Learn English with Finding Nemo (2003)

Words and phrases (15)

1. the coast is clear

   B1phrase

   Nobody is watching, so it is safe to go.

   informal

   First, we check to see that the coast is clear.

   6:59

   • Example: She looked outside and said the coast was clear, so we ran out.

2. run in one's family

   B2phrase

   To be shared by many people in one family.

   It runs in my family.

   18:37

   • Example: Red hair runs in her family.

3. get something off one's chest

   B2phrase

   To say a worry out loud so you feel better.

   informal

   I'm glad I got that off my chest.

   21:57

   • Example: I told my friend my problem, and it felt good to get it off my chest.

4. fall off the wagon

   B2phrase

   To start drinking alcohol again after stopping.

   informal

   Don't fall off the wagon!

   24:38

   • Example: He did not drink for a year, but then he fell off the wagon.

5. neck of the woods

   B2phrase

   The area where someone lives.

   informal

   From my neck of the woods, eh?

   28:45

   • Example: What brings you to this neck of the woods?

6. see a man about a wallaby

   C1phrase

   Funny way to say you go to the toilet.

   informal, spoken

   Well, Mr. Tucker, while that sets up... I'm going to see a man about a wallaby.

   29:13

   • Example: Wait here a minute; I need to see a man about a wallaby.

7. hitch a ride

   B2phrase

   To travel in someone else's car or thing for free.

   informal

   Hitched a ride on the porcelain express.

   29:28

   • Example: Our car broke down, so we hitched a ride to town.

8. on the tip of one's tongue

   B2phrase

   Almost remembered, but you cannot say it yet.

   It's on the tip of my tongue!

   42:22

   • Example: Her name is on the tip of my tongue, wait a second!

9. whale of a tale

   B2phrase

   A long, exciting story that is hard to believe.

   informal

   Oh, it's a whale of a tale I'll tell you, lad... They're good.

   42:29

   • Example: Grandpa told us a whale of a tale about his fishing trip.

10. cheat death

    C1phrase

    To stay alive when you almost died.

    We're cheating death now.

    46:44

    • Example: He fell from the roof but cheated death.

11. eat someone's bubbles

    B2phrase

    Said to someone you win a race against.

    informal, spoken

    'Cause you're about to eat my bubbles!

    47:04

    • Example: I swam past my friend and shouted, "Eat my bubbles!"

12. rats with wings

    B2phrase

    A rude name for birds, saying they are dirty.

    informal

    You're rats with wings!

    57:31

    • Example: He hates the birds in the square and calls them rats with wings.

13. give it all one's got

    B2phrase

    To try as hard as you can.

    informal

    He's swimming, giving it all he's got... and then three gigantic sharks capture him... and he blows them up and dives thousands of feet...

    59:51

    • Example: In the last race he gave it all he had got and won.

14. fish got one's tongue

    B2phrase

    Said to ask why someone says nothing.

    spoken

    Fish got your tongue?

    1:17:05

    • Example: You are so quiet today. Fish got your tongue?

15. with fronds like these who needs anemones

    C1phrase

    A sea-word joke on a saying about bad friends.

    spoken; a word joke

    The sea cucumber looks over to the mollusk and says... With fronds like these, who needs anemones?

    1:31:06

    • Example: He laughed and said, "With fronds like these, who needs anemones?"