be cut out for something

This expression is more often used in the negative. If you're not cut out for something or to do something, it means you're not made or meant to do this thing. This usually means that you aren't good at doing this activity or won't be completely comfortable doing it because it just isn't for you. You may not even like this activity, but perhaps you thought you did. 


You may have this opinion about yourself, or someone may think this about you. This may seem negative, but it's just a fact of life. For example, some people are great in business, while others are just not cut out for it. You may enjoy traveling and backpacking for a whole year, while your bestfriend is just not cut out to do it. After all, it's not easy living out of a suitcase. When this happens, your bestfriend will probably head back home because when you realize you're not cut out to do something, it usually doesn't make sense to continue doing it.


like this:
1. After four years of medical school, he learned he wasn't cut out to be a doctor.
2. He's a great worker, but I don't think he's cut out to be a manager.
3. I thought I'd enjoy babysitting, but now I don't think I'm cut out for this.
4. I know you really want to run for office, but are you sure you're cut out for it?
5. He didn't use to think he was cut out to run a marathon, but we pushed him because we knew he could do it.


Do you sometimes feel like you're not cut out to do something? Well, don't give up so easily. Keep trying. If, in the end, you're sure that you're definitely not cut out for it, that's fine. There will be something you'll realize you're good at. You just have to find it.


Good luck,
Joe
the small guide
thesmallguidesite.com

It's that time again!

Click on over to the small guide site. We have a brand new exercise for you to check your proficiency in English expressions. Really, it's a nice review to see if you remember our lessons on this blog and if you can use them in context. 

Good luck!

have a thing for ...

If your friend has a thing for something, he probably gets excited and enjoys being around or talking about or even just hearing about this thing. For example, you can say, "My friend, John, has a thing for insects. He gets excited whenever he sees one and has to figure out what kind of species it is." People usually have a thing for something strange or unusual and sometimes with a kinky connotation attached to it. Because of this, this expression is not usually used seriously but often to joke around with someone regardless of whether the joke is true or not. 


By the way, you can also have a thing for people. For example, Sally can have a thing for her boss. This means she is probably attracted to her boss to some degree.


like this:
1. Maria has a thing for men on horseback; she got excited when she saw the knight exhibit at the Met.
2. That's the fifth time you've mentioned your neighbor. Do you have a thing for her?
3. I think our teacher has a thing for cows. Every time he gives us an example, there's always a cow in the scenario.
The examples above are probably said as a joke--to be funny.


So, do you have a thing for something or someone? ;) Care to share it with us? Go for it. You can comment here or on our facebook page.


Can't wait to hear from you.
Joe
the small guide
thesmallguidesite.com