Learn
Watch & LearnLearning Paths
English for Daily LifeEnglish for Social ConnectionEnglish for WorkVOA English
Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Sort what is useful, valuable, or high-quality from what is less important for your goal.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe episode traces the image to preparing grain: useful wheat is separated from the outer material called chaff. Figuratively, the phrase means identifying what is important, valuable, or high-quality within a larger group.
Cultural note: The expression is a metaphor for selection, not a judgment that people are literally “chaff.” When speaking about people, describe the relevant criteria—such as experience or fit—rather than labeling individuals as worthless.
Keep exploringFrom packing for a hike to reviewing applications, good choices depend on knowing what belongs in the final group. Which details are essential to your goal?
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Separate essentials or useful items from distractions.
Meaning
Distinguish the useful, important, or high-quality parts of a group from the rest.
Tone & use
A familiar idiom for evaluating information, options, resources, or applicants. Keep the judgment focused on suitability, not a person’s worth.
Example
“The review team separated the wheat from the chaff by checking each proposal against the project goals.”
Meaning
Examine a collection carefully to decide what to keep, use, or consider.
Tone & use
A practical phrasal verb for reviewing objects, documents, applications, or choices.
Example
“Before the move, we sorted through the boxes and kept only the tools we still needed.”
Identify which options are worth keeping or prioritizing.
Meaning
Be selected as one of the people or things that meet the requirements.
Tone & use
Common in sports, hiring, auditions, and selection processes. It is informal but widely understood.
Example
“Only three designs made the cut for the final presentation.”
Meaning
Time used in a way that produces value or a worthwhile result.
Tone & use
Often used to approve of an effort that took time but helped reach a goal.
Example
“Comparing the repair estimates was time well spent; it saved us from buying the wrong part.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
1 of 3
