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English Video Lesson | Learn Advanced English Phrases You Need to Know: Witty Conversation

Want to impress with your English? This lesson will help you learn advanced phrases used by native speakers, helping you feel more confident and fluent in conversations. Perfect for students looking to push their skills to the next level!

In today's lesson:

  • 'corkscrew' — what does it mean?
  • 'going through something' — why does he say that?
  • 'isn't it gross?' — what do you think this phrase means?
Today we learn English with Noah and Joanne. They first meet playfully while trying to open a bottle of wine. They joke with each other easily, and it's clear they like each other very quickly. Let's watch and learn.

Learn vocabulary

'corkscrew' is a tool used to open bottles of wine. It has a metal spiral that you twist into the cork and then pull out to open the bottle.

Let's look closer at this sentence: Although, uh, are you sure you should be drinking?
'although' – This word is used to introduce something that is different from what was said before. It means "but" or "however" in this context, showing a change in the conversation.
'are you sure' asks for confirmation or checks if the other person is certain in their choice or action.
The modal verb "should" is used to describe what is recommended or appropriate, or what is good for you.
So, this sentence is a polite way to show that you are worried or suggest someone to think twice before doing something. In the clip, Noah gently suggests that maybe drinking is not the best idea for Joanne.

'going through something' – a casual expression that means having difficulties. It's a common phrase in conversational English.

'going through something' means having a difficult or emotional experience. It's a casual way of saying that a person is dealing with problems in personal life, or at work, or dealing with stress. 
In the clip, Noah is not seriously concerned about Joanne. Instead, he's playfully joking with her, saying that she might be having a tough time when there's no real sign of that.

'embarrassing' means something that makes you feel uncomfortable, shy, or awkward, especially in front of other people.

'mole' means a small, dark spot or raised area on someone's skin.

'scar' is a mark left on your skin after a cut, wound, or injury has healed. It’s the line or spot that stays on your skin after the injury is gone.

'gross' means something that is very unpleasant, dirty, or disgusting. It’s a casual word people use when something makes them feel sick or uncomfortable.

"brutal" means something that is very harsh, hard to deal with, or very unpleasant. It’s a strong word used when something is really hard, or physically painful, emotionally tough, or just very difficult.
In the clip, Joanne and Noah are joking with each other. They don't really think her scar is gross or brutal. Noah is simply exaggerating things to be playful and humorous, and to tease Joanne in a friendly way.

'hang on' is a phrasal verb that means to wait for a moment or pause. It’s a casual way to ask someone to stop for a little while before continuing.

'appreciate' means to be thankful for something or to value something. It's used when you are happy about what someone has done for you.

'put yourself out' is a phrasal verb that means to make an effort to do something to help someone, even if it’s inconvenient or difficult for you.

'comeback' is a quick or smart reply to something someone else says, often in a joking or competitive way. The phrase 'What a comeback!' is used to express admiration or surprise when someone gives a very clever, witty, or strong response, especially after being challenged.

The phrase 'one more shot' means one more try or one more chance to do something. It’s used when someone is asking for or offering another opportunity to succeed after a previous attempt didn’t work.

'sommelier' is a wine expert who works in restaurants or wine stores. Their job is to help people choose the best wine to go with their meal. A sommelier knows a lot about different kinds of wine, including how they taste, where they come from, and how to serve them.

The phrase 'I can handle it' means I can manage, or I can deal with this situation. It’s a way of showing confidence that you can take care of something, even if it might be difficult. For example:
- Do you need help?
- No, I can handle it. (I don’t need help; I can manage by myself.)

Questions for the lesson

Noah meets Joanne for the first time. Why do you think he said, 'You seem to be going through something?' Share your thoughts in the comments!

Have you ever had an awkward or funny first meeting like Noah and Joanne? What is your way to make conversation fun in this situation?

Check yourself. Do you remember, which adjective is stronger: 'gross' or 'brutal'? 

The full scene without interruption:



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