Straightforward B1+ Intermediate Vocabulary, Lesson 12C

First date taught: 14 Dec 2022

12C – Gifts of Gold

Theme: Awards and gifts for special occasions.

Not at all is a way of replying when someone says thank you. It has no exact meaning but suggests something like You really don’t need to thank me at all.

My pleasure is also a way of responding to thank you. It means that I am pleased to have given/done the thing that caused you to thank me.

Say ‘cheese’ is the expression many photographers say just before they take your photograph. Typically the subject of the photograph will then say the word cheese! Why? Well the word cheese has the vowel sound /i:/ – and when you say this your mouth widens in a way similar to smiling (which will look good in a photo).

When you say Never mind to someone who is disappointed or upset, you are telling them not to worry perhaps because things aren’t as serious as they think.

When you say Another day, maybe to a disappointed or upset person, you are suggesting that they can try again at another time. You are reminding the person that this isn’t the end of all their hopes.

Oh, what a shame is a way of showing that you sympathize with and understand someone who is upset or who has had a problem. It means the same as ‘That’s a pity’.

All the best means ‘I wish you all the best luck. The expression is usually said when you say goodbye to someone, especially a person you may not see for a long time. You can wish somebody good luck for a specific event by saying All the best for + noun phrase, e.g. All the best on your driving test!

(The) same to you is a response when someone wishes you well. It means ‘And I wish the same for you’, e.g.
A: I hope you do well in the exam!
B: Same to you.

I’ll keep my fingers crossed means ‘I’m hoping that you will be successful’. (Crossing your fingers is a symbol of good luck.)

Keep in touch means ‘Don’t forget to write, phone, email, etc.’

Heart of gold (idiom) – a kind and generous character

the gift that keeps on giving (idiom) – something with continuous (typically positive) consequences; can be used ironically