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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Describe good days, setbacks, and changing fortunes with natural everyday expressions.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe episode uses a windshield and a bug to picture days when things go well and days when they do not. It also introduces expressions for feeling low, performing well, facing a setback, and accepting that life has both highs and lows.
Cultural note: “Some days you’re the windshield, and some days you’re the bug” is informal and playful, not a serious judgment. “Killing it” is positive slang for doing very well; avoid it in formal writing.
Keep exploringA difficult day does not define the whole story. Practise describing one rough patch—and what might help you move through it.
Phrase guide · 6 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Talk about success, energy, and strong performance.
Meaning
Do what needs to be done, often efficiently or successfully.
Tone & use
Informal; can refer to ordinary responsibilities or performing confidently.
Example
“The crew took care of business and finished the repairs before the storm.”
Meaning
Do something extremely well.
Tone & use
Very informal praise. It is figurative, not literal, and best saved for casual conversation.
Example
“You killed it in the presentation—the client loved the clear examples.”
Name a low mood or a challenging period without making it sound permanent.
Meaning
Feeling sad or discouraged.
Tone & use
Informal. It usually describes a temporary mood, not a diagnosis.
Example
“He felt down in the dumps after the weekend plans were canceled.”
Meaning
A period when someone experiences problems or difficulty.
Tone & use
A tactful, fairly gentle way to refer to a challenging stretch; it does not imply that the difficulty will last forever.
Example
“The shop went through a rough patch during renovations but is busy again now.”
Describe mixed outcomes and changes over time.
Meaning
Some days things go your way, and other days you face difficulties.
Tone & use
Informal and humorous. It acknowledges changing fortunes rather than blaming someone for a bad day.
Example
“I missed the train and spilled coffee, but some days you’re the windshield and some days you’re the bug.”
Meaning
Some attempts succeed and some do not; that is part of life.
Tone & use
A casual way to accept a mixed result. It may sound dismissive if someone is sharing a serious loss.
Example
“We didn’t get the grant, but you win some, you lose some. Let’s improve the next application.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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