Hello.
I mentioned in my last blog that there was a death in the family. There were some issues that needed to be dealt with but now are mostly resolved. I got a few stories from my trip that I will be sharing in the next few blogs.
When we heard the news that my maternal grandfather had "passed on", my mother, father and myself made plans to travel to Winnipeg (1300+ kilometers away). We considered driving there, briefly. The trip is approximately 14 hours and with 2 diabetics (both my parents have type 2 diabetes) we decided that a long "road trip" was "out of the question". So we "winged it".
We stayed with my aunt and her family. So there were four of us in their house for three days. We actually had a very nice visit, excluding the funeral aspect. We haven't seen each other since my sister's wedding four years ago. It was nice to "reconnect". My aunt has two daughters, 16 and 19, and a large golden retriever. The house was busy but fun.
As for the funeral itself, it was a lovely ceremony. My grandfather had been "doing poorly" for a long time. It was a relief for all involved (my grandfather included I believe) that he died. His health , both physical and mental, was very bad at the end and no one believed that his quality of life was good.
We had a nice reunion and looked through old photos and papers. Reliving good times and bad and telling stories to each other was fun and educational. I hope everyone can have such a lovely ceremony to celebrate their life. My aunt prepared everything and I give her all the credit I can for burying her father is such a respectful and loving was. Everyone should have such a nice "send off".
1) to "pass on" - This is a phrasal verb that has two meanings. One meaning is to "refuse" or "say no to"something. "Did you pass on the whipped cream for your coffee beverage?"
The second meaning is relevant to my family situation. To "pass on" is to "die". There are many expressions we use in English to mean "die". Some are quite respectful: "pass on", "move on", leave this Earthly plane",and to be "lost" ("I'm sorry for your loss." or "When did you lose him?"). Some expressions are very casual and may be considered callous depending on whom you are talking to or about. These can include: "croak", "kick the bucket", "buy the farm", and "buy it". I would recommend never using the latter list no matter to whom you are talking. You never know how someone will react to your comments about their loved one's Passing" even when their own comments seem casual or flippant.
2) a "road trip" - Very simply, this is an extended car ride. It can actually be any length of time from a few hours to days or longer. "Did they have a good vacation?" "They had a great vacation. Their road trip took them all across the western half of the country."
3) "out of the question" - Another way to say this is "there is no possibility" or "absolutely not". In answer to your wife asking for you to increase your vacation time, you could respond that you asked your boss already and he told you that, "It is out of the question." This expression is very common and can be used anywhere, including at the workplace. But be careful that you really mean it when you say it. This is an absolute answer.
4) to "wing it" - Another phrasal verb with at least two definitions. The way it was used in the short story above, we "winged it" to Winnipeg, the meaning is we "took a plane" or we "flew". This is not an overly common expression anymore but you can use it without embarrassing yourself. "How are you getting to your business meeting in Chicago?" "I plan on winging it."
The other definition of to "wing it" is to do something without preparing for it in advance. "Are you studying for your exam tomorrow?" "No. I'm going to wing it. The exam only constitutes 20% so I am choosing to concentrate on my essay instead." Although this is an expression that can be used anywhere, you probably do not want to use it at work. At least not in front of your superior at the office because this expression suggests a lack of preparation and therefore a lack of interest. If your boss asks you if you are prepared for the sales meeting and you say that you are planning on "winging it", it is likely that your boss will lose confidence in you and you will not be in charge at the next meeting.
"Winging it" can also be used to describe a situation where you do not have an obvious showing of your preparedness. Maybe you have given the same presentation about the product you sell to numerous different groups. In the beginning, you may have gone to the presentations with a written script but after the twentieth time, you may decide to "wing it" by doing the presentation without note cards. Although you may look unprepared, this does not mean you are not capable of doing he job without the physical support of a written script.
5) to "reconnect" - To "reconnect" is to "connect again". If your internet goes down, you may need to reconnect to it by having your computer search for the wi-fi source. "Reconnecting" with family or old friends is a common way to explain how we get close to someone that we haven't seen or spent time with for a long time. "I went to my high school reunion last year. I had a good time because it gave me the opportunity to reconnect with my best friend when we were 16."
6) a proper "send off" - A "send off" or "send-off" is a way to celebrate someone leaving some place. "We gave Iker a great send off when he moved to Malta for his new job. We had a big party and everyone told him how much they would miss him." We can use it in many situations including a funeral ceremony. The ceremony and the time we spent remembering my grandfather was, in my opinion, a very nice send off.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Matchday #25 -FIFA World Cup 2010 - Championship Match
Sorry for the delay with this post. There was a death in my family.
The Reign of Spain
I told you they would win. I couldn't be more pleased and all my friends in Madrid are "over the moon". It wasn't the most exciting match but it certainly "picked up" after the introduction of Jesus Navas in the second half. It was like Spain got "a new lease on life" and they really "turned up the heat". Navas almost got a goal early on in his appearance on the pitch. The announcer made a fantastic comment that I have to share: "If Jesus Navas had scored, that would have made headlines of biblical proportions". I thought it was very funny.
Not that Netherlands played poorly. Not at all. They played well but with less energy than I had expected. Robben was definitely an exception. One great banner in the crowd read: "Who needs Batman when you have Robben?" They were also more physically aggressive than I anticipated. I've never seen so many players on one team get yellow cards. I think it 9 of the 11 on pitch were cautioned. It was a game "fraught" with tension and there was at least one bad call against the Netherlands. But overall I enjoyed it. I hope you did too. Now we wait for the Euro in Poland and Ukraine in 2012 and then on to Brazil in 2014.
