And now, Words and their stories from VOA Learn English.
In this program, we explore the words and phrases of the English language. Sometimes we explain where they come from and how to use them.
Today we are talking about horses. They are strong, fast and beautiful animals. Many years ago, in many places around the world, people used horses to get around. Nowadays, horseback riding is for sport. It’s a good way to exercise outside. However, it is not the easiest sport to play.
First of all, horseback riding can get expensive. You need a horse, the right equipment, a place to live, called a stable, and a lot of land to ride it. These things can cost a lot of money. So many people just rental time on horseback. But it can also be expensive.
Then there is the learning curve. This is the time it takes to learn how to do something. Horse riding has a pretty soak learning curve. Most people need to do a lot to feel safe riding. Thus, people who did not take a course when they were young may find it more difficult to learn as they get older.
This is because there is also some danger with riding. You could be seriously injured if a horse throws you from behind. If this happens, people say it’s important to get back on the horse as soon as possible. (Of course, after checking for injuries.)
If you do not return to the saddle, you may be afraid to ride your horse again. But if you get straight back on the horse, you might forget to fall.
This is where we get two expressions: “back in the saddle†and “If you fall from your horse, (you) get back right awayâ€.
Now a saddle is the leather seat that you put on the horse’s back. He secures a rider to the horse. When we say we’re getting back on the saddle, we’re doing something that we haven’t done in a while or something that we think we’re not doing well.
For example, let’s say I get fired from my job. Not only does it upset me, but it also hurts me self-confidence. So my friends might say to me, “Anna, it’s time for you to get back in the saddle! Go find another job!
“If you fall from your horse, you get back straight up†is the same advice. This means: Going back to an activity that you failed or had problems with. But not just any activity. If you’ve done something that you didn’t enjoy and failed, there really is no need to do it again.
For this expression, activity is usually something that you enjoy or that is important to you for some reason.
For example, a friend of mine is a pianist. Once he wrote a piece of music and played it for a room full of people. But they didn’t really like it. So he got angry and wanted to stop playing.
I told him, “You have to get back on that horse right away.” Go home now and write another song. “And he did! He always tries, but he’s not afraid to play in front of people.
So if you need to tell someone to get over their fears and try something again, you can use any of these expressions.
If you make mistakes speaking English in a crowded room, forget it. My advice is: “Get back in the saddle!” as soon as possible.
And that’s all the time we have for it Words and their stories.
Until next time… I’m Anna Matteo.
Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.
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Words in this story
rental – v. paying money in exchange for being able to use (something that belongs to someone else)
learning curve – not. the course of progress in learning something
soak – adj. go up or down very quickly
saddle – not. a leather-covered seat that is put on the back of a horse
self-confidence – not. feel good about yourself and your powers and abilities
song – not. a short piece of music with sung lyrics