English Vocabulary

Try it on for size

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

Fugendichter
User since 2008
Posts: 588
24 Jan. 2012

Oh I see! Thank you!
Oh I see! Thank you!
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?
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?
AhQ ['a: kiu]
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.
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.

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