if the PHRASE fits

by Brian Foden

An entertaining podcast about the meanings and origins of famous English idioms, proverbs, and other phrases. It's a show for both native English speakers who love the language and upper-intermediate to advanced ESL learners who want to build their vocabulary.

Hope you like it! If you do, please consider following. Episodes released weekly. Also, downloading episodes is convenient for future listenings, especially if  ... 

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Podcast episodes

  • New(ish) Slangs: if the PHRASE fits

    New(ish) Slangs: if the PHRASE fits

    E52
    07:27

    Do you know what "Situationship" means? Maybe you're in one and don't even know it. You might know "Phubbing" and "Woke", but do you know their origin stories? Find out in this episode of this entertaining podcast.

  • Accepting the Negative

    Accepting the Negative

    E51
    06:16

    Life isn't all a bowl of cherries. Sometimes, things don't go your way. In this episode, I look at 3 expressions people use to console themselves or others when failure occurs: That's life; There's no use crying over spilt milk, and You can't win 'em all.

  • Famous Misquotes: Idioms & Proverbs Different from the Original Expressions

    Famous Misquotes: Idioms & Proverbs Different from the Original Expressions

    E50
    05:18

    On this episode, find out how the following misquotes were originally stated: We're not in Kansas anymore; Houston, we have a problem, and Money is the root of all evil.

  • More Expressions to Describe People

    More Expressions to Describe People

    E49
    06:07

    In this podcast episode about expressions based on people's habits and behavior, learn the interesting origins of Night owl, Early bird, and Tightwad.

  • The Beauty of it all: Expressions about Beauty

    The Beauty of it all: Expressions about Beauty

    E48
    08:13

    In this episode, I take a look at 3 famous expressions about physical appearance: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; Beauty is only skin deep, and Eye candy. Find out about the fascinating history and origins of these idiomatic terms.