ESL Podcast 542 - Renting a Movie
drop box - a large box or an opening in a wall where one can return things, like rented movies or library books
The library has a drop box right next to the parking lot, so people can return books without getting out of their car.
late fee - an amount of money paid as a penalty for returning something later than one should have returned it, or for paying a bill later than one should have paid it
Each time we miss the deadline for paying our credit card bill, we're charged a $39 late fee, plus interest.
to rent - to pay for the use of something for a short period of time
We're going to rent some power tools from the hardware store so that we can build a new fence without buying all the expensive equipment.
video store - a business that owns many DVDs and/or VHS tapes and lets people pay to borrow them for a short period of time
Ever since we got cable movie channels, we haven't been going to the video store because it's easier just to watch movies on television.
to subscribe - to pay for a service each month; to pay a little each week or month for a continuing service
Do you subscribe to any news magazines?
to browse - to slowly look at what is available in a store, looking to see what is new or interesting, but not searching for something specific
Welcome to our store. Can I help you find something?
No thanks. I'm just browsing. You have some beautiful things here.
to check out - to look at something; to see something; to find out what is available
Check out these photographs! They're really interesting.
new release - something that has just been published or made available for sale
All the new releases are at the front of the music store.
staff pick - a product that is recommended by the people who work at the store where it is sold
Our bookstore always has staff picks on display, so as a new employee, you'll need to pick one book each week that you'd recommend to our customers.
bargain bin - a large box in a store that is filled with products whose price has been reduced a lot
Can you believe she found that gorgeous sweater for just $6 in a bargain bin?
review - a written opinion about the quality of a book, movie, or TV show, often read by other people who are trying to decide whether they want to read or watch a particular thing
All the reviews said that movie was wonderful, but I didn't really like it.
trailer - a short video advertising a movie, showing several scenes from that movie and telling viewers what the movie is about
Jimmy saw a trailer for a new animated movie last week, and he can't stop talking about it! We'll definitely need to take him to see it when it's in the theaters.
queue - a list of things that are being waited for in a particular order, so that the first item in the queue is the first thing used or done
This email program puts all outgoing emails in a queue and sends them out in that order.
to make (one's) selection - to select; to choose
Once you've made your selection, put $0.50 in the machine and then you'll hear your song.
whatever - a word used to show that one does not believe or agree with what another person has said
If you become a vegetarian, you'll feel great and have so much energy!
Whatever. I'm going to get a hamburger.
prerogative - a right or advantage; something that a person is allowed to do
If you want to get a dog, that's your prerogative, but don't expect anyone to help you take care of it.
to let (one) off easily - to not fight against a person's opinion or decision
When Rivero decided to drop out of school, his parents let him off too easily. They should have told him "no."
you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink - a phrase meaning that one can tell a person what to do and give him or her opportunities to do it, but ultimately one cannot force that person to do something
He bought her a new suit and helped her prepare for the interview, but at the last minute, she decided not to interview for the job. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.