prevoda.ch

Phrase:
it’s not the end of the world

Definition:
the situation is not as bad as it seems

Dialog:
A team of engineers is delivering news to the leader of a recent setback¹ to the nation’s intercontinental ballistic missile program.
Engineer: Sir, we are sorry to report that the test launch was a failure.
Leader: Was it the navigation system again? Did the missile stray off course?
Engineer: No, the navigation system worked flawlessly. Unfortunately, the triggering mechanism² was acting up³. If we don’t correct the problem, there’s no guarantee the missile’s payload⁴ will detonate⁵.
Leader: Another dud⁶. Well, carry on, gentlemen. It’s not the end of the world!

Notes:
1. a setback: a delay
2. a triggering mechanism: a device that starts a process
3. to act up: to cause a problem or to fail to work correctly and smoothly
4. a payload (of a missile): the explosive material of a missile
5: to detonate: to explode
6. a dud: a thing that does not work properly

Example variations:
Don’t worry, even if you lose the game it won’t be the end of the world.
He’s acting like it’s the end of the world!

Phrase:
my only concern

Definition:
the main or most important thing I care about

Dialog:
The leader is taking a stroll through the park when he happens¹ upon a little girl staring up into a tree.
Girl: Help! I can’t get my kitty, he’s stuck!
Leader: Really?
He squats down beside the girl and looks up to see a small tabby clinging² to a branch.
Hmm …
He then gestures to his bodyguard, who leaps into the tree, scoops the cat into his arms and drops silently to the ground.
Bodyguard: Sir!
The bodyguard hands the cat to the leader.
Leader: Here you are, my dear.
He hands the cat to the girl.
Girl: Oh, thank you, thank you!
Leader: My only concern is for the welfare of my people … and their kitties.

Notes:
1. to happen upon something: to encounter something unexpectedly
2. to cling to something: to hold onto or stick to something

Example variations:
Her only concern right now is for her family.
Our only concern is that we make it to the airport on time.

Phrase:
to answer to no one

Definition:
to act without explaining or justifying oneself to anyone else

Dialog:
Leader: … then I’ll nationalize the factories and use the profits they earn to finance our space program!
Advisor 1: But what will the company chiefs¹ say?
Leader: They can say what they like. I answer to no one. My only concern² is for my people … and space.
He gazes out at the sky through a window.
Advisor 2: Sir, there’s a call for you on line one. Shall I put you through³?
Leader: Hang up⁴! This is no time to be talking on the telephone, not while I’m busy making important decisions about space!

Notes:
1. company chief: a person in charge of a company
2. my only concern: the main or most important thing I care about
3. to put someone through (on a telephone call): to forward a telephone call to someone
4. to hang up (a telephone call): to end a telephone call

Example variations:
1. He answers to no one.
2. They answer to no one.