AEE 2449: Take the Plunge into Enthusiastic English

Summary

All Ears English Podcast - Episode 2449: "Take the Plunge into Enthusiastic English"

Hosts: Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Downloads: Over 200 million
Intended Audience: Intermediate to advanced English learners, professionals, university students, and ESL teachers

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Introduction

In Episode 2449, titled "Take the Plunge into Enthusiastic English," hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into the realm of expressing enthusiasm in English. The episode focuses on expanding vocabulary related to overcoming hesitation and embracing commitment, moving beyond the commonly used phrase "cold feet."

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Listener Engagement and Episode Inspiration

The episode begins with a [00:00] brief introduction and a promotional segment encouraging listeners to utilize the All Ears English app for personalized learning tools. Shortly after, Michelle Kaplan sets the stage by posing a relatable question:

Michelle Kaplan [00:59]: "Do you ever need to express that you are going 100 into something? Whether it's a new workout plan, a decision or a commitment?"

This leads into the core discussion inspired by a [03:57] listener review, which commends a previous episode on the phrase "cold feet" and inquires about the existence of its opposite, such as "hot feet."

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Exploring the Opposite of "Cold Feet"

The hosts address the question of whether there is an English equivalent to the opposite of "cold feet," ultimately concluding that "hot feet" is not a commonly used phrase in this context.

Lindsay McMahon [04:53]: "We really don't, Michelle. We really don't. Especially when we're talking about the concept of cold feet."

Instead, they introduce several alternative expressions that convey enthusiasm and commitment:

1. All In ([06:00])

   • Definition: Being fully committed and enthusiastic about an endeavor.
   • Example: "I'm all in on this relationship. I'm ready to be exclusive."

   Michelle Kaplan [06:00]: "You're not out... It's just a way to say that you're enthusiastic about something. You're going to put everything you have into it."

2. Go Full Force ([07:07])

   • Definition: Committing all available effort into a task or goal.
   • Example: "She's going full force into studying for the LSAT."

   Michelle Kaplan [07:07]: "That's more just to put everything you have into something."

3. Go for It ([09:24])

   • Definition: Taking action without hesitation, embracing opportunities wholeheartedly.
   • Example: "When I'm excited about something, I like to really go for it."

   Michelle Kaplan [09:24]: "You're not gonna hesitate. You're just gonna jump in."

4. Take the Plunge ([10:38])

   • Definition: Making a significant commitment or decision, often after hesitation.
   • Example: "I'm taking the plunge and switching up my career goals."

   Michelle Kaplan [10:38]: "This is a one."

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Practical Application: Role Play

To illustrate the usage of these expressions, Lindsay and Michelle engage in a role play segment starting at [14:15]. This interactive demonstration showcases how the phrases fit naturally into everyday conversations.

Key Highlights from Role Play:

• "I'm going for it" is used when Lindsay expresses her decision to get a tattoo.
• "I'm all in" is applied when Lindsay affirms her choice of a dress.
• "Take the plunge" is employed as Michelle decides to purchase the dress.

Michelle Kaplan [14:21]: "Lindsay, you want to go to the mall with me?"

Lindsay McMahon [14:28]: "Ah. I've been scared to get a tattoo, but I'm gonna go for it."

Michelle Kaplan [14:33]: "I can't wait to see it. Do you like this dress?"

Lindsay McMahon [14:40]: "Yeah, I'm all in. It's gorgeous."

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Deep Dive: Taking the Plunge

The conversation then shifts focus to the idiom "take the plunge," commonly associated with significant life decisions like marriage or career changes. Both hosts share personal insights and advice on making such commitments.

Michelle Kaplan [10:38]: "That's a good way to put it, or this last one is to take the plunge."

Lindsay McMahon [11:33]: "Make sure you travel with them first... how they handle different situations, especially international travel."

Michelle Kaplan [12:01]: "Marry your best friend... keep on going out with that person as long as you're having fun."

This segment emphasizes the importance of connection and understanding in profound decisions, aligning with the podcast's theme of "Connection NOT Perfection."

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Conclusion and Takeaways

As the episode wraps up, Lindsay and Michelle recap the expressions discussed, highlighting their relevance in fostering genuine connections and expressing commitment without fear. They encourage listeners to revisit previous episodes for a broader context on related topics.

