Native English Expressions | Ep.12
Do you feel lost when listening to native speakers? It’s likely because textbook English isn’t enough. Welcome to Native Expressions Ep.12.
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 this video, where today’s expressions were originally used: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7muA1KCCUc
Native Expressions Ep.12 | 1 – 5
exclusive
in a relationship context, the state of dating or being committed to only one person
She felt upset because she assumed their relationship was exclusive and didn’t expect her friend to stay with someone else.
grow apart
to gradually become less close or friendly in a relationship over time
The friend was curious to know if the two had grown apart or if they still had a strong connection.
have fun
to enjoy oneself or experience a pleasing or entertaining time
She said it was great that her friend had fun, but she actually felt a little jealous that she was left out.
crash on someone’s couch
to sleep on a friend’s sofa for the night instead of going to one’s own home
She didn’t come back last night because she had to crash on a Jane’s couch after their long night out.
the first owner
the original person to buy and possess something new, rather than buying it used or second-hand
She was shocked to discover that Jane was the first owner of her couch, since they usually use old, used furniture.
Native Expressions Ep.12 | 6 – 10
shake
to tremble or move with quick, short movements, often because of age, cold, or nervousness
The man remarked that since he was nearly eighty, it was natural for his body to shake from time to time.
push
to be nearly a specific age, usually used when someone is reaching an older age
The man joked that everything in his body shakes now that he is pushing 80.
get something off one’s chest
to tell someone about something that has been bothering you for a long time so that you feel better
He finally got those thoughts off his chest after keeping his true opinion of those people a secret since the mid-90s.
against one’s will
doing something even though you do not want to or are being forced to
The man joked that he only became her friend against his will, implying she didn’t give him much of a choice.
section
a specific area in a restaurant that is assigned to a particular waiter or waitress
She noticed a girl sitting in her section and decided that she would be the perfect person to approach for a new friendship.
Native Expressions Ep.12 | 11 – 15
put oneself out there
to take a social risk by making oneself vulnerable to others or trying something new
She thought it was very brave of the waitress to put herself out there just to meet someone new.
say something to no one
to speak aloud when there is nobody around to listen or respond
Caroline felt lonely because she had to say the show was still on to no one while watching TV by herself.
brag
to speak too proudly about what you have done or what you own
She started to brag about being in two different wedding albums to show how much fun she had.
not one but number
an emphasizing expression used to say that there is more than just a single thing
She bragged that they ended up in not one but two wedding albums after crashing multiple parties last night.
dance someone some horror
to dance in a very strange, wild, or shocking way that might surprise or scare others
She joked that Jane can dance her some horror, implying that Jane’s moves at the weddings were quite crazy and intense.
Native Expressions Ep.12 | 16 – 20
what’s happening here?
a question used to ask for an explanation when a situation feels strange or awkward
When she started acting jealous and weird, her friend asked what’s happening here? to understand her reaction.
like watching a bird fly into a window in slow motion
a way to say something awkward that you can’t stop
She told her friend to keep talking because watching her struggle to express her feelings was like watching a bird fly into a window in slow motion.
for lack of a better word
a phrase used when you are not sure if the word you chose is the best one, but it is the closest you can find
She used the term ‘exclusive,’ for lack of a better word, to explain why she felt upset about her friend spending time with Jane.
monogamous
having a relationship or deep connection with only one person at a time
She was confused because she assumed they were in a monogamous friendship and didn’t expect her friend to seek other friends.
monogamous friendship
a humorous way to describe a friendship where you are only close friends with one person and no one else
She felt betrayed because she believed they were in a monogamous friendship and shouldn’t be hanging out with other people.
Native Expressions Ep.12 | 21 – 25
not even something with the people I’m something with
a humorous way to say that one does not follow a certain rule or standard, even in situations where it is strictly expected
She showed her cynical view on commitment by joking that she is not even monogamous with the people she is monogamous with.
what is the big deal?
a phrase used to ask why someone is making a situation seem more important or problematic than it actually is
She didn’t understand why her friend was upset and asked what the big deal was regarding her spending time with an old friend.
talk about
to discuss or mention a particular subject, often in a way that suggests pride or a specific viewpoint
The man criticized how rich people always talk about their diverse friends as if they are trophies.
no reasonable person
a phrase used to say that any sensible or logical person would not act in a certain way
He joked that no reasonable black man would choose to spend time with such snobbish people.
hang out with
to spend time socializing or relaxing with someone in a casual manner
The character believes it is strange for a sensible person to hang out with that specific group of wealthy individuals.
Native Expressions Ep.12 | 26 – 30
Guess what I’m doing?
a question used to catch someone’s attention before announcing a new plan or action
She asked, ‘Guess what I’m doing?’ right before she decided to approach a stranger to be her friend.
motivate someone to do something
to cause someone to want to do something, often as a reaction to an unpleasant or inspiring situation
He joked that her awkward social experiment was motivating him to start looking at resumes for a new job so he could leave her.
on the side
served separately from the main dish, typically in a small container
She served the customer her salad dressing on the side so she could add as much as she wanted.
do gal or guy
a person who prefers or likes to do a specific thing in a certain way
She tried to find a common interest by saying she is a do gal who likes having dressing on the side.
grab something
to quickly get or have a meal or a drink in a casual way
She nervously asked the girl if they could grab a couple of salads together to start a friendship.
Native Expressions Ep.12 | 31 – 35
specifically say
to state something clearly and in detail, leaving no doubt about the meaning
The customer complained that the online reviews specifically said the staff would leave her alone.
be ignored by
to be completely disregarded or not noticed by someone
The girl was surprised because she expected to be ignored by the wait staff based on the restaurant’s reputation.
hair in one’s salad
a situation where a strand of hair is found in food, usually making the meal unpleasant or unhygienic
The awkward conversation ended abruptly when she noticed there was a hair in the customer’s salad.
black card
an invitation-only credit card with no spending limit, given only to the wealthiest individuals
She reminisced about the days when she was ‘cool’ because she had a black card and a lot of money.
approval
agreement that something is good, or a feeling of being liked and accepted by others
Her eager response to the party invitation showed that she was very hungry for approval from her new friends.
Native Expressions Ep.12 | 36 – 36
less adjective than
used to compare two things, showing that the first has a smaller amount of a quality than the second
She joked that even attention-seeking internet creators are less desperate for approval than her friend was at that moment.