to leave (someone) to (one’s) own devices

Welcome to English as a Second Language Podcast number 1,167 – Birth Order and Sibling Rivalries.

This is English as a Second Language Podcast episode 1,167. I’m your host, Dr. Jeff McQuillan, coming to you from the Center for Educational Development in beautiful Los Angeles, California.

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This episode is a dialogue between Nancy and Yasmani about what order you were born in your family – what number you were among your brothers and sisters – and if that’s really important. Let’s get started.

Nancy: Isn’t this a great time of year? Families get together over the holidays.

Yasmani: Maybe it’s nice for some families, but I dread my family get-togethers.

Nancy: How come?

Yasmani: I have a big family and there has always been a lot of sibling rivalry.

Nancy: I’m