All Ears English Podcast – Episode 2565: Is English All Greek to You?

Hosts: Lindsay McMahon & Aubrey Carter
Date: February 12, 2026

Episode Overview

In this lively episode, Lindsay and Aubrey explore English expressions used to admit confusion or lack of understanding, focusing especially on the idiom “It’s all Greek to me.” Inspired by a listener’s question about the German idiom “I only understand train station,” they introduce three key English phrases, discuss their origins and usage, and provide practical, real-life examples and roleplays. The conversation taps into cultural and personal anecdotes, making this a fun and connection-driven resource for English learners.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Inspiration: A Multilingual Listener Question

[03:39]

• Shoutout to community member Heli, who asked:
  "I only understand train station is a typical German idiom that suggests that I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. Is there an equivalent in English?"
• Hosts discuss the meaning and origin of this German saying—linked to soldiers in wartime wanting to go home, so all they cared about was the “train station.”
  • “All I understand is train station. Like, just send me.” – Host [05:04]
• Lindsay emphasizes the historical roots of idioms and how context brings them to life.

2. Core English Expressions for Not Understanding

a) “It’s all Greek to me”

[05:54]

• Meaning: To express complete lack of understanding.
• Example:
  • “They started talking about cryptocurrency and blockchain. And honestly, it was all Greek to me.” – Lindsey [06:16]
• Discussion on why “Greek” is used: neither host knows Greek, and Greek’s ancient connection to English etymology is raised.
• Fun references to My Big Fat Greek Wedding and cultural echoes of Greek in English.

b) “I haven’t the foggiest”

[08:49]

• Meaning: Another way (often more British in tone) to say “I have absolutely no idea.”
• Example:
  • “I'm nodding along. But to be honest, I haven't the foggiest idea what you're talking about.” – Lindsey [09:09]
  • “Do you know who wrote The Reckoning?” — “I haven’t the foggiest.” (Role play) [09:52-09:56]
• Noted as an expression more common in British English, possibly inspired by “foggy London town.”

c) “I have no clue”

[10:06]

• Meaning: A casual, modern way to say “I don’t know.”
• Example:
  • “I read your text three times, but I have no clue what you were saying here.” – Lindsey [10:19]
• Variations discussed: “I don’t have a clue,” “I haven’t a clue,” “I haven’t any clue” – with more formal versus casual nuances. [14:56-15:25]

3. Cultural and Personal Anecdotes

• Greek traditions in American weddings ([03:01 - 03:29]) and how multiculturalism shapes experiences and language.
• Lindsay’s attendance at a Greek wedding in Boston, and discussion on searching for baklava and wedding traditions.
• Fun with My Big Fat Greek Wedding movie quotes – how certain lines enter daily conversation, illustrating the cultural stickiness of idioms.
  • “When you say one more, one more big one... We'll say that about anything.” – Aubrey [07:58]
• Personal stories about navigating confusing topics (like cryptocurrency or wedding seating charts).

4. Roleplays: Real English in Action

Wedding Seating Chart Scenario

• Demonstrates how to use all three expressions for not understanding in a relatable context. ([12:13-13:38])
  • Example exchanges:
    • “This seating stuff is all Greek to me. I guess I was supposed to put Jack and Stephanie at different tables, but I didn't know that.” – Lindsey [12:31]
    • “I never have the foggiest idea about that stuff. I guess I should have consulted with someone on seating.” – Lindsey [12:40]
    • “I have no clue why they couldn't just sit at the same table for one dinner, though.” – Aubrey [12:46]

5. Practical Takeaways for English Learners

• Honesty is Connective:
  Admitting you don’t understand builds rapport and opens real connection.
  • “It’s actually a really fun connection moment because everyone's been there. Maybe there will be other people there too, who also don't have the foggiest.” – Aubrey [09:35]
• Flexibility in Language:
  Using a range of expressions prevents conversations from feeling repetitive and increases fluency and relatability.
  • “Have multiple ways… to be vulnerable, to admit when you don't understand, you're a little bit lost because you're probably not the only one there in that boat.” – Aubrey [15:54]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Expression Origins:
  “The interesting, interesting thing about idioms is they usually come back to a moment in time, Right. An era, maybe a war or some event in human history. And we can link back and then it makes sense.” – Lindsey [05:26]
• On Connection, Not Perfection:
  “Such a relief often leads to a laugh...and it definitely leads to connection when you can be honest.” – Lindsey [16:06]
• On Vulnerability:
  “When people see who you really are, that's who they want to connect with. Right. It's not the fake version of you.” – Lindsey [16:15]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Listener Question & German Idiom Explanation: [03:39–05:15]
• History and Relevance of Idioms: [05:26–05:39]
• “It’s all Greek to me” — Usage and Examples: [05:54–07:14]
• Cultural Reference: My Big Fat Greek Wedding: [07:14–08:38]
• “I haven’t the foggiest” — Usage and British Connection: [08:49–09:24]
• Roleplay: Using “Haven’t the Foggiest” in Conversation: [09:47–09:57]
• “I have no clue” and Variations: [10:06–10:31, 14:56–15:29]
• Roleplay: Applying All Three Phrases (Wedding Scenario): [12:13–13:38]
• Summary, Final Takeaways, and Encouragement: [15:54–16:28]

Summary & Action Steps

This engaging episode arms English learners with a trio of native expressions to confidently admit confusion:

• “It’s all Greek to me”
• “I haven’t the foggiest”
• “I have no clue”

Listeners are encouraged to embrace these expressions in authentic conversation—not only for clarity but to make connections and build rapport. The episode also fuels motivation to explore idioms’ cultural origins and inspires the use of vulnerability as a tool for authentic learning and connection.

Final host encouragement:
"I'm excited for you to use all of these fun phrases. Thank you, Hel, for the question." – Aubrey [16:21]

For further episodes about storytelling or being ‘telling,’ check out Episode 2560.