1) reign, rain and rein - These are all pronounced exactly the same (homonyms or homophones). To "reign" is to "rule", like a king would reign over his subjects. To"rain" is the meteorological condition when water falls from the sky (not very technical but I think you understand). A "rein" is a leather strap that is used to control the direction of a horse. We use an expression "to rein in" something. It means to control something. Often we are referring to a person or their emotions. "He had to rein in his emotions when he met his mother's new boyfriend."
So the headline "The Reign of Spain" could be referring to the ruling of Spain over the world of football by their winning of the World Cup. There is also a commonly used tongue twister used for enunciation practice "The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain." Was the headline a play on words? Spain doesn't care.
2) to be "over the moon" - Not a very current expression but we all know what it means. It means to be extremely happy. This expression is a reference to a child's nursery rhyme that includes the line "the cow jumped over the moon". You can use this anytime someone is very happy about something. "She was over the moon when he asked her to marry him." In business you can say "I was over the moon when I got the promotion."
3) to "pick up" - This phrasal verb has a few meanings.
One is to physically take something up off the ground or up off any surface. "He picked the book up off the table."
Another definition has a sexual connotation. It is used when trying to describe one person trying to meet another person for a romantic encounter. "He picked her up at a bar last night." This usage can also be innocent depending on the context. "He picked her up from the mall." In this context, we mean that he went to the mall to give her a ride home in his car. This definition is the opposite of to "drop off". For example: "I dropped off my daughter at gymnastics an hour ago. I think it is time for me to go pick her up now."
But in the context of this football match, to "pick up" means to "enliven" or to "make more interesting". "The movie really picked up after the main character was shot." In business you could say, "The meeting picked up after Jerome brought in doughnuts and coffee."
4) to get "a new lease on life" - Someone gets a "new lease on life" when they start acting happier and full of more energy. It is as though they were near death and now they are appreciating life. This, of course, does actually happen to people who are given good news from doctors after they were expecting bad news. This expression is most commonly used figuratively. In business you could say, "Our new website has given our company a new lease on life." In this football match, the introduction of a new player was described as giving the spanish team a new lease on life.
5) fraught - Fraught has 2 definitions. An adjective that means "full of" something or it can mean "upset" or "worried". A common expression is to be "fraught with tension". Any stressful situation, like a meeting where your boss is supposed to tell you whether the company will be sold, can be considered a situation "fraught with tension". The other usage can be used to describe someone who is feeling stress. "She sounded fraught when I spoke to her last night. I hope her massage appointment will help." This second usage is not very common. I would sooner say that "she sounded stressed" or that "she sounds upset".
The next blogs will start with short stories and/or anecdotes that are not related to football. Although you have to expect that I will return to my favourite subject often. We will also soon be adding a podcast so you can hear pronunciations. If anyone has any suggestions for phrasal verbs or idioms they want explained, please email us. You can also go to our website and contact us through that: www.yourenglishconection.com
The Reign of Spain
I told you they would win. I couldn't be more pleased and all my friends in Madrid are "over the moon". It wasn't the most exciting match but it certainly "picked up" after the introduction of Jesus Navas in the second half. It was like Spain got "a new lease on life" and they really "turned up the heat". Navas almost got a goal early on in his appearance on the pitch. The announcer made a fantastic comment that I have to share: "If Jesus Navas had scored, that would have made headlines of biblical proportions". I thought it was very funny.
Not that Netherlands played poorly. Not at all. They played well but with less energy than I had expected. Robben was definitely an exception. One great banner in the crowd read: "Who needs Batman when you have Robben?" They were also more physically aggressive than I anticipated. I've never seen so many players on one team get yellow cards. I think it 9 of the 11 on pitch were cautioned. It was a game "fraught" with tension and there was at least one bad call against the Netherlands. But overall I enjoyed it. I hope you did too. Now we wait for the Euro in Poland and Ukraine in 2012 and then on to Brazil in 2014.
1) reign, rain and rein - These are all pronounced exactly the same (homonyms or homophones). To "reign" is to "rule", like a king would reign over his subjects. To"rain" is the meteorological condition when water falls from the sky (not very technical but I think you understand). A "rein" is a leather strap that is used to control the direction of a horse. We use an expression "to rein in" something. It means to control something. Often we are referring to a person or their emotions. "He had to rein in his emotions when he met his mother's new boyfriend."
So the headline "The Reign of Spain" could be referring to the ruling of Spain over the world of football by their winning of the World Cup. There is also a commonly used tongue twister used for enunciation practice "The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain." Was the headline a play on words? Spain doesn't care.
2) to be "over the moon" - Not a very current expression but we all know what it means. It means to be extremely happy. This expression is a reference to a child's nursery rhyme that includes the line "the cow jumped over the moon". You can use this anytime someone is very happy about something. "She was over the moon when he asked her to marry him." In business you can say "I was over the moon when I got the promotion."
3) to "pick up" - This phrasal verb has a few meanings.
One is to physically take something up off the ground or up off any surface. "He picked the book up off the table."
Another definition has a sexual connotation. It is used when trying to describe one person trying to meet another person for a romantic encounter. "He picked her up at a bar last night." This usage can also be innocent depending on the context. "He picked her up from the mall." In this context, we mean that he went to the mall to give her a ride home in his car. This definition is the opposite of to "drop off". For example: "I dropped off my daughter at gymnastics an hour ago. I think it is time for me to go pick her up now."
But in the context of this football match, to "pick up" means to "enliven" or to "make more interesting". "The movie really picked up after the main character was shot." In business you could say, "The meeting picked up after Jerome brought in doughnuts and coffee."
4) to get "a new lease on life" - Someone gets a "new lease on life" when they start acting happier and full of more energy. It is as though they were near death and now they are appreciating life. This, of course, does actually happen to people who are given good news from doctors after they were expecting bad news. This expression is most commonly used figuratively. In business you could say, "Our new website has given our company a new lease on life." In this football match, the introduction of a new player was described as giving the spanish team a new lease on life.
