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Now, the VOA Special
English program, Words and Their Stories.
(MUSIC)
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.
Sometimes, I want to tell 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.
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.
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.
I believe the top official values my supervisor. 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.
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.
But it is not necessary for me to praise my supervisor. 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.
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