Trump and Zelensky Are Lying to Us: English With the News

This lesson covers the vocabulary from yesterday's meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where they discussed a proposed peace plan and the future of the Donbas region. We will define key terms like 'thorny issue,' 'demilitarized zone,' and 'pony up' to help you understand the complex negotiations reported in the news.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code NewYear for 25% off. 🎮 Link to Vocabulary Game: https://gemini.google.com/share/621d1628f1b7📺 Link to Newscast: https://youtu.be/0GRN3zBlcQ8?si=r2DtIrCIBW5aXJru1. Short and Sweet * Definition: Brief, simple, and to the point. * Example: "I kept my speech short and sweet so people wouldn't get bored."2. Takeaway * Definition: The main piece of information you learn from something. * Example: "The main takeaway from the meeting is that we need to work faster."3. Thorn * Definition: A small, sharp point on the stem of a plant. * Example: "Be careful holding that rose, it has a sharp thorn."4. Thorny Issue * Definition: A complicated problem that is difficult to handle. * Example: "Politics is often a thorny issue at family dinners."5. Tossed Out * Definition: To reject an idea or throw something away. * Example: "The judge tossed out the evidence because it was not clear."6. On Board With * Definition: To agree with a plan or be part of a team. * Example: "My boss is finally on board with letting us work from home."7. Donbas * Definition: An industrial region in Eastern Ukraine often mentioned in the news. * Example: "The reporter is traveling to the Donbas to report on the war."8. Cede * Definition: To give up power or land to someone else. * Example: "After losing the war, the country had to cede territory to the winner."9. Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) * Definition: An area between two fighting countries where no soldiers or weapons are allowed. * Example: "It is strictly forbidden to cross the demilitarized zone."10. Buffer * Definition: Something that separates two things to prevent conflict or damage. * Example: "I use music as a buffer to block out the street noise."11. Stack up * Definition: To compare one thing against another. * Example: "This new burger doesn't stack up to the one at the other restaurant."12. Fortress * Definition: A building or place strictly protected from attack. * Example: "The bank is built like a fortress to protect the money."13. Blank Checks * Definition: Giving someone total freedom to spend money or do what they want. * Example: "The government cannot give blank checks to the military; they must have a budget."14. Dry Up * Definition: To slowly disappear or become unavailable (usually money or interest). * Example: "As soon as the money dried up, the workers left the project."15. What’s Your Take? * Definition: What is your opinion or perspective? * Example: "I think this is a bad idea, but what’s your take?"16. No Strings Attached * Definition: Without special conditions or hidden rules. * Example: "This is a free gift, no strings attached."17. Corrupt * Definition: Dishonest; using power to get money illegally. * Example: "The corrupt mayor was arrested for taking bribes."18. Auditing * Definition: An official inspection of an organization's accounts or records. * Example: "The IRS is auditing the company to make sure they paid their taxes."19. Hinted At It * Definition: To suggest something indirectly. * Example: "He didn't say he was angry, but his tone hinted at it."20. Step Up * Definition: To take action or responsibility when necessary. * Example: "We need more volunteers to step up and help clean the park."21. Pony Up * Definition: (Slang) To pay money that is required or owed. * Example: "You lost the bet, so now you have to pony up."