ESL Podcast 778 - Getting Your Pocket Picked
wallet - a folded piece of leather or cloth used to carry paper money, credit cards, and identification
When was the last time you cleaned out your wallet? It's overflowing with old receipts.
to pick pockets - to steal someone's wallet by taking it out of a pocket (a pouch in clothing, used for holding objects) without that person noticing
In cities with a lot of tourists, some young kids make a lot of money by picking pockets.
to divert - to distract; to change the direction of something
It would be much easier to study if I didn't have loud music, cell phone calls, and visitors diverting my attention.
to bump - to gently hit someone or something, usually by accident, often with one's full body or with one's side
Kay accidentally bumped into the table and knocked over her glass of water.
never occurred to (someone) - a phrase used to show one's surprise about something that has happened, which one had never considered or thought about
It never occurred to me that last Thanksgiving would be the last time we'd see Grandma. She seemed so healthy and no one expected her to pass away.
to lift - to steal, especially by secretly taking something out of one's pocket
Thieves came into our hotel room at night and lifted our passports, traveler's checks, and all our cash.
to clutch - to hold something very tightly and very close to one's body so that it cannot get lost and/or so other people cannot take it
Rick clutched the large check in his hand as he drove to the bank to cash it.
purse-snatcher - someone who steals a purse that is hanging from a woman's shoulder and then runs very quickly
A purse-snatcher tried to steal Aunt Sylvia's purse, but she's a really fast runner and she was able to catch the guy and get her purse back.
to live (something) down - to be able to keep one's pride and dignity while one is being teased for something over a long period of time
In high school, a lot of things seem so embarrassing that we don't think we'll ever be able to live them down, but once we become a little older we realize those things actually aren't very important.
to file - to officially submit a document, especially to a government agency
As soon as Hans turned 16, he filed his application for a driver's license.
police report - an official document written by a police officer to describe a crime, used to conduct an investigation
According to the police report, the driver suffered a wound on her right arm, but the medical records indicate it was her left arm.
to turn up - for something lost to appear or to be found
They lost their cat two years ago, so imagine how surprised they were when it turned up in their front yard last week!
fat chance - a phrase used to show that something is impossible and will not happen, used when another person has suggested that it might happen
A: Maybe your parents won't notice that you drove their car into a tree.
B: Fat chance. There's a huge dent and scratch in the front of the car.
to stall - to delay or procrastinate; to avoid doing something until later
Why are you stalling? Just call the dentist, make an appointment, and get your teeth examined.
cop - a police officer; a policeman or policewoman
Quick! Somebody call the cops!
to face the music - to face or accept the consequences of one's actions; to accept reality
If you use the office computer to check personal email, listen to music, and read comic strips during work hours, be prepared to face the music when your boss finds out.