In this episode I talk about collecting sand dollars on my California vacation.
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Streetwise English

SWE 142 California Sand Dollars 双语

In today's episode,we will  delve into the strategies and techniques to help you excel in the speaking section of the IELTS exam. Whether you're a student preparing for the test or simply looking to improve your English-speaking skills, this episode is packed with valuable insights.


IELTS Podcast 雅思博客

IELTS speaking tips 

In today's episode, we're going to dive into the different parts of the International English Language Testing System, commonly known as IELTS. Whether you're a student preparing for the exam or simply interested in learning more about it, this episode is for you.


Outline of the IELTS exam


   a. Birds of a feather flock together - People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with each other.
      Example: "They became friends quickly; birds of a feather flock together."
   b. Blood is thicker than water - Family bonds are stronger than other relationships.
      Example: "Even in difficult times, they support each other; blood is thicker than water."
   c. Cross paths - To encounter or meet someone unexpectedly.
      Example: "After years of being apart, they finally crossed paths at the conference."
   d. Wear one's heart on one's sleeve - To openly display one's emotions or feelings.
      Example: "She wears her heart on her sleeve and is not afraid to express her love."
   e. Break someone's heart - To cause someone deep emotional pain or sadness.
      Example: "The breakup broke his heart; he was devastated."


Relationships-related idioms

a. Fit as a fiddle - To be in excellent physical health.
      Example: "Even in his old age, he's fit as a fiddle."
   b. Sick as a dog - To be very ill or sick.
      Example: "After eating that spoiled food, I felt sick as a dog."
   c. Catch some Z's - To get some sleep or rest.
      Example: "I'm going to catch some Z's before the big presentation tomorrow."
   d. Mind over matter - The power of one's mind to overcome physical challenges.
      Example: "With a positive mindset, she proved that it's mind over matter."
   e. An apple a day keeps the doctor away - Eating healthy can help prevent illnesses.
      Example: "S


Health-related idioms


   a. Better late than never - It's better to do something late than to not do it at all.
      Example: "He finally apologized, saying better late than never."
   b. Kill time - To occupy oneself during a period of waiting or when there's nothing else to do.
      Example: "I usually read a book to kill time during my commute."
   c. Against the clock - To be in a race against time or running out of time.
      Example: "They worked against the clock to finish the project before the deadline."
   d. In the nick of time - Just in time or at the last possible moment.
      Example: "She arrived in the nick of time to catch the train."
   e. Time flies - Time passes quickly.
      Example: "It feels like yesterday, but time flies, and now they're all grown up."


Time-related idioms


   a. Green with envy - To be extremely jealous.
      Example: "When she saw his new car, she turned green with envy."
   b. Black sheep - An outcast or someone who is different from the rest of the family or group.
      Example: "He's the black sheep of the family; everyone else is successful."
   c. Red flag - A warning sign or signal of potential danger or problem.
      Example: "His aggressive behavior is a red flag; we need to be cautious."
   d. Golden opportunity - A chance or opportunity that is highly advantageous.
      Example: "She saw the job opening as a golden opportunity to advance her career."
   e. Paint the town red - To go out and enjoy oneself, usually by partying or celebrating.
      Example: "It's my birthday; let's paint the town red tonight!"



Colours-related idioms


   a. Keep a stiff upper lip - To remain brave and composed in the face of adversity.
      Example: "Despite the challenges, she kept a stiff upper lip and persevered."
   b. Burst into tears - To suddenly start crying uncontrollably.
      Example: "When she heard the news, she burst into tears."
   c. Cold feet - To feel nervous or hesitant about something.
      Example: "On the day of the performance, he got cold feet and almost backed out."
   d. Jump for joy - To be extremely happy and excited.
      Example: "When they won the lottery, they jumped for joy."
   e. Eat one's heart out - To feel intense jealousy or regret.
      Example: "When she saw him with his new partner, she ate her heart out."


Emotion-related idioms


   a. On cloud nine - To feel extremely happy or euphoric.
      Example: "After winning the championship, she was on cloud nine."
   b. A drop in the ocean - A small or insignificant amount in comparison to the whole.
      Example: "The donation we made was just a drop in the ocean compared to what's needed."
   c. Go with the flow - To adapt to the current situation or circumstances.
      Example: "Instead of resisting change, she decided to go with the flow."
   d. In full bloom - To be in the peak of growth or development.
      Example: "The garden looks beautiful with all the flowers in full bloom."
   e. Like a fish out of water - To feel uncomfortable or out of place in a certain situation.
      Example: "Being surrounded by scientists, he felt like a fish out of water at the conference."