5) fraught - Fraught has 2 definitions. An adjective that means "full of" something or it can mean "upset" or "worried". A common expression is to be "fraught with tension". Any stressful situation, like a meeting where your boss is supposed to tell you whether the company will be sold, can be considered a situation "fraught with tension". The other usage can be used to describe someone who is feeling stress. "She sounded fraught when I spoke to her last night. I hope her massage appointment will help." This second usage is not very common. I would sooner say that "she sounded stressed" or that "she sounds upset".
The next blogs will start with short stories and/or anecdotes that are not related to football. Although you have to expect that I will return to my favourite subject often. We will also soon be adding a podcast so you can hear pronunciations. If anyone has any suggestions for phrasal verbs or idioms they want explained, please email us. You can also go to our website and contact us through that: www.yourenglishconection.com
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Matchday #24 -FIFA World Cup 2010 - Bronze Medal Match
What a "humdinger" of a match! It was high scoring. It was full of action. It was a great performance full of serious players trying to win a game.
It was not what we often see in these race-for-third-place games which is; a bunch of "sore losers" not "showing up" and giving a "lacklustre" performance. I saw a great game with players that wanted to prove themselves as the champions that they are. This game really "lived up to expectations". It was a game that was "easy on the eyes" and I hope that the game today - the fight for the FIFA World Cup - will be as exciting to watch.
1) "humdinger" - A "humdinger" is an informal noun used when you see something that is amazing or even unusually large. If you are walking along the street and see a 20 metre high statue of a football boot, you could easily describe it as a "humdinger of a statue". We can use this when we hear something surprising also. If you are in the management meeting and the CEO tells you all that he is leaving the company to pursue his interest in interpretive dance, you couls easily describe the meeting and/or the announcement as a "humdinger". Similarly used informal words include: a "doozy", a "whopper", a "dandy", or a "peach".
2) to be a "sore loser" - A "sore loser" is someone who is very unhappy at not being the winner. The competitors that remove their silver medals as soon as they are placed around their necks could be called "sore losers". We use this expression commonly anytime anyone does not accept defeat graciously and/or in the manner you consider gracious. Just because your brother-in-law gets up from the table doesn't mean that he is a "sore loser. However, if he throws the cards on the ground and starts to cry, we would be more comfortable calling him a "sore loser" or maybe we should check if he took his medication today.
3) to "show up" - This is one of the myriads of phrasal verbs in English. We use them all the time and you just have to memorize them and try using them in your conversation. To "show up" literally means to be present where you are expected. IF you are making plans with a friend to go to a movie together and the movie starts at 19:00 then you may ask your friend to ensure they "show up" 15 minutes early so you can secure good seats. Never "show up" at a meeting late, unless you like making your coworkers wait for you.
In the case of the football game, we use "show up" figuratively because there would be no game if no players were present. We are describing their mental abilities shown during the game. We mean that although their bodies are there, they seem distracted and uninterested in who will win the game. "I don't like to have Monday morning meetings too early because although there are people in the chairs, no one really shows up to work on Monday until 10 am."
4) something is "lacklustre" - "Lacklustre" (or "lackluster" if you are American) describes something that literally has no shine and figuratively is not exciting or "uninspired". Often we use "lacklustre" with the word performance as in, "That was a lacklustre performance. At halftime the coach should give a speech to help the players remember why they are here and hopefully they will play harder." In business you could describe a sales presentation as lacklustre.
5) something "lived up to expectations" - Another phrasal verb! To "live up to" something is to achieve the expected result. That is why we often use the phrase to "live up to expectations". A great match, like the bronze medal match, can "live up to expectations" (or "live up to the hype") like Uruguay against Germany did or they can do the opposite and "not live up to expectations" or be a "disappointment". In business you could say to your team, "I hope next months sales figures will live up to our expectations. We need a strong sales month."
6) something can be "easy on the eyes" - Anything that is "easy on the eyes" is beautiful. We use it to describe attractive people most often. To describe something like a football match as "easy on the eyes" is a true compliment to the players. I describe football as beautiful all the time. But using the phrase "easy on the eyes" is much more poetic. Perhaps I will try it.
Will we have a humdinger of a final today? Will the players show up and really live up to our expectations? I hope that both teams do their best but you know I am hoping that Spain wins. Go Spain!
It was not what we often see in these race-for-third-place games which is; a bunch of "sore losers" not "showing up" and giving a "lacklustre" performance. I saw a great game with players that wanted to prove themselves as the champions that they are. This game really "lived up to expectations". It was a game that was "easy on the eyes" and I hope that the game today - the fight for the FIFA World Cup - will be as exciting to watch.
1) "humdinger" - A "humdinger" is an informal noun used when you see something that is amazing or even unusually large. If you are walking along the street and see a 20 metre high statue of a football boot, you could easily describe it as a "humdinger of a statue". We can use this when we hear something surprising also. If you are in the management meeting and the CEO tells you all that he is leaving the company to pursue his interest in interpretive dance, you couls easily describe the meeting and/or the announcement as a "humdinger". Similarly used informal words include: a "doozy", a "whopper", a "dandy", or a "peach".
2) to be a "sore loser" - A "sore loser" is someone who is very unhappy at not being the winner. The competitors that remove their silver medals as soon as they are placed around their necks could be called "sore losers". We use this expression commonly anytime anyone does not accept defeat graciously and/or in the manner you consider gracious. Just because your brother-in-law gets up from the table doesn't mean that he is a "sore loser. However, if he throws the cards on the ground and starts to cry, we would be more comfortable calling him a "sore loser" or maybe we should check if he took his medication today.
