In this episode, learn the meaning, origin, and everyday use of the expression “to stand one’s ground.”
As usual, the lesson will begin with a joke (this one's a pun!). Then we'll dive into the expression. Shana will explain how to use the phrase in real-life situations, and guides you through a quick pronunciation practice.
Stay tuned for next week’s follow-up episode on bison—majestic animals that quite literally stand their ground.
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19:55
191 - Irregular Verb Story: The (Funny) Invention of the Microwave
It helps you make your oatmeal in 90 seconds and reheat your pizza in 30. Some of you love it; others are skeptical, with concerns it might cause brain damage. What am I talking about? Microwaves, of course!
The story of how the microwave was discovered (or invented!) is weird and very funny—and it all went down in Massachusetts.
To make this story extra valuable, I've added 20 irregular verbs to it. How many did you catch?
If you'd like the full list, the supplementary video, and all of the bonus material to master the irregular verbs you heard in Season 4, sign up for Premium Content!
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This episode was sponsored by NordVPN. To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan - go to https://nordvpn.com/americanenglish - Our link will also give you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan! Plus, there's no risk with their 30-day money-back guarantee.
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34:51
⭐ Feature: The Coast is Clear and The Great Escape from Alcatraz
In this episode, you'll learn how to use the common English expression “the coast is clear,” which means it’s safe to proceed because no one is watching or in the way. After breaking down the literal and figurative meanings, as well as the origin, you'll hear three vivid examples—one featuring a mama bird, a cheating girlfriend, and shoplifting teens.
The cultural spotlight of this episode is on Alcatraz, the infamous island prison off the coast of San Francisco. Once home to criminals like Al Capone, Alcatraz was considered escape-proof—until 1962, when Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers vanished in a daring and ingenious escape involving handmade dummies, a raft made of raincoats, and months of careful planning. Despite debris being found and decades of investigation, the trio was never seen again, making it the longest-running manhunt in U.S. history. In this episode, you'll learn about the prison, and how these three men got out!
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32:51
190.2 - The Great Smoky Mountains and Appalachian Culture
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in the entire United States. Every year close to 14 million people go to check out the nature, the wildlife, and to see what life was like back in the 1800s (90 structures have been preserved!).
What's really exciting about the Smokies, at least to me, is that they're the birthplace of Appalachian culture.
In today's episode, we'll begin with some geography, a little bit of history, and then we'll do a deep dive into folklore, bluegrass, and moonshine (homemade corn whisky), which is very much the reason why NASCAR exists today. It's truly mind-blowing.
At the very end of the episode I'll share tips on visiting! Hope you enjoy it! :)
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40:05
190 - Expression: Where There's Smoke, There's Fire
Hi everyone! Welcome back. I'm excited for another expression episode. Today we're going to be talking about a common one: "Where there's smoke, there's fire." We'll of course, dive into the meaning, I'll teach you about the origin, and we have multiple examples today so that you can hear how it's used naturally in conversation. At the very end, there will be a little pronunciation exercise just for reinforcement.
In part two of today's lesson, which will be posted next week, we'll explore the Great Smoky Mountains. Yes, the Great Smokies, the most visited national park in the United States. Stay tuned!
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The American English Podcast teaches the language and culture of the United States. Through common expressions, pronunciation tips and interesting cultural snippets or stories, I hope to keep this fun, useful and interesting! All bonus material can be accessed at http://americanenglishpodcast.com/
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