ESL Podcast 440 - Being a Self-Made Man-Woman

crock - informal expression meaning something that is false; a lie; something that cannot be believed

This website says that it can teach anyone how to make $1 million in just one month. What a crock!

self-made - a person who worked very hard and became rich and successful through his or her own work, without help from other people

When she came to this country, she didn't have anything, but today, 30 years later, she is a self-made millionaire.

to pull (oneself) up by (one's) bootstraps - to get out of a difficult situation and become rich or successful by oneself, without help from anyone else

When she lost all her money in the stock market, she pulled herself up by her bootstraps and worked hard to start saving money again.

to be born with a silver spoon in (one's) mouth - to be born into a rich family so that one has a lot of money without ever having had to work for it

Emil was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and has never had to work a day in his life.

to be born into money - to be born into a rich family so that one has a lot of money without ever having had to work for it

How many U.S. presidents were born into money, and how many of them have had to work really hard to make their fortune?

privilege - a special thing that only one or a few people can have or do; an advantage

One of the privileges of being a vice-president in the company is having a good parking space.

riled up - angry; upset; annoyed

The audience got very riled up when the speaker said some unpopular things, and some people started fighting with each other.

country club - a resort; a place where members can participate in sports and social activities, especially for very rich people

They spent the weekend at a country club, playing golf and drinking champagne with some of the most powerful people in the area.

humble beginnings - an early childhood in a family and place without much money

He had humble beginning, growing up in a small, old house far away from the city.

a leg up - an advantage; a head start; something that helps one do something faster or better than one could do it without that thing

Her ability to learn languages quickly gave her a leg up while she was studying in Moldova.

backer - support; a person who helps one do something, especially by giving money

The organization is looking for backers for its new concert series, because it still needs another $50,000.

deep pockets - with a lot of money; wealthy

Last year he bought a new house, a new boat, and two new cars. He must have deep pockets!

people in high places - people who are very powerful and rich and have a lot of influence

Mercedes was never a very good student, but she got into the best university in the country because she knows a lot of people in high places.

to hobnob - to network; to spend time speaking with people who have a lot of money, power, and influence

The holiday party at the office will be a great opportunity to hobnob with people who might be able to offer you a better job.