Lindsay McMahon [18:12]: "This is a connection skill because you can... it shows what do they really care about."

Michelle Kaplan [18:23]: "If you believe in connection, not perfection, then hit subscribe now to make sure you don't miss anything."

The hosts conclude with a reminder to follow the podcast for future episodes focused on enhancing English proficiency through engaging and practical conversations.

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Notable Quotes

• Michelle Kaplan [00:59]: "Do you ever need to express that you are going 100 into something?"
• Lindsay McMahon [04:53]: "We really don't say hot feet. We don't."
• Michelle Kaplan [06:00]: "You're going to put everything you have into it."
• Lindsay McMahon [14:28]: "I've been scared to get a tattoo, but I'm gonna go for it."
• Lindsay McMahon [18:12]: "It shows not just they're doing something, but maybe they've been hesitant about doing it before."

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Key Insights

• Understanding Idioms: Grasping the nuances of expressions like "all in," "go full force," "go for it," and "take the plunge" can significantly enhance conversational fluency and confidence.
• Connection over Perfection: Emphasizing genuine connections and self-expression surpasses the pursuit of flawless language use.
• Practical Demonstrations: Role plays and real-life examples aid in internalizing and applying new vocabulary effectively.

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Final Thoughts

Episode 2449 of the All Ears English Podcast serves as a valuable resource for learners aiming to articulate enthusiasm and commitment in English. By exploring the opposite of "cold feet" through various idioms and practical applications, Lindsay and Michelle provide listeners with the tools to express themselves fearlessly and connect meaningfully in diverse situations.

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Stay Connected:
For more episodes and resources, visit allearsenglish.com and consider taking their free Fluency Score Quiz to assess your English proficiency level.

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Note: Advertisements and promotional content present in the transcript have been excluded to maintain focus on the educational content of the episode.

Transcript

[Lindsay McMahon]

This is an All Ears English podcast. Episode 2449 take the plunge into enthusiastic English. Welcome to the All Ears English podcast, downloaded more than 200 million times. Are you feeling stuck with your English? We'll show you how to become fearless and fluent by focusing on connection, not perfection, with your American hosts, Lindsay McMahon, the English adventurer, and Michelle Kaplan, the New York radio girl. Coming to you from Colorado and New York City, usa. To get real time transcripts right on your phone and create your personalized vocabulary list, try the All Ears English app for iOS and Android. Start your seven day free trial at allearsenglish.com forward/app.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Do you ever need to express that you are going 100 into something? Whether it's a new workout plan, a decision or a commitment? Today, find out how to say the opposite of cold feet in English.

[Unknown]

Are you feeling stuck at your English level? Are you sure what your real English level is? If you take our free quiz will tell you what level you're stuck at and how to reach your next English Milestone. Go to allersenglish.comfluencyscore now that's fluency score. One word. Allersenglish.com fluency score.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Hey there, Michelle. How's it going today? Good.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Lindsay. Lindsay, I have a question for you.

[Lindsay McMahon]

All right, I'm ready.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Okay. Do you wear mostly sandals or sneakers during the summer?

[Lindsay McMahon]

Oh, that's a great. That's a great question. I definitely transition into sandals. There's like a before and after point where at first I can't imagine wearing sandals because my feet are so white and my legs are so like not tan. Right. And then I, at some point I just put them on. Then I never take them off, the sandals. What about you? I know you're a big Birkenstock.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yes. I actually haven't purchased my Birkenstocks yet for this year because now, honestly, they have so many like I have. They're not plastic. I don't know what kind they are, but they're kind of in the shape of a Birkenstock and they're cheaper. So I haven't. Yes, I should. But I do love Birkenstocks, but. So, Lindsay, do your feet get hot in the summer?

[Lindsay McMahon]

I wouldn't say that's one of my biggest problems. I say I got a few other things that I tend to ruminate on. No, I don't really feel like my feet get hot in the summer machine. How do your feet get hot in the summer?

[Michelle Kaplan]

I mean, I guess that's why I'm wearing the sandals. But yeah, the, the only thing I don't like about that is then if I'm walking around a lot, then I feel like my feet get dirtier in the sandals.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Oh, my gosh. Yeah, I used to wear sandals in New York. Some how I did that. But every time I came home, I would have to shower before getting into bed because I could not, I just couldn't do it.

