Episode notes
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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E1 · 8 Mar 2025 · 1 min
23 know your worth 相信自己 祝女性向上
"Know your worth" means understanding your value, believing in yourself, and not letting others underestimate you. It’s a reminder to have confidence in your abilities and stand up for what you deserve. Conversation 1: Person A: I’m thinking about applying for the team leader position, but I’m not sure if I’m good enough. Person B: Of course, you are! You’ve worked hard and have great leadership skills. Know your worth and go for it! Person A: You’re right. I should believe in myself more! A: 我在考虑申请团队领导的职位，但我不确定自己够不够好。 B: 当然够好！你一直很努力，还有很好的领导能力。要认识到自己的价值，勇敢去试试吧！ A: 你说得对，我应该更相信自己！ Conversation…
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E2 · 2 Mar 2025 · 1 min
22 have too much on one's plate 开工开始压力山大了吗
to have too much on one's plate: means to have more tasks, responsibilities, or problems than one can handle. It’s often used when someone is feeling overwhelmed or stressed by all the things they need to do. Conversation 1: A: I heard you're working on a new project. How's it going? 我听说你有一个新项目, 进行得怎么样？ B: Honestly, it's tough. I’ve got so much going on right now. I feel like I have too much on my plate . 说实话，很难。我现在有太多事情要做，感觉我的任务太重了。 A: Maybe you should ask for some help or delegate some tasks. 也许你应该寻求帮助或者分一些任务出去。 Conversation 2: A: You look really stressed. Is everything okay? 你看起来压力很大，还好吗？…
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E3 · 11 Feb 2025 · 2 min
22 foul play 亚冬会进行中 谁又犯规了
Foul Play : The act of breaking the rules in a sport or competition, especially when it is done deliberately. Conversation 1: A: “Did you see the short track speed skating race at the Asian Winter Games? There was some serious foul play during the event!” 你看今天亚冬会的短道速滑比赛吗？比赛中发生了严重的犯规！ B: “Yeah, I saw that! It’s crazy how the pressure of international competition can sometimes push athletes to cross the line.” 看到了！真的很疯狂，国际比赛的压力有时候让运动员突破底线。 A: “Exactly. While the pressure to win is intense, it’s still disappointing to see foul play . It really takes away from the spirit of the game.”…
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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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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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E9 · 7 Dec 2024 · 2 min
16 defying expectations 张伟丽打破偏见与桎梏
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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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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