VOA · Words and Their Stories
Advanced · C1learner speed3:292025-01-20public domain
Words and Their Stories is VOA's classic program about American English expressions and idioms — where phrases like 'break the ice' come from and how to use them. Native-like idioms in slow, clear speech: a rare combination for learners.
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01And now, words and their stories from VOA Learning English.
02Today, we talk about our busy lives.
03Many people have family and work responsibilities.
04We might have religious or community activities.
05Taking care of our health is also important.
06And let's not forget about our personal projects, our interests, and our friendships.
07With everything on our plate, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, overextended, and overcommitted.
08However, if we try to do too much, we may spread ourselves too thin.
09This expression means we have taken on too much.
10We are pushed to the limit.
11People who are spread too thin take on too many jobs, projects, or goals.
12The heavy load requires more energy or attention than they possess.
13If we work on many projects simultaneously or at the same time, it is possible that none will get done well, if they get done at all.
14And it is possible such multitasking could stress us out.
15Being spread too thin can also be described as biting off more than we can chew.
16When we bite off more than we can chew, we attempt to do more than is possible.
17Now, let's hear some of these terms and expressions used in a conversation.
18So, how are your classes going?
19Not great.
20Many of my best students are failing my course.
21They all missed an important deadline for a project.
22That's strange.
23What else do they have going on?
24A lot.
25They are all performing in the same play.
26So, they have had rehearsals every night for the past month.
27And many have part-time jobs as well.
28Sounds like they've spread themselves too thin.
29They've got too much going on.
30I think you're right.
31So, what are you going to do?
32Well, first I'll extend the deadline.
33And then I'm going to warn them about biting off more than they can chew.
34And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories.
35Until next time, I'm Ana Mateo.
36Bye.
37Bye.
38Bye.
39Bye.
40Bye.
41Bye.
42Bye.
43Bye.
44Bye.
// transcribed with Whisper AI — reading it is easy; catching it by ear is the skill
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