Can-Do Task: Understand Native Speakers at Natural Speed

Can-Do Task: can you follow native speakers talking at natural speed, idioms and all?

Notice

  • Task: read the short casual dialogue below and answer the comprehension questions using only context.
  • “A: How’s the new job? B: Honestly? I’m still finding my feet, but I think I’ll get the hang of it soon. A: Yeah, it took me ages to get up to speed too. B: At least I haven’t put my foot in it yet! A: Give it time.”

Rule

Self-check: could you infer the meaning of each idiom from context, without a dictionary? That is the C2 listening/reading skill this task develops.

Practice

  1. What does “finding my feet” mean in B’s first line?
    Answer: Still adjusting to a new situation; not yet fully comfortable or confident.
  2. What does “get the hang of it” mean?
    Answer: To learn how to do something well, becoming comfortable with a skill or task.
  3. What does “put my foot in it” mean?
    Answer: To say or do something embarrassing or tactless by mistake.
  4. What does A’s final line “Give it time” suggest about the tone of the conversation?
    Answer: It’s reassuring and friendly — A is encouraging B not to worry, things will improve with time.

Connect

Practise building your own idiom-rich sentences with the Sentence Builder.

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CEFR: C2

Azizul Hakim
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