Phrases
couldn't give a monkey's | 11th Feb 2005 |
Prince Charles and Camila are to marry. A man who asked some comments about this marriage said 'I couldn't give a monkey's.' It means he is not interested at all. This is an exapmle of slang. Slang is a horrible thing in a conversation with native speakers. It may sound funny but absolutely no idea... | |
e.g.) What do you think about the marriage between Charles and Camila? I couldn't give a monkey's. | |
![]() |
|
the wrong way round | 10th Feb 2005 |
It means 'opposite'. I guess, it seems strange things to do that people say three words instead of one but this is a great difference between Latin and Chinese. Japanese had a huge influence from Chinese and we are in fact using Chinese characters. These letters have lots of meanings by one because they are assembly of several parts which have some meanings respectively. Speaking reflects the culture as well. Just one sound could mean a lot. However, Latin languages of course including English are based on image, movement and such sort of visual factors so many words indicate some ambiguous idea. The characteristics can be seen in this example. | |
e.g.) I totally disagree with that. You are just the wrong way round! | |
![]() |
|
come out | 27th Jan 2005 |
This is a very good example about how native speakers talk in English with only basic words. You can immidiately notice that this is one of the phrasal verbs used at any occasion having various meanings. Perhaps you can imagine, this word stand for a movement from shadow to public or from unknown to known, so a new book comes out, the sun comes out, the truth came out, people come out for drink or specifically a photo comes out and things like this. If you are able to use this phrase in a conversation unconsciously, you must be a real English speaker. | |
e.g.) Finally, the results came out after we had set the samples three months ago. | |
![]() |
|
keep a tight rein on | 5th Jan 2005 |
'Rein' has the same pronunciation as 'rain' and it means a strap to control a horse. Then, you may imagine easily that this phrase means to control something. In Japanese, we have almost the same phrase and such sort of common metaphor can often be found. So I think, it is possible to say something you never know in English by translating Japanese phrases. This attempt really works. Language is not math or physics so you can create an expression which definetely makes sense. Even though there is not common phrase in English, words become to have a meaning as you speak. In my opinion, we don't have to be limited by educated English. | |
e.g.) The government keeps a tight rein on the monetary system. | |
![]() |
|
stick to | 22nd Dec 2004 |
If you start something new, such as diary, diet, etc, somebody gives up before long but others may be able to carry on doing. If you successfully keep doing, you stick to it. This phrase can be used when you set a limitation and do not change it. | |
e.g.) You have to brush your teeth everyday. Can you stick to it? | |
![]() |
|
have a lot on your plate | 14th Dec 2004 |
Recently, I want to make much progress in English metaphor. My supervisor talked to me and said, 'You may be able to ask her, but she has a lot on her plate anyway.' I don't understand it, so he explained it means, she is really busy having lots of things to do. If you're told so, it is quite comprehensive. It is said that English is visual language. They describe 'busy' by using an image that a lot of things on a plate. I don't think we have to learn each phrases all the time, but I believe we could find the meaning instinctively. That is one of my goals in learning English. | |
e.g.) She has a lot on her plate, so she may not be able to join this meeting. | |
![]() |
|
figure out | 30th Nov 2004 |
In other words, 'sort out'. These phrases mean to solve. When you find an answer to a problem, you can use them. In the sense of grammer, their objects are movable. Basically, you can say both 'figure sth out' and 'figure out sth'. However, naturally a long object comes after the phrase and a short one comes before the preposition. Furthermore, there's the ultimate rule that all pronoun have to be before the preposition. This rule can apply in general. | |
e.g.) Everyone knows this project will be hard to complete, but I have a confidense to figure it out before the deadline. | |
![]() |
|
no big deal | 19th Nov 2004 |
When you give a favor to the others and they say 'Thank you', you have several ways to answer it. The most well-know phrase is 'You're welcome'. But it sounds a bit formal. I think 'No problem' and 'That's all right' are common phrases. Then, in some situations, you may use 'No big deal' though I'm not sure exactly what the impact is. For another, 'My pleasure' is a really polite way to say. | |
e.g.) 'Thanks for everything' 'No big deal !' | |
![]() |
|
due to | 29th Oct 2004 |
You may notice that this phrase is often used at a station and an airport when they announce delays. In that case, it means 'because of'. For another, it can show a possession of a debt and a right. It's also used as 'expected to' like a example blow. | |
e.g.) He is due to speak at the beginning of the party. | |
![]() |
|
in terms of | 25th Oct 2004 |
This phrase can help you a lot with your English conversation, because it makes it possible for you to add more information to describe precisely. In a real talking, you may not have enough time to think about what you should say next and be obliged to start speaking without adequate plan. For instance, you say 'I'd like to test these samples...' but you don't mention what kind of test you want, and you can say 'in terms of strength' to make your point clear. What's better is you can control your speaking as looking their reaction simultaneously. | |
e.g.) I'd like to test these samples in terms of strength. | |
![]() |
|
as for | 28th Sep 2004 |
I've often faced some problems when I prepared fairly long writings. One of the problems is conjunction. You have to be careful about conjunction if you try to translate just exaclty from your own language. There're some diffrences about the usage of conjunction among languages. 'As for' is a helpful and common conjunction when you want to change subjects or introduce a new topic. | |
e.g.) The prime minister made a good decision on the economy. As for the welfare service, he failed to reach a consensus. | |
![]() |
|
having said that | 28th Sep 2004 |
This is an useful expression if you want to show a contrast between two things in a conversation. It works almost as the same way as 'on the contrary', but it sounds natural. | |
e.g.) I love music, but having said that, I'm unable to play any instruments. |
Copyright(c) 2004 MIU All Rights Reserved.