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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Learn selected bird idioms for protecting what you have, combining tasks, and describing a limited political term.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThis episode gathers sayings involving birds and farm animals. The lesson focuses on weighing a sure option against a riskier one, combining two tasks, and the political expression “lame duck.” It leaves out several expressions already taught in the collection, including “bird’s-eye view,” “birds of a feather,” “eat crow,” “no spring chicken,” and “water off a duck’s back.”
Cultural note: “Lame duck” is an established political label for an elected official near the end of a term or after losing reelection, but because “lame” can be ableist when used about people, keep this phrase in its specific political sense and prefer “outgoing official” when clarity matters. The source’s older character sketch also includes demeaning language that this lesson does not repeat.
Keep exploringBird images can frame a cautious decision, an efficient plan, or a specific moment in public office.
Phrase guide · 3 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Compare a secure option with a possible gain.
Meaning
A certain benefit may be better than risking it for a larger but uncertain one.
Tone & use
A proverb, not a universal rule. It can support caution, but should not be used to discourage reasonable ambition.
Example
“She kept her confirmed internship while considering other offers; a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
Describe combining two tasks in one action.
Meaning
Complete two goals through one action.
Tone & use
Common but imagery of killing may not suit every audience; “solve two problems at once” is a gentler alternative.
Example
“We combined the supply pickup with the library visit to save a trip and kill two birds with one stone.”
Recognize a narrow political use and its limits.
Recognition caution
Meaning
In politics, an elected official near the end of a term or after losing reelection, with limited time or influence remaining.
Tone & use
Use only for the political situation. For a person, “outgoing official” is clearer and avoids the ableist everyday use of “lame.”
Example
“The outgoing mayor completed a few scheduled projects during the lame-duck period before the new administration began.”
Do not use “lame” as an insult or label for a disabled person; keep “lame duck” limited to its political meaning.
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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