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English Vocabulary


Try it on for size

Fugendichter
User since 2008
Posts: 588

21 Jan. 2012

I don't understand that expression in my today's lesson, unfortunately:


-once upon a time you received this exercise. Try it on for size -


What does it mean?

3 comments

  • User since 2006
    Posts: 2715

    23 Jan. 2012

    Dear poet,


    'Try it on for size' is a usual expression that comes from a situation where someone is trying garments or shoes: Try it on to see if the size suits you.
    But the expression has come to be used, sort of as an idiom, for any situation where something is to be tried.
    In French we say "Essaie un peu pour voir."
    In German it could likely be "Probieren Sie es fur Grösse an" but I unfortunately can't speak German, so I don't know if that expression in German has spread off to any general situation. But anyway YOU know.
  • User since 2008
    Posts: 588

    24 Jan. 2012

    Oh I see! Thank you!
  • User since 2008
    Posts: 588

    8 Feb. 2012

    In German you could say: Probieren Sie es an, um zu sehen, ob es passt....
    ....um zu sehen, ob die Größe stimmt.
    The English version is short and elegant.

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