3) to "show up" - This is one of the myriads of phrasal verbs in English. We use them all the time and you just have to memorize them and try using them in your conversation. To "show up" literally means to be present where you are expected. IF you are making plans with a friend to go to a movie together and the movie starts at 19:00 then you may ask your friend to ensure they "show up" 15 minutes early so you can secure good seats. Never "show up" at a meeting late, unless you like making your coworkers wait for you.
In the case of the football game, we use "show up" figuratively because there would be no game if no players were present. We are describing their mental abilities shown during the game. We mean that although their bodies are there, they seem distracted and uninterested in who will win the game. "I don't like to have Monday morning meetings too early because although there are people in the chairs, no one really shows up to work on Monday until 10 am."
4) something is "lacklustre" - "Lacklustre" (or "lackluster" if you are American) describes something that literally has no shine and figuratively is not exciting or "uninspired". Often we use "lacklustre" with the word performance as in, "That was a lacklustre performance. At halftime the coach should give a speech to help the players remember why they are here and hopefully they will play harder." In business you could describe a sales presentation as lacklustre.
5) something "lived up to expectations" - Another phrasal verb! To "live up to" something is to achieve the expected result. That is why we often use the phrase to "live up to expectations". A great match, like the bronze medal match, can "live up to expectations" (or "live up to the hype") like Uruguay against Germany did or they can do the opposite and "not live up to expectations" or be a "disappointment". In business you could say to your team, "I hope next months sales figures will live up to our expectations. We need a strong sales month."
6) something can be "easy on the eyes" - Anything that is "easy on the eyes" is beautiful. We use it to describe attractive people most often. To describe something like a football match as "easy on the eyes" is a true compliment to the players. I describe football as beautiful all the time. But using the phrase "easy on the eyes" is much more poetic. Perhaps I will try it.
Will we have a humdinger of a final today? Will the players show up and really live up to our expectations? I hope that both teams do their best but you know I am hoping that Spain wins. Go Spain!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Matchday #23 -FIFA World Cup 2010 - Leading By Example
Spain versus Germany. Even I didn't expect to see the game we saw.
I thought I knew the Spanish game pretty well but they surprised me with the "cat and mouse" tactics they used with Germany. Although there were one or two "hairy" moments, Spain "thwarted" the German attacks. Germany "were not themselves" for the entire game - it seemed to me. They didn't keep control of the possession as well as expected, especially during the second half, and when they did attack Spain's defense was effective and their keeper - Iker Casillas - was "on his game".
When I was living in Madrid, the 2008 FIFA European Cup was played. The advertising campaign for Spain was very simple - "Podemos" (We can.). The commercials showed different members of the team over and over just saying the same thing - "podemos". As the competition progressed and Spain continued to do well, the ads were more and more frequently seen. It somehow "rallied" a people (at least in Madrid) that had lost faith in their team. Every win and every ad increased belief in the team, for the Spanish citizens and the team members. You could see it on every face you passed. It was quite incredible to see such positive ideas in action. And, in the end, it worked. Spain did win the FIFA 2008 European Cup. Much to the amazement and glee of millions of Spanish.
Now, because of those events in 2008, does Spain have the advantage? Can they do it again? I hope they are saying in the streets, on television and in the papers - "Podemos".
1) "leading by example" - This expression was used to describe Lahm, the German captain, because of his consistency and good attitude during the game. Because he is the leader of the team (as the captain) and because he played well we say he is "leading by example". He is showing those he is leading - the other team members - how he wants them to proceed. We use this expression anywhere a leader is found including work situations. For example: "I really like that Maria is the head of this department. She doesn't just tell us what to do and then sit in her office. She works with us every day and if a project goes past schedule, she stays to work after hours with the rest of her team. She is an excellent team lead because she leads by example."
2) "cat and mouse" tactics - Usually, this refers to a competition between two opponents. It can be two companies negotiating terms for a sale, two teams playing a game, or even two governments trying to decide how to settle an armed disagreement. The term "cat and mouse" is very simply taken from how a cat would play with a mouse. The cat catches the mouse and then it lets the mouse go, not very far, and then it catches it again. Any large movement by the cat would allow the mouse a chance to get away. So any two sides that have opposite motives (the cat wants to eat or kill the mouse and the mouse wants to be free) can use "cat and mouse" strategies. One side will offer something, then the other side will offer something - a definite negotiation. Neither side will say or do anything too strong (like suggest the other company lower their asking price by 50%) because they want to continue playing (negotiating) and they want the other side to make the big move. It is a strategy of small moves and waiting. You want the other side to tell or show you exactly what they want so you can counter their request.
3) something is "hairy" - The football announcer described a few moments when the ball was almost kicked into goal as "some hairy moments" for the goalkeeper. It describes something that is dangerous, awkward or risky. This is a very informal expression and probably shouldn't be used in business unless you are very comfortable with your audience. "When the ladder fell backwards off the roof, we had a few hairy moments trying to get down."
4) to "thwart" - Other verbs meaning the same include: frustrate, foil, derail or prevent. We use "thwart" when we talk about trying to outwit (use your intelligence to beat someone) or overcome an opponent. "His attempts to get a date with the girl from the coffee house were thwarted when her boyfriend walked up to him and told him to stop." This term is fairly formal and can be used in business. For example: "Our company wanted to decrease the number of employees it has so it could save money on health benefit payments. But the union thwarted them by reminding management that employees were not allowed to work overtime. So the company had to find another way to try to save money."
5) to not "be yourself" - An expression used anytime someone is acting unusual or not normal. If your mother-in-law starts asking you about your sister and you know that she doesn't like your sister, then she is not acting like herself. If someone is ill or not concentrating well, we can say they are not themselves. "I was awake until 4 am because of the baby. I can't remember when my meeting is and I can't seem to focus. I am really not myself today." "After you get some sleep, you will be back to being yourself again."
