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Intermediate
Mobile Learning Materials

Release Date: 17 Aug, 1000

Catch Word #278 – Left to your own devices (Ad free)

Episode description

In this episode of Catch Word, Andrew and Kassy teach you two useful expressions for describing situations where you are left alone without support: “Left to your own devices” and “High and dry.” With several helpful example conversations, they discuss the meaning and nuance of these expressions and provide easy-to-understand explanations to help you know how to use them in different real-life situations.

Fun fact

The expression “high and dry” has sailing origins. It was used to describe ships that were stranded on land when the tide went out, leaving them “high” on the shore and “dry” without water. This expression has been used as early as the 1700s to describe being abandoned without help or resources.

Expressions included in the study guide

  • To be left to one’s own devices
  • [To be left] high and dry
  • To slack off
  • To hit close to home
  • All’s well that ends well
  • [To hold up] one’s end of the bargain

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

~19 minutes
Intermediate
Mobile Learning Materials

Release Date: 17 Aug, 1000
~19 minutes

Catch Word #278 – Left to your own devices (Ad free)

Episode description

In this episode of Catch Word, Andrew and Kassy teach you two useful expressions for describing situations where you are left alone without support: "Left to your own devices" and "High and dry." With several helpful example conversations, they discuss the meaning and nuance of these expressions and provide easy-to-understand explanations to help you know how to use them in different real-life situations.

Fun fact

The expression "high and dry" has sailing origins. It was used to describe ships that were stranded on land when the tide went out, leaving them "high" on the shore and "dry" without water. This expression has been used as early as the 1700s to describe being abandoned without help or resources.

Expressions included in the study guide

  • To be left to one’s own devices
  • [To be left] high and dry
  • To slack off
  • To hit close to home
  • All’s well that ends well
  • [To hold up] one’s end of the bargain

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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: Alina Morozova
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.