Join a Culips speaking class!
Join a Culips speaking class!

Practice real English conversations with our teachers and students from around the world. Build fluency fast through live speaking practice.

See Class Schedule
Back to Podcasts
Intermediate
Mobile Learning Materials

Release Date: 5 Jan, 1000

Catch Word #237 – Left to your own devices

Episode description

In this Catch Word episode, Jeremy and I teach you two idiomatic English expressions about freedom and by learning them, you’ll be able to make your English sound more natural when speaking and also make English more understandable when listening to movies or TV or even having conversations with English speakers.

But before we get to that, I just wanted to thank you for pressing play on this episode. What you’re doing right now is what you need to keep doing to get awesome at English. By spending lots of time listening, reading, and watching content in English, you’ll get closer and closer to reaching your goals with the language. So, congrats for tuning in today and make sure to keep up the good work. I know it’s not always easy, but you’re doing a great job.

If you don’t know what Catch Word is, well, let me explain. It is the series where we teach you awesome English vocabulary, like idioms, phrasal verbs, or expressions that will help improve your English listening and speaking. And today, I’m joined by my cohost, Jeremy.

OK, let’s get started with the episode now. Enjoy and happy English learning!

Fun fact

A word that is similar to freedom is liberty. Did you know that the Statue of Liberty was given to the United States by the people of France?

Expressions included in the study guide

  • Left to your own devices
  • To fend for [oneself]
  • No holds barred
  • To get to the bottom of [something]
  • To not hold [one’s] breath
  • Shady

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

~19 minutes
Intermediate
Mobile Learning Materials

Release Date: 5 Jan, 1000
~19 minutes

Catch Word #237 – Left to your own devices

Episode description

In this Catch Word episode, Jeremy and I teach you two idiomatic English expressions about freedom and by learning them, you’ll be able to make your English sound more natural when speaking and also make English more understandable when listening to movies or TV or even having conversations with English speakers. But before we get to that, I just wanted to thank you for pressing play on this episode. What you’re doing right now is what you need to keep doing to get awesome at English. By spending lots of time listening, reading, and watching content in English, you’ll get closer and closer to reaching your goals with the language. So, congrats for tuning in today and make sure to keep up the good work. I know it’s not always easy, but you’re doing a great job. If you don’t know what Catch Word is, well, let me explain. It is the series where we teach you awesome English vocabulary, like idioms, phrasal verbs, or expressions that will help improve your English listening and speaking. And today, I’m joined by my cohost, Jeremy. OK, let’s get started with the episode now. Enjoy and happy English learning!

Fun fact

A word that is similar to freedom is liberty. Did you know that the Statue of Liberty was given to the United States by the people of France?

Expressions included in the study guide

  • Left to your own devices
  • To fend for [oneself]
  • No holds barred
  • To get to the bottom of [something]
  • To not hold [one’s] breath
  • Shady

Sign in to access Transcript

Sign in

Sign in to access Glossary

Sign in

Sign in to access Writing & Discussion Questions

Sign in

Sign in to access Quiz

Sign in

Hosts: Andrew Bates and Jeremy Brinkerhoff
Music: Something Elated by Broke For Free
Episode preparation/research: Andrew Bates
Audio editor: Kevin Moorehouse
Transcriptionist: Heather Bates
Study guide writer: Matty Warnock
English editor: Stephanie MacLean
Business manager: Tsuyoshi Kaneshima
Image: Jason Hogan (Unsplash.com)

Join Our Discord Community

More than 40.000 users already join us!
Join Discord

Popular Podcasts

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our English learning platform.

Contact Us
View More
Culips is podcast for English language learners who want to get awesome at English. We think it is important to learn English how it is really spoken and that’s why our lessons are always focused on real, current English. Learn to speak like a native and understand everything with Culips!  Test
Culips is really different than other English courses and podcasts. Our hosts are kind, funny, and professional. Our podcasts and lessons are designed to help you become fluent in conversational, North American English.  Here are some things you might not know about our hosts:
  • They are Canadian and American
  • Have master’s degrees and work in professions related to English education (Andrew is a university English professor, Suzanne is a pronunciation coach and voice actor, and Morag is a writer).
  • Actively study second languages as adults. Our team understands the ups and downs of studying foreign languages as adults who live busy lives.
At Culips, we make English understandable through our five different series: Chatterbox Listen to real English conversations between native speakers as we talk about current events, share funny stories, or interview fascinating guests. Become a fluent listener, get exposure to Western culture, and learn the ins and outs of natural English conversations all at the same time. Catch Word Learn natural English expressions, idioms, and phrasal verbs. We teach you everyday English vocabulary that native speakers actually use. Sound like a native speaker with Catch Word. Simplified Speech Do you get stressed out by English? Do native speakers talk too fast? Don’t worry! We’re here to help. In Simplified Speech, we use 100% natural English, but we speak more slowly than we do in our everyday lives. This series is great for all levels of learners but is specifically designed with high beginner-intermediate students in mind. Real Talk In our In our Real Talk series we teach you the practical English you need know when visiting or living in an English speaking country. Each episode examines a specific situation such as ordering at a restaurant, renting an apartment, or getting a refund. Speak Easy Speak Easy is the show that teaches you how to pronounce English the way native speakers do. Learn tips and tricks that will make your English pronunciation clear and understandable with Speak Easy.
The best way to study with Culips is with our study guides.