執筆者 Modern English | 2012年04月28日 | Phrases
If you tell a story that is close to the truth, but not quite true, you are stretching the truth. A: How do you say “carrot” in Japanese? B: Um… A: Don’t you know? You told me you spoke Japanese. B: I may have stretched the truth a little....
執筆者 Modern English | 2012年04月21日 | Phrases
Bob and Jane are about to go see a movie. Jane has been waiting while Bob gets dressed. “Okay, I’m ready!” says Bob. “It’s about time!” answers Jane. She is not talking about time. She is annoyed that Bob took too long. ボブとジェーンは映画を観に行くところです。ジェーンはボブが服を着るのを待っています。...
執筆者 Modern English | 2012年04月14日 | Phrases
This can mean “Don’t give up!” or “Wait a second!” We say it to encourage a friend who is having a difficult time. We also use it to tell someone to wait a short time. “Can I talk to you?” “Hold on a second while I save my file.”...
執筆者 Modern English | 2012年04月07日 | Phrases
In England, we say, “Take a pew,” to invite someone to sit down. In the U.S. we say, “Take a seat.” It is more casual than, “Please be seated.” Other things we “take” are a shower, a bath, a break, and a rest. You can invite people to take a break, but it may be...