ESL Podcast 471 - Trying to Get Off the Phone

intention - a plan to do something

They're planning a trip to New York City with the intention of seeing the Statue of Liberty and Times Square.

the nerve - one's ability or willingness to do something that is inappropriate or disrespectful

Her parents couldn't believe she had the nerve to ask them for more money after everything they'd done for her.

to let (someone) go - to end a phone call or conversation, supposedly so that the other person can do the other things that he or she needs to do

I should let you go now, so that you can get back to work.

bull - something that is not true; a lie

Nemo said that he was sick in bed all day yesterday, but that's bull! We saw him at the mall yesterday afternoon.

veterinarian - a doctor who gives medical care to animals

When their cow went into labor, they called the veterinarian.

a call on the other line - another call that one receives while one is already talking to someone on the phone, and that causes a quiet beeping sound to interrupt the conversation

Can you wait just a minute? I have a call on the other line. Let me find out who it is.

as good as new - as if something were new, especially if something has been fixed after it was damaged or injured

After the vase broke, we glued the pieces back together and now it looks as good as new.

no thanks to (someone) - an informal phrase used to emphasize that one did not help something to happen, or that one was not responsible for something that happened

Ebony graduated from business school with honors, but it was no thanks to her roommates, who never studied and always wanted her to watch TV with them.

to gun for (someone or something) - to try to speed up to hit someone or something with one's car; to aim for and hurt someone or something while driving a car

Some drivers think it's fun to gun for small animals on the roads.

to count (oneself) lucky - to think that one is fortunate; to recognize one's good luck

Scott counts himself lucky that he was born into a family with so many relatives.

to get off scot-free - to not be punished, disciplined, or criticized for what one has done, especially when one has done something wrong

The criminal had a very good lawyer and got off scot-free, even though most people thought he had stolen the money.

to cut (something) short - to end something before it has finished, often because no time is left

The people in the audience asked so many good questions at the beginning that we had to cut our presentation short.

to get going - to leave; to go away; to depart

This has been a lot of fun, but unfortunately I have to get going if I want to catch the last bus home tonight.

nature calls - an informal phrase used to mean that one has to go to the bathroom

He drank several sodas with lunch, and now nature calls.

shocker - something that is very surprising and unexpected

Vic's parents didn't tell him that he was adopted until he was 16 years old. It was quite a shocker!