Episode Details

The B2 phrases we'll be studying are:

Transcript available at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-326.htm

1. Bizarre situation

Definition: A very strange or unusual situation that is difficult to understand or explain. 

 When I arrived at work, everyone was wearing costumes, and I had no idea what was happening. It was a bizarre situation. 

 We were having dinner when a man suddenly walked into the restaurant with a chicken under his arm. It was a bizarre situation. 

 I lost my phone on the train, and then a stranger called me to say he had found it in his garden. It was a bizarre situation. 

2. Fierce

Definition: Very strong, violent, or determined. 

The two players had a fierce argument after one of them accused the other of cheating.

There is fierce competition for jobs in the city, so you need good qualifications to get one.

The dog gave me a fierce look when I tried to take its food away.

3. Uneasy

Definition: Worried or uncomfortable because you feel that something is not right. 

I felt uneasy walking home alone as a girl had been attacked in that area only last week.

I started to feel uneasy when my friend didn't answer his phone and hadn't come home by midnight.

She felt uneasy about leaving her children with the new babysitter because she didn't know him very well.

4. Desperate

Definition: Having a very strong need or desire for something, especially because you are in a difficult situation. 

After walking for three hours in the hot sun without any water, we were desperate for a drink.

He was desperate to find a job because he had been unemployed for almost six months.

I was desperate to get some sleep after working all night and then looking after the children all morning.

5. Unbearable

Definition: So unpleasant or difficult that you cannot accept or deal with it. 

The heat in the office became unbearable because the air conditioning had stopped working.

The noise from our neighbours was unbearable, so we decided to ask them to turn the music down.

After several hours of waiting in the hospital, the pain became unbearable, and I asked the nurse for help.

6. Rage

Definition: A very strong feeling of anger that is difficult to control. 

He was shaking with rage after discovering that someone had damaged his car and driven away.

She screamed in rage when she found out that her colleague had taken credit for her work.

He couldn't control his rage when the referee gave the other team a penalty in the final minutes of the match.

7. Deal with somebody

Definition: To take action to solve a problem with someone or manage someone who is causing difficulties. 

I don't know how to deal with my neighbour because he keeps playing loud music late at night.

As a manager, she has to deal with difficult customers who sometimes become angry about small problems.

If your brother keeps causing problems at school, you'll have to deal with him before it gets worse.

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Learners studying towards B2 level will be inte