Get your tongue around/round something
phrase
To be able to pronounce a word or phrase that is difficult or foreign.
I'm taking Spanish classes, but I still can't get my tongue around the rolled 'r' sound.
Often appears as...
- can't get my tongue around
- struggling to get my tongue around
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To understand, comprehend or express a complex idea or concept.
I just can't get my tongue around all these equations, they're too complicated.
Often appears as...
- can't get my tongue around
- trying to get my tongue around
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be able to pronounce a word or phrase that is difficult or foreign.
I'm taking Spanish classes, but I still can't get my tongue around the rolled 'r' sound.
Often appears as...
- can't get my tongue around
- struggling to get my tongue around
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To understand, comprehend or express a complex idea or concept.
I just can't get my tongue around all these equations, they're too complicated.
Often appears as...
- can't get my tongue around
- trying to get my tongue around
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Master Pronunciation
Listen to native speakers and mimic the way they form sounds to improve difficult pronunciations.
Listen to how she says 'paella' to get your tongue around the Spanish 'll' sound.
Pro Tip 2/3Repeat Out Loud
Practicing words out loud helps you memorize and physically adjust to new sounds.
Repeat 'croissant' until you can get your tongue around the French pronunciation.
Pro Tip 3/3Use Context Clues
Understanding a word's usage in a sentence can help figure out how to say it.
Seeing 'hors d'oeuvre' in a menu context may help you get your tongue around it.
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