New: VOA words and their stories in one book

Here you find a collection of VOA words and their stories in one book.

The biggest audiobooks collection ever: 700 Free Audio Books: Download Great Books for Free

Download hundreds of free audio books, mostly classics, to your MP3 player or computer. Below, you’ll find great works of fiction, poetry and non-fiction, by such authors as Twain, Tolstoy, Hemingway, Orwell, Vonnegut, Nietzsche, Austen, Shakespeare, Asimov, HG Wells & more. Also please see our related collection:800 Free eBooks for iPad, Kindle & Other Devices.

In English, Wolves Are Not to Be Trusted

Hello and welcome to Words and Their Stories from VOA Learning English.

On this program we explore the history and usage of common expressions in American English.

Wolves are important animals in the traditions and stories of most Native American tribes. To Native Americans, wolves often represent bravery. The animals also are signs of strength, loyalty, and success at hunting.

Other cultures — such as the ancient Celtic and Nordic peoples – also placed high value on wolves.

Are You a “Big Wheel” or a “Fifth Wheel”?

Now, the weekly program Words and Their Stories from VOA Learning English.

On this program, we explore the history and usage of common expressions in American English.

Today we explore expressions using the word “wheel.”

The first wheels, it is believed, were not used for transportation. They were created to serve as potter’s wheels around 3500 B.C. in Mesopotamia.

Sometimes You Have to ‘Bite the Bullet’

Now, the weekly program Words and Their Stories from VOA Learning English.

On this program, we explore the history and usage of common expressions in American English. We also give you examples of how we use these expressions in everyday conversation.

Today we explore expressions using the word “bullet.”