ESL Podcast 1017 - Driving an Off-Road Vehicle

to go for a drive - to spend time riding in a vehicle for pleasure, with emphasis on the experience and the journey, not the destination

They really enjoyed going for a drive in October, when all the leaves were changing color.

to picture - to envision; to imagine how something will be, especially how something will appear

When Nora talked about her home, I pictured a small cottage, but it was actually a huge mansion.

the (something) of (one's) life - the most exciting and interesting version of something that one will ever experience or do

That vacation was so much fun. We had the time of our life!

to strap (someone) in - to buckle or fasten straps designed to keep one attached to a vehicle for safety

The amusement park workers help to strap people in before they start the roller coaster and other rides.

off-road vehicle - a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle that is designed for exploring trails or undeveloped natural areas, not for use on regular roads or freeways

Hunting from an off-road vehicle makes it almost impossible for the animal to run away.

four-wheel drive - a vehicle's ability to move forward or backward by making all four wheels turn with force, not just two, especially for steep hills, mud, or slippery surfaces

In Colorado, most people drive cars and trucks with four-wheel drive because the roads are often covered with snow and ice.

terrain - the type of land in an area; the surface of the land

With such sandy terrain, it's a miracle that anything except cactus can grow here!

baby - an informal word used to refer to a vehicle or a piece of equipment that is powerful and cool, and that one likes very much, especially a "toy" for an adult male

When Piotr bought a new table saw, he said, "With this baby, I'll be able to make any type of furniture we need."

sand - a grainy, brown-, tan-, or yellow-colored substance found on ocean beaches

The kids were disappointed when their sand castle was washed away by the waves.

gravel - many small rocks, especially when used for unpaved roads or landscaping

If you drive too quickly on these gravel roads, the people behind us will be driving through a lot of dust.

mud - wet dirt; the soft, sticky mixture that results when water is mixed with earth

The children love digging in mud to search for worms.

to spin - to move in tight (small) circles, especially when one is not in control of the movements

It's amazing how ice skaters can spin so quickly, but never become dizzy.

to skid - for a vehicle to move out of control sideways or diagonally over slippery ground or because one has stopped or turned too quickly

The little girl was racing her bike down the hill when it skidded over the wet leaves and she fell off.

crash helmet - a protective covering for the top, back, and sides of one's head, especially for people driving or riding in vehicles that might collide forcefully with other objects

Professional car racers are required to wear crash helmets.

to mud - to go mudding; to drive a vehicle in a very muddy area to have fun by getting the vehicle and the people inside it very dirty, covered in mud

Please don't go mudding in our fields. It destroys the soil structure and makes it more difficult for plants to grow next year.

whoopee - a phrase used to show one's excitement and express that one is pleased, sometimes used sarcastically to show that one does not want to do something

Whoopee! I've been admitted to McQuillan University!