Learn
Watch & LearnLearning Paths
Daily EnglishSocial EnglishProfessional EnglishVOA English
Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Learn when laundry refers to clothes, a long list of tasks, or embarrassing information that should stay private.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcript“Laundry” means clothes and other fabric that need washing, but “a laundry list” is a long list of related items. “Dirty laundry” can mean embarrassing private matters, and “air your dirty laundry” means reveal those matters publicly. “Outfit” is a coordinated set of clothes, while “wardrobe” can mean the collection a person owns. The lesson focuses on language use and privacy, not on judging how people dress or manage their households.
Cultural note: “Air your dirty laundry” is usually critical and may shame people for discussing family or relationship problems. Privacy can matter, but people should still be able to seek support or report harm. “Laundry list” can sound dismissive if someone is describing serious concerns; consider whether a neutral word like “list” is more respectful.
Keep exploringOne everyday chore gives English a phrase for a long to-do list—and a warning about sharing someone else’s private story.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Use everyday clothing terms precisely.
Meaning
A set of clothes chosen to be worn together for a particular occasion or purpose.
Tone & use
Neutral and common. It often suggests some coordination, unlike the broader word “clothes.”
Example
“She chose a comfortable outfit for the long train ride and packed a warmer layer in her bag.”
Meaning
The collection of clothes a person owns; it can also mean a large clothes-storage cabinet.
Tone & use
The meaning depends on context. It does not necessarily suggest expensive or fashionable clothing.
Example
“His work wardrobe includes a few washable shirts and one jacket for formal meetings.”
Recognize a figurative phrase for many related items.
Meaning
A long list of related tasks, items, or complaints.
Tone & use
Informal and sometimes critical, especially when the list seems excessive or unfocused.
Example
“The meeting invitation came with a laundry list of documents to review beforehand.”
Understand a critical phrase about sharing embarrassing personal matters.
Meaning
Embarrassing private matters that someone would prefer other people not to know.
Tone & use
Usually figurative and critical. Do not use it to shame someone for seeking help or speaking about mistreatment.
Example
“The siblings agreed to discuss the inheritance privately rather than share the family’s dirty laundry online.”
Meaning
Tell other people about embarrassing private matters.
Tone & use
Often disapproving. Be careful not to use this phrase to silence someone who needs support or is reporting harm.
Example
“The manager asked the team to resolve the scheduling dispute directly, not to air personal accusations in the public chat.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
1 of 3