First of all, to make the difference between 'under' and 'below'. Both of these words can mean 'in a lower position than', so there's a sense in which they mean the same thing. But we use them sometimes in different circumstances, for example, if you're talking about something being covered by something, we use 'under'. So, 'I hid the key under a rock'. Or, 'officials said there was nothing under President Bush's jacket'. You use 'below' when you're talking about something that's not physically immediately under, or not necessarily immediately under. So you say, 'below the surface of the water'. That might be anywhere below the surface of the water, not necessarily just touching it. Or, 'twenty miles below the earth's surface', definitely not immediately under it. And, by extension, we say things like, 'below the poverty line'.

We also use 'under' when we're talking about 'younger than' or 'less than'. So, 'under a dozen times', 'under the age of ten'. Whereas we use 'below', if we're visualising a kind of vertical scale. So, 'below sea level', 'below average', 'an IQ below 80', 'radio waves below 22 kHz'.

There are a number of fixed expressions, so, for example, a lot of expressions about what's happening while something else is going on, or because of certain conditions, or controlled by something or someone. So we say, 'under construction', 'under fire', 'under attack', 'under arrest', 'under these conditions', 'under scrutiny', 'under pressure', 'under the Ceausescu regime'. All of those form a kind of a family.

So what about 'beneath'? Well, 'beneath' is basically more literal, or formal, and we use it in many of the same senses. But there are lots of fixed phrases, and so what you want to do is just read a lot and note when one is used and when the other is used. I hope those will give you some general guide lines, and that you'll enjoy keeping learning about these  

three fascinating words.

(Pronounced: meta-forz)

Many English words have both literal and metaphorical or figurative meanings. The literal meaning of a word is its most widely used sense. The metaphorical meaning is figurative - it expresses an idea by referring to something else in a non-literal way. Metaphors help us to express our understanding of the world around us. They add colour, vivid imagery and perhaps emotion to a sentence.

In everyday English, words are very commonly used metaphorically. We use metaphors so regularly that we often don't even register that we are using them. For example, we have lots of metaphors about weather.

• The sky was dark and angry.
• His lightning reflexes saved his life.
• His sunny face was just what I wanted to see.

The sky cannot be literally angry and no-one can have reflexes as fast as lightning; a sunny face helps us to think of the warmth of the sun and we transfer this to the character of this person. These words (metaphors) are used to express our understanding or our interpretation of the world around us as clearly as possible.

A lot of metaphors relate to nature in general.

"This is a dead end job. I don't see much of a future here."

"I hate the redundancy. It's so boring."
"Work isn't exciting for me anymore. I am doing the same thing over and over again."

"This company doesn't care about employees that much. I haven't received a fair raise in 3 years."

"I don't know if it is my manager or this company, but I'm really getting sick of my job."

"How do you tolerate all the political bull shit in this company?"
"What do you think about all the politics in this company?"

"The politics suck here. But it is the same for any large corporation. The best way to deal with it is to take advantage of the rules."

"I don't know how much longer I can take this job. I've been thinking about applying to a different company."

"Have you ever thought about leaving this company?"

"What company do you want to switch to?"

"I started applying for other jobs. There are a lot of positions open."

"I've been looking for jobs on monster.com. They have a lot of positions available."

Religion

Religious Beliefs. The overwhelming majority of the people are Christian. Catholicism is the largest single denomination, but Protestants of all denominations (Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and others) outnumber Catholics. Judaism is the largest non-Christian faith, followed by Islam, which has a significant African-American following. Baptism, the largest Protestant sect, originated in Europe but grew exponentially in the United States, especially in the South, among both whites and blacks. Aside from the many Christian movements from England and Europe that reestablished themselves early in the nation's history, a few religious sects arose independently in the United States, including Mormons and Shakers.

Although religion and the state are formally separated, religious expression is an important aspect of public and political life. Nearly every President has professed some variety of Christian faith. One of the most significant religious trends in recent years has been the rise of evangelical and fundamentalist sects of Christianity. As an organized political-religious

Ranchers herding cattle in the Salt Lake Valley, Utah. force, fundamentalist Christians significantly influence political agendas.

Tim: Hey, can I get a little facetime?
Randall: Sure, let's dialogue.

Tim: Great. I tried to ping you earlier, but you weren't in.
Randall: Yeah, I had to handle some pushback on my proposal.

