Accent Reduction Tips
Many of our clients at Accent Pros, who come in for accent reduction sessions, have advanced degrees and have excellent command of the English language. Given the evolving state of the English language; however, they may not understand informal slang and phrases that are regularly used in the workplace, and on various popular social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Occasionally our clients will understand the meaning of an idiom, but use it in an improper context, which could potentially have embarrassing consequences. In our continuing efforts to feature only the most relevant and practical terms when helping you on your goals, here are three sports idioms (baseball) that have become standard shorthand in the workplace.
Accent Reduction idiom 1: strike out
Definition: To fail at something after many attempts, to fail completely.
Example: After two products failed in the testing process, Tim’s research department is in danger of getting struck out of the company’s upcoming budget allocation.
Origin: Used in baseball, for example: “three strikes, you’re out,” “strike out,” this phrase is used to indicate that a batter has failed to hit the ball in three attempts, or in the determination of the umpire has taken three pitches within the strike zone, thus indicating that their turn at bat has ended.
The word strike out found its way into the English usage to denote a shortcoming, loss, or failure on a person’s part, as in the phase “She was born with two strikes against her, being poor and uneducated, she can only dream of a better life. Struck out is also used to signify that a person has failed completely at a certain task. 
Accent Reduction idiom 2: ballpark figure
Definition: The ballpark figure is defined as an accurate estimate or an off-the-cuff guess that’s fairly close to the exact number.
Example: Mike’s uncanny knack for getting the ballpark figures close to the exact amount when bidding for large projects is simply amazing, it comes from being years in the business.
Origin: This idiom is believed to have been seen in print in an issue of the wall Street Journal back in 1967. It was used as a metaphor to reference an estimated amount that was close to the exact figure. In baseball, you can be in the ballpark where the game is played on the day of the game. Although there is a set number of seats in a ball park, the exact number of seats sold could not yet be determined until all the tickets are counted. Hence, broadcasters would estimate the number of the attending crowd by giving a rounded figure. When estimating large numbers, the idiom “ballpark figure” is used.
Accent Reduction idiom 3: Play hardball with (someone)
Definition: Tough, high stakes bargaining. In business, to be so determined and aggressive at getting what you want that it can sometimes be unfair to other people.
Example: Negotiations between companies failed because the board of directors are playing hardball and none wants to back down.
Origin: From the game of baseball, this idiom refers to the difference in toughness between balls used in baseball and softball. To play hardball was first used by newspaper columnist Robert Roark in reference to the cold war. It was further popularized in 1972 and 1973 by the Watergate scandal.
Accent Reduction idioms series
Accent Pros has a continuing series on accent reduction tips, including common English phrases and American idioms. Be sure to check out other blog posts to find your favorites. Ready for a complimentary accent reduction tutorial or a free accent screening? Check out our on-line accent reduction courses available to students with accent reduction goals all over the world. For consistent access to our idioms series and other Accent reduction tips Like us on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter
