5 Lesson Friday Make Yourself Home

5 Lesson Friday - 9 June 2023

1: Unlock the Secrets: Understanding 'To Get the Lowdown'

 📌 Are you ready to kick things off with a juicy, intriguing phrase: "to get the lowdown"? It's all about that thrilling sense of knowing the inner secrets or the real scoop!

✅ "To get the lowdown" is commonly used when someone receives or seeks out the detailed or confidential information about something. Imagine being the one with all the insider information – that's what this phrase is all about.

▶ Let's look at it in action: "I met with John to get the lowdown on the new project." This means you've met John to know the detailed information about the new project. Or how about, "Let's meet up later, I've got the lowdown on the surprise party." You're telling your friend you have all the insider information on the surprise party.

⭕ This phrase is similar to "getting the scoop" or "inside information," but 'lowdown' carries a uniquely clandestine and exciting connotation. So, next time you want to add a little spice to your English conversations, why not try out this phrase? 


2: Avoid the Masks: What it Means to be 'Two-faced'

📌 Our second topic is a little darker, but nonetheless important to understand: "being two-faced". But don't worry, it doesn't have anything to do with a physical appearance. It's all about the character.

✅ "Being two-faced" is a phrase used to describe someone who is insincere or deceitful. Imagine a person who says one thing to your face, and something completely different behind your back - like they're wearing two different faces!

▶ Take these examples: "I don't trust her anymore, she's been two-faced about the whole situation." This means you don't trust her because she has been deceitful. Or, "Don't be two-faced; if you have something to say, say it directly." You're urging someone to be honest and direct.

⭕ The phrase "double-dealing" is similar, but it's often used in more formal or business-like situations. It's important to remember these subtle differences, and even more important to remember: no one likes a two-faced person!


 3: In the Career Limbo: Let's Understand 'Inbetween Jobs'

📌 It's time to talk about a situation many people find themselves in: "inbetween jobs". This phrase has nothing to do with juggling or multi-tasking, it's all about your career journey.

✅ "Inbetween jobs" is used when someone is temporarily unemployed, having left one job and not yet started another. It's a polite and less direct way of saying that you're currently unemployed.

▶ Here's how you can use it: "I'm not working at the moment; I'm inbetween jobs." Here, you're politely expressing your current employment situation. Or, "He left his previous company and is now inbetween jobs, looking for new opportunities." In this case, the person is job searching after leaving their previous job.

⭕ Phrases like being 'out of work' or 'between positions' are similar, but 'inbetween jobs' can be a more active and hopeful phrase, suggesting a new job is just around the corner!


 4: Feel at Home with 'Make Yourself at Home'

📌 Our next phrase is as warm and welcoming as a cup of hot cocoa on a rainy day: "make yourself at home". When you're invited to make yourself at home, it's all about feeling as comfortable as you would in your own space.

✅ "Make yourself at home" is commonly used when hosting guests. It's a way of telling them to relax and behave in the same way as they would in their own home. It's one of the best phrases to show hospitality.

▶ For instance, "Come in, take off your shoes, and make yourself at home." Here, you're inviting someone to relax and feel comfortable in your home. Another example could be, "While I prepare dinner, make yourself at home." You're telling your guest to feel comfortable while you're busy.

⭕ "Feel free to kick off your shoes" has a similar connotation, but "make yourself at home" is a more direct invitation to relax and be comfortable. So, remember this phrase next time you want to make your guests feel welcomed!


5: Discover 'The Girl Next Door Look': Simple Yet Stunning

📌 Our final topic for the week takes us to the realm of looks and style: "the girl next door look". This phrase isn't about your literal neighbour, it's all about a certain charm and style.

✅ "The girl next door look" describes someone (usually a woman) who has a simple, unassuming, but attractive appearance, much like someone who could be your neighbour. It's a casual yet captivating style that's often appreciated.

▶ For example, "She has the girl next door look, very casual but pretty." Here, you're describing someone's simple yet appealing appearance. Or, "I prefer the girl next door look, it's more approachable." You're expressing a preference for a more down-to-earth style.

⭕ This phrase is similar to having a "plain Jane" appearance, but the "girl next door look" often carries a more positive and endearing tone. So, whether it's in a social or fashion context, you now know how to describe that naturally charming style!