Learn
Watch & LearnLearning Paths
Daily EnglishSocial EnglishProfessional EnglishVOA English
Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Use insect expressions for moving directly, protecting privacy, and praising something excellent.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe episode gathers phrases inspired by insects. Because a later VOA lesson already teaches several familiar bug expressions, this page concentrates on different bee phrases: going directly somewhere, setting a privacy boundary, and describing something as excellent.
Cultural note: “None of your beeswax” is a joking but direct way to tell someone a matter is private; it can sound rude, especially with a stranger or in a formal setting. “The bee’s knees” is playful and old-fashioned, so it may sound humorous rather than current or serious.
Keep exploringBees show up in English when we go straight to a snack, protect our privacy, or praise something we love.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe moving directly toward a place or goal.
Meaning
Go directly toward a place or thing, often eagerly.
Tone & use
Informal and vivid. It can describe a person heading straight for a destination or an object they want.
Example
“As soon as the doors opened, the children made a beeline for the science exhibit.”
Recognize an informal way to say a matter is private.
Recognition caution
Meaning
A joking way to say that something is private and not another person’s concern.
Tone & use
Very informal and potentially rude. Use only with people who will understand the playful tone; “I’d rather keep that private” is more polite.
Example
““What did you write in the card?” “That’s none of your beeswax—it’s a surprise.””
This phrase can sound dismissive or disrespectful. Choose a calm, direct boundary in professional or unfamiliar settings.
Understand an older expression meaning excellent.
Meaning
Something considered excellent or especially impressive.
Tone & use
Playful and old-fashioned; often used humorously. It is not a literal description of an insect.
Example
“The neighborhood bakery’s lemon cake is the bee’s knees, according to my friends.”
Meaning
Be unusually preoccupied with an idea or topic and keep talking about it.
Tone & use
Informal and somewhat old-fashioned. It can sound dismissive, so use care when describing someone else’s concern.
Example
“Rina has a bee in her bonnet about reducing food waste, and she brings it up at every club meeting.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
1 of 3