The Importance of Being ‘Dialed In’

And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.

Technology is always progressing. Today, many modern devices can be controlled by touch or voice. This has led to some traditional electronic controls – such as dials and switches – being replaced with new technologies.

Digital displays have also become increasingly common. For example, digital number readouts have long replaced the hands on many clocks.

Many other devices also now operate purely with digital tools instead of mechanical systems.

But some expressions and idioms used by English speakers still describe older technologies.

First, let’s talk about dials. These controls are used for changing settings on a piece of equipment, like a radio or old television. We use the dial to tune in to a specific channel.

That’s where the expressions dialed in and tuned in come from. If we are dialed in or tuned in to a radio or television program, we can hear it clearly. There is no noise or static.

The same can be said when using these terms in personal conversations. For example, if you are dialed in to a project or problem, you know exactly what needs to be done. You are thinking clearly about it and remain very focused.

And when you are tuned in, you understand clearly what is going on around you.

“Don’t touch that dial” and “stay tuned” are two ways to tell someone to keep watching or listening to a program.

These are built to either be off or on. There are no in-between settings like with a dial. So, when we flip the switch, we make something happen quickly and easily. It can also mean that we suddenly change something.

The restaurant’s change to all organic food happened slowly over time. It wasn’t a matter of flipping a switch.

Now, for our last expression -- to move the needle.

Needles on measuring devices like a scale move to show a desired level has been reached. So, when something moves the needle, it causes a noticeable change in something, usually for the good.

And that’s all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories. Don't forget to tune in again for another story about American English expressions.

Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English.

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dial – n. a device that may be operated to make electrical connections or to regulate the operation of a machine

switch – n. a device for making, breaking, or changing the connections in an electrical circuit

replace – v. to take the place of, especially as a substitute

digital – adj. of, relating to, or using calculation directly with digits rather than through measurable physical quantities

display – n. an electronic device that gives information in visual form

tune in – phrasal verb to listen to or view a broadcast of

static – n. noise produced in a radio or television receiver by atmospheric or electrical disturbances

conversation – n. talking or a talk between two or more people

flip – v. to move with a small quick motion

needle – n. a slender pointer on a dial : a slender bar of magnetized steel that is free to turn (as in a compass) to show the direction of a magnetic field