Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[shirlyone2005]

Could you tell me what these expressins mean?
1. Shoots for the stars.
2.sound off after me.
3.make a fist.
people say these expressions are for teachers, but i don't know how and when can we use it.

[CP]

1. If you aim high and try to do great things, you are shooting for the stars or aiming for the stars or even shooting for the moon. "Don't settle for a mediocre job. Shoot for the moon!"

2. I have not heard "sound off after me" as an expression, but "sound off" means to speak up, say it loudly and clearly. If a teacher said, "Sound off after me," I would think he / she wants the class to repeat the phrases loudly and clearly, for practice.

3. To make a fist is to curl all the fingers to the palm and close the thumb over, making a tight ball. Also called clenching or clenching a fist. You make a fist to hit someone, or to thrust in the air in victory when you win the race or hit a home run.

These expressions are for teachers, and for students, and for anyone who wants to use them. No charge.
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[shirlyone2005]

thank you so much for your help.