Accent Reduction: idioms part 34

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 idioms that have become standard shorthand in the workplace. 

Accent Reduction Idiom 1

Play it by Ear

Definition: Playing music without having to refer to a music sheet. Another definition is to deal with a certain situation without really having a plan of action.

Example 1: The young pianist was such a talented lad that he played it by ear although the piece was a classic.

Example 2: We ought to just play it by ear since we don’t really know how things will go from here.

Origin: Figuratively, it has been used way back—even evident in Antony’s Speech done by Shakespeare where he said “…lend me your ears” to mean listen to what he had to say. Similar and associated to this phrase is, “playing it by ear” which is also taken figuratively in the sense that people can do things without really having a plan. 

Accent Reduction Idiom 2

Singing a Different Tune

Definition: To change your mind or have second thoughts; to reconsider things.

Example: Just yesterday you were on our side of the protest, now you’re singing a different tune and siding with them!

Origin: During the late 14^th century, it meant playing an unexplained variant of a certain tone, and it also meant having the proper pitch during the 15^th century. In the nonmusical aspect, its meaning which is to adjust to an organ or receiver was recorded from 1887. 

Accent Reduction Idiom 3

 Ahead of the Curve

Definition: Being ahead of the current trends or being one step ahead of others.

Example: Steve was such an innovative thinker and he often demonstrated how he was ahead of the curve when his projects were implemented.

Origin: The phrase began to appear in the early 1970s when former president Nixon made use of the phrase to mean they were giving information to the public even before it was widely known.

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 accent reduction 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.