The Headless Horseman of Small Valley - Podcast

Vocabulary Study Guide

Click on each word to see its definition and example

gave me chills
Definition: (expression) Caused a feeling of fear or excitement, often making one shiver.
Example: The old photograph of the abandoned house gave me chills.
kicks into gear
Definition: (idiom) Suddenly starts moving or working with more energy or speed.
Example: The whole team's effort kicks into gear once the deadline gets close.
side note
Definition: (expression) A minor comment or detail added to the main point.
Example: As a side note, the museum is also open late on Fridays this month.
kicks in
Definition: (phrasal verb) Begins to take effect or become active.
Example: The panic usually kicks in right before the exam starts.
single-handedly
Definition: Done by one person alone, without help from anyone else.
Example: She single-handedly organized the entire charity event in under a week.
bad timing
Definition: (expression) When something happens at an inconvenient or unlucky moment.
Example: Getting a flat tire on the way to the interview was seriously bad timing.
fast-forwards
Definition: Skips ahead quickly to a later point in time or in a story.
Example: The documentary fast-forwards through the boring early years and gets right to the drama.
knows his way around
Definition: (expression) Is skilled and experienced with something; is comfortable handling it.
Example: After years in the kitchen, he really knows his way around a stove.
does his homework
Definition: (idiom) Prepares carefully by researching a topic before acting.
Example: Before every big decision, he always does his homework first.
paid off
Definition: (idiom) Resulted in success after a period of effort.
Example: All those late nights studying finally paid off when she got her acceptance letter.
came out of nowhere
Definition: (idiom) Happened suddenly and unexpectedly, without warning.
Example: The idea for the new invention came out of nowhere while he was washing dishes.
ties the whole story together
Definition: (expression) Connects all the separate parts of a story into one satisfying whole.
Example: The final scene really ties the whole story together, explaining every earlier clue.
on the edge of my seat
Definition: (idiom) In a state of excitement or suspense while watching or listening to something.
Example: The final scene left me on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next.
tuning in
Definition: (phrasal verb) Listening to or watching a broadcast, such as a podcast or radio show.
Example: Thanks for tuning in to this week's episode — see you next time!