AMERICAN IDIOMS (Part 1 of 2)
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Based on a work at www.callcenterjobtips.com.
One of the topics that are discussed in call center job trainings is the idiomatic expressions that you may surely hear from your customers as you talk to them. In line with your goal of offering the best customer service experience to your callers, it is important that you really understand them, including their lingo. Here are some of the idioms that I have researched. Try using them in your conversations and have fun learning them!
SMELL A RAT- You know, frankly, I smell a rat in this situation. The sounds system jammed all of a sudden!
Yeah, you’re right. I’m convinced that something has done wrong here.
GO TO THE DOGS- Have you seen their house lately? It’s really gone to the dogs. It has become run-down and in serious need of repair.
FISHY- I think there is something fishy going on in that room. Something very strange and suspicious… I’d better check it out.
TAKE THE BULL BY THE HORNS- Julie knew she her fear of speaking in public can hinder her from her promotion. Finally, she took the bull by the horn by enrolling in a public speaking class. What a way to act decisively to correct the situation.
LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG-John was about to get the surprise of being promoted at work but somebody just let the cat out of the bag. Though somebody have had told him what he was getting before the official presentation, he chose to act surprised when it was announced.
FOR THE BIRDS- The seminar was definitely for the birds. For me, it was totally uninteresting and irrelevant.
STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH- I got the news from a very reliable source. Rica herself told me that she was getting promoted. Straight from the horse’s mouth, I would say.
HORSE AROUND- My friend got his back injured while he was horsing around the treadmill. So I suggest you stop playing around aimlessly with that equipment.
CAT GOT YOUR TONGUE.- I, uh…
What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue? You become so quiet all of a sudden.
GET IN SOMEONE’S HAIR.- Though your classmate’s get in your hair, do not be upset so much. They may bother you but you don’t need to be that mad.
SHOOT OFF ONE’S MOUTH.- Nobody likes people who keeps shooting off his/her mouth… a person who talks as if he/she knows everything may annoy others.
JUMP DOWN SOMEONE’S THROAT.- You are making me jump down your throat! You are always getting scold at but still you don’t learn!
TONGUE-IN-CHEEK.- I’m sorry. I was just making a tongue-in-cheek remark when I said that. It was just a joke.
PLAY IT BY THE EAR.- The management told us that they will just decide as they go along. So they just have to really play it by the ear then.
STICK ONE’S NECK OUT.- I’m currently have so much work in my hands right now to accept that additional work. I’ll be sticking my neck out if I do since I’ll be taking a great risk and could possibly get hurt by it.
ALL THUMBS.- I’m so all thumbs right now that’s why I misplaced the programme. I get so clumsy and awkward when I’m nervous you know.
NOT HAVE A LEG TO STAND ON.- He thinks that he is underpaid yet he does not have a leg to stand on. He needs to have a strong foundation of facts to support his position.
GET OFF SOMEONE’S BACK.-This guy keeps bothering me. He can’t just get off my back!
STRING ALONG SOMEONE- John never knew that he was just being stringed along all this time. He was deceived by the false advertisement!
LEAVE SOMEONE HIGH AND DRY- My manager just left me high and dry with this work. I really don’t know how to do it. She should not just leave me alone without any help at all.
SPILL THE BEANS.- It was suppose to be a secret but someone just spilled the beans! Probably it was best to be told about it beforehand.
BITE THE DUST.-Ronnie did his best in the race but he really bit the dust on this one. It was disappointing for him to be down in defeat to a competitor.
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you really helped me a lot.. thanks..
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