Accent Reduction Tips
One of the greatest challenges even a well educated person faces when trying to sound more American is the use of the confusing American idioms in the workplace. When these terms cause a an awkward pause in conversation or draw attention to an obvious inaccurate syllable stress pattern, you can still end up feeling inadequate even if you’re currently working on your own accent reduction. In addition to the varied accent reduction techniques taught at Accent Pros, we also strive to help you understand the meaning and usage of common American idioms.
Accent Reduction Idiom 1 – Over the Moon
Definition: An expression of happiness, delight, or excitement.
Example: Tom was practically over the moon when he signed up for his first accent reduction course.
Origin: The phrase started in nursery rhymes. Children of Britain in the 20th century are familiar with the term because of the collection of nursery rhymes called “Mother Goose’s Melody” or “Sonnets from the Cradle” originating from the 1760s. The exact nursery rhyme where it appeared was entitled “High Diddle Diddle” which included the line “The Cow jump’d over the Moon”. The phrase may be older than this, however, since back then rhymes weren’t written and instead only passed on verbally. The phrase also appeared in Charles Molloy’s 1718 work entitled “The Coquet, or, The English Chevalier.” The phrase “Tis he! I know him now: I shall jump over the Moon for Joy!” can be found from his work. The idiom may have existed centuries before, even though it only became popular in the last thirty years or so. One popular use of the phrase is when interviewing football players after winning a game. Conversely, the term “sick as a parrot” is used when a team has lost.
Accent Reduction Idiom 2 – Laugh Like a Drain
Definition: Used to describe coarse or loud laughter, which could be at the expense or discomfort of others.
Example: I heard him laugh like a drain when I told him his rival had lost the medal after being accused of cheating. 
Origin: The phrase originated in UK around the time of the World War II. Eric Partridge first recorded the phrase in 1948 in “A Dictionary of Forces’ Slang 1939-45” where it was described as a slang term used by Army officers in the ward-room. There is no clear reason why the laughter is compared to a drain, but the gurgling sound it makes, which could sometimes be likened to chuckling, could be the reason why. Most accent reduction clients would not immediately think of laughter when thinking of a drain though.
Accent Reduction Idiom 3 – Fool’s Paradise
Definition: Describes a state of happiness even when fueled by false hopes. It may be characterized by the person’s failure to accept the truth or ignorance of it.
Example: Hanna is in a fool’s paradise and will remain there unless she opens her eyes to the misbehaviors of her husband.
Origin: The phrase was first recorded in 1462 in “Paston Letters” with the exact line “I would not be in a folis paradyce.” Shakespeare also later used the term in 1462 in his popular work Romeo and Juliet. The line, which is spoken by the Nurse, includes “I will keep to myself: but first let me tell ye, if ye should lead her into a fool’s paradise, as they say, it were a very gross kind of behavior, as they say.”
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.
