実践ビジネス英語 Wednesday, April 3
1) Breakstone comments on the weather and is surprised when Umemura responds with the a detailed account of upcoming conditions. Umemura explains that he has been following weather forecasts in order to make small talk as a friend told him the weather was a common topic. Collins cautions him that people will find such statements odd. Umemura admits he is uneasy with small talk and compliments Americans' skill at it.
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The Power of Small Talk (1)
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2) how about: Breakstone is using this expression to mean "Wow!" about something. Isn't it impressive, memorable, shocking, whatever? That is how we use it about things both the speaker and the listener know about or have experienced. Something like "'How about' that speech yesterday? Wasn't it inspiring?" or "'How about' that meeting yesterday? It was really boring, wasn't it?"
3) And it can also be used more in the sense of what do you think about this thing that we both know or have experienced, such as, "So 'how about' this talk of a merger? Do you think it's a good idea?"
4) make for: In this case, "make for" means create or lead to. One or more elements in a certain situation created or led to the outcome X. "Cool temperatures have 'made for' slow sales of summer clothing," for example, or "Changing trains three times 'makes for' an inconvenient commute."
5) cold snap: Here "snap" means a sudden spell of weather. I'd say we always use it regarding cold weather. I've never heard of anybody talk about a warm snap.
6) We also use "snap" to mean something that can be accomplished very easily. "This website makes comparing prices a 'snap,'" for example.
7) meteorological update on: Don't worry if you have trouble pronouncing "meteorological." As you can see here even native speakers like me stumble over all those syllables.
8) follow something closely: When we follow something, we stay informed of its course or progress, the events related to it. Many people "follow" sports. Others "follow" technological developments.
9) commendable: Worthy of being commended, praised, Collins means. An official award or citation given in praise of something is often referred to as a "commendation." For example, "He received the 'commendation' for exceeding his sales quota six months in a row."
10) to level with you: To tell you the truth, Collins is saying as if you are coming straight at someone on the same level, and not trying to obey evade things. "The company 'leveled with us' about the need to cut jobs," for example.
11) Likewise when something or someone is "on the level," they are honest or true. Let's say someone offers you a very high interest rate on an investment. You might think they weren't "on the level" that the investment was fraudulent.
12) on a level playing field というフレーズもよく使われます。二国間の交渉などにおいて「同じ条件で」とか「同じ土俵で」という意味で使われます。
13) come off: Appear a certain way, Collins means, give a certain impression through one's actions. "She 'comes off' as very professional," for example, or "He 'came off' as very disorganized."
