The Importance of Being 'Dialed In'
2025-02-23
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1And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.
2Technology is always progressing. Today, many modern devices can be controlled by touch or voice.
3This has led to some traditional electronic controls - such as dials and switches - being replaced with new technologies.
4Digital displays have also become increasingly common.
5For example, digital number readouts have long replaced the hands on many clocks.
6Many other devices also now operate purely with digital tools instead of mechanical systems.
7But some expressions and idioms used by English speakers still describe older technologies.
8First, let's talk about dials.
9These controls are used for changing settings on a piece of equipment, like a radio or old television.
10We use the dial to tune in to a specific channel.
11That's where the expressions dialed in and tuned in come from.
12If we are dialed in or tuned in to a radio or television program, we can hear it clearly. There is no noise or static.
13The same can be said when using these terms in personal conversations.
14For example, if you are dialed in to a project or problem, you know exactly what needs to be done.
15You are thinking clearly about it and remain very focused.
16And when you are tuned in, you understand clearly what is going on around you.
17"Don't touch that dial" and "stay tuned" are two ways to tell someone to keep watching or listening to a program.
18Now, let's talk about switches.
19These are built to either be off or on. There are no in-between settings like with a dial.
20So, when we flip the switch, we make something happen quickly and easily.
21It can also mean that we suddenly change something.
22Let's listen to an example.
23The restaurant's change to all organic food happened slowly over time.
24It wasn't a matter of flipping a switch.
25Now, for our last expression -- to move the needle.
26Needles on measuring devices like a scale move to show a desired level has been reached.
27So, when something moves the needle, it causes a noticeable change in something, usually for the good.
28And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories.
29Don't forget to tune in again for another story about American English expressions.
30Until next time, I'm Anna Matteo.
1And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English. 2Technology is always progressing. Today, many modern devices can be controlled by touch or voice. This has led to some traditional electronic controls - such as dials and switches - being replaced with new technologies. 3Digital displays have also become increasingly common. For example, digital number readouts have long replaced the hands on many clocks. 4Many other devices also now operate purely with digital tools instead of mechanical systems. 5But some expressions and idioms used by English speakers still describe older technologies. 6First, let's talk about dials. These controls are used for changing settings on a piece of equipment, like a radio or old television. We use the dial to tune in to a specific channel. 7That's where the expressions dialed in and tuned in come from. If we are dialed in or tuned in to a radio or television program, we can hear it clearly. There is no noise or static. 8The same can be said when using these terms in personal conversations. For example, if you are dialed in to a project or problem, you know exactly what needs to be done. You are thinking clearly about it and remain very focused. 9And when you are tuned in, you understand clearly what is going on around you. 10"Don't touch that dial" and "stay tuned" are two ways to tell someone to keep watching or listening to a program. 11Now, let's talk about switches. 12These are built to either be off or on. There are no in-between settings like with a dial. So, when we flip the switch, we make something happen quickly and easily. It can also mean that we suddenly change something. 13Let's listen to an example. 14The restaurant's change to all organic food happened slowly over time. It wasn't a matter of flipping a switch. 15Now, for our last expression -- to move the needle. 16Needles on measuring devices like a scale move to show a desired level has been reached. So, when something moves the needle, it causes a noticeable change in something, usually for the good. 17And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories. Don't forget to tune in again for another story about American English expressions. 18Until next time, I'm Anna Matteo. 19Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English. 20_______________________________________________________ 21Words in This Story 22dial - n. a device that may be operated to make electrical connections or to regulate the operation of a machine 23switch - n. a device for making, breaking, or changing the connections in an electrical circuit 24replace - v. to take the place of, especially as a substitute 25digital - adj. of, relating to, or using calculation directly with digits rather than through measurable physical quantities 26display - n. an electronic device that gives information in visual form 27tune in - phrasal verb to listen to or view a broadcast of 28static - n. noise produced in a radio or television receiver by atmospheric or electrical disturbances 29conversation - n. talking or a talk between two or more people 30focus - v. to cause to be concentrated 31flip - v. to move with a small quick motion 32needle - n. a slender pointer on a dial : a slender bar of magnetized steel that is free to turn (as in a compass) to show the direction of a magnetic field 33scale - n. a device for weighing