Thursday, June 8, 2017

On one's own



Example #1

Natasha: Hey, Jackie! Thank you so much for sending me the e-mail regarding the next Summer trip! I wish I could join you guys, but I am actually going on a trip.

Jackie: Oh, no! That's a bummer! Sorry you will not join us. Well, where are you going?

Natasha: I am going to Denmark.

Jackie: WOW! That sounds great! Who are you going with?

Natasha: Nobody! 

Jackie: Wait... Nobody? What do you mean?

Natasha: I am going on my own! Just me! 

Jackie: Are you sure you want to go on your own? Isn't that dangerous?

Natasha: No! I love traveling on my own! Don't worry. Next time you guys plan a trip, I will join you. Thank you again!

Jackie: You are welcome! If you change your mind, let me know!


Example #2

Hi Katherine,

I am so glad to hear you are coming to Los Angeles! You asked me on your e-mail if you could stay with me. Of course you can stay with me!
I live in a studio on my own. It's small, but you can sleep on the air mattress if you don't mind.
It will be so much fun to have you here! I have a business trip from 07/10 to 07/13, so I am sorry you will be on your own those days.
When I get back, we can go on a day trip to San Diego if you want!

Can't wait to see you!

Love,

Lynn

On one's own MEANING: by oneself, alone, unaccompanied

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Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Get cold feet



Context #1

Alicia: When are we going to get a new car?

Brian: I don't know. We can't afford it now that you've stopped work.
Alicia: Did you talk to your boss today?
Brian: Yes.
Alicia: Did you ask him for a promotion? 
Brian: Well...
Alicia: Oh, Brian, you promised!
Brian: I didn't promise...
Alicia: Yes, you did. You were going to tell him you'd leave if he didn't give you a pay raise.
Brian: Well that wouldn't do much good, would it? If I ended up losing my job we'd have no money, at all.
Alicia: Oh, come on, stop making excuses. You didn't say anything because you got cold feet again. No courage, that's your trouble.


Context #2


Jessica: How are you feeling about the wedding?
Paula:
 I am starting to get nervous. This is such a big change.
Jessica: Everyone gets cold feet before marriage. They important thing to remember is that you love him.
Paula: That’s true. I do love him. Thank you for the encouragement.

Meaning: In the context 1, he was going to ask for a pay rise, but he got scared. In the context 2, Paula was afraid to compromise herself in the marriage. 


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