Podcast Summary: All Ears English Podcast

Episode 2523: Your English Is Nothing to Sneeze At
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon & Michelle Kaplan
Release Date: December 2, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode centers around the English idiom “nothing to sneeze at” and how to use it to encourage yourself and others. Lindsay and Michelle explore its usage, related expressions, and the importance of positive communication for building connections. The conversation provides practical examples, personal stories, and a role-play, all aimed at intermediate and advanced ESL learners looking to enrich their vocabulary and communication skills.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Allergies and Idiom Introduction

• [02:53] Michelle and Lindsay discuss allergies (“do you get allergies where you sneeze a lot?”) as a playful segue into the idiom.
• [03:30] The phrase “nothing to sneeze at” is introduced.
  • Michelle: “I actually heard somebody just say it recently.”
  • Lindsay: “Basically means that it's something that's important or has value in some way…you shouldn't ignore it or think it isn't worthwhile.” ([03:53])

2. Meaning and Usage of “Nothing to Sneeze At”

• [04:05] The idiom is explained as a way to recognize or validate value and achievements.
• Examples are given:
  • Grades/Achievements:
    • “Getting a 3.7 GPA is nothing to sneeze at. I'm sure she will get into a great school.” ([05:47] – Michelle)
    • Lindsay: “You're basically saying…this is a big deal...Don't ignore it. Don't downplay it.” ([05:59])
  • Monetary Offers:
    • “An offer of $500,000 on your house is nothing to sneeze at.” ([06:11])
  • Everyday Accomplishments:
    • “The fact that everyone ate your cake and liked it is nothing to sneeze at.” ([06:29] – Michelle)

3. When to Use the Expression

• Self-Encouragement & Encouraging Others:
  • Used for highlighting accomplishments, even if they seem minor to the person who achieved them.
  • Lindsay: “The human mind tends to see our own shortcomings before we see what we've done well...That's normal.” ([10:00])

4. Personal Examples

• [09:14] Lindsay and Michelle reflect on their own lives:
  • Michelle: “All the moves I made in the past year are not nothing to sneeze at.”
  • Lindsay: “All Ears English has been thriving as a company for 10 years...but I might focus on what we haven't done yet.” ([10:00])

5. Related Expressions

• Not to Be Taken Lightly ([11:38])
  • Similar in meaning; emphasizes seriousness or importance.
  • Examples:
    • “Running a marathon is nothing to be taken lightly.” ([12:08] – Lindsay)
    • “Starting a business is really hard...it's not to be taken lightly, for sure.” ([12:16] – Michelle)
• Nothing to Scoff At ([12:29])
  • Almost synonymous; highlights value or achievement.
  • Examples:
    • “Getting second place in the spelling bee is nothing to scoff at.” ([13:03] – Lindsay)

6. Role Play: Using the Expressions in Conversation

• Scenario: Michelle feels disappointed after selling at a craft fair; Lindsay encourages her using all three expressions.
  • Michelle: “It was my first one, but I thought it would go better than it did.”
  • Lindsay: “Putting yourself out there at your first show is not to be taken lightly.” ([13:50])
  • Michelle: “I only made a hundred dollars.”
  • Lindsay: “A hundred dollars is nothing to sneeze at.” ([13:59])
  • Michelle: “I have 50 followers, which is nothing to scoff at, but I should get more.” ([14:03])
• Discussion follows on how these expressions offer encouragement and perspective for both friends and oneself.

7. Takeaway: Importance of Encouragement and Connection

• [15:38] Michelle highlights encouraging friends as a “huge connection skill.”
  • “Your friend is kind of down on himself or herself...you're picking out the positives that maybe this person isn't realizing because they're their own worst critic, which is so common.” ([15:46])
• Lindsay: “If you use [these phrases] too much, it'll have less meaning. Right. So save it for things that you actually think are great that they did.” ([16:23])
• Emphasis on using these expressions authentically and listening as well as encouraging.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Recognizing Achievements:
  • “It's almost a way of like, somebody puts themselves down and you're kind of encouraging them. Or maybe you're encouraging yourself.” — Michelle ([09:26])
• On Self-Criticism:
  • “The brain is wired to find shortcomings…it’s true.” — Lindsay ([11:20])
• On Encouragement:
  • “You're encouraging me. You're helping me get out of my own head.” — Michelle ([14:50])
• On Connection Skills:
  • “What a huge connection skill…You're picking out the positives…” — Michelle ([15:46])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:30 — Introduction and explanation of “nothing to sneeze at”
• 05:47 — Examples with academic and financial scenarios
• 09:14 — Personal reflections on accomplishments and self-encouragement
• 11:38 — Related expressions: “Not to be taken lightly” and “Nothing to scoff at”
• 13:31 — Role play using all three expressions
• 15:38 — Takeaway: The importance of positive encouragement and building connections

Tone and Style

The episode is friendly and supportive, characteristic of Lindsay and Michelle’s approachable teaching style. They blend practical language advice with encouragement, sharing personal anecdotes and relatable scenarios to help listeners connect language learning with daily life and relationships.

Final Takeaway

Learning and using phrases like “nothing to sneeze at,” “not to be taken lightly,” and “nothing to scoff at” is not just about mastering vocabulary—these are real-world tools for encouraging yourself and those around you. Employing them thoughtfully helps strengthen connections and adds nuance to everyday English communication. As always, the All Ears English Podcast champions “connection, not perfection” as the key to genuine language use and human connection.