And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.
On today’s program, we visit the world of performing!
Thank you, thank you! Oh, you’re too kind…too kind!
Whether you are seeing a play, concert, or movie, it is important to be on time for the show. The word showtime means the scheduled time a show is to begin. For example, if you go to a movie theater’s website, you can get a list of showtimes for all the movies playing.
The meaning of showtime is simple. But, we often use the word in an interesting way.
When we say: It’s showtime! we usually are ready to start something big or important. And it does not have to be a performance in front of a lot of people. It can be a big presentation for work or school. It can be something that you worked hard at and now you are ready: It’s showtime!
We use the expression not just to say something has started. We also use it to suggest that we overcame difficulties and challenges along the way. Or we had to follow a long process.
For example, to produce this program, I first research the expression or idiom. I find definitions, examples, and sometimes similar words. Then I send it to the editor who checks for content and errors. After that, I find pictures to go with the lesson, get the music ready. I’m now ready to voice and produce the lesson! It’s showtime!
Performing in front of people can make even brave, confident people nervous or scared. So, you can also use the expression It’s showtime! before starting something that you are nervous about — like a confrontation or argument. You need to plan what you are going to say and prepare yourself emotionally.
Then when you’re ready … it’s showtime!
Let’s say you want to ask for a raise at work. You plan what you are going to say. You practice in front of a mirror. You comb your hair and straighten your jacket. You feel confident. Now, you are ready. So, you say to your reflection in the mirror: It’s showtime!
Now, let’s hear two friends use this expression.
A: Hey, where have you been? I haven’t seen you in weeks.
B: I have been preparing for something really big and really important.
A: Sounds exciting. What is it?
B: Next week, I am showing my invention to a group of investors. I’m so nervous! In a way, they are holding the future of my business in their hands.
A: Are you ready?
B: Well, for my presentation, I have a very detailed business plan, market research and a prototype of my invention. I even bought a brand-new suit! Come tomorrow at 10 am… it’s showtime!
A: Well, good luck.
B: Thanks! I’ll need all the good luck I can get.
And that’s all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories. Until next time, I’m Anna Matteo.
Anna Matteo wrote this lesson for VOA Learning English.
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Words in This Story
editor – n. a person who checks and corrects texts before they are published
brave – adj. having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty
confident – adj. having or showing assurance and self-reliance
reflection – n. the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
invention – n. an original device or process
prototype – n. an original model on which something is patterned