Welcome to B2 Level! When my upper-intermediate students want to sound more like native speakers, they stop using basic, literal words and start using phrasal verbs, metaphors, and idioms.
These expressions add color and personality to your English. They are especially useful when writing professional travel blogs, giving tours, or chatting casually with expats. Let's look at some advanced vocabulary.
warning Professional Tip
Never translate idioms word-for-word. For example, "break the ice" has absolutely nothing to do with frozen water! You must learn the hidden, cultural meaning behind the phrase rather than the literal translation.
Advanced Expressions
Phrasal Verb
Soak up
To absorb or completely experience a good atmosphere, culture, or environment.
Example: We sat at a quiet cafe by the river to soak up the relaxing atmosphere.
Phrasal Verb
Brush up on
To improve your knowledge, skill, or memory of something you used to know.
Example: The tour guide needed to brush up on his history before the group arrived.
Idiom
Off the beaten track
Located in a remote area; away from the places where tourists usually go.
Example: The temple is incredible, but it is a little off the beaten track.
Idiom
Break the ice
To do or say something that relieves tension and makes people feel relaxed when they first meet.
Example: The guide told a funny story to break the ice with the new guests.
A hidden gem
Something that is outstanding or excellent, but is not widely known to the general public.
Example: That small noodle soup stall is a true hidden gem.
A melting pot
A place where many different people and cultures mix together successfully.
Example: The city is a melting pot of traditional culture and modern international influences.
Advanced Knowledge Check
groups The Nervous Tour Group
Your new group of tourists is very quiet and shy. You tell a joke to make them feel relaxed. What are you trying to do?
(Hint: You are trying to relieve the tension.)
edit_document Writing a Travel Blog
You are writing an article about a beautiful, secret waterfall that almost no tourists know about. How should you describe it?
(Hint: It's an excellent place that isn't widely known.)
menu_book Exam Preparation
He learned Japanese five years ago, but he is going to Tokyo next week. He needs to review his old notes. He needs to...
(Hint: He needs to improve his memory of a skill he used to know.)
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Excellent Work!
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Study Resources
Lesson Summary & Review
Let's review the key concepts covered in the interactive module above.
What is Figurative Language?
Figurative language refers to words or phrases that mean something different from their literal definition. Using these correctly will help you sound much more fluent and natural.
Phrasal Verbs vs Idioms
- Phrasal Verbs: A verb combined with an adverb or a preposition, or sometimes both, to give a new meaning. (e.g., Brush up on, Soak up)
- Idioms: A group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words. (e.g., Break the ice, Off the beaten track)
