VOA · Words and Their Stories
Advanced · C1learner speed4:512025-01-16public 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.
02In life, some of our decisions and actions are well thought out.
03They involve research, examination, and time for thought.
04And other decisions and actions are not well thought out.
05We make them quickly, without thinking, almost like a pure physical reaction.
06We can call these decisions, actions, or reactions knee-jerk.
07This term comes from a medical process.
08Merriam-Webster defines the noun knee-jerk as an involuntary forward kick produced by a light blow on the tendon below the kneecap.
09It is an involuntary action.
10It's automatic.
11The words involuntary and automatic are important when understanding the term knee-jerk and when to use it.
12Knee-jerk reactions seem to happen automatically, without a decision-making process.
13We often use knee-jerk as an adjective.
14Like hitting your kneecap to move your leg, knee-jerk reactions, or statements, also seem like an involuntary reflex.
15Knee-jerk also describes predictable behavior.
16Again, hit the knee and the leg will kick every time.
17So, knee-jerk describes someone who always reacts quickly and without enough thought.
18For example, let's say you are on a team with someone who never faces responsibility for their mistakes in the game.
19If brought to account, the player always blames the dropped ball on other teammates.
20You can say that player is having a knee-jerk reaction to criticism.
21They have a go-to response.
22It's like a reflex they can't control.
23We often use knee-jerk in a criticizing or negative way.
24Now, a gut reaction also happens without thinking.
25But it is a bit different than a knee-jerk response.
26A gut reaction is a feeling.
27When we have a gut reaction, our instincts are telling us that something may not be right.
28Gut reactions are instinctual warnings.
29So, we use this expression a bit differently than knee-jerk.
30We usually talk about our own gut reactions or impulses, not others.
31Here is an example.
32One day, I was hiking on a mountain in California.
33I had hiked for about two hours and was near the top.
34The view, I was told, was truly beautiful.
35I couldn't wait to see it.
36Then, suddenly, I had a strange feeling.
37Something just didn't feel right.
38I can't explain why, but my gut instinct was to turn around and head back down the mountain.
39I later found out that a dangerous bear had been sighted in the same area that I had fled.
40I am so thankful I listened to my gut instinct.
41And that's words in their stories.
42Until next time, I'm Ana Mateo.
43I am so thankful.
44I am so thankful.
45I am so thankful.
46I am so thankful.
47I am so thankful.
48I am so thankful.
49I am so thankful.
50I am so thankful.
51I am so thankful.
52I am so thankful.
53I am so thankful.
54I am so thankful.
// transcribed with Whisper AI — reading it is easy; catching it by ear is the skill
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