6) to be "on your game" - Obviously, this expression refers to sporting activities but we can use it anywhere. To be "on their game" someone has to be doing a good job or performing very well. If your sister is in marketing and she plans a really popular ad campaign, then you can say "she was on her game" when she thought up that idea. The opposite of this expression is also common. Perhaps the best salesman in your office just lost a big account. You could say that "he was not on his game" or "he was off his game" when he lost that account.
7) to "rally" - This word can be a verb or a noun. As a verb it has more than one meaning (Hooray for the simple language of English!). The meaning used in the above example is to "join forces" or to "get together" a group of people. The Spanish people were "rallied" in 2008 by positive results from their football team in the 2008 FIFA European Cup and by ads that ran throughout Spain. The people were brought together to believe that winning was possible. We usually use "rally" when things have not been positive but are starting to get better because people worked together or start thinking the same way. For example: "After months of looking for work, I was tired and had started to lose hope. But I rallied myself and when I walked into my interview, I was positive I would get the job." "The sales team was having a bad month. But the team leader got everyone together for a mid-week meeting and gave them an uplifting speech full of positive support. This really rallied the sales team and the following month the sales figures exceeded all expectations."
Enjoy the race for third place. Can Uruguay rally or will Germany dominate?
I thought I knew the Spanish game pretty well but they surprised me with the "cat and mouse" tactics they used with Germany. Although there were one or two "hairy" moments, Spain "thwarted" the German attacks. Germany "were not themselves" for the entire game - it seemed to me. They didn't keep control of the possession as well as expected, especially during the second half, and when they did attack Spain's defense was effective and their keeper - Iker Casillas - was "on his game".
When I was living in Madrid, the 2008 FIFA European Cup was played. The advertising campaign for Spain was very simple - "Podemos" (We can.). The commercials showed different members of the team over and over just saying the same thing - "podemos". As the competition progressed and Spain continued to do well, the ads were more and more frequently seen. It somehow "rallied" a people (at least in Madrid) that had lost faith in their team. Every win and every ad increased belief in the team, for the Spanish citizens and the team members. You could see it on every face you passed. It was quite incredible to see such positive ideas in action. And, in the end, it worked. Spain did win the FIFA 2008 European Cup. Much to the amazement and glee of millions of Spanish.
Now, because of those events in 2008, does Spain have the advantage? Can they do it again? I hope they are saying in the streets, on television and in the papers - "Podemos".
1) "leading by example" - This expression was used to describe Lahm, the German captain, because of his consistency and good attitude during the game. Because he is the leader of the team (as the captain) and because he played well we say he is "leading by example". He is showing those he is leading - the other team members - how he wants them to proceed. We use this expression anywhere a leader is found including work situations. For example: "I really like that Maria is the head of this department. She doesn't just tell us what to do and then sit in her office. She works with us every day and if a project goes past schedule, she stays to work after hours with the rest of her team. She is an excellent team lead because she leads by example."
2) "cat and mouse" tactics - Usually, this refers to a competition between two opponents. It can be two companies negotiating terms for a sale, two teams playing a game, or even two governments trying to decide how to settle an armed disagreement. The term "cat and mouse" is very simply taken from how a cat would play with a mouse. The cat catches the mouse and then it lets the mouse go, not very far, and then it catches it again. Any large movement by the cat would allow the mouse a chance to get away. So any two sides that have opposite motives (the cat wants to eat or kill the mouse and the mouse wants to be free) can use "cat and mouse" strategies. One side will offer something, then the other side will offer something - a definite negotiation. Neither side will say or do anything too strong (like suggest the other company lower their asking price by 50%) because they want to continue playing (negotiating) and they want the other side to make the big move. It is a strategy of small moves and waiting. You want the other side to tell or show you exactly what they want so you can counter their request.
3) something is "hairy" - The football announcer described a few moments when the ball was almost kicked into goal as "some hairy moments" for the goalkeeper. It describes something that is dangerous, awkward or risky. This is a very informal expression and probably shouldn't be used in business unless you are very comfortable with your audience. "When the ladder fell backwards off the roof, we had a few hairy moments trying to get down."
4) to "thwart" - Other verbs meaning the same include: frustrate, foil, derail or prevent. We use "thwart" when we talk about trying to outwit (use your intelligence to beat someone) or overcome an opponent. "His attempts to get a date with the girl from the coffee house were thwarted when her boyfriend walked up to him and told him to stop." This term is fairly formal and can be used in business. For example: "Our company wanted to decrease the number of employees it has so it could save money on health benefit payments. But the union thwarted them by reminding management that employees were not allowed to work overtime. So the company had to find another way to try to save money."
5) to not "be yourself" - An expression used anytime someone is acting unusual or not normal. If your mother-in-law starts asking you about your sister and you know that she doesn't like your sister, then she is not acting like herself. If someone is ill or not concentrating well, we can say they are not themselves. "I was awake until 4 am because of the baby. I can't remember when my meeting is and I can't seem to focus. I am really not myself today." "After you get some sleep, you will be back to being yourself again."
6) to be "on your game" - Obviously, this expression refers to sporting activities but we can use it anywhere. To be "on their game" someone has to be doing a good job or performing very well. If your sister is in marketing and she plans a really popular ad campaign, then you can say "she was on her game" when she thought up that idea. The opposite of this expression is also common. Perhaps the best salesman in your office just lost a big account. You could say that "he was not on his game" or "he was off his game" when he lost that account.
