VOA · Words and Their Stories
Advanced · C1learner speed5:182024-12-23public 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.
02During a new year, many of us decide to try something new.
03With a new year's resolution, we resolve to do something we have not done in the past.
04Sometimes, these things are risk-free, like eating healthier food or getting more exercise.
05Sometimes, we decide to learn a new skill, like a language or a musical instrument.
06Again, these things are not risky.
07Nor do they have bad consequences.
08If you do not learn how to play the guitar, nothing bad will happen.
09Probably.
10However, sometimes, we need to shake up our lives and do something different that does have consequences.
11That means there are risks if things do not work out.
12Such a change could involve moving to a new city, starting a new job, or ending a relationship.
13These new things do have a level of risk.
14Things could go wrong.
15On the other hand, things could go very right.
16So, for these situations, we introduce two expressions that encourage you to take a chance.
17The first expression is, Nothing ventured, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
18This means that without doing something risky or difficult, a bad situation will not improve.
19You could also sum it up this way.
20If you try something risky, you could fail.
21But if you do not try at all, you will surely fail.
22The word venture can be both a noun and a verb.
23As a verb, it means to proceed in a dangerous or risky plan.
24As a noun, it means an action that involves chance, risk, or danger.
25For example, starting a new restaurant is a risky business venture these days.
26And venturing into an unknown area could be dangerous.
27A friend of mine wanted to learn how to drive a stunt car, and then move to Los Angeles to become a stunt car driver.
28A stunt car is a vehicle used in the movies to perform crashes and wild driving.
29There are not many women in this profession.
30So I told her that her decision involved lots of risk.
31She said to me, Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
32Our second expression is, Fortune favors the bold.
33Fortune usually means wealth or fame.
34But it can also mean being in a good situation.
35And if you are bold, you are brave.
36So this expression means that people who are brave and take chances help themselves.
37Their bold, brave actions put them in a good place.
38When using this expression, keep this in mind.
39The person who finds a fortune has done something to get it.
40It just doesn't happen to them by chance.
41So if someone happens to win a lot of money in a lottery, you wouldn't use the expression, Fortune favors the bold.
42However, let's say you quit your job and move to a new city.
43That is a bold decision.
44But you are sure that it will be good for you.
45In the new city, you find your dream job.
46It might even pay more money than your old job.
47Here you could definitely say, Fortune favors the bold.
48And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories.
49For the start of 2023, I wish you and yours health and wealth.
50Until next time, I'm Ana Mateo.
51Thank you.
// transcribed with Whisper AI — reading it is easy; catching it by ear is the skill
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