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The world is your oyster
Idiom: The World is your Oyster Each day is a new dawn, and the world is your oyster. Every day we wake up, we get a new lease on life and should face the world with a positive attitude. That’s what I tell myself every morning. We have to be positive in this life; otherwise,…
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Qualm
Word of the Day: Qualm Have you ever done something and then doubted yourself? Have you ever wondered if what you were doing was the wrong thing? If you have, you have had qualms about your actions. A qualm is the uncomfortable feeling of doubt you get when you second-guess yourself and wonder if what…
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Around the corner
Idiom: Around the corner The days of humans and technology morphing are just around the corner. When you hear someone say that something is (just) around the corner, they mean that it will be happening in the very near future. Yes, I believe this to be true. In the very near future, we will see…
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Gimmick
Word of the Day: Gimmick Gimmicks are everywhere these days and have been everywhere for a very long time. A Gimmick is a small thing of little value which attracts people’s attention. The purpose of a gimmick is often to get you to buy something. A gimmick can be anything from a small toy inside…
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In the depth of winter
English Phrase: In the depth of winter March is just around the corner, but it may still be hard to believe in some places. Here in Wakayama, the plum blossoms are just starting to open, whereas up in the northern parts of Japan, the snow continues to pile up. Those guys are still in the…
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Esprit de corps
Word of the Day: Esprit de corps Not too long ago, there was a time when the esprit de corps* in Japanese businesses was extremely high. Esprit de corps is a French term used in English to describe the feeling of camaraderie and morale that members of a group share. Times are changing in Japan.…
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Look before you leap
English Proverb: Look before you leap Look before you leap or jump. You should always make sure you know where you are going to land. It’s also a good idea to ensure that it will be a soft landing. In other words, consider the consequences of your actions before you act. Planning is crucial. If you…
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Double down
Word of the Day: Double down When things get complicated, that’s the time to double down. Everyone understands that, at times, things don’t go as smoothly or as efficiently as we want them to go. When you double down, you become more determined than ever to achieve your goal. This determination causes you to work…
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Man cannot live by bread alone
English Saying: Man cannot live by bread alone The saying man cannot live by bread alone means that art is essential to have fulfilling, enjoyable lives. Money is not the most crucial thing in life. It’s not food, either. Art is also not necessary to live your life. When you are feeling down, a great…
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Lay off (someone/something)
Word of the Day: Lay off (someone/something) The boy in the picture looks slightly intimidating, doesn’t he? Even though he is just a kid, he is a kid with a bat and seems like a bully. If he is a bully, that is unacceptable, and it is the responsibility of society – parents, teachers, neighbours,…
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