Preface

The English Language is bespeckled with such a delicious array of words and phrases. Speaking this global business language as a first language, I thought I knew enough English vocabulary to survive most books and conversations. But after a mere few days at my first real job, I felt like a foreigner, unable to understand many of the phrases other co-workers were using. What are these things called "idioms"? Did they just spring up within the past year? Why I wasn't taught these growing up?

This a blog to capture my frustration with the language I thought I knew so well, to aide those who also lack an understanding of idioms, and to perhaps provide a bit of entertainment on the side.

Enjoy.


Sunday, November 11, 2007

Nickel Tour

The auditor asked for a "nickel tour" of the place. Context clues told me, if it was a two-day audit, he probably wanted a quick tour of the floor.

Turns out, I was right.



I'd probably be bad at dealing with auditors if they use idioms. "I'm sorry, what does that mean? I swear I speak English as a first language... I'm just sheltered..."

My dictionary doesn't have this one either...

If someone gives you a nickel tour, they show you around a place. ('Fifty-cent tour' is also used.)

- http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/nickel+tour.html


Nickel Tour
My Score Card for this idiom:
Able to be understood initially?: yes
Able to be understood once explained?: yes



Fifty cent tour... haha. It's impossible for me to say that without turning it into "fiddy cen". Oh, pop culture! How influential you are.

Yours truly,
A sheltered American
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