ESL Vocabulary and Idioms

Re: What this idiom means

Peaceblinkfriend — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 12:45:14 GMT

Hi Mister Micawber,

Sorry but I did not mean to say that I do not understand what you have said. I was just having problems understanding English phrases and structures which prevented me from understanding what you had said. I am also aware that this is Besthunter's topic of discussion. The sole reason I said I did not understand what you had said is that your sentences contained phrases and usages that I am not familiar with. I am sorry if I have expressed myself inaccurately. I understand that it could cause misunderstandings.

Best wishes,

PBF

Re: What this idiom means

Mister Micawber — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 12:16:09 GMT

You mean, you don't understand what I said. The explanation is meant for Besthunter, who more likely will understand me, since the thread is his topic of discussion.

Re: What this idiom means

Peaceblinkfriend — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 11:57:16 GMT

Hi Mister Micawber,

Sorry but I don't really understand what you are trying to say. I mean what do you mean by 'except as it is influenced by American education'? Also, what does 'as it stands' mean?

The question as it stands has nothing to do with Vietnamese education except as it is influenced by American education.

Thank you.

Best wishes,

PBF

Re: What this idiom means

Mister Micawber — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 07:59:51 GMT

Where is it leading? = What is its goal? What will be the eventual characteristics of the American educational system? What kind of education will America have in the future? The question as it stands has nothing to do with Vietnamese education except as it is influenced by American education.

Yes-- a dark side and a bright side: bad points and good points; ominous qualities and hopeful qualities.

Re: What this idiom means

Besthunter — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 07:18:38 GMT

Another help please,

My teacher told me to compose essay with the topic "American Education.. where is it leading?" Can you help me what does it mean: "where is it leading" Does he want me to tell about the situation of Vietnamese Edu or something??

Second, I'd like to ask you what does this mean:
"American Education has both dark side and bright side"
(Although I don't now its meaning, I think it should be "a dark side" rather than "dark side" because "side" is a countable noun" ??

Re: What this idiom means

Peaceblinkfriend — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 15:41:27 GMT

'What this idiom means'

It should be 'What does this idiom mean?'

Best wishes,

PBF

Re: What this idiom means

Mister Micawber — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 13:32:37 GMT

I think we are finally making significant progress to the position...

What this idiom means

Besthunter — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 10:47:42 GMT

"I think we are finally breaking through to the point where there is some increasing belief that, hey, maybe this economy is on a sustainable path to decent economic growth, and now it is time to put some bodies to work in the form of permanent new hires," he said.

Please help me!