ESL Podcast 902 - Being Chivalrous and Protective
gentleman - a man who behaves very well and has very good manners
A real gentleman doesn't lie, cheat, or steal.
to pull out (someone's) chair - to slide a chair back from a table to prepare it for someone (usually a woman) to sit down; to help someone sit
During a lunch interview, am I supposed to pull out the interviewee's chair, or would that be too strange?
as (something) as they come - very much; more than other people
Lauralee is as talented as they come. She'll be a famous actress someday.
chivalrous - courteous and well mannered, paying special attention to and taking care of women
Albert is very chivalrous, always holding the door open for women.
to take (something) a little too far - to do too much of something or to go to an extreme so that what would normally be a good thing becomes a bad thing
Shane has a great sense of humor, but this time he's taking the joke a little too far. (one's) hands are free - to not be holding anything or doing anything with one's hands; to have empty hands
When Naomi goes to the zoo, she puts everything in a backpack so that her hands are free.
code of conduct - the rules that govern one's behavior; a set of rules that tell people how to behave
The students code of conduct prohibits plagiarism, or presenting other people's work as one's own.
knight - a title of great honor given to a man or soldier by a king or queen
Candee loves to read stories about knights who ride horses and save princesses from dragons.
lady - a woman of good birth, good manners, and grace and elegance
A lady always crosses her legs when she sits down.
capable - having the knowledge, skills, and ability to do something
Do you think Rodger is capable of facilitating the meeting with our new client?
duty - something that one must do; a responsibility or obligation
As the administrative assistant, his duties include answering the phones, sorting the mail, and greeting customers.
courtesy - something nice and polite that one does to show respect and good manners
As a courtesy to others, make sure you always say "please" and "thank you."
to take precedence over - to be more important than something else
Dylan loves his job, but he never lets his work take precedence over his family.
to protect - to keep someone or something safe and out of danger
What can we do to protect our investments from the effects of the recession?
against (one's) will - the opposite of what someone wants
You can't keep me here against my will!
logic - one's way of thinking, especially rationally and following a set of rules for clarity and organization
I don't understand that hiring committee's logic. Why did they choose him over me?