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 that have become standard shorthand in the workplace.

Accent Reduction idiom 1: To Draw the Line

Definition: When you choose to draw the line you are clearly stating your intentions and setting up boundaries to work within.

Example sentence: I really want to get rid of accent problems but I will draw the line on supplements or other physical stuff that supposedly helps me in doing so.

 Origin: This idiom came from a term used in French and English cultures describing lines on a tennis court that define the field of play. The opposing parties in British Parliament used this idiom as a means of limiting arguments and completely eliminating sword duels to settle disagreements. The idiom to draw the line was created to state that there is a boundary between what is okay and what is not accepted in a particular place. In this case, people are no longer allowed to break rules in some way.

Accent Reduction idiom 2: Up to Par

Definition: A person who is up to par is someone who is performing at the level one is expected to be at. In other words, the person is living up to their personal and professional commitments.

Example sentence: He was up to par with his American accent studies. This enabled him to complete the recommended accent reduction program in four weeks instead of the usual six.

Origin: The term par originated in golf, with par being a base number of strokes that it should take the average golfer to finish a golf hole or course.. If a person gets five strokes on a par5 hole then that means that person is doing exactly what a typical golfer should do. A person who meets the par standard will be up to par and, from a business perspective, maintaining a consistent standard. However, anyone who uses way too many strokes or even gets to a stroke limit will not be up to par as that person is struggling too much when trying to play such a game.

 Accent Reduction idiom 3: Kick-off

Definition: In the corporate world when someone performs a designated “kick off” action, such as executive signing a proposal a project is then underway and can be undertaken with few objections.

Example sentence: He was ready to get into his accent training and wanted to kick-off his program as soon as possible by starting the first few sessions.

Origin: The kick-off has been utilized in American and Canadian football for generations. At the beginning of the game one team will kick the ball off to an opposing player and that player will have to advance through the defense on a return. When the kick-off occurs then that means the game has started. The kick-off term has evolved over the years to incorporate a general meaning which suggests that something is about to start, regardless of where the event is or even if the event involves any kind of sport. 

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.