Daily English Pod

Name it to tame it

Jale Qaraqan

Gmail address: https:/jaleqaraqan@gmail.com

For checking the transcript: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2379282

Name it to tame it

means when we label an emotion, we take away some of its power over us.

Examples:

1- Instead of saying “I’m upset,” try “I’m disappointed.” Naming it helps you see what really hurts — and name it to tame it.
2- When she said “I’m anxious,” it felt heavy. But when she realized she was simply uncertain, she could breathe again.

Hello and welcome to Daily English, It’s Sunday and  we explore ideas that help us grow — in English and in life. Today’s concept is something quietly powerful: Emotional Granularity.

What It Means Most of us say we feel good, bad, or stressed. But our emotions are rarely that simple.
Psychologists use the term Emotional Granularity to describe the ability to recognize and name our feelings precisely — not just “angry,” but frustrated, disappointed, or hurt.

When we give emotions clear names, they become easier to understand — and easier to manage.
 It’s like learning new shades of color. The more words we have, the more clearly we see what’s going on inside.

That’s why learning language can also expand emotional awareness.
 Every new word isn’t just vocabulary — it’s another way to understand ourselves and others.

Expression of the Day: Name It to Tame It. The saying “name it to tame it” means when we label an emotion, we take away some of its power over us.

Examples:

  1. Instead of saying “I’m upset,” try “I’m disappointed.” Naming it helps you see what really hurts — and name it to tame it.


  2. When she said “I’m anxious,” it felt heavy. But when she realized she was simply uncertain, she could breathe again.


  3. The next time you feel off, pause and find the right word. You’ll see — when you name it, you tame it.


Question for You: What’s one emotion you often feel but struggle to describe? Can you find a word for it — in English or in your own language?

When emotions feel heavy, pause and name what you’re feeling — not just sad, but tired, lonely, or disappointed. Once you name it, you can decide what you need — maybe rest, a walk, or a kind word. That’s how awareness becomes action — and small awareness leads to calm.