[ti:The Importance of Being 'Dialed In']
[al:Words and Their Stories]
[ar:VOA]
[dt:2025-02-23]
[by:www.voase.cn]
[00:07.65]And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.
[00:18.07]Technology is always progressing. Today, many modern devices can be controlled by touch or voice. 
[00:28.93]This has led to some traditional electronic controls - such as dials and switches - being replaced with new technologies.
[00:41.33]Digital displays have also become increasingly common. 
[00:45.47]For example, digital number readouts have long replaced the hands on many clocks.
[00:53.37]Many other devices also now operate purely with digital tools instead of mechanical systems.
[01:03.68]But some expressions and idioms used by English speakers still describe older technologies.
[01:13.65]First, let's talk about dials.
[01:16.87]These controls are used for changing settings on a piece of equipment, like a radio or old television. 
[01:25.41]We use the dial to tune in to a specific channel.
[01:30.24]That's where the expressions dialed in and tuned in come from.
[01:37.00]If we are dialed in or tuned in to a radio or television program, we can hear it clearly. There is no noise or static.
[01:49.01]The same can be said when using these terms in personal conversations.
[01:55.15]For example, if you are dialed in to a project or problem, you know exactly what needs to be done.
[02:03.16]You are thinking clearly about it and remain very focused.
[02:09.54]And when you are tuned in, you understand clearly what is going on around you.
[02:16.81]"Don't touch that dial" and "stay tuned" are two ways to tell someone to keep watching or listening to a program.
[02:26.52]Now, let's talk about switches.
[02:30.14]These are built to either be off or on. There are no in-between settings like with a dial.
[02:38.23]So, when we flip the switch, we make something happen quickly and easily.
[02:45.75]It can also mean that we suddenly change something.
[02:50.68]Let's listen to an example.
[02:53.60]The restaurant's change to all organic food happened slowly over time.
[03:00.33]It wasn't a matter of flipping a switch.
[03:04.54]Now, for our last expression -- to move the needle.
[03:09.78]Needles on measuring devices like a scale move to show a desired level has been reached.
[03:18.46]So, when something moves the needle, it causes a noticeable change in something, usually for the good.
[03:27.96]And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories. 
[03:32.77]Don't forget to tune in again for another story about American English expressions.
[03:39.37]Until next time, I'm Anna Matteo.