting their turn.
• 😀 'Sue me' is a rude phrase, indicating a defiant or impolite attitude, often used when someone is unwilling to comply with a request.
• 😀 In England, the term 'jump the queue' is used instead of 'cut in line' to describe similar behavior.
• 😀 The British take queuing seriously, and there are strict rules about how to stand in line, particularly in public spaces like the Underground.
• 😀 Queuing is a deeply ingrained cultural habit in the UK, and people are expected to wait their turn without pushing or rushing in front of others.

Q & A

What does the term 'unbelievable' mean in the context of the script?

'Unbelievable' in the script is used to describe the speaker's frustration with the heavy traffic in New York, emphasizing how extreme and hard to believe it was.

How does the woman try to calm her husband when he gets upset about the long line?

The woman reassures her husband by reminding him that they will soon be in Hawaii, where he will be on the golf course, trying to distract him from the frustration of waiting.

What does the phrase 'must be a mile long' signify?

The phrase 'must be a mile long' is an exaggeration to indicate that the line is very long, although it is not literally a mile long.

What does the expression 'there's no way' mean in the podcast?

'There's no way' is used to express impossibility, such as when someone says they cannot finish a task or achieve something, indicating it is beyond their capability.

What does 'cut in line' mean, and how is it used in the podcast?

'Cut in line' means to bypass others who are waiting and move ahead in a line. It is used in the podcast to describe the rude action of someone who does not wait their turn.

How is the phrase 'Sue me' used in the script?

'Sue me' is a rude expression used to show defiance, implying that the person does not care about being challenged or facing consequences.

What is the British English equivalent of 'cut in line'?

In British English, the equivalent of 'cut in line' is 'jump the queue.' It refers to the act of unfairly moving ahead of others in line.

How do people in England react when someone cuts in line?

In England, cutting in line is taken very seriously. People may verbally express their displeasure, and it can cause tension, especially in places like the London Underground, where there are strict rules for queuing.

What does Sarah mean when she says there are rules for queuing in London?

Sarah refers to specific regulations, such as standing on the right side of escalators and queuing on the left. These rules are meant to ensure order and fairness in crowded public spaces.

How does Sarah describe the behavior of people in queues in supermarkets?

Sarah explains that in supermarkets, people patiently wait for their turn and do not push in front of others. If someone is in a hurry, they politely let others know, respecting the order of the queue.