[Michelle Kaplan]

I had the same thing in New York especially. It's like you, basically, your feet are black even if you're, even though you're wearing sho shoes. Right. This is their sandal. So I, I, that's the only thing I don't like. I haven't, I'm, Yeah, but other than that, I'm, I'm a sandal girl in the, in the summer. But today we are not talking about our actual feet. We are talking about our cold feet episode that we did. This question was inspired by that episode. And guys, at the end we'll let you know what that episode was so you can check it out. But Lindsay, could you read this listener question? This was from a review, a five star review.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Five star review. We love reviews. Guys, go and leave us a review. And I love it when new questions come out of episodes like this one. Right. So the listener says, thank you so much. I'm wondering, on one of the episodes you introduced the phrase cold feet. Is there a phrase called hot feet? Can you introduce more phrases about how to describe that? And they're saying, we are super exciting. Thank you so much. And I hope you can see my review. And it's five stars. Amazing.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Thank you for this review. We really appreciate it. Thank you so much for listening.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yes, absolutely. And guys, if you love our show as well, be sure to hit the follow button right now so that you don't miss a single episode of All Ears English. Right, Michelle?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Absolutely. So let's get into it. I wanted to take this more in the direction of. Yeah, just the opposite of cold feet. So, Lindsay, do we say hot feet?

[Lindsay McMahon]

We really don't, Michelle. We really don't. Especially when we're talking about the concept of cold feet.

[Unknown]

Right.

[Lindsay McMahon]

We don't say, you know, the opposite. You're, you're excited to do something, you know you're making the right decision. We don't say hot feet. Right.

[Michelle Kaplan]

The only time I could think of it is maybe there's a joke, but it doesn't, you know, if some, maybe somebody say, oh, are you do, Are you getting cold feet before your wedding? And you could say, no, I actually, they're hot.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Right, right, right, right. They're hot. Yeah. You. You might say, but you need to being. That needs to be in context. Right. You wouldn't take that out and just say, I have hot feet today. No, that would make no sense.

[Michelle Kaplan]

No, exactly. So, yeah, the idea of hot feet. The idea of it. If we're thinking about the opposite of cold feet, then hot feet would probably be this idea of being more unafraid or jumping into something, not having hesitations. Right.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah. You're all in, in other words. And that is our first phrase for today. Michelle. I know our listeners want to expand their vocabulary here on this show, and this is the first way to do it, to be all in. Michelle, tell us about this one.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, you're just. You're. You're not out. How would I describe this? All of you is in something. It's just a way to say that you're enthusiastic about something. You're going to put everything you have into it. So just for example, I'm all in. Let's get this workout started. So I'm gonna put everything I have into this workout. I'm not going to be sitting on the sidelines. Right.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Y. Yep. And coaches will often say that to you. You need to be all in. You 100% present. Right. Or in a relationship. I'm all in on this relationship. I'm ready to be exclusive. Yeah. Sometimes in the dating world, you know, maybe people are dating other people or something, and then you have a conversation and you decide to go exclusive.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yes.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Or I guess they used to say go steady. Right? They used to say go steady. We don't really say that anymore, do we?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Not really, no. No, that's like very. It sounds like very 50s. It does, yeah. But the next one is to go full force. Right. So this one is more just to put everything you have into something. So how would that sound? Lindsay?

[Lindsay McMahon]

All right, so, for example, she's going full force into studying for the lsat. I haven't seen her since she started. Yeah. And sometimes you have to do this. I can't imagine being in law school and having to take exams.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Is it? No.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Lsat.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Law.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Law exams? I think so.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Maybe. Yeah.

[Michelle Kaplan]

That's law. Yep. Yeah, that's definitely. That's definitely a lot, so. Or you could say, I'm going full force into my new position. I want to really work hard. So you got a new job. You're gonna put all your effort into that?

[Lindsay McMahon]

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[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, you're not gonna hesitate. You're just gonna jump in, Right. Actually, that's another one. To jump into something. But yeah, to go for it. So you could say, when I'm excited about something, I like to really go for it. Put my all into it.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah. It kind of makes me think of. Let's see, my partner was telling me about when their friends went bungee jumping and some people went like head for. They went. I don't know if you can go head first when you bungee jump, but they went all in. In such a way. In a way of angling the body. In a sense of you don't really like, you're not scared at all. For me, I know I would be in the most safe position.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah.

