In this podcast series, I read short excerpts of books and explain the vocabulary and colloquial phrases. 

ESL with literary analysis

English Vibes is back, and today we're tackling the art of expressing surprise like a native speaker.  Life's full of unexpected moments, and being able to react naturally is key!  So, buckle up and get ready to learn some awesome expressions.

English Vibes

Use These Expressions Next Time You're Surprised

So if you and your brother were bored and had nothing to do because it was raining outside, you might say to him, "I've been in the doldrums ever since the rain started."



Have You Ever Been 'In the Doldrums'?

If someone has "the gift of gab," they have the natural ability to talk in a way that makes people want to listen to them or believe them. For example, a politician may use "the gift of gab" to get people to vote for them.



Do You Have 'The Gift of Gab'?

Sweden has launched a new law that allows grandparents to get paid parental leave while taking care of their grandchildren for up to three months of a child's first year.



Sweden Pays Grandparents to Care for Grandkids

The researchers also found that people who drank the most coffee — three or more cups per day — reduced their risk of death from all causes by over 30% compared to those who drank no coffee. And they were more than 50% less likely to die from heart disease.

