"Believe It Or Not" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
"Believe it or not" is an expression used to introduce a statement or fact that may be surprising, astonishing, or hard to believe. It suggests that the listener might find it difficult to accept what is being said, but regardless of their skepticism, it is indeed true.
1. Believe it or not, penguins can actually fly, but only for short distances and at low altitudes.
2. Believe it or not, the world's smallest sovereign state, Vatican City, has an area of just 0.44 square kilometers.
3. Believe it or not, some people have a genuine phobia called "arachibutyrophobia," which is the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth.
4. Believe it or not, the Great Barrier Reef, visible from space, is the largest living structure on Earth, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands.
5. Believe it or not, there's a town in Finland called "Kumppani" where all the street names are inspired by famous duos, like Batman and Robin or Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
Beche de mer, also known as sea cucumber, is a type of marine echinoderm found in tropical and subtropical waters. It is a soft-bodied animal with a tube-like body that feeds on tiny marine organisms by filtering the water through its skin. In culinary terms, it is a delicacy in some cultures and is used in various dishes for its gelatinous texture and supposed health benefits.
"Beck and call" means to be available at someone's request or command, ready to serve or attend to their needs immediately. It often implies a sense of being at one's disposal. For example, "The butler was always at the lady's beck and call, attending to her every need."
"Bed and breakfast" (often abbreviated as B&B) is a type of accommodation where guests are offered a room for the night and breakfast in the morning, typically in a private home or a small establishment. It is usually more personal and intimate than a hotel, and prices may vary depending on the facilities and location.
"Been able to" is a phrase used to express the ability or capacity to do something in the past, present, or future. It usually follows the modal verb "have" or "has" and indicates that a certain action has been, is, or will be within someone's power or capability. For example:<br><br>- I've been able to speak Spanish fluently since I was a teenager.<br>- She hasn't been able to visit her family due to the pandemic.<br>- By next year, they will have been able to complete the project.
"Been there, done that" is an idiomatic expression used to convey that someone has already experienced a particular situation or event and is familiar with it. It implies that they have lived through it and possibly learned from it.
"Beg to differ" is an expression used when someone respectfully disagrees with another person's opinion or statement. It indicates that the speaker wishes to assert their own viewpoint, politely disagreeing with what has been previously said.
"Beg your pardon" is an expression used to politely ask someone to repeat what they said or to apologize for misunderstanding or interrupting them. It's a way to show respect and seek clarification.
"Bend over backwards" is an idiomatic expression that means to make a great effort or go to great lengths to do something, often to please someone or to achieve a particular goal. It suggests going beyond what is normally expected or reasonable.
Benson and Hedges is a brand of premium cigarettes, known for their distinctive yellow packaging with a curved filter. The name refers to two fictional characters created by British advertising agency J. Walter Thompson for an advertising campaign in the 1950s. The brand is associated with luxury and sophistication, although smoking is not considered a healthy habit.
"Best of all" means the most excellent or favorable among all options or aspects. It highlights something that stands out as exceptional compared to others.
"Better than most" means that something or someone is superior or more accomplished compared to the majority of others in a particular context or category. It implies that they excel or surpass the common standard or average.
Beyond the pale means something that is unacceptable, outside of acceptable limits or behavior, or beyond what is tolerable. It comes from the old phrase "beyond the pale," which referred to areas outside the boundary fence (the pale) of English settlements in Ireland, considered unsafe or lawless. In modern usage, it describes actions, ideas, or behaviors that are considered deeply offensive or intolerable.
The phrase "big boys don't cry" is an idiomatic expression that suggests that mature or grown-up individuals should not show or express their emotions, particularly fear, vulnerability, or sadness, in a public or perceived weak manner. It implies that they should be坚强或自控,尽管他们可能 still experience emotions but refrain from openly showing them, especially in situations where it might be seen as unmanly or inappropriate.
The phrase "big girls don't cry" is often used to imply that strong or mature individuals, particularly women, should not show emotional vulnerability or tears, suggesting that crying is somehow weak or inappropriate. However, this phrase can also be seen as dismissive of valid emotions and can discourage open expression of feelings.
The "bill of freight" is a document issued by a carrier or shipping company that details the goods being transported, the origin and destination of the shipment, the terms and conditions of the transport, and the applicable fees or charges. It serves as a contract between the shipper and the carrier, outlining the responsibilities of both parties and providing proof of the cargo's receipt and shipment.