VOA · Words and Their Stories
Advanced · C1learner speed4:342025-02-05public 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 American English, we use many expressions to describe when two people have a lot of similarities or are very close.
03Here are some examples.
04If we say two people are joined at the hip, they are nearly always together.
05If we describe individuals as thick as thieves, it means they are very close.
06People considered two peas in a pod have many things in common.
07And we use the term kindred spirits to describe people who often share the same opinions and interests.
08These expressions can represent people who grew closer for different reasons.
09Maybe they complemented each other well in certain ways.
10Or maybe their situations brought them together for the purpose of completing something important or meaningful.
11But today, we are going to discuss a very special kind of relationship.
12One that involves two people who are romantically involved and very successful.
13People in such relationships can be described as power couples.
14There are many examples of famous power couples, including successful movie stars, musicians, and others in the performing arts.
15But power couples can exist in many other industries and communities as well.
16And the two people do not have to work in the same industry.
17If they do, however, that can make them even more powerful.
18For example, a well-known architect who builds homes could be partnered with a famous designer who decorates them.
19Or one person in a power couple may be a music producer, while the other is a famous singer.
20Even though power couples involve highly successful people, one person could describe their partner as their better half.
21This is a way to complement their other half in the relationship.
22For example, one might say during a meeting with a friend, Hello, how are you?
23And more importantly, how is your better half?
24Now, let's hear two friends use some of these expressions.
25Oh, hey.
26I'm not used to seeing you alone.
27Where's your sidekick?
28Huh?
29Who are you talking about?
30Ben, you guys have been joined at the hip for weeks.
31Looks like you're thick as thieves.
32Well, the project is pretty important for the company.
33So, we're putting in a lot of hours.
34Are you becoming kindred spirits from working so much together?
35No.
36It's just keeping us both very busy.
37Busy trying to become the new power couple in the office?
38What are you talking about?
39We're not thick as thieves or kindred spirits.
40And we're definitely not a power couple.
41We are just working hard on the same project.
42And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories.
43Until next time, I'm Ana Mateo.
44We'll be right back.
// transcribed with Whisper AI — reading it is easy; catching it by ear is the skill
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