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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Use food-related expressions for frank conversations, flattery, uncertain information, sharing, and feeling full.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe episode uses a U.S. Thanksgiving meal to introduce everyday food expressions. “Talk turkey” means speak frankly about a serious matter, while “butter someone up” means flatter someone—often to get something. To “take something with a grain of salt” is to treat it cautiously, and “I’m stuffed” means very full after eating.
Cultural note: Thanksgiving is a U.S. holiday, so the meal is a cultural setting rather than a universal tradition. The expressions can be used beyond the holiday. “Butter someone up” often implies strategic flattery, and “take it with a grain of salt” signals doubt rather than proof that a claim is false. The VOA article’s heading says “pinch a salt,” but its body also uses the familiar phrase “grain of salt.”
Keep exploringFood gives English speakers a surprising set of tools for talking about serious topics. Which expression would help you be direct—or politely skeptical?
Phrase guide · 6 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Start a direct discussion about a real issue.
Meaning
Speak plainly and seriously about a problem or practical matter.
Tone & use
Informal; often used to suggest moving past vague discussion and dealing with the issue.
Example
“We have discussed the delay long enough; let’s talk turkey about the new deadline.”
Notice when praise is being used to persuade.
Meaning
Flatter someone, often because you want them to do something for you.
Tone & use
Informal and sometimes disapproving; it can suggest the praise is not fully sincere.
Example
“He buttered up the coach before asking to switch teams.”
Show that you are not accepting a story as certain.
Meaning
Treat information as uncertain rather than accepting it completely.
Tone & use
Commonly used when a source may exaggerate or lack direct evidence; it does not by itself prove a claim is false.
Example
“I take online product rumors with a grain of salt until the company confirms them.”
Describe being full or receiving a share of something.
Meaning
Very easy to do.
Tone & use
Informal; usually used for a task that is not especially serious.
Example
“Once the form was translated, filling it out was easy as pie.”
Meaning
A share of money, benefits, or an opportunity that several people want or divide.
Tone & use
Often used in discussions of profits, resources, or access; not usually about literal dessert.
Example
“Each neighborhood group received a slice of the grant money.”
Meaning
I have eaten enough and feel very full.
Tone & use
Casual and common at meals; a friendly way to decline more food.
Example
“Thanks, but I’m stuffed—I can’t eat another bite.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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