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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Decode familiar jokes about work, money, moving, and leaving—and see why people may groan.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe story collects familiar, often corny sayings: “You make a better door than a window” means someone is blocking the view; “working hard or hardly working?” is a teasing workplace wordplay; “What’s the damage?” asks how much a bill costs; and “Time to hit the road,” “saddle up,” or “skedaddle” announce that it is time to leave. “Get the heck out of Dodge” is a colorful way to say leave quickly.
Cultural note: The expressions are presented playfully as sayings associated with dads, but they are not limited to fathers. Many are jokes whose humor depends on wordplay and repetition; a listener may find them charming or corny. “What’s the damage?” is casual and treats a bill as if it were an injury, so it may feel too informal in a business setting.
Keep exploringThese familiar one-liners are useful for understanding jokes and hints—but you do not have to use them if they are not your style.
Phrase guide · 6 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Decode a playful way to say someone is blocking a view.
Meaning
You are blocking someone’s view, so please move.
Tone & use
A teasing, indirect request. It can sound impatient if the relationship is not friendly.
Example
“Could you shift a little? You make a better door than a window.”
Recognize common wordplay at a shop or checkout.
Meaning
A joking question that implies someone may not be working much.
Tone & use
Corny wordplay; it can be awkward or unwelcome at a workplace, especially with someone you do not know well.
Example
“The shop owner walked by and asked, “Working hard or hardly working?””
Meaning
How much does the bill or cost come to?
Tone & use
Casual and joking. “How much do I owe?” is more neutral.
Example
““What’s the damage?” “That will be twelve dollars.””
Understand casual and colorful ways to announce a departure.
Meaning
Leave or begin a journey.
Tone & use
Informal and common; it can be direct or cheerful depending on tone.
Example
“It’s getting late, so we should hit the road.”
Meaning
Leave quickly.
Tone & use
Playful and old-fashioned; it often sounds intentionally silly.
Example
“The rain is coming, so let’s skedaddle before the picnic gets soaked.”
Meaning
Leave a place quickly, often to avoid trouble or an unpleasant situation.
Tone & use
Informal and dramatic, with a Western flavor. “Heck” is a mild substitute for a stronger word.
Example
“Once the storm warning came, we decided to get the heck out of Dodge.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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