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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Talk about hope during a long challenge, focused attention, and working through a heavy workload.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThis episode moves from the image of a tunnel to phrases for hope, narrow attention, and getting through a large amount of work. The same focus can help with a deadline but may also make someone miss important information around them.
Cultural note: “Tunnel vision” can refer to a medical symptom or, figuratively, to attention narrowed to one issue. In everyday conversation, make the intended meaning clear and avoid using the figurative phrase to dismiss someone’s medical experience.
Keep exploringA difficult stretch can feel endless until a sign of progress appears. Explore how the tunnel image also describes concentration and persistence.
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 a difficult period that may soon improve.
Meaning
A sign that a difficult situation or long process may soon be over.
Tone & use
Often used to encourage someone or describe renewed hope; it suggests progress, not a guarantee.
Example
“After months of testing, the team can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Talk about concentration and the things it can leave out.
Meaning
A very narrow focus or viewpoint that leaves little room for other information.
Tone & use
Can be critical, though temporary focus may help with a demanding task. It also has a literal medical meaning.
Example
“I had tunnel vision while finishing the report and forgot to check the updated schedule.”
Meaning
Be unwilling or unable to notice other viewpoints or details.
Tone & use
Usually critical; it can also describe temporarily blocking distractions to finish a task.
Example
“With a deadline approaching, I had my blinders on and missed the invitation to lunch.”
Describe steadily making progress through a large task.
Meaning
Work steadily through a large amount of material or a difficult task.
Tone & use
A figurative extension of digging through an obstacle; useful for paperwork, messages, or assignments.
Example
“She tunneled through the backlog of support requests before the new system launched.”
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