Walk Before You Can Run
2024-01-14
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1And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.
2On this program, we explore words and expressions in the English language.
3We give definitions, examples, notes on usage, and sometimes we use them in short conversations.
4Today we talk about the process of learning to do something.
5For example, if you want to play a musical instrument, you need to learn how.
6You must take small steps.
7You learn how to hold or sit at the instrument.
8You learn how to read notes and how to play basic chords. Then you progress to short, easy songs.
9In other words, you need to take baby steps.
10Babies can look funny when they are learning to walk.
11Their steps are unsure; their knees do not quite bend fully.
12They do not walk straight and often fall down.
13The more they walk, the steadier they get on their feet.
14Soon their unsteady baby steps lead to a smoother, often speedy, gait.
15We often use the term to describe how to reach a complex goal.
16Small baby steps can lead to the bigger goal.
17We will often use the term to suggest that someone slow down and be patient.
18A similar English expression goes, "You have to walk before you can run."
19Let's listen as two friends use these idioms.
20A: Hey, how are your piano lessons going?
21B: Slowly. I want to play a real song.
22But my teacher has me working on these same set of chords over and over again!
23They are difficult and boring at the same time.
24A: I've been playing piano for years, and chords are important.
25They are the foundations of music. You need to know how to walk before you can run.
26B: I know, I know! But I also MUST be able to play a song by next month.
27A: Why are you in such a hurry? Learning music requires patience. Take baby steps!
28B: Please no more advice! I told a friend I could play the piano.
29And now she wants me to play at her children's birthday party.
30A: Oh, in that case. I have other advice for you.
31B: What's that?
32A: You reap what your sow.
33B: Thanks a lot. ... Hey what are you doing next month...?
34Learning a language is a lifelong process.
35To keep yourself from burning out, take baby steps.
36Learn a little every day, and soon your English will be fabulous!
37And that's all the time we have this Words and Their Stories!
38I'm Andrew Smith.
1And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English. 2On this program, we explore words and expressions in the English language. We give definitions, examples, notes on usage, and sometimes we use them in short conversations. 3Today we talk about the process of learning to do something. 4For example, if you want to play a musical instrument, you need to learn how. You must take small steps. You learn how to hold or sit at the instrument. You learn how to read notes and how to play basic chords. Then you progress to short, easy songs. 5In other words, you need to take baby steps. 6Babies can look funny when they are learning to walk. Their steps are unsure; their knees do not quite bend fully. They do not walk straight and often fall down. The more they walk, the steadier they get on their feet. Soon their unsteady baby steps lead to a smoother, often speedy, gait. 7We often use the term to describe how to reach a complex goal. Small baby steps can lead to the bigger goal. 8We will often use the term to suggest that someone slow down and be patient. 9A similar English expression goes, "You have to walk before you can run." 10Let's listen as two friends use these idioms. 11A: Hey, how are your piano lessons going? 12B: Slowly. I want to play a real song. But my teacher has me working on these same set of chords over and over again! They are difficult and boring at the same time. 13A: I've been playing piano for years, and chords are important. They are the foundations of music. You need to know how to walk before you can run. 14B: I know, I know! But I also MUST be able to play a song by next month. 15A: Why are you in such a hurry? Learning music requires patience. Take baby steps! 16B: Please no more advice! I told a friend I could play the piano. And now she wants me to play at her children's birthday party. 17A: Oh, in that case. I have other advice for you. 18B: What's that? 19A: You reap what your sow. 20B: Thanks a lot. ... Hey what are you doing next month...? 21Learning a language is a lifelong process. To keep yourself from burning out, take baby steps. Learn a little every day, and soon your English will be fabulous! 22And that's all the time we have this Words and Their Stories! 23I'm Andrew Smith. 24Anna Matteo wrote this lesson for VOA Learning English. 25_______________________________________________ 26Words in This Story 27basic - adj. simple, not difficult 28chord - n. a group of three or more musical notes that are played or sung at the same time 29steady - adj. balanced and stable 30gait - n. another word for the way a person or animal walks 31boring - adj. not fun, exciting or interesting 32fabulous - adj. impressive or exciting 33We want to hear from you. Do you have a similar expressions in your language? In the Comments section, you can also practice using any of the expressions from the story. 34Our comment policy is here.