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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Understand expressions for reducing uncertainty, using a timely opportunity, and describing something as worthless.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe episode connects farm language to planning and value. This lesson includes “hedge your bets,” “on the safe side,” and “not worth a hill of beans.” It omits “make hay while the sun shines,” already taught in the collection, and treats the article’s word-history claims as claims from the source rather than settled etymology.
Cultural note: “Hedge your bets” is a metaphor for reducing exposure to uncertainty, not individualized investment advice. “Not worth a hill of beans” is informal and dismissive; avoid it when a person’s work or concern deserves respect.
Keep exploringA few farm images still help English speakers talk about uncertainty, timing, and what they value.
Phrase guide · 3 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Talk about limiting possible loss or choosing a cautious option.
Meaning
Reduce risk by keeping more than one option open.
Tone & use
Informal. It can describe ordinary planning, but in finance it is only a general metaphor—not a recommendation about investments.
Example
“The community center booked an indoor room as well as a park shelter to hedge its bets against rain.”
Meaning
Taking an extra precaution to avoid a possible problem.
Tone & use
Common in everyday conversation and planning. The precaution should be proportionate to the actual risk.
Example
“We printed a few extra maps, just to be on the safe side.”
Recognize an informal way to say that something has little value.
Meaning
Worth very little or not valuable at all.
Tone & use
Informal and old-fashioned. It can sound dismissive if applied to someone’s effort, experience, or concern.
Example
“The coupon was not worth a hill of beans once the delivery fee was added.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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