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
Catch Word #177 – Cook the books
Intermediate
Catch Word

Catch Word #177 – Cook the books

Release Date: 28 Oct, 2016

Using idioms properly can really help your spoken English sound natural. So join Andrew and Suzanne as they describe how to use two fun idioms: by the book and cook the books!

Fun facts

The English language includes a multitude of idioms, or expressions that have different meanings from the literal meanings of the words used in them. Interestingly, it is very common for Canadians to blend two idioms together when speaking. For instance, wake up and smell the roses is a mix of wake up and smell the coffee and stop and smell the roses.

Expressions included in the study guide

  • By the book
  • To cook the books
  • To a tee
  • A fib
  • The jitters
  • Wiggle room

Credit:Audio/study guide: Culips

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

~16 minutes
Catch Word #177 – Cook the books
Intermediate
Catch Word

Catch Word #177 – Cook the books

Release Date: 28 Oct, 2016
~16 minutes

Using idioms properly can really help your spoken English sound natural. So join Andrew and Suzanne as they describe how to use two fun idioms: by the book and cook the books!

Fun facts

The English language includes a multitude of idioms, or expressions that have different meanings from the literal meanings of the words used in them. Interestingly, it is very common for Canadians to blend two idioms together when speaking. For instance, wake up and smell the roses is a mix of wake up and smell the coffee and stop and smell the roses.

Expressions included in the study guide

  • By the book
  • To cook the books
  • To a tee
  • A fib
  • The jitters
  • Wiggle room
Credit:Audio/study guide: Culips

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.