VOA · Words and Their Stories
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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.
02On this program, we explore words and expressions in the English language.
03We give examples, notes on usage, and sometimes use them in short conversations.
04Today, we talk about an expression that sounds very serious and dangerous.
05A dead giveaway.
06A giveaway is just as it sounds.
07You give something to someone else.
08But a dead giveaway has nothing to do with tragedy or death.
09In this expression, the word dead has another meaning you might not have known about.
10In some common usages, the adjective dead can mean exact, correct, or complete.
11For example, if someone is dead right, they are completely correct.
12And there is no doubt about it.
13And if someone is dead wrong, they are totally wrong.
14In some trades, the word dead is a really good thing.
15For example, when something is dead center, it is exactly at the center.
16In building, dead level means perfectly horizontal.
17Just what you want.
18However, you never say dead plum.
19Plum already means perfectly vertical.
20So, a dead giveaway is a detail or action that gives away the truth completely and totally.
21It is like a clue that answers a question.
22A dead giveaway shows a truth, fact, or intention in an obvious way.
23In other words, a dead giveaway leaves little room for misunderstanding.
24Now, let's hear the expression in some examples.
25A completely dark house and a huge pile of mail outside the door were two dead giveaways that no one had been home in quite some time.
26She said that she was staying home for the night, but with all the makeup on her face, her hair styled and her party clothes on, Her appearance was a dead giveaway.
27She was clearly going out.
28The expression on his face was a dead giveaway that he was guilty.
29He couldn't even look me in the eyes.
30English has another expression that is similar.
31A telltale sign is an important detail or fact that clarifies the truth.
32It gives more supporting evidence.
33We often pair telltale with the words sign or symptom.
34Let's hear some examples.
35Well, my friend has missed work all week and hasn't responded to my calls.
36Those may be telltale symptoms of a bigger problem.
37When the parents returned from their trip, they saw telltale signs everywhere in the house that the children had thrown a party.
38And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories.
39Until next time, I'm Ana Mateo.
40The Words and Their Stories The Words and Their Stories The Words and Their Stories The Words and Their Stories The Words and Their Stories
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