PE 4/15 jumping for Geneva

Are you pulling my leg? I’d kill for that kind of opportunity! What’s holding you back?

* kill for something: to want desperately

ex> I’d kill for the opportunity to visit all the countries you've travelled to!

* hold one back: to prevent one’s progress

ex> Sharon quit her job because her boss’ prejudices were holding her back.

ex> The belief that my old bike would be repaired held me back from buying a new one.

You’d be in the heart of western Europe, living in a clean and safe lakeside city on the French border, a short train ride or cheap flight to Paris, Rome, Vienna… does any of that pique your interest?

* pique one’s interest: to stimulate or excite one’s attention

ex> The new course offerings at the community center have really piqued my interest.

ex> Is there anything in this brochure that piques your interest?

Note> The verb “pique” means to make someone angry or annoyed. But when something “piques your interest or curiosity,” here the verb “pique” just means to arouse, stimulate, or excite.

Well, sure! But I’m worried about the office environment. My French is a little rusty.

* rusty: weakened through lack of use

ex> He’s a little rusty, but my uncle can still play the drums.

Thanks, Marcus. It sounds like I’d really regret it if I didn't jump at this chance.

* jump at the chance: to eagerly accept an opportunity

ex> The young student jumped at the chance to stay with an English speaking family.