Meaning
"Better Late Than Never"는 "늦더라도 안 하는 것보다는 낫다"는 뜻의 영어 표현입니다. 이 표현은 어떤 일이 예정된 시간보다 늦게 완료되었을 때, 그럼에도 불구하고 최종적으로 그 일이 이루어진 것에 대한 긍정적인 시각을 나타냅니다.
예를 들어, 중요한 프로젝트를 기한 내에 마치지 못했더라도 결국 끝내게 되었을 때, 이 표현을 사용하여 끝낸 것에 대한 안도감을 표현할 수 있습니다. "Better Late Than Never"는 주로 누군가가 어떤 일을 완수하는 데 시간이 걸렸을 때 그 노력을 인정하거나 격려하는 상황에서 사용됩니다.
이 표현은 일상적인 대화에서도 자주 등장하며, 특히 누군가가 약속이나 마감 기한을 놓쳤을 때 긍정적인 반응으로 사용되곤 합니다. 중요한 것은 일을 끝내는 것이며, 늦더라도 해내는 것이 전혀 하지 않는 것보다 낫다는 메시지를 전달합니다.
Example
We arrived at the stadium half-way into the game, but better late than never.
I'm starting my undergraduate degree at 45, but better late than never. I've always wanted to be a nurse.
I just started taking guitar lessons, but better late than never. I finally have the time to learn!
Tips on How to Learn Idioms
Idioms are unpredictable and it makes no sense when you translate them into your first language. But you can do a few things to help learn a few and keep them under your belt!
- Create an idioms journal. Write or document digitally, the idioms that you will use often. Add their meanings, example sentences, and maybe add situations that happened to you and make it your own!
- Understand the situation. Make sure you understand the context in which you can use the idiom and try not to translate or take the idiom literally; one of the reasons why idioms are so difficult. Think about what the speaker is saying and when they say it. Imagine your own situation and see if the idiom fits.
- Practice often. Read them, write them, and say them out loud. You must hear your own voice in order for an idiom to sound natural and blend into the conversation. Include them when talking to friends and family, colleagues or other English speakers.
Practice along with our audio examples, record yourself saying the idioms, or if you need writing practice leave us a message! If you are unsure or struggling, we're here to help.
Quiz
What is an Idiom
An idiom is a phrase or expression that usually presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase. Idioms are not just used in conversations – they're also very common in literature, movies, and music. We utilize them to convey a message in a concise and effective manner, and often have deep cultural or historical significance. They help to create a vivid and memorable image in the minds of the audience.
Idioms are difficult because they do not mean what they literally state. Communication challenges emerge when you translate an idiom in your language; it will not make sense or if it does make sense you may miss the intended meaning.
How to Study Idioms
- Read them. Read books, newspapers, magazine articles, online articles for exposure in written material.
- Watch them. Watch TV shows and movies in English! There are so many streaming services available for you to choose from. Listen attentively and try to understand the context in which they are used.
- Use them. Talk to native speakers and try to incorporate common idioms into your conversations. Try using them during conversations with friends, family, coworkers, or through text.
- Practice. Practice. Practice. Remember that you can't learn all of them! So start with a few that you understand and build your library of idioms from there!
