What does it mean to “take a beat”?

Asher has agreed to help Hazel move into her new apartment, but a spilled coffee, a GPS problem, and a closed road leave him feeling exasperated. Hazel encourages him to pause, take a breath, and think.

In this full lesson of English American Style, Lisa shares “Asher Takes a Beat,” then explains the idiom “take a beat” and the phrasal verb “run into.”

Practice the five-syllable word “exasperated,” with stress on the second syllable, and revisit “figure out,” meaning to understand something or find a solution.

In this lesson:
• Idiom: Take a beat
• Phrasal verb: Run into
• Pronunciation: Exasperated
• Bonus review: Figure out

Practice question: What do you do when you run into an unexpected problem? Try answering with one of this episode’s expressions.

Follow English American Style for more American English stories and lessons with Lisa, Asher, and Hazel.

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What does it mean to go on a “blind date”?

In this episode of English American Style, Hazel arranges for Asher to meet a friend she thinks he’ll like. Asher isn’t sure what a blind date involves, but their first meeting gives him a chance to discover what they have in common.

Then Lisa explains blind date, meaning a date with someone you haven’t met before, and the phrasal verb set up, used here to describe arranging for two people to meet as possible romantic partners. You’ll also practice the pronunciation of compatible, with stress on the second syllable.

In this lesson:
• Idiom: Go on a blind date
• Phrasal verb: Set up
• Pronunciation: Compatible
• Bonus: The history of “blind date,” plus a review of “break the ice” and “warm up to someone”

Practice question: Would you ever go on a blind date, or have you gone on one before?

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What does it mean to “hit the gym”?

In this episode of English American Style, Asher tells Hazel about getting back into a regular exercise routine. Their conversation introduces the American English idiom hit the gym, meaning to go to the gym to exercise. Asher Hits the Gym

Then Lisa breaks down the phrasal verb warm up, including several ways it can be used in everyday English, and practices the pronunciation of flexibility.

In this lesson:

• Idiom: Hit the gym
• Phrasal verb: Warm up
• Pronunciation: Flexibility
• Bonus: Four ways to use “warm up”

Practice question: Do you hit the gym, or do you prefer to exercise somewhere else?

Hazel needs a new laptop, but the first one she likes is more expensive than she expected. Follow Hazel and Asher as they compare options and find a better deal while learning everyday American English in context.

In this lesson, you’ll learn the idiom “cost an arm and a leg,” the phrasal verb “cut back on,” and practice pronouncing “economical.”

Listen to the story first, then stay for Lisa’s review and pronunciation practice.

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Hazel is nervous at her first photography club meeting because she doesn’t know anyone. In this episode, she learns what Americans mean by “break the ice,” how to use the phrasal verb “warm up,” and how to pronounce “introduction.” You’ll also hear where the idiom “break the ice” came from.

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Hazel is learning how to edit videos, but a few things have her stumped. In this episode, learn the idiom “piece of cake,” the phrasal verb “figure out,” and how to pronounce “satisfaction.” You’ll also discover the bonus idiom “task at hand” and hear these expressions used naturally in Hazel’s story.

Have you ever heard someone say they’re “under the weather”? In this lesson, Lisa explains this common American English idiom through a story about Hazel and Asher. You’ll also learn the phrasal verb “bounce back,” practice pronouncing “dehydrated” and “enthusiastically,” and hear the story behind the expression. Listen, repeat, and practice answering two questions in English.

Have you ever had a funny feeling that you forgot something? Follow Hazel’s story while learning the idiom “funny feeling,” the phrasal verb “creep up,” and how to pronounce “prescription.” Lisa also explains two common American pronunciations of “aunt.” Practice natural, everyday American English with English American Style. Hear it. See it. Say it. Use it.

Welcome to English American Style! Meet Lisa Rogers, your conversation coach, and learn how this podcast can help you speak everyday American English with more confidence. Each week, you’ll practice an idiom, phrasal verb, and pronunciation word through stories and real conversation. Follow the English American Style approach: Hear it. See it. Say it. Use it.

Many of you know that these past couple of months have been quite busy for me. I had been traveling, and I moved into a new apartment (more on that in another newsletter). In the beginning of December, I flew from New Hampshire to California to meet two of my students! 

This week in the US (United States) we are celebrating a day of love called Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is celebrated every February 14th. Typically, this is a day when people who are in love express their feelings of love for each other. It is customary that couples exchange gifts and give each other greeting cards. Typical gifts are flowers, the red rose is a symbol of love; candy, especially chocolate; and jewelry.