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 an idioms meaning, but use it in an improper context or the wrong situation, 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 idioms related to truthfulness and optimism.
Accent Reduction Idiom 1 Coming up Roses
Definition: When everything is coming up roses then that means that everything that is going on in your life or in some event is good. The situation that you are in is successful in every potential way and there is no stopping it as it moves along. 
Example sentence: Maria had been stuck waiting in line at the store for hours but everything started coming up roses when she was given a preferred customer coupon and honey baked ham.
Origin: This is a relatively new idiom introduced in the United States in the 1950s. It was used in the musical Gypsy to state that a person was “gonna have the whole world on a plate” and that “starting now, everything’s coming up roses.” Therefore if everything is coming up roses in one’s life, there’s an expectation that the run of good fortune will continue for the foreseeable future.
Accent Reduction Idiom 2 A Bed of Roses
Definition: When you are on a bed of roses then you are in a great position, whether it be personally or financially.
Example sentence: After winning 4 rounds of bingo on Friday night, Martin knew his weekend was going to be a bed of roses. 
Origin: Christopher Marlowe is believed to be the first person to use this idiom in his work “The Passionate Shepherd to His Love,” “And I will make thee beds of roses and a thousand fragrant posies.” The shepherd sought to create a situation that was comparable to a bed of soft rose petals as a symbol of his love. This idiom is a shorthanded way to explain the peace and serenity of the rose is akin to the peace that comes with life.
Accent Reduction Idiom 3 Beating Around the Bush
Definition: If you beating around the bush then you are essentially trying to keep as far away from a critical subject as possible. If a subject must be addressed, it is done in indirect terms.
Example sentence: I was afraid of talking about my people not understanding me at work because of my foreign accent, but I didn’t want to talk to just anyone; I was beating about the bush when talking about why I sound different.
Origin: This idiom originated out of hunting methods utilized in the early days of the United Kingdom. Hunters would often beat a bush to drive out any birds hidden inside. Although this tactic is not used as frequently by modern hunters, it is still considered viable.
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.
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