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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Use distinct food expressions to talk about sensitivity, personal preferences, crowded spaces, and embarrassment.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe episode gathers sayings about food and everyday situations. This guide selects expressions that remain distinct from other food lessons in the collection: being especially careful around someone, disagreeing about preferences, describing a packed space, and feeling embarrassed after a mistake. The examples are new and focus on present-day contexts.
Cultural note: “Walk on eggshells” can describe understandable care, but it may also signal that a relationship feels tense or unsafe; it does not tell us why. “One person’s meat is another person’s poison” is an old proverb about different tastes, not a literal claim about food safety.
Keep exploringA crowded train, a delicate conversation, and a public mistake can all lead to very different food-based expressions.
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 being unusually cautious about what you say or do.
Meaning
Be extremely careful about what you say or do because you fear upsetting someone.
Tone & use
Usually suggests tension or worry, not simply politeness. If the situation matters, describe the behavior or concern directly.
Example
“New volunteers felt they had to walk on eggshells around the coordinator, so the board arranged a private check-in.”
A proverb for tastes that vary from person to person.
Meaning
Something one person likes may be disliked by someone else.
Tone & use
An old-fashioned proverb; “everyone has different tastes” is more natural in many conversations. “Meat” here means food or preference, not a health judgment.
Example
“I love strong coffee, but my sister prefers tea—one person’s meat is another person’s poison.”
Describe a packed space or a mistake that feels embarrassing.
Meaning
Crowded very tightly into a small space.
Tone & use
Informal and vivid, often used humorously about public transport or a busy venue. It may sound negative if people are uncomfortable or unsafe.
Example
“The shuttle was packed like sardines after the concert, so we waited for the next one.”
Meaning
Feel embarrassed because a mistake or false claim has become visible.
Tone & use
Informal. It can be teasing, so avoid using it to shame someone who is already upset.
Example
“I had egg on my face when I announced the wrong meeting room to the whole group.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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