Speaking: Vocabulary for Speaking B2 - Lesson 2: Idiomatic Expressions & Common Colloquialisms

Speaking: Vocabulary for Speaking B2

Idiomatic Expressions & Common Colloquialisms

Listen to the vocabulary and dialogue examples here.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to recognize and understand common idioms and colloquialisms to sound more natural in everyday conversations.

Common Idiomatic Expressions 🗣️ (Click 🔊)

Idioms are phrases with a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words. They are essential for advanced fluency.

to get the hang of something

Meaning: To learn how to do a task or activity.

"Driving a manual car is hard at first, but you'll get the hang of it."

to be on the fence

Meaning: To be undecided or unable to make a choice.

"I'm on the fence about whether to travel during Pchum Ben or just stay home."

to go the extra mile

Meaning: To make a special effort or do more than is expected.

"She always goes the extra mile to make sure the project is perfect."

a blessing in disguise

Meaning: Something that seems bad at first, but results in something good later.

"Missing the bus was a blessing in disguise, because I met an old friend while waiting for the next one."

Common Colloquialisms (Informal Speech)

Colloquialisms are the informal words and shortened phrases we use in relaxed, everyday conversation. They help you sound **natural**.

gonna / wanna / gotta

Meaning: The spoken forms of "going to", "want to", and "(have) got to".

"I'm gonna call him later. Do you wanna come? I've gotta leave soon."

to hang out

Meaning: To spend time relaxing or socializing informally.

"We're just going to hang out at the cafe this afternoon."

What's up?

Meaning: An informal greeting meaning "How are you?" or "What's new?".

A: "Hey, Dara! What's up?" B: "Not much, just heading to work."

No worries / No problem

Meaning: A casual way to say "You're welcome" or "It's okay".

A: "Thank you so much for your help!" B: "No worries!"

Scenario: A Casual Conversation 💬

Listen to this chat between two university friends. Notice how they use informal language.

Piseth: Hey Sreylin, what's up?

Sreylin: Not much. I'm trying to learn this new software for my design class, but it's so complicated.

Piseth: Oh yeah, I used that last year. It's tough at first, but you'll get the hang of it soon.

Sreylin: I hope so. Anyway, are you busy? Do you wanna hang out later this afternoon?

Piseth: I can't. I've gotta help my parents at their shop. But thanks for the invitation!

Sreylin: Ah, okay. No worries!

Tips & Practice 🎯

💡 How to Use Idioms Correctly

1. They are fixed phrases. You cannot change the words. (e.g., "go the extra mile," not "go the extra kilometer.")

2. Know the context. Most idioms are informal. Use them with friends, not in a job interview.

3. Don't overuse them. Using too many idioms can sound unnatural. Focus on understanding them first, then practice a few common ones.

Practice Quiz: Match the Meaning

1. Your friend is "on the fence" about a decision. This means she is...

A) angry. B) excited. C) undecided.

2. If a colleague "goes the extra mile", they...

A) do more work than is expected. B) take a long time to travel to work. C) talk too much.

Key Vocabulary

• Idiomatic Expression | កន្សោមពាក្យ
  A phrase with a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning.
• Colloquialism | ភាសានិយាយ
  An informal word or phrase used in everyday conversation.
• Figurative / Literal | ជាការប្រៀបធៀប / តាមន័យត្រង់
  Having a symbolic meaning / Having the basic, dictionary meaning.
• Undecided | មិនទាន់សម្រេចចិត្ត
  Not having made a decision.
• Figurative | ប្រៀបធៀប
  A word or phrase used in a way that is different from its ordinary meaning in order to create a special meaning.

Your Mission: The Idiom Detective ⭐

Your mission is to find these expressions in the real world.

1. Watch a short clip (2-3 minutes) from a modern TV show or movie with native English speakers.
2. Listen carefully for informal language. Your goal is to find and write down one idiom or colloquialism that you hear.
3. Look up the meaning online if you are not sure.
4. Try to write your own sentence using the expression. This is the best way to start building your own bank of natural, everyday English.