The English We Speak: Throw ideas at the wall

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She is one of the best selling music artists of all time.

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Bignonette is taking a closer look at the first time.

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Hello and welcome to the English We Speak, where we explain phrases and expressions used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too. I'm Fei Fei.

And I'm Phil. How are you doing, Fei Fey?

Oh, I'm trying to think of a theme for my son's birthday party, but I'm not sure what he'd like.

How about dinosaurs or pirates or space or football or a superhero?

Wait, wait, wait, Phil. Give me a minute. That's too many ideas.

Sorry, I was just throwing ideas at the wall. Surely something must work.

Maybe, but I need to slow down a bit.

Okay, if someone throws ideas at the wall, it means they make lots of suggestions with the hope that one might be okay. It suggests that you haven't thought that much about the ideas you're saying.

Yes, it did sound like you were just saying the first things that came into your head.

And we also talk about throwing ideas at the wall until something sticks. And the idea is that if you make enough suggestions, then eventually you'll get one that's good.

Let's hear some other people using throwing ideas at the wall.

What kind of food should we eat? Indian? Chinese? Italian? Just throwing ideas at the wall.

My parents are decorating their living room at the moment, but they're not sure which colour to paint the walls. They're talking about blues, greens, reds. They're just throwing ideas at the wall at this point.

Listen guys, I know you didn't like my idea for the game show, but I'm just throwing ideas at the wall and seeing what sticks. Sit down, I've I've got loads more. Loads of ideas. Listen.

We've been learning the expression throw ideas at the wall to mean make lots of suggestions.

Yes, it comes from the expression if you throw enough mud at the wall, then some of it will stick. And that can mean different things. It can talk about persisting until you succeed and But it can also mean that if you say enough bad things about someone, eventually people will start to believe them.

Okay, that's it for this programme. But join us next time to learn more English phrases and expressions.

See you then.

Bye.

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