Category: L - argot courses

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listen in

7/9/2020

We use [listen in] to mean listen to a private conversation, especially secretly:

I think we should secretly listen and see how the interview goes. [replacing phrasal verb]
We can hear the process unobtrusively from the next room to see how the interview goes. [replacing phrasal verb]
Sorry, I overheard what you saying. Is it true? [replacing phrasal verb]

Let’s sit in the corner. It’ll be more difficult for anyone to listen in.
We’d better upgrade our security if we want to be sure people aren’t listening in.
Sorry, I didn’t mean to listen in. Is it true?

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flexible: you have busy lives, so our courses fit your schedule
practical: we use everyday examples and situations to help you understand
practice: there is only one way to improve; mistakes are there to help us learn
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light up

15/6/2020

We use [light up] to mean (of a person's face or eyes) suddenly become animated with liveliness or joy:

There was a huge grin on George’s face when he saw his new, large office. [replacing phrasal verb]
On George’s face was the largest grin as he saw his new, large office. [replacing phrasal verb]

When she heard George was demoted, Gloria’s face lit up.
As the cake came out of the oven, Harry’s face lit up; it was perfect!
When we told them about the discount, their eyes lit up.

Our online courses are designed with you in mind:

flexible: you have busy lives, so our courses fit your schedule
practical: we use everyday examples and situations to help you understand
practice: there is only one way to improve; practising
support: a personal mentor works with you

start your free trial