On this program we explain the origin and usage of common phrases and expressions in American English . Popular culture has a strong influence on language . The expressions that come from movies and television shows can be especially powerful . When we use expressions that come from a movie or television experience shared by others , it can create a feeling of closeness with them . If someone says a line from one of your favorite movies , it is kind of like you both belong to the same club . Some of these pop culture expressions have become so common that you might not even know the shows they come from . But you can still use them ! English has many phrases that have found their way into common usage . Today we talk about a water-based phrase and useful adjectives that relate to it . If I say to you , just keep swimming , I am quoting a fish -- a really famous fish . In the movie Finding Nemo , Dory is a friendly , helpful , optimistic fish . She becomes friends with Marlin , a clown fish who has just lost his only son . Dory offers to help Marlin find Nemo . (Actually she does not take “no ” for an answer .) The search is very difficult . Along the way , they face bloodthirsty , confused vegetarian sharks ; bloodthirsty , but very clear-headed pelicans and dentists ! Every time Marlin feels like giving up Dory says to him , “Just keep swimming . Just keep swimming .” With these words , Dory is telling her friend that he should not give up . He should keep looking for his son . At some point , we all face a difficult situation . We may feel frightened , sad or just overwhelmed . And we may want to give up . But then a friend says , “Just keep swimming ,” and it gives us the hope we need to reach our goal – to finish strong . The expression may come from a children's film , but its meaning is not childish . And even if someone has not seen the film Finding Nemo , they most likely will know what you mean when you say it . If you keep swimming you will not drown . Another expression , to keep your head above water , expresses a similar message . Take action to survive , even if that is all you can do . English has some great adjectives to describe people and things that do not give up . One is resilient . Resilient people do not give up in the face of adversity . "Resilient " can refer to things , also . For example , a tree that keeps growing even after lightning strikes it , could be called a resilient tree . Another adjective to describe someone who will not give up is indefatigable . Now , it does have six syllables . So , you may need to practice saying it . I know I did . Just remember that the stress is on the third syllable : in-de-FA-ti-ga-ble . So , would I say “just keep swimming ” in a very serious situation or to a very serious co-worker who I don't know well ? But we do have other words of encouragement . You can say “Hang in there !” “You can do it !” or “Don't give up !” When we use expressions or phrases from movies or television shows , it is a way of sharing culture with another .