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Suggested terms: VOA Special English Program Words, Their Stories Every
Click one for hint, twice for full word
as easy as falling off a log
Meaning: Extremely easy; requiring almost no effort.
Example: For her, solving that math problem was as easy as falling off a log.
piece of cake
Meaning: Very easy to do.
Example: The driving test was a piece of cake for him.
easy come, easy go
Meaning: Things gained easily can be lost just as easily.
Example: He spent all his lottery winnings in a week—easy come, easy go.
on easy street
Meaning: Living a comfortable, carefree life with no problems.
Example: After retiring with plenty of savings, they felt like they were on easy street.
take it easy
Meaning: Relax; avoid stress or hard work.
Example: You’ve been working too hard—take it easy this weekend.
barrel
IPA (UK): /ˈbær.əl/
IPA (US): /ˈbær.əl/
Meaning: A large round container used for storing liquids or goods.
Meaning: A large round container used for storing liquids or goods.
Example: The idiom “shooting fish in a barrel” suggests something extremely easy.
lottery
IPA (UK): /ˈlɒt.ər.i/
IPA (US): /ˈlɑː.t̬ɚ.i/
Meaning: A game of chance where people buy tickets to win money.
Meaning: A game of chance where people buy tickets to win money.
Example: Winning the lottery can lead to “easy come, easy go” spending habits.
wreck
IPA (UK): /rek/
IPA (US): /rek/
Meaning: To badly damage or destroy something.
Meaning: To badly damage or destroy something.
Example: Their son didn’t mean to wreck the car—it was an accident.
soft touch
IPA (UK): /ˌsɒft ˈtʌtʃ/
IPA (US): /ˌsɔːft ˈtʌtʃ/
Meaning: A person who easily agrees to give money or help.
Meaning: A person who easily agrees to give money or help.
Example: If you need to borrow money, ask him—he’s a soft touch.
urge
IPA (UK): /ɜːdʒ/
IPA (US): /ɝːdʒ/
Meaning: To strongly encourage or advise someone to do something.
Meaning: To strongly encourage or advise someone to do something.
Example: She urged her husband to go easy on their son.
Other Listening Exercises
Expressions with the Word "Easy"
In progressB1 · 4:45