The Language Mix-Up

Question 1

Embarrassing moment aboard

Answer 1

My embarrassing moment abroad

Question 2

What does ‘break the ice’ mean?

Answer 2

Trying to break the ice, I butchered a local proverb and put my foot in my mouth.

Start a conversation

Common phrase used to describe initiating interaction.

Question 3

What does ‘butchered’ refer to in this context?

Answer 3

Trying to break the ice, I butchered a local proverb and put my foot in my mouth.
Mangled

Used to describe a significant mistake, especially in language.

Question 4

What does ‘put my foot in my mouth’ mean?

Answer 4

Trying to break the eyes, I butchered a local proverb and put my foot in my mouth.
Said something offensive

A phrase indicating making an embarrassing or tactless remark.

Question 5

What does ‘in stitches’ mean?

Answer 5

The listeners in stitches I wished it the ground would swallow me up
Laughed hard

Expression describing uncontrollable laughter.

Question 6

What does ‘wished the ground would swallow me up’ indicate?

Answer 6

The listeners were in stitches. While I wished the ground would swallow me up.
Felt extreme embarrassment

A common expression of wishing to escape a humiliating situation.

Question 7

What does ‘threw me a lifeline’ mean?

Answer 7

A kind local threw me a lifeline by keeping a straight face and correcting me politely.
Helped

Phrase used to describe someone providing assistance in a difficult situation.

Question 8

What does ‘keeping a straight face’ mean?

Answer 8

A kind local threw me a lifeline by keeping a straight face and correcting me politely.
Not laughing

Refers to maintaining a serious demeanor despite a humorous situation.

Question 9

What does ‘bonded over’ mean?

Answer 9

Later we bonded it it over the blunder and she collude clued me in on cultural nuances
Connected through

Indicates developing a relationship based on shared experiences.

Question 10

What does ‘clued me in on’ mean?

Answer 10

Later we bonded over the blunder and she clued me on cultural nuances
Explained

Used to describe providing information or insights.

Question 11

What does ‘take it in stride’ mean?

Answer 11

No, I take it in stride when I slip up in language learning
Accept calmly

Refers to managing or handling difficulties without stress.

Question 12

What does ‘slip up’ mean?

Answer 12

No, I take it stride when I slip up in language learning
Make mistakes

Phrase indicating making an error, often in a casual context.