Getting your point across B1
When you really need someone to get what you mean, plain and clear.
Making things crystal clear
spell out C1 — explain something very clearly and in detailA: I'm still not sure what you want me to do with this data.
B: Okay, let me spell it out for you: you need to organise it by date, then create a summary for each month.
in a nutshell C1 — briefly summarisingA: Why did you decide to move abroad?
B: Well, there were lots of reasons, but in a nutshell, I wanted a fresh start.
point out — draw attention to informationA: Did you see the new schedule?
B: No, thanks for pointing it out!
Going over it again
run over B2 — repeat or explain quicklyA: I'm not sure I got everything.
B: No problem, I'll run over the instructions again.
leave out — omitA: Did you write down everyone's name?
B: Oh no, I think I left out Sarah by mistake.
main point — most important pointA: I got a bit lost during the meeting. What was the main point?
B: Basically, we need to finish the project by next week.
More everyday phrasesB1 · everyday
fully understand — completely understandA: Do you fully understand what the doctor said?
B: Yes, she explained everything clearly.
make a suggestion — suggestA: We're not making much progress on this project.
B: Can I make a suggestion? Let's divide the tasks and work in pairs.
Briefing the new starter
Dan: Sorry, can you just run over that last bit again? You lost me.
Priya: Course. In a nutshell, you log your hours here and I sign them off on Friday.
Dan: And do I put my lunch breaks in, or do I leave those out?
Priya: Good question. Leave them out — that's the main thing people get wrong.
Reading the instructions
Lena: I've read it three times and I'm still none the wiser, honestly.
Tom: They don't exactly spell it out, do they? Let me point out the bit that matters.
Lena: Go on then, what's the main point?
Tom: In a nutshell — you can't take it back once it's been opened. That's it.