Tim: Really, why was that?
Randall: Well, I've come up with a number of synergies in the value chain. My value proposition was to seamlessly integrate our customer service reps.

Tim: Sounds like a win-win. How long is the ramp-up?
Randall: That's the problem. I projected a roll-out in two months. C-level people want to dial-in the project in two weeks.

Tim: ...but you're proposing an end-to-end solution!
Randall: Yeah, I know. I had the time-frame mapped out for all the deliverables, too.

Tim: Sometimes you have to wonder about high-level management's capabilities to leverage people like you!
Randall: You're much too kind! Anyway, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?

Tim: Nothing much, I just wanted to give you a heads-up on some performance management issues I've been having with Pete.
Randall: No room to breathe?

Tim: You've got it ....

Translation into easy (well, easier) English:

Tim: Hey, do you have some time for me?
Randall: Sure, let's talk.

Tim: Great. I tried to contact you earlier, but you weren't in.
Randall: Yeah, I had to manage some complaints about my idea for the company.

Tim: Really, why was that?
Randall: Well, I thought of a number of tasks that can complement each other in how we provide our service. My improvement idea was to include our customer service representatives our processes.

Tim: That sounds like a good idea for everybody. How long will it take to put your plan into action?
Randall: That's the problem. I think it will take two months to put into place. The directors want to put the project into action in two weeks.

Tim: ...but you've suggested a complete solution to the problem!
Randall: Yes, I know. I had developed a schedule for all of the improvements, too.

Tim: Sometimes it's difficult to understand why upper management can't take advantage of people like you!
Randall: You're much too kind! Anyway, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?

Tim: Nothing much. I just wanted to tell you ahead of time about some problems I'm having with Pete trying to control everything I do.
Randall: No room for your own efforts?

Tim: That's right.

Key Vocabulary

facetime (noun)- time together
to dialogue (verb) - to speak
to ping (verb) - to contact someone
pushback (noun) - to object to, complain about
synergies (noun) - combinations in efforts that improve something
value chain (noun) - the group of processes that provide something positive
value proposition (noun) - the improvement idea
seamlessly (adverb) - flowing smoothly
to integrate (verb) - to include in a process
win-win (noun, also used as an adjective) - successful outcome for everyone involved
ramp-up (noun, also used as a verb) - time it takes to do something
roll-out (noun, also used as a verb) - time it takes to do something
C-level (adjective) - upper management, directors
to dial-in (verb) - time it takes to do something
end-to-end (adjective) - complete
time-frame (noun) - amount of time needed
to map out (verb) - to plan
deliverables (noun) - specific improvements or products to be made
to leverage (verb) - to take advantage of something
heads-up (noun) - notice of something
performance management (noun) - way of managing someone

1. 800 pound gorilla - the biggest, most powerful group or company
Example: "If we follow our plan to make this new software, we're going to have a lot of competition, including from the 800 pound gorilla, Microsoft."

2. (a rising tide that) lifts all boats - something that helps all people or all groups
Example: "We're only number three, but the current economic growth will lift all boats, so we're sure to make a profit this year."

3. an old hand - a person who has long experience, especially in one place
Example: "He can help us set up a new company. He's been working in this industry for many years and knows the language of business - he's really an old hand at this."

4. at the 11th hour - very late, at the very last minute
Example: "The negotiated until late at night and it seemed they would never agree. Finally, at the 11th hour, they came to an agreement."

5. on a shoestring - with limited money
Example: "They started their company on a shoestring and built it up to one of the largest companies in the world!"

6. bring to the table - whatever you can possibly offer
Example: "I will meet with Teacher Joe's new company to show him what we can bring to the table."

7. carve out a niche - find a special market that you can control
Example: "To succeed in this competitive world, you have to focus on part of it. Try to carve out a niche and be number one in that are."

8. deep pockets - have a lot of money
Example: "If there is a price war, we won't win because we don't have deep enough pockets."

9. down time - when equipment of facilities are not available, so you cannot work
Example: "There will probably be a lot of down time at the conference, so I'm bringing a lot of paperwork."

10. (draw) a line in the sand - make final conditions that cannot be changed
Example: "We have to draw a line in the sand so they will see that this is really our final offer."

11. free ride - get benefit at no cost
Example: "Of course we should make them pay for our travel expenses. WHy should we give them a free ride?"

