3.3 Informal Idioms, Phrasal Verbs, and Expressions in Speech

3.3 Informal Idioms, Phrasal Verbs, and Expressions in Speech

Essential Informal American English

One of the most significant barriers to achieving a high score on the ECL Listening section is the extensive use of idioms and phrasal verbs. American English, especially in informal and military settings, relies heavily on these expressions. An idiom is a phrase whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal definitions of the individual words (e.g., "hit the books" means to study, not to physically strike books). A phrasal verb consists of a verb and a preposition or adverb (e.g., "put off," "look into") that together create a new meaning.

If you interpret these phrases literally, you will almost certainly choose the wrong answer on the test. The exam intentionally uses these expressions to test your grasp of natural, spoken English rather than just textbook vocabulary. This section covers some of the highest-frequency idioms and phrasal verbs that appear on the ECL.

High-Frequency Idioms on the ECL

Idioms often describe common situations, feelings, or actions in colorful ways. Here are several that you must know.

Work and Study Idioms

• Call it a day: To stop working for the rest of the day.
  • Example: "We've been painting this barracks for eight hours. Let's call it a day."
• Hit the books: To study hard.
  • Example: "I have a huge exam tomorrow, so I need to hit the books tonight."
• Learn the ropes: To learn how to do a specific job or task.
  • Example: "It will take the new guy a few weeks to learn the ropes."
• Get the hang of it: To finally understand how to do something after practicing.
  • Example: "Driving a manual transmission is tricky at first, but you'll get the hang of it."

Health and Well-being Idioms

• Under the weather: Feeling sick or unwell.
  • Example: "Sergeant Smith is under the weather today, so he's at the clinic."
• Back on one's feet: Recovered from an illness or injury.
  • Example: "After a week in bed with the flu, I'm finally back on my feet."

Time and Action Idioms

• Keep an eye on: To watch carefully or monitor.
  • Example: "Can you keep an eye on my bag while I go to the restroom?"
• Out of the blue: Suddenly and unexpectedly.
  • Example: "I hadn't seen him in years, and then he called me out of the blue."
• On time vs. In time:
  • On time: Punctual, according to schedule (e.g., "The flight arrived on time at 1400.")
  • In time: Before it is too late (e.g., "We got to the station just in time to catch the train.")

High-Frequency Phrasal Verbs on the ECL

Phrasal verbs are ubiquitous in English. Sometimes a single verb can have many different meanings depending on the particle (preposition/adverb) attached to it.

• Run out of: To have no more of something.
  • Example: "The convoy ran out of fuel ten miles from the base."
• Fill out: To complete a form or document by writing information on it.
  • Example: "Please fill out this medical form before you see the doctor."
• Put off: To postpone or delay something until a later time.
  • Example: "The commander decided to put off the meeting until tomorrow."
• Turn in:
  • 1. To submit an assignment or form. (e.g., "I turned in my leave request.")
  • 1. To go to bed. (e.g., "It's late; I think I'm going to turn in.")
• Check out:
  • 1. To leave a hotel. (e.g., "We have to check out by 11 AM.")
  • 1. To look at or investigate something. (e.g., "Check out that new helicopter.")
  • 1. To borrow a book from a library. (e.g., "I checked out three books on military history.")
• Look into: To investigate or research a problem.
  • Example: "The military police are looking into the missing equipment."
• Bring up: To introduce a topic into conversation.
  • Example: "Don't bring up the budget cuts during the briefing."
• Call off: To cancel an event.
  • Example: "They called off the training exercise because of the thunderstorm."

Comprehensive Table of High-Frequency Expressions

When you encounter an idiom or phrasal verb you don't know on the test, rely on the surrounding context. If a speaker says someone is "under the weather" and the next sentence mentions going to the hospital, you can deduce the meaning relates to illness. Mastering these informal expressions is one of the most effective ways to boost your ECL Listening score.