From Farm to Operating Room: How a Pig Kidney Shook Up Modern Medicine - Learn 10 Business English Phrasal Verbs and Idioms

Phrasal Verb News - Business English for Busy Professionals

In this episode of Phrasal Verb News, we explore the groundbreaking story of Tawana Looney, a grandmother from Alabama who became the first living person to receive a kidney from a genetically modified pig. This medical breakthrough could pave the way for solving the global organ shortage, offering hope to millions suffering from organ failure. Along the way, we’ll break down key phrasal verbs, idioms, and expressions to help you improve your English skills.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. Step up – To take responsibility or accept a challenge in a brave way.

• Example: "She stepped up to lead the project when no one else wanted to."
• Question: Can you think of a time when you stepped up to face a challenge?

1. Shake up – To disrupt or revolutionize something.

• Example: "The new software shook up the way we manage projects."
• Question: What’s a recent innovation that has shaken up your industry?

1. Pave the way – To prepare for something new or groundbreaking.

• Example: "The invention of electricity paved the way for modern technology."
• Question: What do you think has paved the way for major advancements in your field?

1. Pull off – To succeed in doing something difficult.

• Example: "The team pulled off a successful product launch despite the tight deadline."
• Question: Can you recall a time when you pulled off something seemingly impossible?

1. Moment of truth – A critical point where the success or failure of something is determined.

• Example: "Presenting the new strategy to the board was the moment of truth."
• Question: What was your last moment of truth, and how did it go?

1. On board – To agree with or support something.

• Example: "We need everyone on board before we can move forward with the plan."
• Question: How do you usually get others on board with your ideas?

1. Break out – To start suddenly, often referring to something negative like a conflict or disease.

• Example: "The meeting was interrupted when an argument broke out."
• Question: Have you experienced a situation where something broke out unexpectedly?

1. Cross the line – To go beyond what is acceptable.

• Example: "Using someone else’s work without credit crosses the line."
• Question: Can you think of an example where someone crossed the line? How did you handle it?

1. Look forward to – To be excited about something that will happen in the future.

• Example: "She’s looking forward to her first vacation in years."
• Question: What’s something you’re looking forward to and why?

1. Turn around – To drastically improve a situation.

• Example: "Getting a mentor helped turn his career around."
• Question: Can you think of a moment when something turned your life around?

Practice Activity:

Try retelling Tawana Looney’s inspiring story using these phrases to solidify your understanding. For extra practice, write a summary or record yourself discussing this topic.

Call to Action:

Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share! Want more? Watch our episode on the Romanian elections for even more useful phrases and idioms. Check out the video version on our YouTube channel: Business as Usual English. Thanks for listening!