Summary
Highlights
This video is the 78th installment in the American Idiom series, focusing on five idioms numbered 386 to 390. The presenter will introduce each idiom, allow time for guessing its meaning, then provide the answer with an additional example.
This idiom means to acquire a preference or desire for something. For example, 'I've never gotten a taste for golf even after I retired, but I do enjoy fishing more than ever.' Another example: 'Our mayor told us that he got his first taste for power when he was the captain of his football team in high school.'
To 'climb the ladder' means to become increasingly powerful or successful, often in a corporate or professional setting. An example is, 'My new boss told me that it would take some time to climb the ladder at my new company, but it was possible.' Another example: 'My friend Andrew is a professor at a large university and he has wanted to climb the ladder there for a long time but he has never been given the chance to do so.'
This idiom means to support or assist someone or something. For instance, 'The president agreed to back up the banks in the event of a global financial crisis.' Another example: 'Joan complained that her husband has never backed her up when it came to disciplining their children.'
This idiom refers to giving someone an opportunity at something. An example is, 'My manager gave me a shot at the assistant manager's position at work and I accept the challenge.' Another instance: 'Our neighbors gave us a shot at buying their house, but we just couldn't afford it at this time.'
To 'come out of one's shell' means to become less shy or reticent and more sociable. For example, 'Growing up, Cindy was a very quiet girl, but she came out of her shell when she went to University because now she's a very outgoing young woman.' Another example: 'As George got to meet more people, he slowly came out of his shell; now he has many friends.'