Self-Study · Comedy

Brooklyn Nine-Nine — Self-Study

Watch the heist episode on your own and pause where indicated. No teacher needed — just you, the video, and a few real expressions to catch along the way.

📍 Solo Track B1–B2 ~20 min

Watch

The Episode

📺

Brooklyn Nine-Nine — The Heist

Opens on YouTube in a new tab

▶ Watch on YouTube

This is the exact same episode used in the teacher-led lesson — this version is just built for you to work through alone.

1. Open the video above in a new tab.
2. Watch normally until you reach the timestamps below — then pause.
3. Listen to the line a couple of times, write the expression you hear, and guess its meaning before checking.
4. Keep watching after each pause. At the end, answer the comprehension questions in your own words.

Section 1

Catch the Expression

Pause at each timestamp below
⏸ ~02:30

While explaining how Terry was tricked into running all over the precinct for nothing, someone uses a 3-word idiom for a long, pointless chase.

"wild goose chase" — a long, often pointless search or pursuit that leads nowhere.
⏸ ~05:00

Right after a sneaky photo-taking trick is revealed, someone jokingly asks if they ruined the other person's plans. Listen for a 3-word idiom meaning "to ruin a plan."

"throw a wrench into (something)" — to cause a problem that ruins or disrupts someone's plan.
⏸ ~05:45

When someone claims they're just enjoying a soda, the other person isn't convinced. Listen for a 3-word idiom meaning "I don't believe that."

"I don't buy it" — I don't believe that; that explanation doesn't convince me.
⏸ ~07:30

During a race up the stairs, one character taunts another about their speed. Listen for a 3-word phrasal expression meaning "to match someone's pace."

"keep up with (someone)" — to move or progress at the same speed as someone else.
⏸ ~08:15

While explaining the trick that fooled everyone, the explainer brags about being impossible to surprise. Listen for a 4-word idiom meaning "always anticipating what comes next."

"one step ahead" — anticipating someone else's actions and acting before they do; always ahead in a competition.
⏸ ~17:00

During a heartfelt farewell moment, an unwanted comment from a side character gets quickly shut down. Listen for a 3-word idiom telling someone to notice the mood before speaking.

"read the room" — to pay attention to the mood or context of a situation before saying or doing something.

Section 2

Your Own Notes

Anything else new you heard?

Did you hear any other new word or expression while watching? Write it down with your own definition.

Section 3

Comprehension Check

Answer in your own words
1
What is the annual tradition the detectives compete in every year?
2
How does Jake figure out where the real object was hidden?
3
What unexpected announcement does Jake make near the end of the heist?
4
Who ends up winning the game, and how?
5
What was your favorite trick or moment in the episode, and why?

✅ Finished? Bring your notes and answers to your next class — your teacher can go over anything you weren't sure about.