Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[michaelchang001]

Hi friends could you tell me why the underlined words are used? And what do they mean? Thanks very much.

Mr Obama, in his announcement, criticised advocates who fail to realise that �both sides have good ideas and good intentions�. The president-elect is a master at charting the middle road. Time will tell whether that path leads to meaningful reform or to messy drift.

[CP]

To chart a course is to plan a route, on land, sea, or by air. Figuratively, a person can chart a course in politics or business. Here, the author says that Obama is good at steering a middle course.

But will his efforts end up a "messy drift," that is, drifting around aimlessly rather than staying firmly to the left or right side of the road? Time will tell.
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[michaelchang001]

Thank you, CP.