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Catch Word #274 – Cream of the crop
Intermediate
Catch Word

Catch Word #274 – Cream of the crop

Release Date: 31 Jan, 2024

In your opinion, which player is the cream of the crop on your favourite sports team? Who would you say is the poster child of success in the business world? If you’re not quite sure how to answer, Andrew and Kassy will help you understand the meanings and usages of these idioms in this Catch Word episode. They explain the origins of these helpful expressions and provide many example scenarios and synonyms.

Fun facts

One synonym for “cream of the crop” is “crème de la crème,” a saying that has been borrowed from French and means “the cream of the cream.” It’s similar to saying “the best of the best.” You can use this pattern to emphasize other adjectives, too. For instance, a really suave actor might be described as “the coolest of the cool” or a trillionaire could be called “the richest of the rich.” Try playing around with this structure and coming up with some creative ways to express superlative adjectives!

Expressions included in the study guide

  • Cream of the crop
  • Poster child
  • To cover for [someone]
  • Stacked
  • First-rate
  • Politically incorrect

Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: RDNE Stock project (pexels.com)

~27 minutes
Catch Word #274 – Cream of the crop
Intermediate
Catch Word

Catch Word #274 – Cream of the crop

Release Date: 31 Jan, 2024
~27 minutes

In your opinion, which player is the cream of the crop on your favourite sports team? Who would you say is the poster child of success in the business world? If you’re not quite sure how to answer, Andrew and Kassy will help you understand the meanings and usages of these idioms in this Catch Word episode. They explain the origins of these helpful expressions and provide many example scenarios and synonyms.

Fun facts

One synonym for “cream of the crop” is “crème de la crème,” a saying that has been borrowed from French and means “the cream of the cream.” It’s similar to saying “the best of the best.” You can use this pattern to emphasize other adjectives, too. For instance, a really suave actor might be described as “the coolest of the cool” or a trillionaire could be called “the richest of the rich.” Try playing around with this structure and coming up with some creative ways to express superlative adjectives!

Expressions included in the study guide

  • Cream of the crop
  • Poster child
  • To cover for [someone]
  • Stacked
  • First-rate
  • Politically incorrect
Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: RDNE Stock project (pexels.com)


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Hosts: Andrew Bates and Kassy White
Music: Something Elated by Broke For Free
Episode preparation/research: Andrew Bates
Audio editor: Marshall Vaillancourt
Transcriptionist: Heather Bates
Study guide writer: Indiana Brown
English editor: Stephanie MacLean
Operations: Tsuyoshi Kaneshima
Image: RDNE Stock project (pexels.com)

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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.