Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Show someone the ropes


Show someone the ropes - teach someone how to do things usually at work; show someone the correct procedures; train someone.

We often use this expression when we have a new coworker. When someone new has just been hired, this new worker needs to be shown the ropes before he or she can work independently.

like this:

1. We have a new person coming in today. Could you show him the ropes this week?
2. Thanks for showing me the ropes. I learned a lot from you.
3. Tom's very busy this week. He's been showing the new hire the ropes.

Have you ever shown someone the ropes at work? Do you usually take it seriously and enjoy it or do you consider it a pain?

a pain - an annoyance

Check out our next blog when we talk about the different ways people use a pain.

Take care.
Joe
the small guide

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Get back into the swing of things


Get back into the swing of things
- return to your routine, your usual schedule, or a more regular emotional or mental state.

We often use this expression when we feel or notice that our lives have returned to normal following a long absence.

like this:

1. It took me awhile to get back into the swing of things after spending a year in Europe.
2. John helped me get back into the swing of things at work. A lot of things have changed while I was gone.
3. It feels like I'm finally
back in the swing of things. For awhile, I just lost my passion for my work.
4. She seems to be
back in the swing of things. She seemed out of it for some time after her divorce.
5. I finally got rid of my jetlag. I'm now back to work and
back in the swing of things.

Well, after a four-month hiatus, I hope I'm now back in the swing of things especially in terms of this blog. I'm shooting for at least a once-a-week posting, but I will try to do two a week whenever I can.

hiatus - a break; a gap in time

Tell everyone you know who's learning English. Look for an update on our facebook page (Type in thesmallguidesite in the search box.) and our updated webpage in the near future.

Until next time.
Joe
the small guide