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 accent reduction 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 accent reduction goals, here are three idioms that have become standard shorthand in the workplace.
Accent Reduction Idiom 1 – Nothing ventured, nothing changed
Definition: Nothing ventured, nothing gained means that if you don’t take risks, you won’t accomplish anything. The second part of the idiom takes varying forms, like “no loss” or “no change” or “nothing won, nothing lost.”
Example: I’ll talk to my employer tomorrow about a possible salary raise. After all, nothing ventured, nothing changed.
Origin: The origin of this idiom dates to as far back as 1374 during the time of Geoffrey Chaucer who is considered the father of English literature. The idiom is parallel to the late 14th century French proverb, “He who never undertook anything never achieved anything” (Qui onques rien n’enprist riens n’achieva). This French proverb was part of John Heywood’s second collection of proverbs entitled The Proverbs of John Heywood, which was published in 1546.
The idiom was first documented in the US in The Letters and Papers of Cadwallader Colden.
Accent Reduction Idiom 2 – To move mountains
Definition: To triumph over something really difficult. When it’s used in a context like “to move mountains for someone,” it means exerting all possible efforts to achieve what the other person wants.
Example: She always feels embarrassed when people compliment her on her ability to move mountains and help others in need despite the presence of harsh circumstances.
Origin: Records show that the origin of this idiom is based on the saying “Faith will move mountains,” which is a message derived from the Bible. The saying means that if you have faith in the Lord, then anything can be 
accomplished, even with insurmountable odds blocking your path. The two Bible passages alluding the saying (and in a way, the idiom) “faith will move mountains” are:
So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. – Matthew 17:20
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. -1 Corinthians 13:2
Accent Reduction Idiom 3 – When one door closes, another door opens.
Definition: The idea that when you lose an opportunity, another opportunity will eventually arrive to fill the void and disappointment one feels. Variations of this idiom are: “When one door closes, another one opens;” and “When one door shuts, another opens.”
Example: I didn’t get the job I really want, but another potential employer called me this morning. It’s true that when one door closes, another door opens.
Origin: This idiom originated from various sayings with one central theme: The appearance of another opportunity almost immediately after losing one. The basis for this idiom may be found in the following line from Alexander Graham Bell: “When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.”
It should be noted that the oldest saying associated with this idiom came from David Rowland, a celebrated translator and author. The saying “This proverbe was fulfild, when one doore is shut the other openeth” was cited in 1586.
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
