'Clean As a Whistle'
2023-06-04
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1And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.
2On this program we explore words and expressions in the English language.
3We give examples, notes on usage, and sometimes we use them in short conversations.
4What do you say when something is so spotless, so perfect, so new and so clean?
5In American English, we can say it is as clean as a whistle.
6We often use this expression to talk about our physical spaces.
7After we clean our office, we can say it is clean as a whistle. Our home can also be as clean as a whistle.
8If you have a car, the inside of it can be ... you guessed it! Clean as a whistle.
9But, it is harder to keep the outside of a vehicle clean as a whistle.
10As you might have noticed, sometimes we add "as" to the beginning, and sometimes we don't.
11We can use this expression to describe other things, too.
12For example, if you have never been in a car accident, you can say that your driving record is as clean as a whistle.
13If your school record is clear of any problems or issues, you can say it is as clean as a whistle.
14And if your elected leader is not involved in corruption or any other wrongdoings, you can say she is as clean as a whistle!
15Like many of our English expressions and idioms, the origin of clean as a whistle is unclear.
16Some word experts say it comes from the sound of a whistle, which is clear and sharp.
17Other experts suggest that clean as a whistle comes from drinking alcohol.
18When you finished your drink and your glass was empty, it was said to be clean as a whistle and needed to be refilled.
19Now let's hear the expression used between two friends.
20A: Did you hear about Wanda? She's been fired!
21B: Wanda? Are you sure? Her work record is as clean as a whistle.
22To my knowledge, she has never missed a deadline.
23And all her projects come in under budget.
24A: That's true. But she got caught working for another company.
25B: So. Many people have a second or even a third job.
26A: Yeah, but not at the same time. She was working her other job while getting paid by our company.
27B: Oh. That's different. How do people have the time and energy to even think about doing that?
28A: I don't know. I barely have the energy to finish my work for this job.
29And that's the end of this Words and Their Stories.
30Practice using this expression in your next English conversation.
31Until next time, I'm Anna Matteo.
1And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English. 2On this program we explore words and expressions in the English language. We give examples, notes on usage, and sometimes we use them in short conversations. 3What do you say when something is so spotless, so perfect, so new and so clean? 4In American English, we can say it is as clean as a whistle. 5We often use this expression to talk about our physical spaces. After we clean our office, we can say it is clean as a whistle. Our home can also be as clean as a whistle. 6If you have a car, the inside of it can be ... you guessed it! Clean as a whistle. But, it is harder to keep the outside of a vehicle clean as a whistle. 7As you might have noticed, sometimes we add "as" to the beginning, and sometimes we don't. 8We can use this expression to describe other things, too. 9For example, if you have never been in a car accident, you can say that your driving record is as clean as a whistle. If your school record is clear of any problems or issues, you can say it is as clean as a whistle. And if your elected leader is not involved in corruption or any other wrongdoings, you can say she is as clean as a whistle! 10Like many of our English expressions and idioms, the origin of clean as a whistle is unclear. 11Some word experts say it comes from the sound of a whistle, which is clear and sharp. Other experts suggest that clean as a whistle comes from drinking alcohol. When you finished your drink and your glass was empty, it was said to be clean as a whistle and needed to be refilled. 12Now let's hear the expression used between two friends. 13A: Did you hear about Wanda? She's been fired! 14B: Wanda? Are you sure? Her work record is as clean as a whistle. To my knowledge, she has never missed a deadline. And all her projects come in under budget. 15A: That's true. But she got caught working for another company. 16B: So. Many people have a second or even a third job. 17A: Yeah, but not at the same time. She was working her other job while getting paid by our company. 18B: Oh. That's different. How do people have the time and energy to even think about doing that? 19A: I don't know. I barely have the energy to finish my work for this job. 20And that's the end of this Words and Their Stories. Practice using this expression in your next English conversation. 21Until next time, I'm Anna Matteo. 22Anna Matteo wrote this lesson for VOA Learning English. 23__________________________________________________________________ 24Words in This Story 25conversation - n. oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions, or ideas 26corruption - n. dishonest or illegal behavior especially by powerful people 27idiom - n. an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its separate words but must be learned as a whole 28origin - n. rise, beginning, or derivation from a source 29fired - v. dismissed or let go from a job 30__________________________________________________________________ 31We want to hear from you. Do you have similar expressions in your language? In the Comments section, you can also practice using any of the expressions from the story. 32We have a new comment system. Here is how it works: 33Each time you return to comment on the Learning English site, you can use your account and see your comments and replies to them. Our comment policy is here.