Vanessa teaches “keep your hopes up,” an encouraging expression used when someone feels discouraged and needs help staying hopeful. She begins with the frustration people may feel when following politics: events can make people angry, hopeless, or pessimistic. The expression can describe your own outlook (“It’s hard to keep my hopes up”) or encourage another person (“Keep your hopes up; someday it will get better”). It does not promise that a problem will disappear; it offers support and encourages someone not to give up.
Vanessa uses a deliberately light example: a friend wants ice cream, but the stores are closed. In that disappointing moment, you might say, “Keep your hopes up. Soon the stores will open again.” She calls this a little extreme, then explains the same phrase works in more serious situations. You can use it by itself as a short reassurance or add a reason for hope. Tone matters: say it warmly, and avoid sounding dismissive when someone is facing a serious hardship.
The lesson also shows how the expression changes with its subject. You can say “I have trouble keeping my hopes up,” “you keep your hopes up,” or talk about another person’s hopes. Vanessa then applies the idea to language learning. English may feel challenging and progress can have ups and downs, but she urges learners to keep their hopes up: with practice, things can improve and their hard work will be worth it. “Be worth it” means the effort will bring a result that makes it worthwhile.
To practise, remember a time when you felt discouraged or helped someone else feel more hopeful. Use “keep your hopes up” as encouragement, then explain what could improve or what the person can look forward to. The phrase suits friendly conversation and supportive messages. It expresses optimism without claiming certainty, so pair it with realistic reassurance and care.