Global Breaking News - Monday, December 23, 2024

There are many American expressions that use parts of the body. These include the eyes, ears, nose, mouth and even the heart. Today we will tell you some expressions that use other body parts – the back, shoulders and chest.

When I am facing a lot of pressure at work, my back and neck will start to hurt. Sometimes, this tension is the result of too much work. I have too many things to do because my supervisor is on my back all the time. In other words, my employer is always telling me to do things.
* be on one's back = 누군가에게 ~을 하라고 지시(명령)하다

Sometimes, I want my employer to get off my back! I want her to stop criticizing me and making too many demands on my time. I can not say this, however. I would never turn my back on her and refuse to help when there is a need. If I did refuse to help, my supervisor might say bad things about me behind my back. She might criticize me when I am not present. This would surely be a stab in the back. It is never kind to unfairly harm or say bad things about other people.
* get off sb's back = ~를 내버 두다/ turn one's back on = ~에게 등을 돌리다/ behind sb's back = ~몰래/ stab in the back = (믿는 사람에 대한) 뒤통수치가(배신)

Sometimes, when I am very productive in my job, my employer gives me a pat on the back. She praises my work. She might even say "I will scratch your back if you will scratch mine." This means she will do something for me, if I do something helpful for her in exchange. Such an offer usually comes straight from the shoulder. My supervisor has a very direct, open and honest way of speaking.
* pat on the back = 격려(칭찬, 만족)의 말/ I will scratch ~ = 상부상조하다/ straight from the shoulder = (비판 등을) 아주 솔직하게(직설적으로)

I know that my employer carries a lot on her shoulders. She is responsible for many things at the office. And because she is so important, she sometimes gets to rub shoulders with the top officials. She gets to spend time with some very important people.
* carry ~ on one's shoulders(back) = 중대한 책임을 떠맡다/ rub shoulders with = ~와 가까이 어울리다

I believe the top official values my superior. He never gives her the cold shoulder. He is never unfriendly to her. He always treats her like she is an important part of the organization.
* cold shoulder = 무시, 냉대

I also value my supervisor. In fact, I think she is very effective in her job. Of course, I could yell my opinion at the top of my lungs, or as loudly as I possibly could. It might even feel good to get my emotions off my chest. It is always helpful to tell people how you feel so that your emotions do not trouble you.
* at the top of one's lungs = 큰 소리로, 소리 지르며/ get sth off one's chest = 마음의 짐을 털어버리다

But it is not necessary for me to praise my superior. Most of my co-workers feel the exact same way about her. So, I think I will just save my breath. I will keep silent because talking or repeating myself will not do any good.
* save(spare) one's breath = 쓸데없는 논쟁을 피하다, 잠자코 있다, 침묵을 지키다