[Mastering the Idiomatic Expression: 'How does that strike you?']-[Easy English Expression 0289 How does ~ strike you?]
📋 Summary
Understanding the Idiom: 'How does that strike you?'
In this episode of Easy English Expressions, Coach Shane dives into a functional and common English idiom: "How does that strike you?" This phrase is a natural way to ask for someone's immediate opinion, first impression, or thoughts on a particular subject.
The Meaning of the Expression
When someone asks, "How does that strike you?" they are essentially asking, "What do you think of it?" or "What is your first impression?"
Coach Shane explains the etymology behind the word "strike" in this context. While the dictionary definition of the verb "strike" is "to hit," the idiomatic usage implies a metaphorical impact. Much like a physical blow makes an immediate impression, an idea or visual change (like a new hairstyle) hits the observer's mind instantly, prompting an immediate reaction or opinion.
Practical Usage
To use this expression effectively, you can apply it to various scenarios where you want to gauge someone's reaction:
- Personal Style: "How does my new haircut strike you?"
- New Purchases: "How do these new shoes strike you?"
- Current Events: "How did Harf’s recent comments strike you?"
By using this phrase, you move beyond basic questions like "Do you like it?" and invite a more nuanced discussion about the other person's perspective.
Analyzing the Contextual Dialogue
Coach Shane provides a dialogue example involving a former State Department official, Harf. In the scenario, Harf allegedly dismissed critics by claiming they were "too nuanced" for her, essentially implying, "I'm too smart for you."
This dialogue introduces two critical vocabulary words:
- Nuanced: In this specific context, it is used with a negative connotation, suggesting an air of superiority or complexity that shuts down debate.
- Arrogant: The listener in the dialogue describes Harf's comment as "arrogant," perfectly capturing the reaction to someone who suggests they are "much more intelligent" than those criticizing them.
Conclusion
The podcast emphasizes the importance of learning expressions that sound natural to native speakers. "How does that strike you?" is a versatile tool for social interaction. Coach Shane encourages listeners to practice by creating their own examples and applying the phrase to their daily observations, whether it be news stories, fashion choices, or opinions on current events.
By integrating these expressions into your vocabulary, you move closer to the goal of the show: to truly master English.
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