[00:07.65]And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.
[00:18.07]Technology is always progressing. Today, many modern devices can be controlled by touch or voice.
[00:28.93]This has led to some traditional electronic controls - such as dials and switches - being replaced with new technologies.
[00:41.33]Digital displays have also become increasingly common.
[00:45.47]For example, digital number readouts have long replaced the hands on many clocks.
[00:53.37]Many other devices also now operate purely with digital tools instead of mechanical systems.
[01:03.68]But some expressions and idioms used by English speakers still describe older technologies.
[01:13.65]First, let's talk about dials.
[01:16.87]These controls are used for changing settings on a piece of equipment, like a radio or old television.
[01:25.41]We use the dial to tune in to a specific channel.
[01:30.24]That's where the expressions dialed in and tuned in come from.
[01:37.00]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.
[01:49.01]The same can be said when using these terms in personal conversations.
[01:55.15]For example, if you are dialed in to a project or problem, you know exactly what needs to be done.
[02:03.16]You are thinking clearly about it and remain very focused.
[02:09.54]And when you are tuned in, you understand clearly what is going on around you.
[02:16.81]"Don't touch that dial" and "stay tuned" are two ways to tell someone to keep watching or listening to a program.
[02:26.52]Now, let's talk about switches.
[02:30.14]These are built to either be off or on. There are no in-between settings like with a dial.
[02:38.23]So, when we flip the switch, we make something happen quickly and easily.
[02:45.75]It can also mean that we suddenly change something.
[02:50.68]Let's listen to an example.
[02:53.60]The restaurant's change to all organic food happened slowly over time.
[03:00.33]It wasn't a matter of flipping a switch.
[03:04.54]Now, for our last expression -- to move the needle.
[03:09.78]Needles on measuring devices like a scale move to show a desired level has been reached.
[03:18.46]So, when something moves the needle, it causes a noticeable change in something, usually for the good.
[03:27.96]And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories.
[03:32.77]Don't forget to tune in again for another story about American English expressions.
[03:39.37]Until next time, I'm Anna Matteo.
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Words in This Story
dial - n. a device that may be operated to make electrical connections or to regulate the operation of a machine
switch - n. a device for making, breaking, or changing the connections in an electrical circuit
replace - v. to take the place of, especially as a substitute
digital - adj. of, relating to, or using calculation directly with digits rather than through measurable physical quantities
display - n. an electronic device that gives information in visual form
tune in - phrasal verb to listen to or view a broadcast of
static - n. noise produced in a radio or television receiver by atmospheric or electrical disturbances
conversation - n. talking or a talk between two or more people
focus - v. to cause to be concentrated
flip - v. to move with a small quick motion
needle - 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
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