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Suggested terms: VOA Special English, Words, Their Stories
Click one for hint, twice for full word
on my back
Meaning: Constantly pressuring, criticizing, or demanding something from someone.
Example: My supervisor is always on my back about deadlines.
behind my back
Meaning: When someone says or does something secretly, without your knowledge.
Example: She complained about me behind my back.
a stab in the back
Meaning: A betrayal; an action that hurts someone who trusted you.
Example: Spreading rumors about a friend is a real stab in the back.
get something off your chest
Meaning: To express feelings or worries you have been keeping inside.
Example: She felt better after getting her frustrations off her chest.
give someone the cold shoulder
Meaning: To ignore someone or treat them in an unfriendly way.
Example: He gave her the cold shoulder after their argument.
pat on the back
IPA (UK): /pæt ɒn ðə bæk/
IPA (US): /pæt ɑːn ðə bæk/
Meaning: Praise or recognition for good work.
Meaning: Praise or recognition for good work.
Example: She deserved a pat on the back for her excellent performance.
straight from the shoulder
IPA (UK): /streɪt frəm ðə ˈʃəʊl.dər/
IPA (US): /streɪt frəm ðə ˈʃoʊl.dɚ/
Meaning: Speaking in a direct, honest, and open way.
Meaning: Speaking in a direct, honest, and open way.
Example: His comments came straight from the shoulder—honest but blunt.
at the top of my lungs
IPA (UK): /æt ðə tɒp əv maɪ lʌŋz/
IPA (US): /æt ðə tɑːp əv maɪ lʌŋz/
Meaning: As loudly as possible.
Meaning: As loudly as possible.
Example: He shouted at the top of his lungs during the protest.
rub shoulders (with)
IPA (UK): /rʌb ˈʃəʊl.dəz/
IPA (US): /rʌb ˈʃoʊl.dɚz/
Meaning: To meet or spend time with important or influential people.
Meaning: To meet or spend time with important or influential people.
Example: She often rubs shoulders with top executives at company events.
carry a lot on one’s shoulders
IPA (UK): /ˈkær.i ə lɒt ɒn wʌnz ˈʃəʊl.dəz/
IPA (US): /ˈkær.i ə lɑːt ɑːn wʌnz ˈʃoʊl.dɚz/
Meaning: To have many responsibilities or burdens.
Meaning: To have many responsibilities or burdens.
Example: As a manager, she carries a lot on her shoulders.
Other Listening Exercises
Expressions That Use Body Parts
In progressB1 · 4:50