7) to "rally" - This word can be a verb or a noun. As a verb it has more than one meaning (Hooray for the simple language of English!). The meaning used in the above example is to "join forces" or to "get together" a group of people. The Spanish people were "rallied" in 2008 by positive results from their football team in the 2008 FIFA European Cup and by ads that ran throughout Spain. The people were brought together to believe that winning was possible. We usually use "rally" when things have not been positive but are starting to get better because people worked together or start thinking the same way. For example: "After months of looking for work, I was tired and had started to lose hope. But I rallied myself and when I walked into my interview, I was positive I would get the job." "The sales team was having a bad month. But the team leader got everyone together for a mid-week meeting and gave them an uplifting speech full of positive support. This really rallied the sales team and the following month the sales figures exceeded all expectations."
Enjoy the race for third place. Can Uruguay rally or will Germany dominate?
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Matchday #22 -FIFA World Cup 2010 - Heading For Soccer City
Do you miss the days of the Group Stage when you could watch 3 or 4 games per day? Part of me does. But because "the stakes are higher" during the quarter, semi-final and final games doesn't that make them more thrilling to watch? I think so.
It's a little sad that Uruguay "lost heart"in the last portion of the second half because they really could have given Netherlands a "run for their money". As it was, the Netherlands seemed like they could "walk away with" the win because Uruguay looked "dead and buried". The last minutes proved that Uruguay still had "a little something in the tank" but their belief in themselves and shots on goal were "too little, too late".
1) to be "heading for" something - In football, we use the head to move and hit the ball. A shot on goal using the head is termed a "header". But this expression means that the person or group is moving towards a target. To be "heading for" something is to be looking at and/or moving in the direction of something. For example: "Where are you heading for your vacation this year?" "We are going to Paris." This expression is very general and can be used in business too. "Where is this company headed?" or "Where do you see yourself heading in this department?" Essentially we are asking for the direction expected or planned to be taken. A company could be heading for the Fortune 500 list or for bankruptcy depending on the sales figures.
2) "the stakes are high" - This reference is to gambling, like in poker, when the level of the bet ($5 or $50000) is high. The "stakes are high" when the level or degree of risk is high. In football, the stakes are higher at the quarter finals than at the group stages because only one result affects whether you get to stay in the competition or not. In business, day trading stocks is a much "higher stakes game" than working at a coffee house. The more you can lose, the higher the stakes.
3) to "lose heart" - This should have gone in our last blog regarding "heart" expressions. To "lose heart" is to give up or lose hope. Doctors don't want you to "lose heart" when you get a negative test result because there is still a strong chance that medicine can help you. We don't talk much about losing heart in business because it is a negative expression and we try to avoid these. Maybe you are watching a movie and the dog hero is trying to fight a bear and it looks like the dog is going to lose so you call out to the movie screen "Don't lose heart fighting dog! You can win." and all the people around you cheer. Or maybe you get removed from the theatre for talking too loud.
4) to "give someone a run for their money" and "walk away with" - To "give someone a run for their money" is to give them a good fight and/or strong competition. This expression is related to gambling again. This time we are referring to horse racing. Although you want your horse to win, you want to see a strong competition with the other horses. If your horse wins in a good fight between them and the other horses then the horse gave you a good run for your money. "I got the promotion at work. But my colleagues gave me a good run for my money." This means the competition was good.
The opposite is to let someone "walk away with" the competition. If your child comes home and tells you that they won their softball game by 22 to 1, you could say "Your team walked away with that game." The Netherlands scored two more goals than Uruguay and looked like they would have scored more easily because Uruguay wasn't trying as hard. The Netherlands almost "walked away with" the game. But...
5) to have "a little something left in the tank" - We are referring to a gas tank on a vehicle. If you have a "little something left in your tank" then you have another idea or a little more energy so you can continue on. We use this expression anytime someone looks like they are failing or at the end of their abilities but then they surprise us with another attempt to win or continue. Uruguay looked "dead and buried" (over, finished, without recourse) but then they started to really try again proving they had "a little something left in the tank".
6) "too little, too late" - Unfortunately, Uruguay's attempts to win in the last moments were "too little, too late". Anytime an effort comes at a time when no real positive influence can be made it is "too little, too late". For example: "After three years at my company, the boss finally offered me a 5% raise. I quit and told her that her offer was too little, too late." or "It was too little, too late when my friends offered to help me pack the day after I had moved."
Spain or Germany? Choose your favourite and good luck to your team. I know my choice.
It's a little sad that Uruguay "lost heart"in the last portion of the second half because they really could have given Netherlands a "run for their money". As it was, the Netherlands seemed like they could "walk away with" the win because Uruguay looked "dead and buried". The last minutes proved that Uruguay still had "a little something in the tank" but their belief in themselves and shots on goal were "too little, too late".
1) to be "heading for" something - In football, we use the head to move and hit the ball. A shot on goal using the head is termed a "header". But this expression means that the person or group is moving towards a target. To be "heading for" something is to be looking at and/or moving in the direction of something. For example: "Where are you heading for your vacation this year?" "We are going to Paris." This expression is very general and can be used in business too. "Where is this company headed?" or "Where do you see yourself heading in this department?" Essentially we are asking for the direction expected or planned to be taken. A company could be heading for the Fortune 500 list or for bankruptcy depending on the sales figures.
2) "the stakes are high" - This reference is to gambling, like in poker, when the level of the bet ($5 or $50000) is high. The "stakes are high" when the level or degree of risk is high. In football, the stakes are higher at the quarter finals than at the group stages because only one result affects whether you get to stay in the competition or not. In business, day trading stocks is a much "higher stakes game" than working at a coffee house. The more you can lose, the higher the stakes.
