4/11/99         Lesson.14 On a Shoestring

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☆Dialogue (Idiomatic)

　A: Out of the blue, he opened up a business on a shoestring.

　B: That's a feather in his cap!

　A: I hope he doesn't take a beating.

　B: I don't think so. He struck while the iron was hot.

　A: He'll probably wind up being very well-heeled.

　B: I hope so. He's been through the mill.

☆Dialogue (Standard)

　A: Unexpectedly, he opened up a business with very little money.
　B: That's a proud achievement.
　A: I hope he doesn't lose money.
　B: I don't think so. He took advantage of a great opportunity.
　A: He'll probably end up being very rich.
　B: I hope so. He's been experienced in difficulties of life.

☆Vocabulary

　Out of the blue  		adv.) unexpectedly, by surprise, suddenly.
　On a shoestring 		adv.) with very little money.
　That's a feather in one's cap	  v.) that's a proud achievement. 
　Take a beating		  v.) loose money. 
　Strike while the iron is hot	  v.) take advantage of an opportunity.
　Wind up			  v.) end up, finish.
　Well-heeled			adj.) rich.
　Been + through the mill	adj.) be+ experienced in difficulties of life.
　
☆Explanation

　Out of blue  "晴天のへきれき"。
　On a shoestring 靴紐は値段の安いもの、something very cheep　からきています。
　Take a beating はビジネスに負けて倒産する。
　Strike while the iron is hot, "鉄は熱いうちに打て"そのままですね。