Learn English with The Social Network (2010)

Words and phrases (15)

1. for the record

   B2phrase

   Said when you want people to know the truth.

   For the record, she may look like a 34C, but she's getting all kinds of help from our friends at Victoria's Secret.

   8:29

   • Example: For the record, I never said that.

2. take one's mind off someone

   B2phrase

   To stop yourself thinking about someone or something.

   I need to do something to take my mind off her.

   8:43

   • Example: I watched a film to take my mind off the test.

3. under oath

   B2phrase

   Having promised in court to tell the truth.

   She was under oath.

   16:47

   • Example: She spoke under oath in front of the judge.

4. off the record

   B2phrase

   Said in private, not to be told to other people.

   informal

   We're off the record.

   28:44

   • Example: Off the record, I think my boss will leave the company.

5. get to the bottom of something

   B2phrase

   To find out the true cause of a problem.

   You know, you really don't need a forensics team to get to the bottom of this.

   34:32

   • Example: The teacher wanted to get to the bottom of the fight.

6. come from money

   B2phrase

   To be born in a rich family.

   Did you know that they came from money?

   42:58

   • Example: Her clothes are expensive because she comes from money.

7. have a dog in this fight

   C1phrase

   To have a personal interest in an argument.

   informal

   I don't have a dog in this fight.

   1:10:45

   • Example: They can pick the new boss; I don't have a dog in this fight.

8. stir the pot

   B2phrase

   To say things that make people argue.

   informal

   Every once in a while, I hop on and stir the pot to get a good debate going.

   1:14:11

   • Example: He likes to stir the pot at family dinners.

9. bring something to the table

   B2phrase

   To give something useful to a group or deal.

   He doesn't bring anything to the table.

   1:15:14

   • Example: She brings a lot to the table: money and good ideas.

10. be wired in

    C1phrase

    Working on a computer with all your mind, not to be stopped.

    slang

    No, he's wired in.

    1:19:05

    • Example: Don't talk to him now — he is wired in and finishing his code.

11. take the bitter with the better

    B2phrase

    To accept bad things along with good things.

    Take the bitter with the better, eh?

    1:27:53

    • Example: When you have a dog, you take the bitter with the better.

12. dish best served cold

    C1phrase

    Hurting back someone who hurt you, long after, in a cool way.

    from a saying

    It's not a dish best served cold.

    1:29:33

    • Example: He waited ten years to pay them back, because it is a dish best served cold.

13. let bygones be bygones

    C2phrase

    To forget bad things from the past and stop being angry.

    But I am willing to let bygones be bygones, because, Wardo, I've got some good news.

    1:37:02

    • Example: After the fight, they decided to let bygones be bygones.

14. sign one's own death certificate

    B2phrase

    To agree to something that will ruin you.

    Counsel: 'And when you signed these documents, "'were you aware that you were signing your own death certificate?'" No.

    1:39:21

    • Example: If you take that deal, you are signing your own death certificate.

15. in the scheme of things

    B2phrase

    When you compare it with everything else, so it is not important.

    In the scheme of things, it's a speeding ticket.

    1:53:11

    • Example: I failed one test, but in the scheme of things it is fine.