[Lindsay McMahon]

For that sort or any diving, I would never go head first. Right. What about you, Michelle?

[Michelle Kaplan]

No, No, I wouldn't do any of those things at all.

[Lindsay McMahon]

No. Yeah, I. I probably wouldn't either, honestly.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Not for me. Not for me.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah.

[Michelle Kaplan]

But what's another example of go for it.

[Lindsay McMahon]

I'm just gonna go for it and ask my boss for a raise. So you're just, you know, maybe you're feeling nervous, but you're gonna just go 100% and directly ask for the thing. Right. A sense of no fear. Yeah.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yes. No fear.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah.

[Michelle Kaplan]

That's A good way to put it, or this last one is to take the plunge. So this is. I'm taking the plunge. We are getting married.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah. Some people will say that when they refer to getting married. Right. Getting hitched, taking the plunge. I'm ready to take the plunge and switch up my career goals. Okay.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yes, exactly. So, yeah, I think that one is very special for like getting married. You're gonna hear that a lot along with getting married, but you can use it in other ways as well, I think.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yes. I love that. I love that. Because it is, in a sense, a huge deal. Getting married. You're really giving the rest of your life over to one person, aren't you, Michelle? It's. It's a big deal.

[Michelle Kaplan]

It's true. It's. It is a huge, huge deal. So gotta, gotta make a good decision. What's a, what's your biggest piece of advice, Lindsay, for choosing a life partner? Wow.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Make sure you travel with them first. It sounds like a cliche, but you could see how they handle different situations, especially international travel. Domestic travel, fine. You know, it's pretty easy. Right? But international travel, when you don't speak the language. Yeah. When you don't know the currency, when you don't know anything. And how does that person deal with these things? And do you end up fighting or do you end up coming closer? That's what, what is your advice?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, that's a. Well, that's a very good, practical piece of advice. I love that. Mine is more, I guess just a more hippie dippy, but mine would just be marry your best friend. Is. Or. Or it. If you're just keep on going out with that person as long as you're having fun. Like even if you're not sure about that person in the beginning, if you have fun. Okay. You don't need to know all the answers at the first. Right. You don't need to know right away if you're gonna marry this person or just, you know, keep on going out. See, am I having fun? Just do little check ins. And if you keep on having fun, you keep going for it and then. Yeah, I would say, yeah, it is true. If, if this person is your best friend, then I really think you got a good thing.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah, I think you're right, Michelle. I mean, feelings can develop over time. I think we. Due to all the romcoms that we've been subjected to, which I love, by the way. I love romcoms. I rewatch them all the time. We do have ridiculous idea that we're going to fall in love with someone as soon as we see them. And I think it's total fantasy. I think love grows over time. There might be some attraction, but then the mind gets in the way. You're not sure you're right. Just keep seeing them, you know, don't cut it off if you don't feel. People look for this chemistry. But what is chemistry? I don't even know what that is. That's so.

[Michelle Kaplan]

And sometimes. Sometimes the chemistry could be not a good sign. Right. In the beginning, maybe you like the bad boy or you like. Right. There's something.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah.

[Michelle Kaplan]

There's something that just attracts you to that person. Maybe it's lust. Right. Whatever it is. But it's sometimes, yeah, chemistry is good. I'm not saying all chemistry is bad, of course, but sometimes that feeling in the beginning, it's. It really kind of fizzles out, and that person might not be for you. So, yeah, it's.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah. Really good advice. Michelle. We're so wise over here.

[Michelle Kaplan]

We're very wise. So. But these are so useful for connection, I think all of these. Because people have this feeling of either having this. These cold feet. Right. But also there's this. You want to be able to express when you're there. You're there for it. You're going for it. You feel strongly about something, and you're not hesitating.

[Lindsay McMahon]

I totally agree. I love it. Let's do a role play and show our listeners how this all comes together. Are you ready?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Okay. Lindsay, you want to go to the mall with me?

[Lindsay McMahon]

Let's go to the mall.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Michelle, we are friends at the mall. Here we go.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Ah. I've been scared to get a tattoo, but I'm gonna go for it.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Good for you. I can't wait to see it. Do you like this dress?

