Vanessa explains the expression “as they say,” which she often places after an idiom. It can work like a small afterthought, signaling that the preceding words are a familiar expression and should be understood figuratively rather than literally. She begins with “the sky is falling,” then demonstrates the pattern with several idioms. The phrase is optional; it is not necessary to add it every time someone uses an idiom.
One example is “the grass is greener on the other side,” an idiom about imagining that someone else’s situation is better than your own. Vanessa adds “as they say” at the end: “The grass is greener on the other side, as they say.” The tag comments on the saying rather than changing its basic meaning. It can give the speaker a knowing or conversational tone, as if recognizing a familiar expression.
She also uses “my cup of tea,” meaning something a person likes or enjoys. In “English is my cup of tea, as they say,” the phrase is not about a literal drink. Vanessa notes that “cup of tea” is a metaphor. Another example is “living under a rock,” which describes being unaware of events or things that many people know about, such as pop culture or news. A speaker might say, “He’s living under a rock, as they say.” Again, the expression does not describe someone physically living beneath a rock.
Vanessa emphasizes that learners can choose whether to include “as they say” or leave it out. The lesson is about recognizing the phrase when it appears in English movies, television, and conversation, then deciding whether it fits their own speech. It sounds most natural when the preceding phrase is recognizable as an idiom or saying; it would be odd after an ordinary literal sentence.
To practise, choose an idiom you know and use it in a sentence followed by “as they say.” Check that the idiom is being used figuratively and that the tag sounds like a natural aside. Vanessa invites viewers to share their sentences and offers feedback. The ebook and subscription invitation at the end are optional channel promotions.