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Learn more English in a Minute
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Introduction
You know what the verb 'leave' means – it's when you get out of a place or move away from something. But did you know there are some English phrases with the word 'leave'? Learn some of them here with Phil and practise using the quiz.
Phrases with 'leave'
leave (someone) be
let someone continue with something on their own
- Sorry, but I want to read my book – can you just leave me be?
leave (someone) in the lurch
leave someone in a difficult situation, unexpectedly and without help
- Graham has pretended to be ill and left me in the lurch with this presentation.
leave a bad taste
create a negative or unhappy feeling
- The date was going well until he was really rude to the waiter, which left a bad taste.
leave a lot to be desired
do not perform to a good enough standard
- You've been late to every lesson this week – your behaviour leaves a lot to be desired.
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Download a free transcript!
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TRANSCRIPT
Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript.
Phil
Where are you going? Don't leave! We're going to learn four phrases with 'leave'.
If you let someone just get on with something on their own, you leave them be.
I'll do it better without your help – just leave me be!
You leave someone in the lurch if you've promised to do something for someone, you don't do it, and it causes a problem.
You were supposed to bring the cakes. You haven't and you've left me in the lurch.
Now, if someone does let you down like that, it can leave a bad taste, which means it creates a bad feeling between you.
When you know someone's lying, it really leaves a bad taste.
Now, if something or someone is just not good enough, we can say that it or they leave a lot to be desired.
We're letting you go, I'm afraid. Your performance leaves a lot to be desired.
Don't leave me in the lurch – practise these phrases now!
Next
Learn more idiomatic language in The English We Speak.
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