When was that last time you were startled?
There are many similar words in English, such as shocked and scared, that have slightly different meanings.
Do you know which you can use at work?
Listen in on today’s episode to learn how to use phrases about being startled in the business setting.
Jumping out of your skin
Lindsay asks Aubrey about the last time she almost jumped out of her skin.
Aubrey shares that her brother still hides to surprise her.
She is startled every time and might say, “You almost made me jump out of my skin!”
Her brother has always done this since they were kids and he has never grown out of it.
Today’s episode is inspired by a listener’s question.
Today’s question
Thanks so much Lindsay and Aubrey for making this amazing video. First of all, both of you really bring out the best in your language learners and you show the ropes of vocabulary, grammar and speaking skill because you know the language inside out. excuse me, could you please tell me if we can use this idiom right now – to jump out of the skin? Thank you in advance!
This question has some great idioms.
Lindsay and Aubrey mention that using idioms can be tricky especially when language is evolving.
Some expressions and phrases may be outdated or may not be suitable to use in certain conversations.
Do you get startled?
Today’s idioms and vocabulary are perfect for talking about being surprised.
These phrases are appropriate in the business setting and in informal conversations.
#1: Jump out of one’s skin
This is a very visual idiom.
Clearly, you can’t literally jump out of your skin.
This is an expression used to show exaggeration.
It is informal and means you are extremely startled.
Depending on your work’s culture, this is useful at work.
Some workplaces are a bit laid back and informal idioms like this are acceptable.
Examples:
- You made me jump right out of my skin!
- When I saw him in the elevator I nearly jumped out of my skin!
#2: Startled
This is when you experience sudden shock or are suddenly alarmed.
It can be interchangeable with surprise.
The main difference is that ‘startled’ often means you jumped.
‘Surprise’ is more of a feeling and isn’t always accompanied by physical movement.
Example:
- The news that the VP is stepping down startled me. I did not see that coming!
- I was startled to see you at work today. I thought you were home sick!
#3: Caught/taken off guard
We say both “caught off guard” and “taken off guard”.
This is more similar to surprise than ‘startled.’
It just means you really weren’t expecting something to happen or appear.
Example:
- It really took me off guard when he wasn’t prepared for the meeting.
- We’re sharing this news so that no one is taken off guard.
Related synonyms with different meanings
There are so many words out there that can seem similar in meaning.
However, they often have different meanings and subtle nuances.
Lindsay and Aubrey remind that you can’t always trust the thesaurus.
Not all similar words can be used in the same context.
This is a very common mistake to use words as direct synonyms when they mean something different.
Aubrey gives these words as an example:
- Scared
- Shocked
- Spooked
- Stunned
- Surprised
They all mean you didn’t expect something to happen but it did.
However, they each have a slightly different meaning.
Roleplay
Here is a quick roleplay using the vocabulary shared in today’s episode.
This will help you better understand how to use them in a conversation.
In this scenario, they are at an industry conference.
Lindsay: I didn’t expect it to be this dark here. It’s kind of taking me off guard!
Aubrey: It is dark! I ran into someone leaving the restroom and nearly jumped out of my skin!
Lindsay: There must be an issue with the lights.
Aubrey: Oh, you startled me! Sorry- I think I spilled some coffee on you!
Takeaway
It’s inevitable that you’ll be startled at work or in your daily life.
Now you have the language to talk about it!
Use the idiom ‘jump out of one’s skin’ at work as well as today’s other vocabulary.
Also remember that the thesaurus provides synonyms that aren’t correct in every context.
Consume as many English resources as possible to capture the nuances of words.
Do you know other words that are synonyms but are used in different contexts?
Share it in the comments below.
