Introduction
Use this expression to add drama and suspense to what you’re saying. Learn how in this programme.
Transcript
Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain expressions used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them, too! I’m Feifei, and I’m joined by Georgie. How’s it going?
Georgie
Well Feifei, I’ve spent the year studying for a Spanish exam. The exam was last month, and I’ve got the results in my hands right now! Shall I open them?
Feifei
Yes! Go on. It’s the moment of truth. How did you do?
Georgie
I passed!
Feifei
Yay!
Georgie
Yay! Now, ‘the moment of truth’ is the phrase we’re learning in this programme. Now, how is truth related to my Spanish results, Feifei?
Feifei
Well, the phrase ‘the moment of truth’ means the moment when everything becomes clear and the truth is revealed. It’s when you finally see the results after a process.
Georgie
Yeah, so the grades I have here in my hand are the result of a year of studying Spanish. Now, ‘the moment of truth’ can be used in many different contexts, not just exam results. Another example is that recently we’ve been brainstorming some ideas for a new project at work, and soon we’re going to present them to our boss to see if he likes any of them. That will be the moment of truth.
Feifei
Well, hopefully that goes well for you! Let’s listen to more examples.
Examples
I’ve experimented with a new cake recipe and I’m not sure what it’s going to be like, but it’s about to come out of the oven. This is the moment of truth.
It’s the moment of truth. This penalty shot will decide who will win the football match.
It’s the moment of truth. I have dyed my hair and I’m about to dry it, so let’s see what it looks like.
Feifei
So, ‘the moment of truth’ is quite dramatic, isn’t it?
Georgie
Yes, it is! We use it to add drama and suspense when the truth is revealed. It has this sense that now is the time we have all been waiting for. Everyone is wondering, ‘Ooh, what’s going to happen?’ It’s the moment of truth.
Feifei
OK. Let’s recap. We learnt ‘the moment of truth’, which is the moment that the results of something are revealed after a period of waiting.
Georgie
Join us again next time. Bye!
Feifei
Bye!