It's Not the End of the World

Each week on this program, we explain expressions often used in American English. We give you lots of examples. This way, you can learn how to use the expressions when you speak English. Today we talk about a very serious thing: the end of the world. In both popular culture and religious works, the end of the world is sometimes called the apocalypse or Armageddon. You do not need me to tell you that the end of the world is a bad thing. It is also not likely to happen during our lifetime. (fingers crossed) As an expression, we use “the end of the world” to be dramatic, to overstate, or to sell rock-n-roll songs. Now, let's listen to these two people using the term “the end of the world.” Now, this expression is not all bad. In fact, we often use it in the negative form. When you want to say that things are not so bad, you can say “it's not the end of the world.” In other words, whatever the situation is, it could be much worse. Here is an example: Our football team was hoping to finish in first place. But it won't be the end of the world if we don't. I will be disappointed if we cancel our trip to Spain this year. But it won't be the end of the world. There is always next year! A rainy wedding day is not the end of the world. People will have fun no matter what the weather does! Losing your job does not have to be the end of the world. You will find another one! If your English studies are coming along slowly, do not worry. It is not the end of the world!