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah, I'm all in. It's gorgeous.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Thanks. Okay, I'm gonna take the plunge. This is the one.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Agreed. So I decided to go full force into the gym. I extended my membership.

[Michelle Kaplan]

You will still love it. Good choice, Lindsay.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yes. We're both going all in on our decisions here, Michelle.

[Michelle Kaplan]

We are. Especially your tattoo. Lindsay, this might be your question for today. Would you ever get a tattoo?

[Lindsay McMahon]

I. I have not found something that I want permanently etched into my body yet. If I ever found something, like some message that mattered to me so deeply that it was worth, I think, etching into my body, then yes, I would. But until I find that message. No. It's enough.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Right?

[Lindsay McMahon]

I can't just. I wouldn't just get a tattoo to Get a tattoo and think of what I want. I just would really want it to be really important to me.

[Michelle Kaplan]

What.

[Lindsay McMahon]

What is on what? That's just my take. What about you, Michelle?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, I, I, I, I've thought about it. Sometimes it's fun to think about what would I get if I were to get one? And. But I don't think I would actually do it.

[Lindsay McMahon]

It would be hard, and I think it probably hurts. Right. To do it. You know, the needle probably hurts. So, yeah, there, there are tattoo removal options too. So it's not like it's that big of a plunge, right?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, not that big. Yeah. You can always take it back. Probably be expensive.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Expensive, yeah.

[Michelle Kaplan]

So, all right, let's go through this. So you are. You've been scared to get a tattoo, but then you said, but I'm gonna go for it. So you were scared, and now you're saying, I'm jumping in. Right. So I could say to you, you could say, I, I've had cold feet, or I was, I was feeling like I had cold feet, but I'm gonna go for it. Right. So it's kind of the opposite.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Exactly. And then you asked me, do you like this dress? And I said, I'm all in, meaning I'm all in on that dress. If we extended this for listeners, it's important for them to know we would use on. I'm all in on X. Right, Right.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yep. And then I said, okay, I'm gonna take the plunge. This is the one. So what am I gonna do, Lindsay?

[Lindsay McMahon]

You are gonna buy that dress.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Buy that dress.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yes. Love it. Love it. And then I said, agreed. Right? You said, this is the one. And I said, agreed, so. And then I changed the subject.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Right.

[Lindsay McMahon]

So very common to move between subjects quickly. I said. So I decided to go full force into gym. Now, is that physically, meaning I'm, like, busting through the doors, Michelle, into the gym? No.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Right. So you're extending your membership. Maybe you did a trial, and now you're saying, okay, I'm. I'm gonna. You're. I'm going to commit to it.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yes.

[Michelle Kaplan]

That's what you're saying.

[Lindsay McMahon]

I love it. Go full force, you know, into the gym. You're going to commit to your membership and working out. Love it.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah. Straight into the gym. Yeah.

[Lindsay McMahon]

All right. And there was another episode. Michelle, what was that other episode where we talked about cold feet? That our listeners should go back.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, guys, so that was episode 2417. So a bit ago it was. Are your feet cold? How to talk about nerves in English. So definitely, if you haven't listened to that one yet, this would be a really good one to listen to these kind of match.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah. And I think this is really just for a takeaway for our listeners. This is a connection skill because you can. This is one of those episodes, Michelle, that I love. When we do this, it tells you so much more about the person, what they say, where, where are they getting, where are they going full force? What do they really care about? What are they taking the plunge? Because that shows not just they're doing something, but maybe they've been hesitant about doing it before, which tells you a lot about them.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Right, right, right. You can really connect with someone over this kind of a topic. It shows you know what, what's been going on in your life, what your feelings are and how you handle these challenges.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Guys, don't forget to hit the follow button right here on Allers English if you love our show. And Michelle, I'll see you back here very soon, all right?

[Michelle Kaplan]

All right. Bye, Lindsay. Bye, guys.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Take care.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Bye.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Thanks for listening to all ears English. Would you like to know your English level? Take our 2 minute quiz, go to allearsenglish.com fluencyscore and if you believe in connection, not perfection, then hit subscribe now to make sure you don't miss anything. See you next time.

[Unknown]

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