3) to "lose heart" - This should have gone in our last blog regarding "heart" expressions. To "lose heart" is to give up or lose hope. Doctors don't want you to "lose heart" when you get a negative test result because there is still a strong chance that medicine can help you. We don't talk much about losing heart in business because it is a negative expression and we try to avoid these. Maybe you are watching a movie and the dog hero is trying to fight a bear and it looks like the dog is going to lose so you call out to the movie screen "Don't lose heart fighting dog! You can win." and all the people around you cheer. Or maybe you get removed from the theatre for talking too loud.
4) to "give someone a run for their money" and "walk away with" - To "give someone a run for their money" is to give them a good fight and/or strong competition. This expression is related to gambling again. This time we are referring to horse racing. Although you want your horse to win, you want to see a strong competition with the other horses. If your horse wins in a good fight between them and the other horses then the horse gave you a good run for your money. "I got the promotion at work. But my colleagues gave me a good run for my money." This means the competition was good.
The opposite is to let someone "walk away with" the competition. If your child comes home and tells you that they won their softball game by 22 to 1, you could say "Your team walked away with that game." The Netherlands scored two more goals than Uruguay and looked like they would have scored more easily because Uruguay wasn't trying as hard. The Netherlands almost "walked away with" the game. But...
5) to have "a little something left in the tank" - We are referring to a gas tank on a vehicle. If you have a "little something left in your tank" then you have another idea or a little more energy so you can continue on. We use this expression anytime someone looks like they are failing or at the end of their abilities but then they surprise us with another attempt to win or continue. Uruguay looked "dead and buried" (over, finished, without recourse) but then they started to really try again proving they had "a little something left in the tank".
6) "too little, too late" - Unfortunately, Uruguay's attempts to win in the last moments were "too little, too late". Anytime an effort comes at a time when no real positive influence can be made it is "too little, too late". For example: "After three years at my company, the boss finally offered me a 5% raise. I quit and told her that her offer was too little, too late." or "It was too little, too late when my friends offered to help me pack the day after I had moved."
Spain or Germany? Choose your favourite and good luck to your team. I know my choice.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Matchday #21 -FIFA World Cup 2010 - Their Hearts Weren't In It
This blog is the day after Matchday 21 because I couldn't watch the second match until today. I saw the first game live but the second game I had to tape. I was on the side of a new house putting up siding. Hooray for physical labour!
So, were their hearts in it? I am talking about Argentina, of course. What happened? It was like they didn't even try. Germany was almost unstoppable, but almost isn't certain. Argentina was a huge disappointment for me because although they were there (on the pitch and at the game) in body (physically there), they were not there in spirit. It was like they didn't want to win. Their hearts weren't in it.
Let's hope that Spain brings their bodies and hearts to their game against Germany in the semi-final. Paraguay was a strong opponent for Spain and they could easily have won that game. I like Spain but I thought Paraguay should have won. If Spain plays like they did yesterday when they meet Germany, it will not be a good game. I am, however, hoping for the best. A strong game between two powerful contenders.
Today we are listing expressions used by football announcers that include the word "heart".
1) "African hearts are broken." - To have a "broken heart" is a common expression in many languages. Anything that makes you very sad can "break your heart" or be "heartbreaking". We often talk about romance with this expression but, in this case, we are talking about love of country. When Ghana lost their quarter-final game against Uruguay, the commentator said, "African hearts are broken". No statement could be more fitting. When your team misses a penalty kick that could have seen you on to the semi-finals, it is "heartbreaking".
2) a "heart-stopping" moment OR their "hearts were in their mouths" OR it "gave their hearts a flutter" - These are used any time something happens to cause extreme anticipation. We also say someone's heart "missed a beat" ("Missing a beat" is the same as "fluttering the heart" as both refer to abnormal heart function due to fear.) or their "breath was taken away". We use these expressions anytime something suspenseful is about to be resolved. The moment before the movie killer takes off their mask is a "heart-stopping" moment. The moment before your girlfriend says "yes" to your offer of marriage can also be a "heart-stopping" moment. My "heart was in my mouth" while I waited for the doctor to tell me my test results.
3) "at the heart of" the defense... - Here the announcer is talking about the football team's defensive players. The "heart of" the defense here is one or two of the strong players that the defense is "built around". This is similar to talking about a "foundation", "core" or "basis". You can use this kind of expression anywhere you want to describe a focus around which something or someone else is functioning. Often the kitchen is considered "the heart of" the house. The "heart of " your sales team may be your top two sales people. The heart of the company can be the best manager that works there.
To "get at the heart of something" is to try to find the main idea ("We need to get at the heart of this problem.") or the core of a person's problems ("Can you tell me what is at the heart of your insomnia?").
4) "This is not a time for faint hearts." - There is a quote commonly used and referred to :"Faint heart never won fair maiden." as attributed to Miguel Cervantes. The quote is generally suggesting that a man who wants to win the heart (receive the affection from) a fair maiden (a pretty lady) must be brave (not of faint heart). A "faint heart" refers to someone who is timid and easily faints (loses consciousness temporarily - like some people when they see blood) when the pressure is high and/or danger is present. The football announcer here was describing how the players must behave during the penalty shootout. A player is tired and mentally exhausted after having played for 120 minutes but he must gather his mind and inner strength to perform his best under the extreme pressure of the penalty kicks.
Bring on the FIFA World Cup 2010 Semi-Final matches!
So, were their hearts in it? I am talking about Argentina, of course. What happened? It was like they didn't even try. Germany was almost unstoppable, but almost isn't certain. Argentina was a huge disappointment for me because although they were there (on the pitch and at the game) in body (physically there), they were not there in spirit. It was like they didn't want to win. Their hearts weren't in it.
Let's hope that Spain brings their bodies and hearts to their game against Germany in the semi-final. Paraguay was a strong opponent for Spain and they could easily have won that game. I like Spain but I thought Paraguay should have won. If Spain plays like they did yesterday when they meet Germany, it will not be a good game. I am, however, hoping for the best. A strong game between two powerful contenders.
