We were only in Namibia for a very short time, but it was still brilliant! We crossed the border from Angola and went along the Caprivi strip, making our way to Botswana. We had a few animal encounters, and a bit of a problem at the border...

Travel diaries

Ep. 4 - a fly through Namibia

Jorge is shopping at a clothing store.

Salesperson (Lily):
This jacket fits you really well! Would you like to size up and try a bigger size?

Customer (Jorge, confused):
Size up? You mean bigger size?

Lily (nodding):
Yes, exactly! "Size up" just means trying a larger size than the one you have.

Jorge (scratching his head):
Hmm… Size up? You mean, when I grow bigger?

Lily (laughing):
Haha, no, no! "Size up" just means trying a bigger jacket. Not growing, just a bigger size!

Jorge (still confused):
So… Size up means I wear bigger clothes, but I don’t grow taller?

Lily (smiling):
Yes! "Size up" means getting a bigger size of the same jacket. You don’t need to grow taller for that!

Jorge (nodding, still unsure):
Okay, okay, I try bigger size jacket. I think I understand!

Jorge (curious):
By the way, your English is really good. How do you speak so well?

Lily:
Well, I took speaking lessons with Teacher Smith on italki! She’s amazing for improving English.

Jorge:
Really? How I book  lesson with her?

Lily:
It’s super easy, just click on her profile on italki and book a speaking lesson!

Jorge:
Wow, easy? I book it now!

LEARN BY LISTENING

Have You Ever Sized Up?

Two friends, Alex and Jamie, are chatting in a park.

Alex: Hey Jamie, did you hear about the surprise party tonight?

Jamie: No, I haven’t. Are you serious?

Alex: Absolutely! And don't worry, I'm just pulling your leg about the party details.

Jamie: (Looking confused) Wait, what do you mean by "pulling your leg"? Are you actually grabbing my leg?

Alex: (Laughs) No, no! "Pulling your leg" is an idiom. It means I'm just joking or teasing you. I'm not doing anything physical at all.

Jamie: Oh, I see! I thought you meant something literal.

Alex: I can understand the confusion. English idioms can be tricky. "Pulling your leg" simply means I'm kidding.

Jamie: Honestly, I always have a hard time understanding or remembering idioms. How do you do it so easily?

Alex: Well, Mrs. Smith on italki taught me all the tips and tricks for mastering them.

Jamie: Really? How do I get her to teach me too?

Alex: It's super simple, just click her picture on italki and book a lesson.

Jamie: Wow, so simple! I've just booked my lesson. I can't wait to finally get the hang of these idioms.

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