12. from day one - from the beginning
Example: "Teacher Joe has been providing the best English-learning web site from day one!"

13. get your foot in the door - have a small opportunity that can become a big opportunity in the future, if you do good work
Example: "Right now, I just want to get my foot in the door, so they can see what I can do. Next year I hope to start moving up in the company."

14. I need it yesterday - an informal way to say it is needed immediately
Example: "Can I send that report to you later this afternoon?"
"No! I need that report yesterday!"

15. a two-way street - both people or both groups can contribute or benefit from the situation
Example: "We want to help you, but we need your help too. It should be a two-way street."

16. it will never fly - it won't be successful
Example: "We don't have to worry about their idea competing with ours. It will never fly."

17. it's a jungle out there - it's a difficult market with many, tough competitors
Example: "Do you think a new company can survise without a unique product? It's a real jungle out there!"

18. jump through hoops - trying very hard (like a dog doing tricks!)
Example: "He's a tough boss. All of his subordinates have to jump through hoops to prove their loyalty to the company."

19. put your cards on the table - be completely honest
Example: "I think it's time to put all of our cards on the table. Here's what we need..."

20. learning curve - how much time needed to learn something new

Example: "This new software has a long learning curve, so we have to give our staff enough time to learn how to use it well."
21. level playing field - equal conditions for all people or groups
Example: "The WTO agreement helps to level the playing field, which gives us the chance to compete anywhere in the world."

22. the lion's share - the largest part
Example: "If we want the lion's share of the profit, we'll have to do the lion's share of the work."

23. number crunching - analyze numbers
Example: "I'll go back to my office and do some number crunching, then tell you the results tomorrow."

24. pipe dream - something that is unrealistic
Example: "Do you think we can really live on the moon some day, or is it just a pipe dream?"

25. play hardball - deal in a tough way
Example: "If he tries to block this deal in any way, we'll just have to start playing hardball."

26. power lunch - big business dealing while eating lunch
Example: "The top executives met with their bankers at the best restaurant in town. It was a real power lunch!"

27. push the envelope - move beyond current limits
Example: "Teacher Joe is always pushing the envelope by giving us new activities such as dictations, jokes and interesting discussion topics."

28. put on the map - make well-known
Example: "They've had some good products in the past, but nothing special. This new device is so good that it finally puts them on the map."

29. savvy - smart and knowledgeable
Example: "He's a savvy investor so there is a high probability this project will be successful."

30. sea change - a large change
Example: "Globalization has brought about a sea change. Those who don't change will end up sinking!"

31. flying by the seat of your pants - intuitively (flying an airplane with no instruments)
Example: "Who knows if they will succeed or not? Without a clear business plan, they are just flying by the seat of their pants."

32. shotgun approach - strike widely rather than focussing
Example: "Taking a shotgun approach is a big risk. We may not hit any target at all. If we can identify one good target, we can develop a more precise marketing plan."

33. step up to the plate - take responsibility
Example: "We've done all that we can to prepare. Now it's time to step up to the plate and do it!"

34. talk until you are blue in the face - try to persuade someone with no results
Example: "You can talk until you are blue in the face, but I will never believe that Teacher Joe is the funniest English teacher in the world."

35. the bottom line - the final result
Example: "Although we worked hard on this deal, the bottom line is we didn't make the sale, so it was a complete failure."

36. the name of the game is... - the basic purpose
Example: "The name of the game is service. If we focus on that, the customers will always come back."

37. take a haircut - take a loss
Example: "We really took a haircut on that one! We're going to have to negotiate a better deal next time."

38. tweak something - make a slight adjustment
Example: "By tweaking the economy, the government hopes to avoid a recession."

39. unwind a deal - take apart or undo something
Example: "We have to unwind this deal, then we can start over again."

40. a zero sum game - a situation where someone wins so someone else must lose
Example: "I don't think this is a zero-sum game. If the customer wins, we win too."

Background

Did you ever wonder where the Yellow Ribbon Tradition came from? Most Music Historians trace the Custom to a 19th Century Civil War Song. Reportedly the Custom comes from a Civil War story about a prisoner's homecoming returning from Andersonville Prison. In 1973 Tony Orlando and Dawn cut their number one song of that year and their all-time classic: “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.”

