Native English Expressions | Ep.6
Do you feel lost when listening to native speakers? It’s likely because textbook English isn’t enough. Welcome to Native Expressions Ep.6.
Real conversations are full of idioms, phrasal verbs, and cultural nuances. This series curates authentic expressions directly from podcasts and YouTube videos to help you sound more natural and confident.
To see these idioms in action, check out the 1:14–5:14 mark of this video, where today’s expressions were originally used: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7muA1KCCUc
Native Expressions Ep.6 | 1 – 5
for the sake of
for the purpose of; in order to help or benefit something
They kept the meeting short for the sake of everyone’s busy schedule.
it turns out that
used to introduce something that was discovered or became known later
It turns out that the new study method works better than anyone expected.
be attributed to
to be caused by or credited to something
Their success can be attributed to their consistent effort and teamwork.
highly effective
very successful in producing the desired result
This plan proved to be highly effective in improving students’ focus.
focus on
to give attention and effort to one particular thing
They decided to focus on building stronger study habits this semester.
Native Expressions Ep.6 | 6 – 10
set aside
to save or reserve something, such as time or money, for a specific purpose
They set aside an hour every evening to review what they learned that day.
serve a role
to have a particular function or purpose
Regular breaks serve a role in helping students stay focused longer.
clear out
to remove things that are not needed or that cause distraction
Before studying, they clear out their desk to make the space tidy and quiet.
make it a point to
to make a special effort to do something regularly or carefully
They make it a point to start studying at the same time every night.
put away
to place something in its usual location so it’s not in the way
She put away her phone before studying to avoid checking messages.
Native Expressions Ep.6 | 11 – 15
isolate oneself
to separate from others in order to focus or avoid distraction
He prefers to isolate himself in a quiet room when preparing for exams.
study alone
to learn or review material without other people present
Some students find it easier to study alone rather than in a group.
isn’t to say that
used to clarify that what was just said does not mean the opposite is completely untrue
He enjoys working alone, but that isn’t to say that he dislikes teamwork.
tend to
to usually do something or often behave in a certain way
People who plan their schedule carefully tend to achieve better results.
be reachable
to be available for contact by phone, message, or email
During study hours, she turns off notifications so she won’t be reachable.
Native Expressions Ep.6 | 16 – 20
break up into
to divide something into smaller parts or sections
They break up their study time into short sessions to stay focused.
best-performing
achieving the highest results or success compared to others
The best-performing students often have consistent study habits and discipline.
eliminate distractions
to remove things that take attention away from what’s important
They eliminate distractions by studying in a quiet place without phones or noise.
consistent amount of time
the same or steady period of time spent on something regularly
She studies for a consistent amount of time each evening to build a routine.
at least
no less than a particular number or amount
You should exercise at least three times a week to stay healthy.
Native Expressions Ep.6 | 21 – 25
presumably
used to say that something is likely true even if not confirmed
Presumably, they rest on weekends to recover from long study sessions.
make clear
to explain or show something so that it is easy to understand
The professor didn’t make it clear whether the test would be open-book or not.
make an effort to
to try hard or do something with intention and energy
They make an effort to review their notes every night before class.
unfair advantage
a situation where someone has an extra benefit that others do not
Some students believe that sharing notes gives others an unfair advantage.
perform exceedingly well
to do much better than average or expected
Those who practiced teaching performed exceedingly well on the final exam.
Native Expressions Ep.6 | 26 – 30
be afraid to
to hesitate or feel nervous about doing something
Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you don’t understand something.
develop mastery
to build a deep and complete understanding or skill in something
Teaching others can help you develop mastery of difficult subjects.
freebie
something given for free or without effort
Some might see shared notes as a freebie for those who didn’t study.
competitive disadvantage
a situation where someone is less likely to succeed compared to others
Sharing your strategy too early could put you at a competitive disadvantage.
not having done the work
failing to make the effort required to complete a task or prepare
They got the same results despite not having done the work themselves.
Native Expressions Ep.6 | 31 – 35
pick up
to learn something by experience or practice rather than formal teaching
She picked up useful study habits from observing other students.
refer to
to describe, mention, or be connected with a particular thing
The phrase refers to learning by observing, practicing, and then teaching.
apply to
to be relevant or suitable for a particular situation
The same principle applies to learning languages or any new skill.
develop proficiency
to gain skill and competence in doing something well
With consistent practice, students can develop proficiency in writing essays.
in general
usually; in most situations
In general, people learn faster when they actively practice what they study.
Native Expressions Ep.6 | 36 – 40
go back to
to return to a previous topic, idea, or place
Let’s go back to the point about how focus improves with good study habits.
anchor one’s focus
to fix or hold one’s attention firmly on something
Meditation can help you anchor your focus during long study sessions.
renewable resource
something that can be used repeatedly because it naturally restores itself
Focus is like a renewable resource—it can be restored through rest and sleep.
build up
to gradually increase in amount or level
Stress can build up over time if you don’t take regular breaks.
less focused
having reduced concentration or attention
After several hours of studying, people become tired and less focused.
Native Expressions Ep.6 | 41 – 45
allow someone to
to make it possible for someone to do something
A good night’s sleep allows you to recharge and concentrate better.
when possible
if the situation allows; whenever you have the chance
When possible, choose quiet places that help you concentrate better.
adapt to
to change or adjust in order to fit a new situation or environment
Your brain can adapt to a fixed routine and become more efficient.
sleep-wake cycle
the natural pattern of sleeping and being awake within a 24-hour period
Maintaining a steady sleep-wake cycle helps improve energy and focus.
in a row
happening one after another without interruption
If you study at the same hour for several days in a row, it becomes easier to concentrate.
Native Expressions Ep.6 | 46 – 50
naturally improve
to get better on its own without special effort
Your focus will naturally improve once your body adjusts to the routine.
given
considering or taking into account a particular fact or situation
You should wear safety gear given the chemicals used in the experiment.
provide that
used to say something will happen only if a certain condition is met
You may enter the lab provided that you follow all safety rules.
means to
a method or way of achieving something
Teaching others is an effective means to deepen your understanding.
over time
gradually; as time passes
Your confidence will grow over time with consistent practice.
Native Expressions Ep.6 | 51 – 55
designate time
to officially or clearly set aside a specific period for a purpose
They designate time each evening to review what they learned in class.
with absolute certainty
knowing something completely without doubt
We know with absolute certainty that rest improves memory and focus.
push down
to reduce or lower the level of something
A good night’s sleep helps push down the stress and restore your energy.
feel alert
to be awake, attentive, and ready to react or think clearly
After a short nap, she felt alert and ready to continue studying.
attentional budget
the limited amount of focus or mental energy a person can use at one time
Managing your attentional budget wisely prevents burnout and distraction.
Native Expressions Ep.6 | 56 – 56
not to say that
used to clarify that a statement doesn’t mean the opposite is impossible or wrong
He prefers studying in the morning, not to say that evening sessions can’t be effective too.