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 achieve accent reduction goals, here are three idioms that have become standard shorthand in the workplace.
Accent Reduction Idiom 1: To Take at Face Value
Definition: The stated or implied worth of something, whether emotional, physical or monetary. Can also refer to the status of a professional or personal relationship.
Example: “Our company wants to reestablish its brand name through aggressive marketing, so we’re going to take your sales pitch at face value and move ahead with the project.”
Origin: People choose to show their emotions and a presentation on their face. Something that is “face value” is taken how it is presented, i.e., through facial expressions.
Accent Reduction Idiom 2: In Short Supply
Definition: An economic scenario wherein demand for a particular product outweighs the supply, resulting in a supply shortage. Supply shortages most often occur due to unexpected demand by customers.
Example: “I’m looking for folders but for some reason they’re in short supply.”
Origin: Settlers used various supplies to get them through the winter and stockpiled them in crudely made storehouses. When such resources were running low, they were said to be in short supply, meaning they couldn’t be shared among parties and were allocated for only essential tasks. 
Accent Reduction Idiom 3: Piece of the Action
Definition: To partake in the spoils and/or potential risks of a venture in hopes of a long term profit.
Example: “I probably shouldn’t place a bet in our office Oscars pool but I’m going to anyway. Give me a piece of the action!”
Origin: Unfairly or not when most people hear the phrase “piece of the action” they will immediately associate the phrase with activities which have negative connotations, such as offshore gambling or money laundering, The true origins of the phrase do not reside in this morally questionable realm however. The word “action” has been synonymous with profit since the establishment of the free trade system when people would sell spices for future options, which were called “acties” by those in the business. Other people would seize upon the opportunity to buy future option because they wanted a “piece” of the larger acty pie.
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
