ESL Podcast 879 - Saying No

culinary school - a cooking school; a school that teaches people how to cook, usually because they want to get a job as a chef

The culinary school specializes in baking, including fancy cakes and pastries.

creation - something that one has made, especially something that one has created without a model or guide

What do you think of my latest creation? It's a robot that matches and folds socks.

not on your life - no way; a phrase that strongly means something will not happen and that one absolutely does not want to participate in it or become involved in it

A: Would you help me move on Saturday? B: Not on your life! Your piano is way too heavy and I have a bad back.

guinea pig - a small animal like a hamster; someone who is used in an experiment; someone who is asked to try something just to see what the results will be like

Is it ethical for scientists to use people as guinea pigs when they're testing new drugs?

stroke of bad luck - a negative experience or happening that was the result of bad luck, but presumably would not happen again

They saved up money to go on a tropical vacation, but in a stroke of bad luck, there were two hurricanes and flooding while they were there.

to count (someone) out - to not include someone in an activity; to not ask someone to participate; to assume that someone will not participate

The next time you want to go to that restaurant, count me out! The food was terrible.

no amount of - a phrase used to emphasize that something will not happen, no matter how much another person wants it

I'm sorry if my decision makes you upset, but no amount of crying will change my mind.

to plead - to beg; to repeatedly ask for something in a sad, slightly annoying way

If you're going to ask your boss for a raise, don't plead. Instead, tell her why you deserve it and then wait for her answer.

to turn (someone) down - to say no to someone's request

Shawn has asked three girls to the dance, but they've all turned him down.

over (one's) dead body - a phrase used to emphasize that something definitely will not happen under any circumstances, at least as long as one is alive

A: "Mom, I'm thinking of dropping out of school." B: "Over my dead body! Now go to sleep and be ready to go to class in the morning, or I'll take you there myself!"

rather not - a polite phrase used to show that one would prefer not to do something

Samuel really wants to buy a new flat-screen TV, but his wife would rather not.

victim - a person who suffers as the result of a crime or disease; someone who is robbed or murdered; someone who has an illness

People were shocked to learn that the shooting victims were young children.

candidate - someone who is being considered for a position or opportunity, especially someone who wants to be elected for the job

The company received hundreds of applications for the job, but they've identified four candidates for interviews.

last resort - the only remaining option; the only possibility left

The business is failing, but we're still hoping we can turn it around. Our last resort is to start working for free and asking our employees to do the same.

sunk - in a very difficult position, probably going to fail at doing something; without any hope

If we lose this client, we're sunk!

to turn up (one's) nose - to decide not to accept an offer or to decide not to have or do something because one thinks it is not good enough

Mariah was really offended when you turned up your nose at her offer to help you improve your website.

Fido - a common name for a male dog

Sit, Fido. Let's put on your leash and go to the park.