ESL Podcast 970 - Having a Backup Plan

undertaking - a project; something that one tries to do, especially a challenging thing

Being a parent is the greatest undertaking in life.

a backup plan - an alternative plan; what one will do if one's first plan is not possible or does not succeed

Brenda is applying for medical school with dreams of becoming a brain surgeon, but her backup plan is to work for a pharmaceutical company.

contingency - something that might happen, especially one of several possibilities

The risk management team tries to develop a plan for every possible contingency.

setback - an obstacle that makes it difficult or impossible for one to continue or do what one wants to do

When James broke his leg, it was a setback for his career as a runner, but he focused on recovering and competing again.

recourse - something that one can turn to for help in a difficult situation

What kind of recourse will we have if the judge decides against us?

foolproof - not vulnerable to errors or mistakes; guaranteed to work properly; without the possibility of something wrong happening

The company is trying to invent a foolproof car seat so that parents will always know they've installed the car seat correctly.

failure is not an option - a phrase used to emphasize that one must succeed and that not succeeding is not allowed

We must meet the deadline. I don't care if you're at the office for 20 hours a day. Failure is not an option.

alternative - another possibility that can be used in the place of something else

Have you identified an alternative route in case there's an accident on the main freeway?

God forbid - a phrase used to emphasize that one does not want something to happen, or that something would be unthinkable, and one believes God should prevent it from happening

Wyatt is at the hospital. God forbid anything goes wrong during the surgery.

escape hatch - an emergency door that allows one to escape from an airplane, space shuttle, or similar vehicle; a way out of a dangerous or difficult situation

If you're really not ready for the presentation, you can try to call in sick as an escape hatch.

every man for himself - a phrase used to show that each person is responsible for his or her own future and cannot depend on other people for help or guidance

If you choose a career in finance, where it's every man for himself, don't expect to be part of a team of people who will support you as you learn.

in this together - a phrase used to mean that people are working together as part of a team, helping each other and achieving the same results

No matter what happens, remember that we're in this together.

stick with me - a phrase used to tell someone to stay next to oneself and follow one's example, with the understanding that one will help or protect that person

This can be a bad neighborhood, but if you stick with me, no one will hurt you.

can't go wrong - a phrase meaning that everything will be fine and there will not be any problems or obstacles

As long as you go to the classes and take notes on everything the professor says, you can't go wrong.

liability - something that represents a disadvantage or something that takes away value; not an asset

Being tall can be a great advantage while playing basketball, but it's a liability when working in small spaces.

bound to be - certain to be a certain way; definitely; will be

There are bound to be difficult times in any marriage, but honesty and clear communication should prevent most problems.

casualty - someone who dies or is hurt (injured) in a war or an accident

Which storm resulted in the greatest number of casualties?

sacrificial lamb - to be used or destroyed in reaching a goal or purpose

Do you think the government will try to rescue the hostages, or will they become sacrificial lambs?

to double-cross - to trick, deceive, and betray someone; to do something to lose one's trust

If Zoey finds out we've double-crossed her, she'll never forgive us.