ESL Podcast 689 - Listening to a Political Speech
to talk out of both sides of (one's) mouth - to say different things to different people; to present different opinions about a single thing when speaking with different people
Libby often talks out of both sides of her mouth, telling one person she plans to go to college while telling another person she plans to get a job.
to fight for the little guy - to try to improve the situation for poor or powerless people; to do or say things that will help people who do not have very much power or influence
Nancy has dedicated her life to fighting for the little guy, working for nonprofit organizations that help the world's poorest people.
champion - someone who leads a cause; someone who is recognized by others by fighting for other people's rights or needs
Who was the greatest champion for women's right to vote in American history?
politician - a person who works in politics; someone who works in the public sector and must be elected to his or her job
If I hope to work in politics, I need to improve my public speaking skills.
sincere - truthful, honest, and direct, without hiding anything
Please accept our sincere thanks for your hospitality.
double-talk - a way of speaking that can have more than one meaning, used to confuse or mislead people
We won't listen to any more of your double-talk. Please answer the question.
to not trust (someone) any farther than (one) can throw (him or her) - a phrase used to show that one does not trust someone at all and thinks he or she is very untrustworthy and unreliable
You're going to loan money to Desiree? I wouldn't trust her any farther than I can throw her, and there's no way I would lend her even a little money.
to cut - to reduce or decrease
They're cutting expenses by taking the bus instead of driving.
to pull (something) off - to be able to do something successfully, especially when it seems very difficult or impossible
Ahmed is a full-time student, works 30 hours a week, and takes care of his younger sister. How do you think he pulls it off?
campaign promise - something a politician promises to do while trying to be elected and asking people to vote for him or her
One of Akihiro's campaign promises was to double funding for education, but after he was elected, he realized it would be impossible.
to renege - to take back a promise; to not do what one has promised to do
But you promised to take him to the ballgame! You can't renege again.
same old, same old - referring to something that is ordinary, normal, and expected, happening the same way it has always happened
A: What did your boss say when you asked him for a raise? B: It was the same old, same old. He said there isn't room in the budget, but maybe there will be next year.
to put up with - to tolerate; to continue to live with something that is unpleasant or undesirable
They live next to a pig farm, but I don't know how they can put up with the smell.
to run for office - to try to be elected for a position or job; to ask people to vote for oneself; to participate in elections as a candidate
Hayashi is running for office because he thinks that's the best way he can make real changes in his community.
not on your life - a phrase used to show strong refusal or a complete lack of interest in doing something
A: Do you want to go bungee jumping with me next weekend? B: Not on your life! I would be too scared.
to sit back - to observe something, but not become involved or participate
A: Aren't you going to tell the kids to stop fighting? B: No, let's just sit back and see what happens.
to dig (one's) own grave - to do something that will have negative consequences for oneself in the future
You can do that if you want to, but it's a bad idea. You're digging your own grave.