A pessimist, confronted with two bad choices, chooses both.
Jewish proverb
Everyone has to make decisions and it’s not only difficult to take them but how to talk about decisions may be a problem as well. Sometimes they are less important, but sometimes they are life-changing ones. Learn new phrases to equip yourself with the language which will help you to talk about your choices and decisions.
TO BE IN TWO MINDS ABOUT STH
– whether to do it or not
I’m in two minds about going to Jennifer’s party.
TO BE SHORTLISTED
– to be chosen from a large number of applicants for a job
Mary has been shortlisted for the position of marketing manager and now she is preparing for a job interview.
TO BE SPOILT FOR CHOICE
– to have a lot of similar things to choose from
The restaurant has a big variety of dishes. I’m spoilt for choice and don’t know what to choose.
TO HAVE A CHANGE OF HEART
– to change the way you feel about sth
I wasn’t going to do that, but I had a change of heart and did it.
TO HAVE NO ALTERNATIVE BUT TO …
– to have no other choice
If you don’t pay, I will have no alternative but to take legal action against you.
TO OPT FOR
– to choose to do something
After much deliberation, I opted for the car.
TO REACH / COME TO / ARRIVE AT A DECISION
– to decide
We have reached a decision concerning changing flats.
TO SIT ON THE FENCE
– to delay making a decision when you have to choose between two sided in an argument
She criticized members of the committee for sitting on the fence and failing to make a useful contribution to the debate.
TO BE TORN BETWEEN ST AND STH
– to find two things attractive and not be able to decide between them
I don’t know which dress to choose. I’m torn between blue and purple.