Ñèñòåìà Orphus

11                                             Everyday Conversational Expressions                                           Encouragement p.3

 

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* 11 Encouragement (p.3 of 3)

 

11.11   When you are ready to grab an opportunity

 

I won’t hesitate.   Listen   <“When I see a clear shot, I won’t hesitate.”>

I won’t think twice.   Listen   AI’ll make a decision almost immediately.”   <“If they offer me a good salary, I won’t think twice.”>

I’ll do it without a second thought.   Listen   AI’ll do it without thinking whether it is right or wrong.”   <“If my company offers me to move to California, I’ll do it without a second thought.”>

I’ll do it in a heartbeat.   Listen   AI’ll do it almost immediately.”   <“If I need to spend all my money on my daughter’s health, I’ll do it in a heartbeat.”>

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11.12   When a person is hesitating

 

He can’t make up his mind.   Listen   AHe cannot make a decision.”   <“The boss doesn’t know yet if he wants to go forward with this deal. He can’t make up his mind.”>

He is dragging his feet.   Listen   <“He knows he has to make a decision, but he is dragging his feet.”>

He got cold feet.   Listen   <“The bridegroom got cold feet right before the wedding.”>

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11.13   When you are not happy about the insufficiency of somebody’s efforts

 

Is that it?   Listen   < – “Lord knows I’ve tried.”>

Is that all?   Listen   < – “I’ve done my best.”>

Do you call that finished?   Listen   <“I told you to clean your room. Do you call that finished?”>

This won’t do.   Listen   AThis effort won’t suffice.”   <“I’m glad you managed to raise so much money. But you need much more. This won’t do.”>

That won’t do it.   Listen   AThat effort won’t bring you a desirable result.”   <“I know how hard you practiced. However, your opponent is very strong. That won’t do it.”>

That doesn’t cut it.   Listen   AThat effort doesn’t suffice.”   <“The government has done something to improve its performance. Very little, though. That does not cut it. We are in recession, you know.”>

This is not a masterpiece.   Listen   AThis is not an outstanding work.”   <“I have a copy of your report. This is not a masterpiece. The management can easily stop financing your project.”>

Once more with feeling.   Listen   ARepeat this passage once more; this time with passion.”   <The film director told the actress, “Once more with feeling.”>

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11.14   When you indicate that an almost done job does not count

 

You almost had it.   Listen   AYou almost achieved it.”   <“I’m so sorry you lost the final fight of the championship. You almost had it.”>

So near and yet so far.   Listen   AThe result was within reach, but it was not achieved.”   <“I tried to open the door and let the people out of the burning house, but the door was locked. So near and yet so far.”>

So close and yet so far.   Listen   <“How did you do in the contest?” – “I came in second, right after the winner. So close and yet so far.”>

Close, but no cigar.   Listen   AYou missed, so you are not winning a cigar as a prize.”   <“I forgot your brother’s name. Is it Jim?” – “Close, but no cigar. It’s Josh.”>

You were within a hair’s breadth.   Listen   AYou were within a very close distance.”   <“You finished the race almost neck and neck with the gold medalist. Almost! You were within a hair’s breadth.”>

A miss is as good as a mile.   Listen   AA small failure that causes a loss is no better than a big blunder.”   <“The other candidate lost the election race by two per cent only.” – “Anyway, he lost it. A miss is as good as a mile.”>

Nice try.   Listen   AAlthough you missed, I compliment your attempt.”   <“You were within a hair’s breadth of beating the world record. Nice try, though.”>

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11.15   When a person isn’t doing enough

 

You’re not helping as much as you should.   Listen   <“Look, I have almost completed the job. You’re not helping as much as you should.”>

You’re not doing your share.   Listen   AYou are not working as hard as others.”   <“Johnny, your father works and makes money. Your mother cooks and keeps the home fires burning. Your job, Johnny, is to learn in school, which you don’t do well. You’re not doing your share.”>

You’re not doing your fair share.   Listen   <“My dear husband, you should be more helpful around the house. You’re not doing your fair share.”>

You’re not pulling your own weight.   Listen   AYou are not doing your share.”   <“Your teammates are complaining about you. You’re not pulling your own weight.” – “I’m doing the best I can.”>

You’re slacking off.   Listen   <“I’m afraid you can’t work at our cooperative anymore. You’re slacking off.”>

Stop being such a lazybones.   Listen   <“Get a normal job and a haircut. Stop being such a lazybones.”>

You’re not living up to your potential.   Listen   AYou are not fulfilling expectations.”   <“Working atmosphere in our company is conducive to career growth. You’re not living up to your potential, though.>

You’re not living up to your end of the bargain.   Listen   AYou are not doing your portion of the agreement.”   <“I supplied you the goods you ordered. You haven’t paid for the shipment yet. You’re not living up to your end of the bargain.”>

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11.16   When you encourage a person whose attitude is improving

 

Now you’re talking!   Listen   AFinally you are saying what is right.”   <“Next semester I’ll study really hard.” – “Now you’re talking.”>

There you go!   Listen   AFinally you are doing what is right.”   <“Now I understand I have to study hard.” – “There you go! I’m really pleased to hear that from you.”>

That’s the way to go!   Listen   AYou are on the right track, so continue doing that.”   <“I’m glad you finally got a decent job and settled down. That’s the way to go!”>

That’s more like it.   Listen   AThat thing or action is closer to what is right.”   <“I study eleven hours a day.” – “That’s more like it. I would like to see some results, too.”>

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