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Intermediate
Mobile Learning Materials

Release Date: 28 Feb, 1000

Catch Word #283 – Off the cuff (ad free)

Episode description

In this episode of Catch Word, Andrew and Indiana teach you two useful English expressions: “knee jerk reaction” and “off the cuff.” These expressions describe spontaneous reactions, one for quick emotional responses and the other for acting without preparation. Through fun conversations and clear examples, you’ll learn how to use these expressions naturally in daily life!

Fun fact

The expression “off the cuff” is thought to originate from the 20th century when speakers, like politicians and comedians, would jot down quick notes on their shirt cuffs before giving a speech. Without a formal script, they would deliver their remarks “off the cuff”, making it sound spontaneous!

Expressions included in the study guide

  • Knee jerk reaction
  • Off the cuff
  • Constructive criticism
  • To jump to conclusions
  • It happens to the best of us
  • It can’t hurt (to…)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

~23 minutes
Intermediate
Mobile Learning Materials

Release Date: 28 Feb, 1000
~23 minutes

Catch Word #283 – Off the cuff (ad free)

Episode description

In this episode of Catch Word, Andrew and Indiana teach you two useful English expressions: "knee jerk reaction" and "off the cuff." These expressions describe spontaneous reactions, one for quick emotional responses and the other for acting without preparation. Through fun conversations and clear examples, you'll learn how to use these expressions naturally in daily life!

Fun fact

The expression "off the cuff" is thought to originate from the 20th century when speakers, like politicians and comedians, would jot down quick notes on their shirt cuffs before giving a speech. Without a formal script, they would deliver their remarks “off the cuff”, making it sound spontaneous!

Expressions included in the study guide

  • Knee jerk reaction
  • Off the cuff
  • Constructive criticism
  • To jump to conclusions
  • It happens to the best of us
  • It can’t hurt (to…)

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Hosts: Andrew Bates and Indiana Brown
Episode preparation/research: Andrew Bates
Audio editor: Andrew Bates
Transcriptionist: Andrew Bates
Study guide writer: Indiana Brown
English editor: Alina Morozova
Operations: Tsuyoshi Kaneshima
Image: Andrea Piacquadio (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.