American English PodcastShana ThompsonAll episodes

179 - What's a Hyperbole? Examples and a Fun Conversation with Mara

In this episode, we explore hyperboles, dramatic and exaggerated figures of speech commonly used in American English. Shana and her mom, Mara, share everyday examples and discuss their meanings in a fun, relatable conversation.

What's a hyperbole?

• Hyperboles are not meant to be taken literally. They emphasize a point or evoke strong feelings such as humor, drama, or enthusiasm. For example: "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."

Everyday Hyperboles

• “I’m melting”: Used when feeling extremely hot.
• This bag "weighs a ton”: Describes something very heavy.
• “As old as dirt”: Refers to someone or something extremely old.
• “My mouth was on fire”: Indicates eating very spicy food.

Losing Body Parts (Metaphorically!)

• “Cry your eyes out”: Feeling extreme sadness.
• “Laugh your head off”: Laughing uncontrollably.
• “Dance your feet off”: Dancing with great energy.
• “Sing your heart out”: Singing with passion and volume.

More Common Hyperboles

• “Bored to death”: Extremely bored, as Mara describes watching football.
• “Floating on air”: Feeling extremely happy, such as discovering you’re going to be a grandparent.
• “So angry you could explode”: Expressing intense frustration.
• “Tastes like heaven on earth”: Describing an exceptionally delicious dessert.
• “In your wildest dreams”: Imagining something extraordinary, like meeting Jane Austen.
• “Speechless”: Amazed or overwhelmed, often by a breathtaking experience.
• To be on top of the world: To be thrilled, or feel ecstatic / excited about life.
• “Everyone and their mom”: EVERYONE and more.

Want to take your learning further?

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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