Have you ever been frustrated by public transport? When would you visit if you could travel in time? What are the ups and downs of travelling?

In this week’s podcast we chat about all sorts relating to the topic of transport and travel. And to be honest, I have little more to say on the subject! So the following is a commentary on some of the phrases that came up on the podcast… It is mainly for non-English native speakers and they are highlighted in the Transcript Travel and Transport

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Here goes…

9 to 5. When we refer to 9 to 5, we’re talking about a typical working day. In the UK, it was always the norm for office and shop workers, for example to work those hours. Nowadays things have changed and no timetables are fixed, but I direct you to Dolly Parton…

Slice of home. A little bit of something that reminds you of home, or makes you feel more at home. Something recognisable, familiar or comforting.

Mellowed out. Relaxed, chilled, taking life as it comes. If a person has mellowed as they’ve grown older, they’ve become calmer, perhaps less obsessed with the little things.

That’s a kicker. When used as slang, it means something that has an impact, or is a surprising turn of events.

Handy. Useful, something that makes things easier. Another meaning is that someone is skilled with their hands, but I’m guessing the first comes from the idea of something being at hand, easily accessible.

A bunch of. Lots of, many, an indeterminate amount. Usually used with grapes or flowers!

Learning the ropes. To learn how to do something. Purportedly it comes from sailors learning how to tie all the knots and understand the system of ropes on a ship. Nowadays we use it more generally, for example, when you start a new job, you need to learn the ropes.

Double-edged sword. Something that has simultaneously positive and negative effects. Maybe it comes from the idea of it being great if you’re fighting as you can do twice the damage, but there’s no way to hold the blade or wipe it down without cutting yourself!

Wake. The wake of a ship is the v-shape made in the water behind a ship. We can also use wake in the phrase to be in someone’s wake, meaning following closely behind.

Off grid. If you’re off-grid you are untraceable, these days referring to no technology, no internet, mobile and so on. Grid is another word for network, so it makes sense.

Scam. A trick or a fraud. When a company offers a service and you pay upfront, but it turns out that company doesn’t actually exist and you lose your money, you’ve been scammed. Let’s hope it never happens to you! It could come from the word scamp, which is like a cheeky rascal.

Eye-opening. Does what it says on the tin. Something amazing that gives you a new perspective or insight. What do we do when we say Wow!? Our eyes open wider. So there you go!

Homesick. When you are away and feel a melancholy or nostalgia for home. You don’t necessarily feel physically sick, although, if it is acute, you may have physical symptoms.

Live out of a suitcase. A person who travels a lot, and is rarely home, a travelling salesperson for example, has to live out of a suitcase.

Fly on the wall. An unnoticed observer, listening in. A bug (an electronic listening device) is related… What’s a fly if not a bug?

In his heyday. The best, or most successful period of your life. When you’re in your prime. It could come from an old expression “High day” meaning the optimal period.

Star-studded. Full of famous artists. A film where you know all the stars, usually an ensemble piece. Agatha Christie adaptations almost always have a star-studded cast!

Can’t help it. It’s impossible to avoid. A slightly more old-fashioned term might be “there’s no help for it”, and more modern, “it can’t be helped”. If we seek help, it’s to improve or change our circumstances. But with this phrase there is no way for the circumstances, let’s say, to change.

Hope that’s been interesting, and maybe useful!

PODCAST
Podcast All Aboard. Also on Spotify and Espanglisher on Pocket Casts

Subscribers will receive two emails, (sorry!) one with the blog post and another with the podcast.