ESL Podcast 569 - Traveling for Singles
singles cruise - a vacation of several days on a very large boat, designed only for people who are not in a romantic relationship and are looking for a partner
We enjoyed dances every night on the singles cruise. They were a great opportunity to meet people.
on the make - looking for a sexual relationship, perhaps with many different people in a short period of time
Stay away from Blake. He says he's looking for a serious girlfriend, but really he's just on the make.
to take (one's) pick - to have many choices; to be able to decide what one wants from a group of things
Our store has more than 100 flavors of ice cream. Which one would you like? Take your pick!
fling - a romantic relationship that is not serious and lasts for a only a short period of time
Many college students go to Florida for spring break, hoping to enjoy a one- week fling.
to mingle - to interact with other people socially whom one does not know well, especially at a party
They spent the evening drinking champagne and mingling with other people at the party.
tour - an organized trip to see many different things in an area, usually with a guide
Would you like to see pictures from our tour of Alaska?
to match - to put two or more things together as a group because they have similar or complementary characteristics; to recommend that two people begin a romantic relationship with each other
The computer matched us because we both enjoy going to folk concerts and eating Greek food, but other than that we really have nothing in common.
to get better acquainted - to become more familiar with another person; to learn more about another person
Are you sure you want to get married so soon? Why don't you two wait a few months and use that time to get better acquainted?
stuck with - forced to have or be with someone or something
Our Ferrari needs a new transmission, so we're stuck with this horrible old car until the mechanic can fix it.
adventure - an exciting experience in which one tries many new things that one has never had or done before, especially exploring an unknown area
Traveling alone through Europe for a year after high school was an unforgettable adventure.
the great outdoors - nature; natural, undeveloped areas that are far from cities and towns
On the weekends, they like to go hiking and boating in the great outdoors.
worse case scenario - the worst thing that one can imagine happening
I know you're nervous about moving to another country, but worse case scenario, you can always move back home if you hate it there.
what do you have to lose - a phrase used to mean that one should do something because there are no negative consequences (results) and there may be some positive consequences
What do you have to lose? Just go ahead and call her!
peace of mind - tranquility; calmness; a feeling of relaxation, satisfaction, and comfort, without any stress
Every evening after a stressful day at work, Ross tries to regain his peace of mind by drinking a cup of herbal tea and listening to classical music in front of the fireplace.
to look out for (someone) - to try to make sure that another person is okay, warning him or her of any dangers or problems
Please look out for your little brother at school.
to marry (someone) off - to find a husband or wife for someone; to arrange a marriage for someone
Would you rather marry your daughter off to a millionaire, or hope that she finds true love?
to get (something) through your thick skull - an informal, rude phrase used when one is frustrated that another person does not understand something because he or she is too stupid or slow
Why can't you get it through your thick skull that I don't want to buy your company's products? Please stop coming to my apartment!
ray of sunshine - sunlight; a person who is very happy; most often used sarcastically to describe someone who is not very cheerful or upbeat
In the movie Pollyanna, the main character is a little ray of sunshine who makes everyone in the town feel happier and more cheerful