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[How to Express Strong Emotions in English: The Power of 'It Gets Me Every Time']-[AEE 2255: It Gets Me Every Time! How to Say What Makes You Emotional in English]

All Ears English Podcast · B1 · 2024-08-20

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📋 Summary

Expressing Deep Emotions: The Power of "It Gets Me Every Time"

In the latest episode of the All-Ears English podcast, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into a highly effective, natural English expression for building personal connections: "It gets me every time." This phrase is a powerful tool for sharing moments of intense emotion—whether it be sentimentality, joy, or laughter—and learning more about the people you are talking to.

Understanding the Expression

At its core, the phrase "something gets me every time" describes a moment or stimulus that triggers a consistent, strong reaction. As the hosts explain, it is commonly used to describe scenarios where you feel moved to tears, overwhelmed by joy, or simply deeply affected by a specific piece of media or a life event.

Lindsay highlights that while the phrase can be used for various emotions, it is most frequently associated with sentimentality. For example, she discusses how watching the movie Father of the Bride affects her differently at different stages of her life—from watching it as a child to viewing it as a parent. The scene where the father and daughter talk about growing up "gets her every time" because she can now identify with the parents' perspective.

Beyond Sadness: Versatility in Usage

While the expression is often linked to "waterworks" (crying), it is remarkably versatile. Michelle shares a lighthearted example of her dog, Kiefer, who "frolics" and plays with other dogs. Watching this display of pure joy "gets her every time," proving that the phrase isn't reserved exclusively for sorrowful or heavy moments; it applies to any strong, recurring emotional response.

Key variations discussed include:

  • "It always gets me": A direct synonym used to indicate a repeated, powerful reaction.
  • "It always makes me [emotion]": A more specific alternative (e.g., "It always makes me laugh") if the speaker wants to clarify the exact feeling being evoked.

Building Connections Through Vulnerability

One of the most significant insights from the episode is how this phrase serves as a "huge connection expression." By sharing what moves you—whether it is a specific song, a scene from a movie like Good Will Hunting, or a wedding tradition—you reveal your values and personality to others.

Lindsay and Michelle note that discussing these emotional triggers acts as a bridge. When you share that a particular song or film "gets you every time," you invite the listener to share their own experiences. This vulnerability creates a bond, as it helps people see that they are on the "same plane" regarding their values and life perspectives. As the hosts point out, this is far more than just small talk; it is a way to get closer to someone by exploring the human response to art, music, and life's momentous occasions.

Practical Tips for Learners

To use this phrase effectively in conversation, the hosts emphasize the importance of the full delivery. Simply saying "it gets me" can sometimes be ambiguous, as it might be confused with the idiom "he gets me" (meaning he understands me). Adding "every time" or "always" clarifies that you are referring to a repeated emotional reaction. Furthermore, using this expression is a great way to practice "connection, not perfection," as it encourages natural, conversational English that helps you share your authentic self with the world.

🎯Key Sentences

1
It gets me every time.
2
That is worthy of a plus.
3
Is there something in your life that always makes you feel a strong emotion?
4
I think I didn't think of, I remember, because I watch it in different stages of life.
5
And so in general, for me, it's a coming of age issue because I'm not good with.
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📝Key Phrases

1
It gets me every time
2
Feeling stuck
3
Create bonds
4
Coming of age
5
Full circle
Expand All

📖 Transcript

This is an All-Ears English Podcast episode 2255.
It gets me every time. How to say what makes you emotional in English.
Welcome to the All-Ears English Podcast, downloaded more than 200 million times.
Are you feeling stuck with your English?
We'll show you how to become fearless and fluent by focusing on connection, not perfection.
With your American hosts, Lindsay McMahon, the English adventurer, and Michelle Kaplan, the New York Radio Girl.

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