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Picking things up B1

How a tricky topic finally clicks and you start to feel like you're getting somewhere.

Understanding and absorbing

take in — understand or absorbA: Did you see the new art exhibition?
B: Yes, there was so much to take in—I loved the colors and details.

pick up — learn casuallyA: How did you learn to cook so well?
B: I just picked it up from watching my grandmother.

Getting better at it

make progress — improveA: How's your English coming along?
B: I'm making good progress, thanks! I can understand much more now.

It finally clicked

Nina: How are you finding the Spanish? Is it sinking in?

Will: Slowly! I'm starting to take it in now, weirdly.

Nina: You'll pick it up faster once you're out there using it.

Will: That's the plan. I reckon I'm finally making progress.

Self-taught

Carl: Where did you learn to edit videos? You never did a course.

Beth: Just picked it up off YouTube, to be honest.

Carl: Did you not struggle to take in all the technical stuff?

Beth: A bit at first, but you make progress quicker than you'd think.

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