In this podcast, you’ll learn about oxymorons. An oxymoron puts two words that don’t normally go together side by side, like “pretty ugly” or “bittersweet”, to create a new idea that’s often clever, ironic, or emotionally powerful. We’ve got lots of examples of oxymorons that are used frequently in English and you’ll learn how to use them.

Voice message from Carmen from Málaga
Malaga in English: https://open.spotify.com/show/08xxMN9TZcyfxIXEXsPSyw

Reza asked her how she records her podcast in English. Does she read a prepared script off speak off the cuff?

Carmen also sent an email. “The results have already been announced at the language school of Málaga, and you know what? I’ve passed my C1 English exam!!” (an awfully good result!)

Oxymorons – collocations in which the words apparently contradict each other

Awfully good: That cake was awfully good. I had to have a second helping.

Terribly kind: “What a lovely present, thanks. That’s terribly kind of you.”

Found missing: The lost keys were finally found missing from the hotel room and confirmed stolen.

Pretty ugly: Pete thinks Jill is cute, but I think she’s pretty ugly myself.

Open secret: It’s an open secret that the manager is planning to retire soon.

Liquid gas

Accurate estimate

Plastic glasses: We served drinks in plastic glasses to avoid any accidents.

Only choice: If this is our only choice, we’d better make the best of it.

Crash landing: To avoid a terrible tragedy the pilot did a crash landing

Small crowd

Minor crisis: Forgetting the buns for the burgers created a minor crisis at the BBQ

Definite maybe/possibility: When I asked Reza if he fancied joining us for a beer, he said “count me in as a definite maybe”.

Act naturally: Just act naturally when they take your photo—don’t pose too much.

Clearly misunderstood

Grow smaller: My poor old granny with her osteoporosis is growing smaller year by year

Tragic comedy: The film was a tragic comedy—it made us laugh and cry at the same time.

Common abnormality: Deafness in Dalmatian dogs is a common abnormality

Original copies: We found the original copies of the manuscript in the archives.

Old news: “Have you heard about John’s affair with his secretary?” “Oh yes, I found out weeks ago – that’s old news!”

Deafening silence: When the teacher asked who broke the window, there was a deafening silence in the room.

Silent scream: Pat let out a silent scream when he opened the tricky exam paper

Living dead: His hangover was so bad that the looked like one of the living dead.

Virtual reality: In virtual reality games, you feel like you’re really inside another world.

Alone together: “Here we are, darling, finally alone together, now that everyone has left.”

Same difference: “Whether it’s Tuesday or Wednesday, it’s the same difference—we’re still busy.”

So bad it’s good: The low-budget horror film was ridiculously directed and the actors were funny instead of scary. I couldn’t stop laughing – it’s so bad it’s good.

Laugh so much/hard that you cry: The joke was so funny and I laughed so hard tha I cried. It gave me a belly ache!

Discussion
Have you ever laughed so hard that you cried?

Is there such a thing as an honest politician?

…and now it’s your turn to practise your English.
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In next week’s episode: Soft skills

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The music in this podcast is by Pitx. The track is called ‘See You Later’