Folklore has it that the inspiration for the 1973 song came from a true incident that occurred on a bus bound for Miami, Florida. It seems that one of the passengers had just been released from prison and he was bound for home. He had written his wife and let her know he still loved her and wanted to be with her. He asked her to tie a yellow ribbon around the lone oak tree in the Town Square of White Oak, Georgia, if she still had feelings for him and wanted him to be with her. Everyone in the bus asked the Driver to slow down as they approached, there it was!

The Driver pulled over and phoned the wire services to share the story. It quickly spread throughout the country. Songwriters Irwin Levine and L. Russell Brown wrote the ballad from the news story.

And now, "the rest of the story"! L. Russell Brown had the inspiration for writing the song. One late Spring morning he drove 33 miles to Irwin Levine's house and told him the story of the oak tree. It had nothing to do with any convict or news story. It was about a civil war soldier, a stagecoach and yellow (as Mr. Levine would say: "Use your imagination!") handkerchiefs. Irwin changed the yellow handkerchiefs to ribbons so as not to offend anyone with the reality of what makes handkerchiefs yellow! L. Russell Brown and and Irwin Levine updated the story by changing the stagecoach to a bus. L. Russell Brown picked up a guitar and wrote the first eight or so lines of music and lyrics himself. Irwin picked up the ball and wrote the ending: "100 ribbons round the ole oak tree". There was discussion about use of the word damn and then the ole song was written. According to L. Russell Brown: "Sorry Paul Harvey, but now you know the rest of the story"¹.

“Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree” was released in February 1973. It was the number one hit by April 1973.

The song became a hit again in 1981 when the 52 Iran Hostages were returned after 444 days of captivity. The song was played throughout the United States because by then the Yellow Ribbon had become a symbol of loyalty.^2,3,4,5

It was on September the 25th that Richard Abruzzo and Carol Davis set off from Bristol, in the west of England, with 19 other balloonists in the 54th Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon race. The aim of the race is to see who can fly the furthest.

Five days later the pair, who were highly experienced, radioed the port authorities in the Italian city of Brindisi to say they were in difficulties. They spoke of the balloon falling quickly. Contact was lost soon after.

Search crews using ships and aircraft spent a week looking for them. But now, more than two months later, a fishing boat has found their basket with the remains of the couple inside. Documents with them confirmed their identities.

The authorities believe their balloon could've been struck by lightening and may have hit the water at 80 km an hour.

Duncan Kennedy, BBC News

set off
در اینجا: به راه افتادند

balloonists
بالون سوارها

aim
هدف

radioed
تماس رادیویی برقرار کردند

in difficulties
با مشکلات روبرو شدن

spoke of
spoke of the balloon falling quickly : خبر دادند که بالون به سرعت در حال سقوط است

contact was lost
تماس قطع شد، ارتباط قطع شد

search crews
گروه جستجو و نجات

the remains
جسدها

hit the water
در آب سقوط کرد

Yesterday, I GOT a gift from God and GOT happy

دوستان این داستانی که برای کاربردهای فعل « get» ساخته ام طولانی است و کم کم روی سایت می گذارم.

سپاس
سید علی رضوی پور، مدرس زبان انگلیسی و محقق در زمینه یادگیری زبان دوم
مولف کتب و سیستم آموزشی : انگلیسی برای فارسی زبانان

You're gonna face the Chill wind of your deeds sooner or later

دیر یا زود عواقب کارهاتو خواهی دید

 
-Don't count on him he is only a Fair-weather friend :

 زیاد روش جساب نکن ، او فقط رفیق روزهای خوشه

-Don't be fooled by her smile is The lull before the storm:

 گول لبخندش رو نخور که آرامش قبل ار طوفانه

-The music resonated through the streets:

 صدای اون آهنگ تو تموم خیابون پیچیده بود

-He is lying at the root of all the murders :

 منشاء تمام قتل ها او بوده

-She was standing at the foot of the stairs :

او پای پله ها ایستاده بود

‎

She doesn't usually take part in any of the class activities او معمولا در هیچیک از فعالیت های کلاس شرکت نمیکند

 We've got lawyers in this club, and builders and hairdressers - people from all (different) walks of life.

در این باشگاه وکیل ها، ساختمان سازها و آرایشگر ها عضو[هموند] هستند--مردمی از تمامی اقشار[لایه های] جامعه

 The increase in interest rates will raise the cost of living

افزایش نرخ سود به افزایش هزینه زندگی خواهد انجامید