VOA · Words and Their Stories
Advanced · C1learner speed3:412025-02-27public 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.
02Food is a popular subject with many people around the world.
03It is fun to talk about our favorite dishes.
04It is even more fun to share a favorite dish with others.
05Today, we talk about the word dish.
06A dish can be the object on which you serve food.
07But a dish can also mean a specially prepared food.
08Do you have a signature dish?
09Our signature is how we sign our names.
10So, a signature dish is a dish we are known for making well.
11In a way, it identifies us.
12My signature dish is sweet potato rosemary dinner rolls.
13I am often asked to make them, especially for holiday parties.
14In my circle of friends, I am known for this dish.
15When the rolls are on the table, people know that I made them.
16A tasty dish is something that makes a table look good and inviting.
17Sometimes the same can be said about a person.
18Someone who is good-looking can be called a dish.
19While this usage might be a bit dated, it is still used.
20Now, let's talk about the verb dish.
21To dish can mean to talk about private or personal information.
22It might be gossip.
23But I can also dish about myself.
24For example, a friend may ask me to dish about my new job.
25I could also use a phrasal verb form and say my friend wants me to dish out all the interesting details.
26Now, to dish up something means to put food on a dish for someone to eat.
27However, it can also mean sharing personal details, our own and others.
28We can also dish out things like jokes or even insults.
29Some people like to tease or insult.
30They can dish out jokes and insults all day long.
31But sometimes these same people do not like it if you do the same to them.
32We have a saying for just such people.
33We say they can dish it out, but they can't take it.
34They are able and willing to share harsh thoughts, criticisms, or insults about others.
35But they do not think they themselves deserve such treatment.
36And that's Words in Their Stories.
37Until next time, I'm Ana Mateo.
// transcribed with Whisper AI — reading it is easy; catching it by ear is the skill
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