[00:08.07]And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.
[00:18.59]In American English, we use many expressions to describe when two people have a lot of similarities or are very close.
[00:31.59]Here are some examples.
[00:33.51]If we say two people are joined at the hip, they are nearly always together.
[00:41.18]If we describe individuals as thick as thieves, it means they are very close.
[00:48.96]People considered two peas in a pod have many things in common.
[00:55.32]And we use the term kindred spirits to describe people who often share the same opinions and interests.
[01:04.98]These expressions can represent people who grew closer for different reasons.
[01:12.19]Maybe they complemented each other well in certain ways.
[01:17.75]Or maybe their situations brought them together for the purpose of completing something important or meaningful.
[01:28.00]But today we are going to discuss a very special kind of relationship - one that involves two people who are romantically involved and very successful.
[01:42.17]People in such relationships can be described as power couples.
[01:48.97]There are many examples of famous power couples, including successful movie stars, musicians and others in the performing arts.
[02:01.62]But power couples can exist in many other industries and communities, as well.
[02:10.00]And, the two people do not have to work in the same industry.
[02:16.38]If they do, however, that can make them even more powerful.
[02:21.62]For example, a well-known architect who builds homes could be partnered with a famous designer who decorates them.
[02:32.11]Or, one person in a power couple may be a music producer, while the other is a famous singer.
[02:41.30]Even though power couples involve highly successful people, one person could describe their partner as their better half.
[02:52.89]This is a way to compliment their "other half" in the relationship.
[02:58.56]For example, one might say during a meeting with a friend, "Hello! How are you? And more importantly, how is your better half?"
[03:08.65]Now, let's hear two friends use some of these expressions.
[03:13.37]A: Hey, I'm not used to seeing you alone. Where's your sidekick?
[03:19.82]B: Huh? Who are you talking about?
[03:23.61]A: Ben. You guys have been joined at the hip for weeks. Looks like you're thick as thieves.
[03:30.52]B: Well, the project is pretty important for the company. So, we're putting in a lot of hours.
[03:37.65]A: Are you becoming kindred spirits from working so much together?
[03:42.22]B: No. It's just keeping us both very busy.
[03:46.52]A: Busy trying to become the new power couple in the office?
[03:50.46]B: What are you talking about?? We're not thick as thieves or kindred spirits, and we're definitely not a power couple.
[04:02.22]We are just working hard on the same project!
[04:07.11]And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories. Until next time, I'm Anna Matteo.
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Words in This Story
complement -n. something that fills up, completes, or makes better or perfect : -v. to complete or enhance by providing something additional
romantically -adv. done in a way that relates or is associated with love : romantic -adv. of, relating to, or associated with love
architect -n. a person who designs buildings and advises in their construction
decorate -v. to make more attractive by adding something that is beautiful or becoming
compliment -n. an expression of respect, affection, or admiration : -v. to make an expression of respect, affection, or admiration
sidekick -n. a person closely associated with another as a subordinate or partner
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