VOA词汇掌故2024--It's Showtime!

And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.

On today's program, we visit the world of performing!

Thank you, thank you! Oh, you're too kind...too kind!

Whether you are seeing a play, concert, or movie, it is important to be on time for the show. The word showtime means the scheduled time a show is to begin. For example, if you go to a movie theater's website, you can get a list of showtimes for all the movies playing.

The meaning of showtime is simple. But, we often use the word in an interesting way.

When we say: It's showtime! we usually are ready to start something big or important. And it does not have to be a performance in front of a lot of people. It can be a big presentation for work or school. It can be something that you worked hard at and now you are ready: It's showtime!

We use the expression not just to say something has started. We also use it to suggest that we overcame difficulties and challenges along the way. Or we had to follow a long process.

For example, to produce this program, I first research the expression or idiom. I find definitions, examples, and sometimes similar words. Then I send it to the editor who checks for content and errors. After that, I find pictures to go with the lesson, get the music ready. I'm now ready to voice and produce the lesson! It's showtime!

Performing in front of people can make even brave, confident people nervous or scared. So, you can also use the expression It's showtime! before starting something that you are nervous about -- like a confrontation¹ or argument. You need to plan what you are going to say and prepare yourself emotionally.

Then when you're ready ... it's showtime!

Let's say you want to ask for a raise at work. You plan what you are going to say. You practice in front of a mirror. You comb your hair and straighten your jacket. You feel confident. Now, you are ready. So, you say to your reflection in the mirror: It's showtime!

Now, let's hear two friends use this expression.

A: Hey, where have you been? I haven't seen you in weeks.

B: I have been preparing for something really big and really important.

A: Sounds exciting. What is it?

B: Next week, I am showing my invention to a group of investors². I'm so nervous! In a way, they are holding the future of my business in their hands.

A: Are you ready?

B: Well, for my presentation, I have a very detailed³ business plan, market research and a prototype⁴ of my invention. I even bought a brand-new suit! Come tomorrow at 10 am... it's showtime!

A: Well, good luck.

B: Thanks! I'll need all the good luck I can get.

Words in This Story

editor - n. a person who checks and corrects texts before they are published

brave - adj. having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty

confident - adj. having or showing assurance⁵ and self-reliance

reflection - n. the production of an image by or as if by a mirror

invention - n. an original device or process

prototype - n. an original model on which something is patterned

1 confrontation   

n.对抗，对峙，冲突

参考例句：

• We can't risk another confrontation with the union.我们不能冒再次同工会对抗的危险。
• After years of confrontation,they finally have achieved a modus vivendi.在对抗很长时间后，他们最后达成安宁生存的非正式协议。

2 investors   

n.投资者，出资者( investor的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• a con man who bilked investors out of millions of dollars 诈取投资者几百万元的骗子
• a cash bonanza for investors 投资者的赚钱机会

3 detailed   

adj.详细的，详尽的，极注意细节的，完全的

参考例句：

• He had made a detailed study of the terrain.他对地形作了缜密的研究。
• A detailed list of our publications is available on request.我们的出版物有一份详细的目录备索。

4 prototype   

n.原型，典型，范例

参考例句：

• This is the prototype for future school buildings.这是未来的学校建筑的蓝本。
• He was the prototype of the elder statesman.他是老一辈政治家的典型。

5 assurance   

n.把握，信心，保证，（人寿）保险

参考例句：

• The young teacher lacked assurance in front of his class.这位青年教师在学生面前缺少自信心。
• He has a life assurance.他投保了人寿保险。