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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Recognize strong informal expressions and learn which phrases are too coarse for work or formal settings.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe episode groups informal expressions using “hell” for very low chances, rapid deterioration, hardship, and speed. Several are profane or strongly emphatic, so the lesson centers on recognition and register rather than encouraging learners to use them freely. Expressions already covered elsewhere are excluded.
Cultural note: “Hell” has religious significance and can be offensive to some listeners. Many phrases in this episode are very informal or profane; avoid them in professional, academic, or unfamiliar settings. “Been through hell and back” can minimize another person’s real hardship if used casually.
Keep exploringKnowing what a phrase means is not the same as knowing when to say it. Register matters with these forceful idioms.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Recognize an emphatic phrase for something with almost no chance.
Recognition caution
Meaning
Almost no chance of succeeding or happening.
Tone & use
Very informal and potentially offensive because it uses a religiously charged word. In formal settings say “very unlikely.”
Example
“Without the required permit, the event had almost no chance of approval.”
Contains profanity and may offend; prefer “very unlikely” in formal or unfamiliar settings.
Describe a rapid decline or difficult situation.
Recognition caution
Meaning
Become much worse very quickly.
Tone & use
Informal, dramatic, and potentially offensive. Use a neutral alternative such as “deteriorate quickly” when precision matters.
Example
“The schedule started to fall apart after two suppliers canceled.”
Contains profanity; it may sound exaggerated or offensive.
Recognition caution
Meaning
Have survived an extremely difficult experience.
Tone & use
Strong and emotionally intense. Do not apply it casually to someone else’s experience.
Example
“After months of recovery, she said the process had been extremely difficult.”
Can trivialize hardship; use only when the person’s experience supports the intensity.
Recognition caution
Meaning
Extremely difficult, aggressive, or energetic to deal with.
Tone & use
Very informal and can be insulting. Describe the specific behavior instead of reducing a person to a label.
Example
“The coach was demanding, but the team discussed the exact practices that felt unreasonable.”
Contains profanity and can stigmatize someone; describe behavior more precisely.
Understand a vivid comparison for speed.
Meaning
Extremely fast or recklessly.
Tone & use
Informal and dramatic. Avoid it when describing unsafe driving as if it were admirable.
Example
“The cyclist came down the hill very fast, so the pedestrians stepped aside.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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