Episode Overview

Title: AEE: Let These English Idioms Sink In
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter
Date: January 24, 2026
Theme:
This episode is the third part of a mini-series exploring essential English idioms and phrasal verbs that express how we process and absorb surprising or impactful information. Lindsay and Aubrey break down the subtle differences among expressions like "let it sink in," "wrap your head around," and "make sense of," using real-life scenarios and a bit of pop culture to illuminate meaning. There’s a strong focus on both language skills and cultural nuances—especially regarding emotional situations where directness may not be socially acceptable.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Meaning of "Let It Sink In"

• Processing vs. Absorbing:
  • "Let it sink in" means taking time to truly absorb or process information, especially something with deeper or unexpected implications.
• When to Use It:
  • Often employed after receiving serious, surprising, or meaningful news (e.g., someone moving abroad, hearing a shocking story).
• Quote:
  • “When Jenna told us she was moving to another country, we all just sat there quietly trying to let it sink in.” (Aubrey, 03:37)
• Emotional Response:
  • There's usually a moment of silence or lack of immediate response, signifying the need to process.

2. "Wrap Your Head Around" Explained

• Meaning:
  • To struggle to understand or accept something, especially when it challenges expectations or is emotionally charged.
• Usage Examples:
  • When a friend switches careers unexpectedly or a relationship changes rapidly.
• Quote:
  • “I'm having a tough time wrapping my head around it.” (Aubrey, 09:07)
• Crossover with "Let it Sink In":
  • Sometimes interchangeable, particularly when describing the process of intellectually or emotionally taking in new information.

3. "Make Sense Of" and Its Nuances

• Meaning:
  • To comprehend or interpret something confusing or complex, can be emotional or intellectual.
• Context:
  • After hearing puzzling or unexpected news, or trying to decipher someone's unclear message.
• Quote:
  • “I'm replaying what she said, trying to make sense of it, but I still feel confused.” (Lindsay, 09:15)
• Different Angles:
  • Can mean making emotional sense (grappling with feelings) or understanding details cognitively.

4. Idioms in Cultural and Social Context

• Navigating Delicate Topics:
  • The hosts discuss the fine line in American culture about what is acceptable to say when a loved one shares major news (like marriage).
• Connection vs. Honesty:
  • “You feel like you sort of have to just be supportive. But there is, like, if you feel like they're really... for some reason... it really is a bad choice, you almost feel obligated... but it could ruin the friendship.” (Aubrey, 11:07)
• Diplomatic Language:
  • These idioms help avoid direct criticism or disagreement, helping maintain harmony.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |-----------|-------|---------| | 03:37 | “When Jenna told us she was moving to another country, we all just sat there quietly trying to let it sink in.” | Aubrey | | 05:32 | “So maybe when Mark explained that he was switching careers at 40, it took his friends a while to wrap their heads around it.” | Aubrey | | 06:38 | “After watching the news on tv, I tried to make sense of what I had heard.” | Aubrey | | 09:07 | “I can't believe Emma is getting married. I need a minute to let it sink in.” | Lindsay (role play) | | 09:15 | “I'm having a tough time wrapping my head around it.” | Aubrey (role play) | | 09:15 | “I'm replaying what she said, trying to make sense of it, but I still feel confused.” | Lindsay (role play) | | 11:07 | “You feel like you sort of have to just be supportive...” | Aubrey | | 14:04 | “Oh, it's such a tricky thing because you also risk losing the friendship... So we're using diplomatic phrases to navigate around this. A little bit to respond.” | Lindsay |

Role Play Highlight ([09:07–09:29])

• Scenario: Two friends processing the surprise announcement of a friend’s engagement.
  • Lindsay: “I can't believe Emma is getting married. I need a minute to let it sink in.”
  • Aubrey: “Same here... I'm having a tough time wrapping my head around it.”
  • Lindsay: “I'm replaying what she said, trying to make sense of it, but I still feel confused.”
• Takeaway:
  • Demonstrates the idioms in a natural, conversational setting, showing both politeness and emotional complexity.

Episode Structure & Timestamps

• [01:52–02:20] – Personal habits on processing information (“let it sink in”)
• [02:20–03:37] – Introduction to the idiom “let it sink in” and example scenarios
• [05:03–05:32] – Difference between “let it sink in” and “wrap your head around”
• [06:13–06:56] – Introduction and use cases for “make sense of”
• [09:07–09:29] – Role play: applying the idioms in real-life style conversation
• [10:40–14:20] – Cultural nuance: emotional support vs. honesty, and how these idioms help

Takeaways & Final Thoughts

• Softening Emotional Reactions:
  • The idioms discussed provide learners with practical tools to diplomatically express confusion, surprise, or a need to reflect without direct disagreement.
• Cultural Sensitivity:
  • Using phrases like these is a key part of American conversational culture, especially when the situation demands delicacy.
• Practicing Connection, Not Perfection:
  • As the hosts emphasize, these expressions don’t just help learners sound more natural—they help build connections by showing emotional intelligence.
• Further Listening:
  • Listeners are encouraged to check out Part 1 ("take in" phrasal verbs) and Part 2 ("soak it in," "drink it in") for a fuller understanding.

Useful for Listeners Who…

• Want to move beyond direct translations and respond with emotional nuance.
• Are seeking tips on conversational etiquette in sensitive or surprising situations.
• Wish to master phrasal verbs and idioms key to fluent, authentic English.

Hosts' Style:
Warm, supportive, conversational, candid—true to the “Connection NOT Perfection” motto. The episode blends practical language instruction with friendly banter and cultural insights.