14 Everyday English Phrases from 'The Smashing Machine'

Learn 14 useful English phrases from the movie “The Smashing Machine”! This lesson teaches you real conversational English that native speakers use every day.

Key Words and Phrases

• “jet-lagged.” This means feeling super tired after a long flight because of time changes. In the movie, the doctor says to Mark, “You must be a little jet-lagged.” Poor guy just flew from Japan! Example: “After my trip to London, I was so jet-lagged I slept all day.”

• “pay out of pocket.” It means using your own money, no insurance or help. Mark tells the receptionist, “I’ll just pay out of pocket.” He’s like, forget the hassle! Use it like: “I had to pay out of pocket for my new phone because I dropped it.”

• “skim milk.” That’s milk with the fat taken out – lighter and healthier. Mark asks Dawn, “You used the skim milk, right?” Smoothie drama in the kitchen! Say: “I always drink skim milk in my coffee to stay fit.”

• “belly rub.” Gently rubbing an animal’s tummy to make them happy. Dawn says about the cat, “She just wants a belly rub.” Aww, furry love! Like: “My dog rolls over for a belly rub every evening.”

• “destroyed the couch.” Means ruined or damaged something badly. Mark complains, “She’s destroyed the couch.” That cat’s a little destroyer! Example: “The kids destroyed the couch with their jumping games.”

• “too much.” More than what’s comfortable or needed. In a stretching scene, Dawn asks Mark, “Too much?” Ouch, but funny! Use it: “There’s too much sugar in this coffee, it’s too sweet!”

• “brain freeze.” That sharp head pain from cold food too fast. Someone teases, “Brain freeze?” Ice cream attacks! Say: “Eating ice cream quickly gives me brain freeze every time.”

• “give me a break.” Like, stop bothering me or give me some space. In an argument, it’s “Give me a break.” Life’s tough, huh? Example: “Give me a break – I just woke up!”

• “out of the blue.” Suddenly, with no warning. Dawn says, “Out of the blue?” Surprises everywhere! Like: “My friend called out of the blue after years.”

• “life-changing.” Something that flips your world in a big way. Mark’s friend talks about “life-changing amount of money.” Dreams and dollars! Use: “Winning the lottery would be life-changing.”

• “All about you.” When everything focuses on one person – selfish vibes. In a fight, “It’s all about you.” Oof, relationships! Example: “Stop making it all about you – think of others.”

• “Inside job.” A problem from within yourself, not outside. Mark says, “That’s an inside job.” Deep thoughts on feelings. Like: “Fixing my bad mood is an inside job.”

• “Pack a bag.” Put stuff in a bag to leave quickly. “Pack a bag,” in a tense moment. Goodbye drama! Say: “Pack a bag – we’re going on a surprise trip!”

• “Banged up.” A bit hurt or bruised. Mark admits, “I’m a little banged up.” Fighter life! Example: “After the game, my knee was banged up.”

Listening Practice

Full scenes for listening practice are available on my BuyMeACoffee page: Extended lesson with FULL SCENES for listening practice