Do you like to laugh when you are feeling bad about something?

In today’s episode, learn a common English proverb or expression to show this.

Listen in as Lindsay and Michelle discuss complex English situations.

They also share additional idioms that you can use to express yourself better.

Laughter is The Best Medicine

Michelle asks Lindsay if she thinks that laughter is the best medicine.

Lindsay says yes and she adds that it just feels so good to laugh.

Michelle then asks a follow-up question about what the expression “laughter is the best medicine” means.

Lindsay then answers to not take the term literally and think that it means you have to eat a spoonful of laughter.

This reminded her of the cherry cough syrup that her mom used to make her drink when she had a cough.

She disliked the taste and would often hide her cough from her mom so she didn’t have to taste the awful syrup.

Michelle then continues to explain that the term “laughter is the best medicine” means laughing is good for you when you are feeling down.

Laughter can be thought of as good for you during a literal illness or when someone doesn’t feel physically or emotionally well.

Laughing can benefit people in many ways.

It can lower stress and improve your mood.

Lindsay adds that there may be a study out there that laughing can increase your happy hormones which help to improve your mood and how you feel.

Humor as Medicine

Here is a quick roleplay from Lindsay and Michelle showing the proper use of the expression “laughter is the best medicine.”

In this situation, Lindsay and Michelle are talking about cheering up their friend Paula after she failed a test.

Lindsay: Paula is so upset about failing her exam.

Michelle: Let’s take her to a comedy show tonight!

Lindsay: Yes! After all, laughter is the best medicine!

Michelle: True!

Lindsay loves the experience of comedy shows.

She does not often go to comedy bars but when she does she always enjoys it.

She just loves to listen and keep laughing.

Michelle mentions that humor is very important.

The expression today highlights how humor can act as a medicine to cure your bad mood.

She then shares other medicine related idioms that you can use to express yourself.

  • “A healthy dose of…”

Michelle says that this expression can be used maliciously or sarcastically. This is often used on an idea or something that is not physical. It is a bit tricky to explain this because it can be used in a cynical way and it can also be used in a genuine way.

Example:

“She needs a healthy dose of reality to know how to deal with things at work.”

“I got a healthy dose of attitude when I asked to change my appointment.”

  • “A taste of one’s own medicine…”

Lindsay and Michelle talked about this in episode AEE 1034: How to Employ the Mind of an Athlete for More English and Life Success.

You can listen to the episode and get more examples about this.

This expression means that someone needs a lesson or a reality check.

It’s mentioning that something can come back to you if you have done something wrong or if you have hurt someone.

Example:

“He’s always making fun of my fashion. I’m gonna give him a taste of his own medicine!”

Roleplay

Lindsay and Michelle do a roleplay using all the idioms and expressions mentioned in this episode for you to better understand it.

In this scenario, Lindsay and Michelle are friends.

They are hanging out and discussing their hangout plans.

Lindsay: Eh I’m kind of down that we couldn’t get into that restaurant.

Michelle: Oh don’t worry. Let’s watch something funny in the hotel room. Laughter is the best medicine.

Lindsay: Sounds good. Then we can try again. That receptionist gave me a healthy dose of realistic expectations. Apparently that place is so popular, it takes months to get a reservation!

Michelle: I know that’s so crazy. Well if they call us, let’s give ’em a taste of their own medicine and tell them WE can’t come!

Lindsay: Haha.

Lindsay and Michelle were able to use all of the expressions they’ve shared in this roleplay.

They explain that tone is also important to properly use these terms.

It can be tricky to deliver the right tone so you get the correct message across.

When Lindsay said “The receptionist gave me a healthy dose of realistic expectations,” she said it in a sarcastic way to convey the receptionist wasn’t nice to her when she called her for a reservation.

Takeaway

Lindsay and Michelle have shared so many useful expressions in this episode.

All these are very common terms used by native English speakers.

Don’t be fearful of complex conversational situations.

You can use these expressions to convey what you want to say or give a description of your own experience.

Be confident and try some of these idioms in your next conversation.

Another lesson from this episode is to not take yourself too seriously.

Humor is definitely the best medicine.

Life can be hard sometimes and taking time to have fun and loosen up once in a while can help you enjoy your experiences.

When was the last time you laughed so hard and you’re mood instantly got better?

Share it in the comments below. We’d love to hear about your stories.

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