English dictation exercises

schadenfreude: pleasure at someone's misfortune

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

serendipity meaning: lucky chance discoveries

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

A matter of time

A new café is already popular, and you are confident it will need a bigger space, but you do not know when. Which phrase expresses that expectation?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

A mean streak

A usually charming colleague sometimes humiliates people for amusement. Which phrase describes that unkind side of the person's character?

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

A mixed blessing

Working from home saves your commute but makes you feel isolated. Which phrase captures the benefit and drawback together?

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

A short fuse

A colleague becomes furious over tiny delays that most people barely notice. Which phrase describes this tendency to anger quickly?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Keep a low profile

After an embarrassing mistake, a colleague avoids interviews and public events for a while. Which phrase describes this deliberate lack of attention?

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Last-ditch effort

Several repairs have failed, and one final solution must work before the building closes. How can you describe that desperate final attempt?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Lose your head

An alarm rings, and a normally calm colleague panics and forgets the simple safety steps. Which idiom describes that loss of control?

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

My hands are tied

A manager wants to approve your request, but company policy gives her no permission. Which phrase explains her lack of freedom to act?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Off the top of my head

Someone asks for last year's exact sales figure, but you have no report in front of you. Which phrase can qualify your answer from memory?

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

On the back burner

You still want to redesign the office, but an urgent customer problem must come first. Which phrase shows that the redesign is delayed, not abandoned?

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

On thin ice

An employee has ignored two warnings and is late again. Which phrase shows that another mistake could bring serious consequences?

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

Set your heart on

Your friend wants one particular university place so much that every alternative feels disappointing. Which expression describes that emotional commitment?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Smooth sailing

The first stage was difficult, but every later step worked without delay or confusion. Which phrase describes that trouble-free progress?

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Take your mind off something

You are waiting anxiously for test results, and a funny film gives you two hours of relief. Which phrase describes this change of attention?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

On the line

A failed presentation could cost a manager her position. Which phrase shows that her job faces a serious risk?

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Out of the ordinary

A normally quiet street is filled with musicians at sunrise. Which phrase describes this noticeable departure from the usual pattern?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Play it by ear

Tomorrow's picnic depends on unpredictable weather, so you will decide after seeing the sky. Which phrase describes that flexible approach?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Pull your weight

Four people share a project, and each completes a reasonable part instead of leaving the work to others. Which idiom describes that fair contribution?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Put into perspective

A cost sounds enormous until you learn it is less than one percent of the total budget. Which phrase describes what that comparison does?

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Ring a bell

You recognise a person's name but cannot remember where you heard it. Which phrase expresses that incomplete feeling of recognition?

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Spur of the moment

You pass a theatre, see two available tickets, and immediately decide to attend. Which phrase describes that sudden unplanned decision?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian