In this episode of Phrasal Verb News, we explore the groundbreaking story of Tawana Looney, a grandmother from Alabama who became the first living person to receive a kidney from a genetically modified pig. This medical breakthrough could pave the way for solving the global organ shortage, offering hope to millions suffering from organ failure. Along the way, we’ll break down key phrasal verbs, idioms, and expressions to help you improve your English skills.

1. Step up – To take responsibility or accept a challenge in a brave way.

• Example: "She stepped up to lead the project when no one else wanted to."
• Question: Can you think of a time when you stepped up to face a challenge?

1. Shake up – To disrupt or revolutionize something.

• Example: "The new software shook up the way we manage projects."
• Question: What’s a recent innovation that has shaken up your industry?

1. Pave the way – To prepare for something new or groundbreaking.

• Example: "The invention of electricity paved the way for modern technology."
• Question: What do you think has paved the way for major advancements in your field?

1. Pull off – To succeed in doing something difficult.

• Example: "The team pulled off a successful product launch despite the tight deadline."
• Question: Can you recall a time when you pulled off something seemingly impossible?

1. Moment of truth – A critical point where the success or failure of something is determined.

• Example: "Presenting the new strategy to the board was the moment of truth."
• Question: What was your last moment of truth, and how did it go?

1. On board – To agree with or support something.

• Example: "We need everyone on board before we can move forward with the plan."
• Question: How do you usually get others on board with your ideas?

1. Break out – To start suddenly, often referring to something negative like a conflict or disease.

• Example: "The meeting was interrupted when an argument broke out."
• Question: Have you experienced a situation where something broke out unexpectedly?

1. Cross the line – To go beyond what is acceptable.

• Example: "Using someone else’s work without credit crosses the line."
• Question: Can you think of an example where someone crossed the line? How did you handle it?

1. Look forward to – To be excited about something that will happen in the future.

• Example: "She’s looking forward to her first vacation in years."
• Question: What’s something you’re looking forward to and why?

1. Turn around – To drastically improve a situation.

• Example: "Getting a mentor helped turn his career around."
• Question: Can you think of a moment when something turned your life around?

Try retelling Tawana Looney’s inspiring story using these phrases to solidify your understanding. For extra practice, write a summary or record yourself discussing this topic.

Call to Action:

Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share! Want more? Watch our episode on the Romanian elections for even more useful phrases and idioms. Check out the video version on our YouTube channel: Business as Usual English. Thanks for listening!

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Phrasal Verb News, we explore the dramatic annulment of Romania’s presidential election and use the story to teach six essential phrasal verbs: call off, stir up, nullify, bring forward, go ahead, and stand up for. Whether you're a business professional or an English learner, this episode offers practical examples and questions to help you use these phrases confidently in your everyday conversations.

1. Call Off

• Definition: To cancel something that was planned.
• Example: The court decided to call off the second round of elections due to allegations of interference.

1. Stir Up

• Definition: To provoke or cause trouble, excitement, or emotion.
• Example: The allegations stirred up controversy across the country.

1. Nullify

• Definition: To invalidate or cancel something, often in a legal context.
• Example: The court nullified the election results, acting as if they never happened.

1. Bring Forward

• Definition: To present something, such as evidence or an idea, for consideration.
• Example: Romanian intelligence agencies brought forward evidence of Russian interference.

1. Go Ahead

• Definition: To proceed or continue with something, despite challenges.
• Example: Lasconi argued that the elections should have gone ahead despite the allegations.

1. Stand Up For

• Definition: To defend or support someone or something.
• Example: The Prime Minister stood up for the annulment, saying it was the right decision.

1. Call Off: Can you think of a time when something important, like a meeting or event, was called off? How did you feel about it?
2. Stir Up: Have you ever been in a situation where someone stirred up trouble unnecessarily? How did people react?
3. Nullify: If you could nullify one law or rule, what would it be and why?
4. Bring Forward: When was the last time you brought forward a great idea or important evidence? How was it received?
5. Go Ahead: Can you think of a time when something went ahead despite challenges? What was the outcome?
6. Stand Up For: Have you ever stood up for someone being treated unfairly? What happened, and how did you feel?

Want to make these phrasal verbs a part of your vocabulary? Try using them in a conversation today!

• Practice explaining this news story to a friend or colleague using at least three of the phrases.
• Share your answers to the practice questions in the comments or on social media.

💬 Join the conversation: What’s your take on Romania’s election annulment? Should the process have gone ahead despite the allegations?

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes of Phrasal Verb News, where global headlines meet actionable English lessons.

Welcome to the first episode of the Phrasal Verb News Podcast!

Join me, Grant, as we explore the “Grate Cheese Robbery,” a bizarre true crime story about a half-million-dollar cheddar heist. But this isn’t just a news recap—it’s your chance to learn real-life English through phrasal verbs and idioms in context.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Key Phrasal Verbs and Idioms:
• Cheesy / Corny
• Pull Off
• Went Down
• Golden Opportunity
• Reputable
• Track Down
• Take On
• Come Through
• Take the Hit
• Keep an Eye Out
• How It Works:

1. Hear the story and phrasal verbs in context.
2. Get clear, simple explanations with Spanish translations.
3. Answer practice questions to reinforce your learning.

Why Listen?

This podcast is perfect for intermediate to advanced English learners looking to:

• Improve their vocabulary with real-world examples.
• Understand how phrasal verbs work in professional settings.
• Fit learning into their busy schedules while commuting, exercising, or doing chores.

Bonus for Spanish Speakers:

I include quick Spanish translations and examples to make learning even easier.

Don’t Forget!

Check out the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel: Business as Usual English. And if you have questions or want to share your answers to the practice questions, leave a comment or send me an email at grant@businessasusualenglish.com.

Let’s make learning English fun and practical! Thanks for tuning in, and stay tuned for the next episode.