Photo credit: marcelstahn.tumblr.com
Today I spoke with the the recruiter who found a job for me and I had to admit that after going to the interview with the head of the company I wasn’t particularly keen on that job. She listened carefully and replied ‘So you’re not overly sold on the company?’ That’s what it was, yes, only I didn’t know that expression at the time. I made a mental note of the new phrase and we wrapped up our conversation agreeing that she would get in touch with more details.
A quick look in the dictionary reveals that the expression means ‘believing that something is very good‘, or not believing it, as it was in my case.
Here are some examples:
– What if I’m not completely sold on preventative measures? (sharecare.com).
– Why many advisers are not completely sold on an insurance ISA (guardian.co.uk).
– I wasn’t entirely sold on that rather abrupt ending with the lighthouse, and a feature-length version where Marge isn’t so willing to capitulate would provide some pathos. I only wish Johnny Cash could reprise his role (guardian.co.uk).
– The 23-year-old Sahin was not happy to hear that and he is not yet entirely sold on the proposed loan move, particularly as there is no option for Arsenal to buy him at the end of it (guardian.co.uk).
– Daryl Brenton from West Yorkshire thinks moving to Australia would give him and his family the perfect life. However, he is nearly at the age limit for getting an Australian visa and his wife Jenny is not sold on leaving her family and friends behind (BBC).
PS. The Linguistic Spy has been quiet for a while, but there will be more new expressions shortly. Please stay tuned!
Confessions of the Linguistic Spy 