Learning and careers metaphors Flashcards
Lesson 3 vocabulary
learning the ropes
to understand how to do a particular job or activity
on a steep learning curve
a situation in which someone has to learn a lot in a short period of time
come under attack
receive criticism
to be over the hill
the impossibility of doing something well enough because of being too old
go downhill (v)
to gradually become worse
food for thought
sth that is worth thinking about; a metaphor of digesting knowledge or ideas
half-baked ideas
sth that has not been properly thought out, thus is stupid or impractical
play devil’s advocate
to pretend to be against an idea or plan which a lot of people support in order to make people discuss it in more detail and think about it more carefully
speak your mind
say what you think
sit on the fence
not to take sides in a dispute; not to make a clear choice between two possibilities
poring over (v)
to look at and study something, usually a book or document, carefully
fairy godmother (n)
a female character in some fairy stories who has magical powers and brings good fortune to the hero or heroine
beat about the bush
to avoid talking about a difficult or embarrassing subject because you are worried about upsetting the person you are talking to (usually negative)
have a vested interest
to have an interest in which one enjoys benefits from an existing economic or political privilege
have an axe to grind
to have something to complain about