Today we are listing expressions used by football announcers that include the word "heart".
1) "African hearts are broken." - To have a "broken heart" is a common expression in many languages. Anything that makes you very sad can "break your heart" or be "heartbreaking". We often talk about romance with this expression but, in this case, we are talking about love of country. When Ghana lost their quarter-final game against Uruguay, the commentator said, "African hearts are broken". No statement could be more fitting. When your team misses a penalty kick that could have seen you on to the semi-finals, it is "heartbreaking".
2) a "heart-stopping" moment OR their "hearts were in their mouths" OR it "gave their hearts a flutter" - These are used any time something happens to cause extreme anticipation. We also say someone's heart "missed a beat" ("Missing a beat" is the same as "fluttering the heart" as both refer to abnormal heart function due to fear.) or their "breath was taken away". We use these expressions anytime something suspenseful is about to be resolved. The moment before the movie killer takes off their mask is a "heart-stopping" moment. The moment before your girlfriend says "yes" to your offer of marriage can also be a "heart-stopping" moment. My "heart was in my mouth" while I waited for the doctor to tell me my test results.
3) "at the heart of" the defense... - Here the announcer is talking about the football team's defensive players. The "heart of" the defense here is one or two of the strong players that the defense is "built around". This is similar to talking about a "foundation", "core" or "basis". You can use this kind of expression anywhere you want to describe a focus around which something or someone else is functioning. Often the kitchen is considered "the heart of" the house. The "heart of " your sales team may be your top two sales people. The heart of the company can be the best manager that works there.
To "get at the heart of something" is to try to find the main idea ("We need to get at the heart of this problem.") or the core of a person's problems ("Can you tell me what is at the heart of your insomnia?").
4) "This is not a time for faint hearts." - There is a quote commonly used and referred to :"Faint heart never won fair maiden." as attributed to Miguel Cervantes. The quote is generally suggesting that a man who wants to win the heart (receive the affection from) a fair maiden (a pretty lady) must be brave (not of faint heart). A "faint heart" refers to someone who is timid and easily faints (loses consciousness temporarily - like some people when they see blood) when the pressure is high and/or danger is present. The football announcer here was describing how the players must behave during the penalty shootout. A player is tired and mentally exhausted after having played for 120 minutes but he must gather his mind and inner strength to perform his best under the extreme pressure of the penalty kicks.
Bring on the FIFA World Cup 2010 Semi-Final matches!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Matchday #20 -FIFA World Cup 2010 - Are you Repeating Yourself?
The first day of the quarterfinals! Lots of action and a few questionable situations. Not bad overall for a day of football.
We're going to jump right in with our list of English selections today. We've picked grouping of expressions that mean the same things. All have been taken from games since the beginning of the Cup.
1) He is "giving chase". = He took off in "hot pursuit". - Both these phrases mean to chase someone. Chasing someone is running after them. A child that is running away from Mommy with her wallet, will soon be chased by Mommy. A criminal that is trying to get away from police will be chased. The phrase "hot pursuit" is commonly used to describe police chasing criminals. Urgency is definitely suggested when you use the phrase "hot pursuit".
2) The "door has been slammed shut". = They've "put the final nail in the coffin". - These both mean that whatever you are talking about is finished. In football, these expressions are used when there is no possibility that the losing team can recover. We use these expressions any time something is nearly over. When you are just waiting for the last moments of the meeting, movie or game to happen but you know the ending. When the boss comes into the meeting and tells everyone that there will be no bonuses this year, the door has been slammed shut in the face of the salespeople wanting to prove their positive effect on the company.
3) "a whisker away from" ="a hair's breadth away" - These both mean to be extremely close to something. In football, you could use either expression to describe an shot at goal that almost was a score or when a player has a yellow card already and has just committed another foul and he is now a "whisker away form" being red carded. You can use these expressions anywhere something is almost complete. Positively, in a business meeting, you could tell your client that their firm is "a hair's breadth away" from reaching their goal of one million customers served. You could use these expressions in a negative way like a warning to someone. For example: "You are a whisker away from being fired. You have to work harder."
Let's see who gets into the semifinals next. Enjoy tomorrow's games!
We're going to jump right in with our list of English selections today. We've picked grouping of expressions that mean the same things. All have been taken from games since the beginning of the Cup.
1) He is "giving chase". = He took off in "hot pursuit". - Both these phrases mean to chase someone. Chasing someone is running after them. A child that is running away from Mommy with her wallet, will soon be chased by Mommy. A criminal that is trying to get away from police will be chased. The phrase "hot pursuit" is commonly used to describe police chasing criminals. Urgency is definitely suggested when you use the phrase "hot pursuit".
2) The "door has been slammed shut". = They've "put the final nail in the coffin". - These both mean that whatever you are talking about is finished. In football, these expressions are used when there is no possibility that the losing team can recover. We use these expressions any time something is nearly over. When you are just waiting for the last moments of the meeting, movie or game to happen but you know the ending. When the boss comes into the meeting and tells everyone that there will be no bonuses this year, the door has been slammed shut in the face of the salespeople wanting to prove their positive effect on the company.
3) "a whisker away from" ="a hair's breadth away" - These both mean to be extremely close to something. In football, you could use either expression to describe an shot at goal that almost was a score or when a player has a yellow card already and has just committed another foul and he is now a "whisker away form" being red carded. You can use these expressions anywhere something is almost complete. Positively, in a business meeting, you could tell your client that their firm is "a hair's breadth away" from reaching their goal of one million customers served. You could use these expressions in a negative way like a warning to someone. For example: "You are a whisker away from being fired. You have to work harder."
Let's see who gets into the semifinals next. Enjoy tomorrow's games!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)