Episode notes
defying expectations : It means going beyond what people commonly assume or breaking stereotypes. This can refer to surpassing societal norms, roles, or prejudices that limit a person's potential. Conversation 1 A: Zhang Weili’s win as Female Fighter of the Year is such a powerful statement. She’s showing that women can be unapologetically strong. 张伟丽被评为年度UFC最佳女拳手，真是一个有力的宣言。她展示了女性可以毫无歉意地追求强壮。 B: Absolutely. She’s defying expectations about women’s roles, especially in physically demanding sports. 完全同意。她打破了人们对女性角色的传统期待，特别是在需要身体强度的运动中。 A: Right. It’s about owning strength in every form and…
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E4 · 22 Jan 2025 · 1 min
21 reverse culture shock 洋抖难民从小红书学到了什么
Reverse Culture Shock : The feeling of disorientation or discomfort a person experiences when returning to their home country or living in a foreign country, where they are exposed to cultural norms or practices that are vastly different from what they are used to. Conversation 1 A: I saw on Xiaohongshu that drinking hot water is a huge thing in China. Isn’t that fascinating? 我在小红书上看到喝热水在中国真的很普遍。太有意思了 B: Totally! When I first came here, it felt like reverse culture shock —everyone was so passionate about it. 是的！我刚到这里的时候，感觉像是经历了一场反向文化冲击，人人都喝。 A: Same here. But now I kind of like it. It's…
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E5 · 4 Jan 2025 · 2 min
20 (牛马版) annual reviews&self-evaluation reports 年终总结有意义吗
Annual reviews : A formal meeting where your boss rates your work for the year—also known as the “please don't fire me” meeting. Conversation 1 A: So, annual reviews are coming up. What do you think? 年终总结快到了，说两句啊？ B: Honestly, I’m not sure if they really matter. It’s always the same: I say I’ve done great, and they say, "Good job, here’s your bonus." 说实话，我觉得其实没什么意义。每年都是一样的：我自吹自擂完了公司表示“干得不错，奖金 给你 ”。 A: Ha, right? It feels more like a formality than an actual review. Like, do they even remember what I did last month? 哈哈，对吧？感觉只是个形式，根本没什么实质性评估。我都怀疑他们是否记得我上个月干了什么 B: Exactly! I think it’s just a…
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E6 · 27 Dec 2024 · 2 min
19 corporate slave 牛马来学学牛马怎么说吧
corporate slave : This term refers to someone who is excessively overworked in a corporate environment, often to the point of feeling exploited, with little regard for their personal time, health, or well-being. Conversation 1 A: I’ve been feeling like a corporate slave lately. Every day, it’s just endless meetings and emails. 最近我感觉自己像个牛马，每天就是无休止的会议和邮件。 B: That sounds rough! Is there any way to break the cycle or find a balance? 听起来好惨！有没有什么办法打破这种循环找到平衡呢？ A: Honestly, I’ve been trying to set boundaries, but it’s hard when the expectations are so high. It feels like the more you give, the more…
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E7 · 25 Dec 2024 · 1 min
18 ring in the new year 2025就要来了 准备好跨年了吗
ring in the new year : meaning to celebrate or welcome the new year, often with festivities or special traditions. It’s commonly used to refer to how people mark the transition from the old year to the new one. Conversation 1 A: I’m excited to ring in the new year with a fireworks display! 我很期待迎接新年，打算看烟花表演！ B: That sounds fun! I think I’ll ring in the new year with a cozy dinner and some good music. 听起来很有趣！我打算和家人一起吃顿温馨的晚餐，放些好听的音乐。 A: Sometimes it’s the simple things that make New Year’s Eve memorable. 有时候，简单的庆祝方式才是让更让跨年夜难忘。 Conversation 2 C: I’m thinking of ringing in the new year with a…
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E8 · 22 Dec 2024 · 2 min
17 over-the-top 圣诞节就要到了 你经历过度包装了吗
