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Intermediate
Mobile Learning Materials

Release Date: 3 Dec, 1000

Catch Word #266 – Not make a dent in it

Episode description

Are you the type of person who gets work done quickly and easily? Sometimes we may work on a task for a long time but still not make a lot of progress on it. In this episode, Kassy and Andrew teach two expressions you can use in situations where you’re stuck or not making progress. These expressions are to not make a dent in something and to go round in circles.

Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to improve their English fluency. You’ll learn idioms and useful expressions to help you have more natural-sounding conversations.

Fun fact

Kassy says that the expression to go round in circles makes her think of a merry-go-round. A merry-go-round is a common ride you can find at circuses and fairs with horse sculptures you can ride on, but the merry-go-round didn’t start as a fair ride. Originally, the merry-go-round was used with real horses as a way for medieval knights to practice riding their horses and jousting. Gradually, people other than knights started to ride it for fun, and eventually the real horses were replaced with wooden ones.

Expressions included in the study guide

  • To not make a dent in (something)
  • To go round in circles
  • To be tapped
  • To feel (someone’s) pain
  • To take over a contract
  • To come to a consensus

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

~15 minutes
Intermediate
Mobile Learning Materials

Release Date: 3 Dec, 1000
~15 minutes

Catch Word #266 – Not make a dent in it

Episode description

Are you the type of person who gets work done quickly and easily? Sometimes we may work on a task for a long time but still not make a lot of progress on it. In this episode, Kassy and Andrew teach two expressions you can use in situations where you’re stuck or not making progress. These expressions are to not make a dent in something and to go round in circles. Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to improve their English fluency. You’ll learn idioms and useful expressions to help you have more natural-sounding conversations.

Fun fact

Kassy says that the expression to go round in circles makes her think of a merry-go-round. A merry-go-round is a common ride you can find at circuses and fairs with horse sculptures you can ride on, but the merry-go-round didn’t start as a fair ride. Originally, the merry-go-round was used with real horses as a way for medieval knights to practice riding their horses and jousting. Gradually, people other than knights started to ride it for fun, and eventually the real horses were replaced with wooden ones.

Expressions included in the study guide

  • To not make a dent in (something)
  • To go round in circles
  • To be tapped
  • To feel (someone’s) pain
  • To take over a contract
  • To come to a consensus

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Hosts: Andrew Bates and Kassy White
Music: Something Elated by Broke For Free
Episode preparation/research: Andrew Bates
Audio editor: Kevin Moorehouse
Transcriptionist: Heather Bates
Study guide writer: Austin Headrick
English editor: Stephanie MacLean
Operations: Tsuyoshi Kaneshima
Image: Ran Berkovich (Unsplash.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.