ESL Podcast 891 - Checking on the Status of an Application

decision letter - a letter stating whether something was approved or denied, accepted or rejected

When do most colleges send out their decision letters?

application - one or more documents that are sent to request a document, certification, award or an opportunity to participate in a program, especially when it is competitive

How many applications have you filled out for scholarships so far this year?

to hear - to receive a response or answer that one has been waiting for

Have you heard from the company yet? They must be getting ready to make a final hiring decision soon.

any day now - anytime; very soon; in the near future, but without knowing the specific date

We should find out Cramer's test results any day now.

to check on the status - to request an update about the current situation or the progress of something

We still haven't received payment for Invoice 397. Should I call to check on the status?

under review - being considered, but not yet approved or rejected; waiting for a final decision

How many resumes are under review for the new job opening?

pending - not yet decided or settled; waiting for a final decision

Mark was really nervous while the jury's decision was still pending.

to await approval - to wait for acceptance or a favorable decision

We made a strong proposal and presented a great budget, and now there's nothing we can do but wait for approval.

to reject - to decide not to approve or accept something; to say no

We're sorry, but your manuscript has been rejected. We are not able to publish it at this time.

ideal candidate - someone who is very well qualified for a job or another opportunity, having all the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities

With 10 years of experience in customer service, Pablo is an ideal candidate for the job.

sure to - very likely to; guaranteed to; expecting something to happen

If you keep saving that much money each month, you're sure to be able to retire early.

on pins and needles - very nervous, anxious, and worried about something; full of anticipation

Sheila was on pins and needles before her fist date with Kolya.

mail carrier - a person whose job is to deliver the mail to businesses and homes

Mail carriers have to work really hard in December, when many people send Christmas cards and gifts to their friends and relatives. (one's) heart skips a beat - for one to be very excited, anticipating something

Whenever Hannah enters the room, Edgar's heart skips a beat and his face turns red.

to keep (something) in perspective - to be realistic, calm, and rational about something, not getting too excited or worried, realizing that it is not the most important thing in the world

Mariah was devastated when she lost her job, but she's trying to keep it in perspective by reminding herself that she still has her savings, her family, and her health.

life-or-death situation - a situation that is very serious and important because people could live or die as a result of one's decisions or actions

Brain surgeons have such a stressful job, because they are dealing with life- and-death situations every day.