VOA慢速英语2021--Start Off on the Right Foot

And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning¹ English.

Today we talk about something that you might take for granted². You might not them or appreciate their value and worth. Your feet! We just expect them to be there when we need them.

But our feet are important. And they have managed to walk right into many English expressions. Let's talk about some.

First, let's put our best foot forward.

This means³ you act in the best possible way to show your best possible self. Sometimes we do this to impress others. But sometimes we just want to do the best job we can or be the best person we can.

At work, people who put their best foot forward, work fast and do the job well.

Here's another foot expression: To start off on the right foot.

If something starts off on the right foot, it means it starts off in a good way. For example, you can start your day off on the right foot. You can start a class off on the right foot. If you start or get off on the right foot, you immediately have success when you begin an activity, a project, a job, or even a relationship.

For example, when you are starting a new job, you want to start off on the right foot with your new coworkers. And if you have a new boyfriend or girlfriend, you really want to start off on the right foot with their parents. Maybe you just met a new friend. You also want to get off on the right foot with their group of friends.

All of this means that you want to leave a good impression -- especially when you first meet. In fact, we have a special saying about that: "You don't get a second chance to make a first impression."

If you make a bad first impression, you have started off on the wrong foot. And it is harder to repair relationships when they start off poorly. Also, it is harder to get a project back on track⁴ if it started on the wrong foot.

Some word experts say that ancient superstitions⁶ thought that the right foot was luckier than the left. So, it was good luck to start off with the right foot instead of the left.

Now let's hear two friends use some of these expressions.

A: Wow! You look great! Is that a new business suit?

B: No. I've had this suit for years. But I think I've gained some weight during the pandemic.

A: Well, it DOES look a little tight⁷. Maybe try unbuttoning the jacket.

B: Good idea.

A: Your hair cut looks great too. So, where are you going all dressed up?

B: Today I start a new job ... in a new office ... with new people.

A: That's a big deal. I mean we've all been working from home for more than a year.

B: Tell me about it! It feels strange to wear a suit. But with my new job ... I REALLY want to start off on the right foot. You know what they say: You don't get a second chance to make a first impression.

A: In that case, maybe you should wear REAL shoes. It's hard to put your best foot forward wearing your house slippers⁸.

B: Oh no! I'm wearing slippers! I have to go all the way back home and get my shoes. Now, I'll be late!

A: Looks like you have to choose: Start off on the wrong foot by showing up late or by wearing slippers.

B: Hmm ... You know, maybe no one will notice my footwear. But my boss will definitely⁹ notice if I'm late. so, I guess ... slippers it is!

A: Just stay at your desk as much as you can. Good luck!

B: Thanks! See you later!

Words in This Story

impress – v. to affect strongly or deeply¹⁰ and especially favorably

chance – n. an opportunity to do something: an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done

superstition⁵ – n. a belief or way of behaving that is based on fear of the unknown and faith in magic or luck: a belief that certain events or things will bring good or bad luck

slippers – n. a light, soft shoe that is easily put on and taken off and that is worn indoors

1 learning   

n.学问，学识，学习；动词learn的现在分词

参考例句：

• When you are learning to ride a bicycle,you often fall off.初学骑自行车时，常会从车上掉下来。
• Learning languages isn't just a matter of remembering words.学习语言不仅仅是记些单词的事。

2 granted   

conj.假定，就算v.（退一步）承认( grant的过去式和过去分词 )；（尤指正式地或法律上）同意；准许；让渡

参考例句：

• The president granted a general amnesty for all political prisoners. 总统大赦了所有的政治犯。
• She feared she would not be granted re-entry into Britain. 她担心不会获准再次踏足英伦。

3 means   

n.方法，手段，折中点，物质财富

参考例句：

• That man used artful means to find out secrets.那人使用狡猾的手段获取机密。
• We must get it done by some means or other.我们总得想办法把它干完。

4 track   

n.轨道；足迹；痕迹；磁轨；途径；vt.循路而行；追踪；通过；用纤拉；vi.追踪

参考例句：

• The new race track is nearly six miles in extent.这条新跑道将近六英里长。
• The police are on his track.警察在跟踪他。

5 superstition   

n.迷信，迷信行为

参考例句：

• It's a common superstition that black cats are unlucky.认为黑猫不吉祥是一种很普遍的迷信。
• Superstition results from ignorance.迷信产生于无知。

6 superstitions   

迷信，迷信行为( superstition的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Old superstitions seem incredible to educated people. 旧的迷信对于受过教育的人来说是不可思议的。
• Do away with all fetishes and superstitions. 破除一切盲目崇拜和迷信。

7 tight   

adj.紧的；难解的；紧密的

参考例句：

• Time is going to be tight,so you'd better hurry.时间很紧，你最好抓紧一点。
• The box is so tight that I can't open it.这个盒子太紧，我打不开。

8 slippers   

n. 拖鞋

参考例句：

• a pair of slippers 一双拖鞋
• He kicked his slippers off and dropped on to the bed. 他踢掉了拖鞋，倒在床上。

9 definitely   

adv.一定地，肯定地；明确地，确切地

参考例句：

• The team will definitely lose if he doesn't play.如果他不参加比赛，这个队肯定会输。
• I shall definitely be home before six o'clock.6点以前，我一定回家。

10 deeply   

adv.深刻地，在深处，深沉地

参考例句：

• I do feel deeply the strength of the collective.我确实深深地感到了集体的力量。
• We're deeply honoured that you should agree to join us.您能同意加入我们，我们感到很荣幸。