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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Learn useful vocabulary from a report about a word game’s early popularity.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThis February 2022 report describes Wordle’s early growth and explains how colored letters give players clues. It uses common vocabulary for games, popularity, and prices. The story reflects the game’s launch period; its historical counts and predictions should not be read as current facts.
Cultural note: The article discusses the game’s 2022 acquisition and then-current plans. These details are time-bound. Its language examples remain useful: “take off” means become successful quickly, while “in the low seven figures” is an approximate way to describe a price of several million dollars.
Keep exploringIn a word puzzle, each color gives a clue. The same everyday words—“clue,” “take off,” and “figure”—also help us talk about learning and popularity.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Talk about hints and solving a problem.
Meaning
A sign or piece of information that helps you solve a problem or answer a question.
Tone & use
A clue can be a hint in a game, a detail in an investigation, or evidence that helps explain a situation.
Example
“The yellow letter gave us a clue: it belongs in the answer, but not in that position.”
Describe something that quickly becomes successful.
Meaning
Become successful or popular quickly.
Tone & use
Common in conversation and news. Use it for rapid growth in popularity, not necessarily for financial success alone.
Example
“The community garden took off after local schools joined the project.”
Understand approximate amounts and time-specific facts.
Meaning
Approximately one million dollars or somewhat more, but still within the early part of the millions.
Tone & use
An intentionally imprecise way to describe a large amount. The article used it for a reported 2022 sale price; do not present the old report as a current valuation.
Example
“The company said the software deal was in the low seven figures, without giving an exact price.”
Meaning
An agreement to pay regularly for access to a publication or service.
Tone & use
Often monthly or yearly. Check the current terms of a service rather than relying on an older article.
Example
“The museum’s digital archive is available through an annual subscription.”
Knowledge check
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