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Processed with VS1Use “season” for weather, holidays, annual activities, and stages of life—and recognize the tone of “open season.”
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe episode explores “season” for parts of the year, weather patterns, holidays, sports, and periods of life. It explains the familiar phrase “’tis the season,” plus “open season on” for a time when something is widely available or unrestricted, and “off-season” for a quieter travel period.
Cultural note: “’Tis the season” is strongly associated with Christmas in the U.S. and may not fit every holiday or community. “Open season on” comes from hunting and can sound aggressive when used about people; a neutral alternative such as “a period with few restrictions” is safer in formal contexts.
Keep exploringThe word “season” can describe weather, a holiday rush, a sports calendar, or a stage of life. Use the surrounding context to make your meaning clear.
Phrase guide · 6 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Name a recurring time marked by weather or conditions.
Meaning
A period when fewer people take part in an activity or visit a place.
Tone & use
Common in travel, sports, tourism, and business. It can mean lower prices or fewer crowds, depending on context.
Example
“They visited the coast in the off-season to avoid crowds and find quieter beaches.”
Meaning
The part of the year when conditions allow plants to grow.
Tone & use
A literal agricultural and gardening term; it varies by climate and location.
Example
“The gardener starts tomatoes indoors before the growing season begins.”
Talk about celebrations, shopping, travel, or sports periods.
Meaning
It is the time of year associated with a particular activity or celebration.
Tone & use
Often evokes Christmas in U.S. English and may be used warmly or ironically about holiday activities and crowds.
Example
“The town lights its main street each December; ’tis the season for evening walks and hot chocolate.”
Meaning
A period when holidays and related celebrations take place.
Tone & use
The specific holidays included depend on the community and country; do not assume everyone celebrates the same ones.
Example
“The library stays open later during the holiday season so families can attend evening events.”
Describe a limited period or a changing phase in life.
Meaning
A period when an activity or opportunity is widely available or has few restrictions.
Tone & use
Originally connected to hunting seasons; figuratively it can sound forceful or threatening when the “target” is a person or group.
Example
“After the discount began, it seemed like open season on travel deals.”
Meaning
A period or stage in someone’s life with particular experiences or responsibilities.
Tone & use
A figurative, reflective phrase; it does not refer to a fixed age or timeline.
Example
“Caring for a new baby was a demanding but meaningful season of life for them.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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