They're now at the Grand Canyon!

Our family has reached the Grand Canyon after their 3-hour drive from Las Vegas. It sounds like they're enjoying their trip. See which English expressions they use as they talk about their experiences, and check if you can use the same expressions correctly.

Good luck!

Joe Yu

the small guide

thesmallguidesite.com  

Cutting someone some slack

This expression means not being so strict with someone. The word slack can mean loosening your pull on a piece of rope. You can pull a rope tight or you can give it some slack. So when you cut someone some slack, you loosen your hold on the person. You're not as tight and, therefore, not as strict.


like this:
1. If someone makes fun of how the turkey that you cooked is too dry, hopefully jokingly, you can say, "Will you cut me some slack? This was my first time cooking a turkey."
2. When a coworker is giving the new guy a hard time, you can say, "Cut him some slack, will you? It's his first day on the job."
3. If your wife gets angry because you're 30 minutes late, you can say, "You're going to have to cut me some slack; there was a lot of traffic on the freeway."
4. If you want the new employee to learn his job fast, you can tell the trainer, "Don't cut him any slack. Make sure he learns the job well."
5. If your friend gets very upset because you dropped his flatscreen TV, you can tell him, "Cut us some slack! It's snowing outside!"


Alright, if you are angry with someone right now, think about cutting the person some slack. He or she may have a good excuse. No, this is not a therapy session; I just want you to practice some English.


Until next time.
Joe Yu
the small guide
thesmallguidesite.com

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