Over-the-top : This phrase describes something excessive or exaggerated, often in a way that's unnecessary or showy. It's commonly used to talk about decorations, behavior, or spending during holidays or celebrations. Conversation 1 A: Christmas feels so different now compared to when we were kids, doesn’t it? 你有没有觉得圣诞节和我们小时候相比，真的感觉很不一样了？ B: Totally. It used to be all about family and simple joys, but now everything’s so over-the-top , like a competition to outdo everyone else. 完全同意。以前更注重家庭团聚和简单的快乐，现在一切都太夸张了，好像在比赛看谁更夸张。 A: Yeah, especially with those extravagant light displays. Sometimes I…
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E10 · 6 Dec 2024 · 2 min
15 bundle up 大雪来了 出门请裹成粽子
bundle up : practical for the colder weather, symbolizing preparation and care as temperatures drop Conversation 1 A: Winter’s really setting in. It’s Major Snow today—did you bundle up before heading out? 冬天真的来了，今天是大雪节气——你出门前穿暖了吗？ B: I did! I even pulled out my thick scarf and gloves. Major Snow always reminds me to prepare for the deeper chill ahead. 穿了！我还特意戴上厚围巾和手套。大雪总让我想到要为更冷的天气提前准备。 A: Same here. It’s not just about staying warm but about embracing the season with the right mindset—like slowing down and enjoying hot drinks. 我也是。这不仅是为了保暖，也是一种心态，慢下来，享受热饮的温暖。 Conversation 2 C: The forecast…
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E11 · 5 Dec 2024 · 2 min
14 quality of life 著名作家去世引发关注有质量的晚年生活
quality of life: discussing end-of-life care, including hospice options and personal decisions about dignity in aging Example 1: A: Did you hear about that famous writer’s passing? It’s so heartbreaking, but it raises questions about how we as a society handle quality of life in the later stages of life. 你听说那位著名作家去世的消息了吗？真的很让人难过，但也让人反思我们作为一个社会是如何应对人的晚年生活质量的。 B: Definitely. We need better systems in place—like making hospice care accessible and educating families about how to support a loved one’s dignity in their final days. It’s not just about medicine but about compassion.…
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E12 · 26 Nov 2024 · 2 min
13 detached from reality 脱离现实的霸总题材何时了
detached from reality : describing something that is unrealistic, disconnected, or impractical compared to how things actually are in the real world. Example 1 A: Have you seen those "domineering CEO" micro-series everyone's watching lately? 你最近看过那些“霸总”短剧吗？大家都在讨论呢。 B: Oh, you mean those where some super-rich, overbearing executive falls for an ordinary person in the most unrealistic way. “霸总”？哦，你是说那些霸道总裁的故事吧？就是那种超级有钱、专横的总裁以最不现实的方式爱上一个普通人的情节。 A: Yeah! The plots are so detached from reality , it’s hard to take them seriously. 对啊！这些剧情太脱离现实了，真是浮夸。 B: Exactly. They’re not just silly—they’re…
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E13 · 23 Nov 2024 · 1 min
12 before you know it 迅雷不及掩耳盗铃之势
Example 1: A: This week has flown by! Before you know it , the weekend will be here. B: Can’t wait! I’m ready for some relaxation. 这一周过得好快！眨眼间周末就要到了。 太好了！我已经准备好放松一下了。 Example 2: C: Start practicing now, and before you know it , you’ll be a pro at playing guitar. D: That’s encouraging—I’ll give it my all! 现在开始练习，很快你就会成为吉他高手。 听着真有动力——我会全力以赴！
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E14 · 22 Nov 2024 · 1 min
11 take a stand 黑心卫生巾 女人要发声
Example 1: A: The uproar over low-quality sanitary pads is a reminder that women need to take a stand for better health protections. B: Totally. When we stand together, change becomes possible. Example 2: C: This debate should push women to take a stand and demand stricter quality control. D: Exactly. It’s time to prioritize women’s health and safety.
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