Expression idiomatique en anglais: Tongue in cheek
Tongue in cheek Meaning: In an ironic manner, not meant to be taken seriously. Origin: This phrase clearly alludes to the facial expression created by putting one’s tongue in one’s cheek. This induces a wink (go on – give it a try!), which has long been an indication that what is being said is to be taken with a pinch of salt. It may have been used to suppress laughter. ‘Tongue in cheek’ is the antithesis of the later phrase – ‘with a straight face’.The term first appeared in print in ‘The Fair Maid of Perth’, by that ...
Expression idiomatique en anglais : come what may
Come what may Meaning: No matter what may happen To be sure of going ahead in a particular situation even if all the odds are not in favour To resolve on doing (something) or to ignore the circumstances in order to get something done Example sentences: The girl has decided to marry him come what may. She will proceed even if her entire family is against her decision. I have decided to go to London to complete my higher education come what may. She has promised her mother that she will pass the exam come what may this year. We will ...
Expression idiomatique en anglais : On the ball !
On the ball Meaning: knowledgeable and competent alert, in command of senses, attentive understands the situation well quick to understand and react to a situation Example: He was right on the ball regarding his assessment of the situation. I couldn’t sleep well last night, so am not on the ball today. When his opponent tried to sneak in a pass, the defender was right on the ball and stopped it well. This mess wouldn’t have happened had you been on the ball. « Are you alright? You don’t seem on the ball today ». This article about the current problems of the nation is right on the ball. He has ...
Expression idiomatique en anglais: knock on wood or touch wood
Knock on wood or touch wood Meaning: Tap knuckle on wood in order to avoid bad luck Said when you want good luck or a good situation to continue Said when expressing hope for something to occur Example sentences: I am expecting a promotion and a big pay hike this year, touch wood. The team I support has been winning every game so far, knock on wood. We have had a great week so far and, touch wood, we will end it on a high note. We expect to close the deal by the end of this week, knock on wood. ...
En anglais dans le texte: Business email do’s !
While email has offered professionals the opportunity to communicate on a more casual level, it should always be handled professionally. Here are some helpful "dos" of email communication. Consider your readers: It is good practice to ask yourself how your readers might react to what you’ve written. Provide a clear, specific subject line: Be sure it’s meaningful at a glance. If the recipient has an inbox full of messages, he or she will decide which to read based on the relative importance of senders and subjects. Users often respond to the volume of their email by using filters ...
BTL/ Notre ‘Espace Stagiaire’: votre outil pédagogique
C’est enfin l’été…pourquoi ne pas en profiter pour consolider vos compétences linguistiques ? Si vous êtes en formation ou avait été stagiaire chez nous, nous vous rappelons que sur notre site internet, nous mettons à disposition un ‘Espace Stagiaire’ qui vous est consacré. Cet ‘Espace Stagiaire’ (« Student Webspace ») comporte une richesse de ressources pédagogiques interactives et ludiques. Vous retrouverez donc une multitude d’applications pour smartphones ou tablettes que ce soit en anglais, en espagnol, en français langue étrangère etc… Cela vous permet donc de vous entrainer partout où êtes, même au bord de la plage ! Une sélection ...