Using them also helps the non-native speaker sound more native (if this is the goal).Properly using
and understanding idioms is a high level language skill achieved well after a person masters
grammar and vocabulary. One favorite categories and perhaps spoken frequently in the workplace is sports
idioms. But for most people from another country, these expressions can be very confusing. Understanding
this can help you to communicate better with your international colleagues and friends.Copyright (c) 2009
Lynda StuckyModifying a foreign accent with the goal of becoming more understandable in another country
takes a lot of hard work. Americans use idioms and expressions on a daily basis
in nearly every conversation. Just Google "Categories of Idioms" and you'll find a lot to
choose from. Even native English speakers may be unclear about the exact meanings of tn requin less
frequently used expressions like "horses for courses" (suitable for one person but not another) or
"tale of the tape" (used when measuring things.Are you sensitive to the idiomatic speech you
use with people in the office? Do you consider the possibility that your listener may
not understand? You could "keep them in the loop" by explaining their meaning when used,
especially if you notice blank stares.Do you need to brush up on your use of
idiomatic speech? There is a wonderful book called How to Play the Game: American English
Sports & Games Idioms by Jean Henry. It comes natural to us and we don't
even think twice about using them. If you need assistance mastering American English we can
help. There are many categories of idioms from expressions using animals, food, and nike tn men and
women among many more. Look them up on the internet so you understand their meaning
and then try them outon family, friends and colleagues! Idioms are colorful and make English
more interesting and exciting. Being familiar with these sports idioms and many others can increase
your understanding significantly and help you take your English to a new level! You can
also look for them in newspapers especially in the business sections. The listener may know
nothing about the sport from which the idiom comes and may not be able to
understand it in a business context.Consider the following sentences:- Do you think we can strike
a deal with this company or is it out of our league?- This is a
no-win situation with Jerry. He'd like to call all the shots but I don't think
he's playing with a full deck.- Can you give me the game plan and run
the numbers? I only need ballpark figures now but once we're in the home stretch,
I'll need the precise numbers.- Give me a blow by blow description of what occurred.
We just might be below par on this activity.We are less likely to say, "You
have a reasonable possibility for success" than "You have a fighting chance." Or, people don't
"do something seriously wrong," they "drop the ball." If English is a person's second language,
the meaning of these examples will be lost on them. If you're a native English
speaker from the U.S., you probably understand most of these figures of speech even if
you're not a sports fan. Many online programs exist. Contact us here..
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