ESL Podcast 640 - Being Genuine and False

to cozy up to (someone) - to do and say things to try to have a close relationship with another person, often because one wants something from that person; to be very friendly, warm, and open with a person

Hamed always tries to cozy up to his aunts when he needs money.

proposal - a written document that presents a solution to a problem, usually asking for money in order to implement that solution

The city has received proposals from five constructions companies that want to repair the bridge.

true intentions - the real reason why someone is doing something; the real purpose of one's words and/or actions

When you're very rich, it's hard to date, because you never know the other person's true intentions. Does he love you, or does he just love your money?

upfront - direct, straightforward, and honest, without trying to hide anything

If you had been upfront about the price from the beginning, we wouldn't have needed to negotiate for so long.

ulterior motive - a hidden, secret reason for doing something, especially if it has negative consequences for another person

If a technician offers to fix your computer for free, he may have an ulterior motive, like wanting to see the personal information stored in your files.

at face value - to understand or accept something as it appears, without thinking there is a hidden meaning or explanation

When he said, "I'll call you," Shelly took it at face value, and she was very disappointed when he didn't actually call her.

reputation - the way one is perceived or thought about by other people, often when they do not know that person well

Albert has a reputation for being a good student, although he doesn't study very much.

two-faced - insincere and untrustworthy, often saying different things to different people

I can't believe Jeremiah was so two-faced, dating two women at once without letting them know.

false pretenses - dishonestly; with hidden reasons; pretending to do or be something that isn't true

Yoland applied for the job under false pretenses, pretending he was interested in the company, but really wanting to learn about its products so that he could copy them for his own company.

to stab (someone) in the back - to betray someone; to unexpectedly do something that another person is not expecting in order to hurt him or her, often after one has been very nice to that person

After everything we did for that boy, he stabbed us in the back, stealing money from Mariah's purse when she wasn't looking.

genuine - real; true; authentic; sincere

Were you being genuine, or were you just saying that to be nice?

open - willing to share information with another person; not hiding anything

My brother said that if I want to have more friends, I need to try to be more open and let people know about my hobbies and interests.

to watch out for (someone) - to do something to protect another person from dangers or risks

Ever since Helena was a little girl, her older brothers have always watched out for her.

warning - caution; a written or spoken statement letting someone know about a potential danger or risk

Warning! This coffee is hot.

to beware of - to be cautious or careful because one knows there is a potential danger or risk

Beware of eating wild mushrooms. Some of them are poisonous.