[ti:Start Off on the Right Foot] [by:www.51voa.com] [00:00.00]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM [00:08.12]And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English. [00:18.64]Today we talk about something that you might take for granted. [00:24.60]You might not them or appreciate their value and worth. [00:30.08]Your feet! [00:32.60]We just expect them to be there when we need them. [00:36.48]But our feet are important. [00:40.16]And they have managed to walk right into many English expressions. [00:46.60]Let's talk about some. [00:49.24]First, let's put our best foot forward. [00:53.16]This means you act in the best possible way [00:58.40]to show your best possible self. [01:02.36]Sometimes we do this to impress others. [01:06.36]But sometimes we just want to do the best job we can [01:12.04]or be the best person we can. [01:16.20]At work, people who put their best foot forward, [01:20.32]work fast and do the job well. [01:24.92]Here's another foot expression: To start off on the right foot. [01:31.44]If something starts off on the right foot, [01:34.84]it means it starts off in a good way. [01:38.60]For example, you can start your day off on the right foot. [01:43.88]You can start a class off on the right foot. [01:48.72]If you start or get off on the right foot, [01:52.88]you immediately have success [01:55.48]when you begin an activity, a project, a job, or even a relationship. [02:03.08]For example, when you are starting a new job, [02:07.36]you want to start off on the right foot with your new coworkers. [02:12.64]And if you have a new boyfriend or girlfriend, [02:16.36]you really want to start off on the right foot with their parents. [02:21.12]Maybe you just met a new friend. [02:25.04]You also want to get off on the right foot with their group of friends. [02:31.36]All of this means that you want to leave a good impression [02:35.52]-- especially when you first meet. [02:39.40]In fact, we have a special saying about that: [02:43.64]"You don't get a second chance to make a first impression." [02:49.52]If you make a bad first impression, you have started off on the wrong foot. [02:55.00]And it is harder to repair relationships when they start off poorly. [03:02.04]Also, it is harder to get a project back on track [03:06.60]if it started on the wrong foot. [03:10.96]Some word experts say that ancient superstitions [03:15.52]thought that the right foot was luckier than the left. [03:20.92]So, it was good luck to start off with the right foot instead of the left. [03:28.20]Now let's hear two friends use some of these expressions. [03:35.00]A: Wow! You look great! Is that a new business suit? [03:38.92]B: No. I've had this suit for years. [03:42.72]But I think I've gained some weight during the pandemic. [03:46.20]A: Well, it DOES look a little tight. Maybe try unbuttoning the jacket. [03:51.20]B: Good idea. [03:53.32]A: Your hair cut looks great too. So, where are you going all dressed up? [03:59.32]B: Today I start a new job ... in a new office ... with new people. [04:06.52]A: That's a big deal. I mean [04:09.16]we've all been working from home for more than a year. [04:12.20]B: Tell me about it! It feels strange to wear a suit. [04:16.80]But with my new job ... I REALLY want to start off on the right foot. [04:22.16]You know what they say: You don't get a second chance [04:26.08]to make a first impression. [04:28.36]A: In that case, maybe you should wear REAL shoes. [04:31.88]It's hard to put your best foot forward wearing your house slippers. [04:36.84]B: Oh no! I'm wearing slippers! [04:39.92]I have to go all the way back home and get my shoes. Now, I'll be late! [04:46.04]A: Looks like you have to choose: Start off on the wrong foot [04:50.00]by showing up late or by wearing slippers. [04:54.72]B: Hmm ... You know, maybe no one will notice my footwear. [04:59.08]But my boss will definitely notice if I'm late. [05:03.20]so, I guess ... slippers it is! [05:06.80]A: Just stay at your desk as much as you can. Good luck! [05:10.68]B: Thanks! See you later! [05:13.84]Hopefully you started your day off on the right foot [05:17.68]with some English lessons from VOA Learning English! [05:23.08]And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories. [05:26.92]Until next time ... I'm Anna Matteo. [05:30.12]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM