🇬🇧 Oh dear meaning: English Vocabulary Flash Card

“Oh dear” is a little phrase we say when something goes wrong, someone is upset, or something surprising and not-so-good happens. It’s a gentle way to show worry, disappointment, or sympathy. You might say “oh dear” if you spill your drink, if your friend feels sad, or if you see a funny little disaster, like a cake falling on the floor. It doesn’t mean anything by itself; it just shows how you feel about what just happened.

Oh dear, I watered the plant so much it’s basically taking swimming lessons.

I tried to look cool on my bike and, oh dear, I rang the bell, screamed, and fell into a bush of daisies.

Oh dear, I opened my lunchbox upside down and created a sandwich avalanche.

Oh dear, Dad tried to dance and the dog ran to protect us from his “moves.”

Oh dear, I told the class I love math, and my brain immediately forgot how to add 2 + 2.

Little boy has a red ice cream. It falls. "oh dear," he says. His dog licks it. "oh dear," says mum, but she smiles. The dog runs and knocks a cup. "oh dear," says dad. Water and ice on the floor. "oh dear," says the boy. Mum gives a towel and a hug. "oh dear," they laugh.

This word is at the A2 level, which means it’s useful for simple, everyday situations. You might use it when shopping, traveling, or talking about your hobbies. Words at this level help you build confidence in practical, routine conversations.

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