The idiom “in stride” is a commonly used expression in English language that refers to taking something easily or without being affected by it. It can be used in various contexts, such as dealing with unexpected situations, challenges, or criticism. This phrase has its roots in horse racing, where jockeys are required to adjust their stride according to the horse’s pace.
The idiom “in stride” can also be used synonymously with other expressions like “with ease,” “without difficulty,” or “casually.” It implies a sense of confidence and control over a situation rather than being overwhelmed by it. Understanding this idiom is crucial for effective communication and comprehension of English language.
| Examples: |
|---|
| “Despite facing many obstacles, she took them all in stride.” |
| “He was able to handle the criticism in stride and improve his work.” |
Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “in stride”
The phrase “in stride” is a commonly used idiom in the English language that has its roots in ancient times. The expression refers to taking something easily or without difficulty, as if it were just another step in a journey. While the exact origin of this idiom is unknown, it can be traced back to various cultures throughout history.
One theory suggests that the phrase comes from horse racing, where jockeys would adjust their stride length to match their horses’ pace. Another possible origin could be from military marching, where soldiers would maintain a consistent stride while on parade. Regardless of its true origins, “in stride” has become an integral part of modern English vocabulary.
Throughout history, this idiom has been used by people from all walks of life to describe overcoming obstacles with ease and grace. From athletes who take defeats in stride to businesspeople who handle setbacks with calmness and composure, “in stride” has become synonymous with resilience and adaptability.
Usage and Variations of the Idiom “in stride”
When using idioms in everyday conversation, it’s important to understand their proper usage and variations. The idiom “in stride” is no exception. This phrase can be used in a variety of contexts, with slight variations depending on the situation.
Variations of “in stride”
One common variation of this idiom is “take something in stride.” This means to handle or deal with a difficult situation calmly and without getting upset. For example, if someone receives criticism at work, they might say that they will take it in stride and use it as an opportunity for improvement.
Another variation is “keep (or get) things in stride.” This means to maintain a steady pace or attitude despite obstacles or challenges. For instance, if someone is running a marathon and encounters hills along the way, they might need to keep their pace in stride to avoid exhaustion.
Usage Examples
Here are some examples of how the idiom “in stride” can be used:
– When faced with unexpected changes at work, it’s important to take them in stride and adapt quickly.
– Even though she was nervous about giving her speech, Sarah managed to keep her nerves in stride and delivered an excellent presentation.
– Despite facing setbacks during his job search, John kept his spirits high by taking each rejection letter in stride.
– After experiencing several failed attempts at baking bread from scratch, Lisa decided to keep trying until she could get things back in stride.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Idiom “in stride”
Synonyms for “in stride” include taking something in your stride, handling something with ease, dealing with something calmly or coolly. These phrases all convey a similar idea: that someone is able to handle a situation without becoming overly upset or stressed out.
On the other hand, some possible antonyms for “in stride” might be struggling with something, being overwhelmed by something or having difficulty coping with a situation. These words suggest that someone is having trouble managing a particular circumstance.
Culturally speaking, “taking things in stride” is often associated with American culture where people are encouraged to remain calm under pressure and not let setbacks get them down. However, this attitude may not be as prevalent in other cultures where expressing emotions more openly might be considered more acceptable.
Practical Exercises for the Idiom “in stride”
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks
In this exercise, we will give you a sentence with a blank space where the idiom “in stride” should go. Your task is to fill in the blank with an appropriate form of the idiom.
| “I know that losing my job was tough, but I’m trying to take it ____.” | in stride |
| “She’s been criticized so many times that she now takes criticism ____.” | in stride |
| “Despite facing several setbacks, he managed to keep going and take everything ____.” | in stride |
Exercise 2: Create your own sentences
In this exercise, we challenge you to create your own sentences using the idiom “in stride”. Try to come up with at least three unique sentences that demonstrate your understanding of how to use this phrase correctly.
| Sentence: | Your Answer: |
|---|---|
| Losing my wallet was frustrating, but I tried to take it _____. | in stride. |
| “Despite the criticism, she managed to take it ____.” | in stride |
| “He had a lot of work to do, but he took it all ____.” | in stride |
Practice these exercises regularly and try to incorporate the idiom “in stride” into your everyday conversations. With time and practice, you will become more comfortable using this phrase naturally and confidently.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Idiom “in stride”
When using the idiom “in stride”, it is important to avoid common mistakes that can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. This phrase is often used in a figurative sense, meaning to handle something calmly and without difficulty. However, there are certain nuances and contexts where this phrase may not be appropriate or may have a different meaning.
Using “in stride” too loosely
One mistake people make when using this idiom is applying it too broadly. While it can be used in many situations, it should only be used when someone has handled a difficult situation with ease or grace. If someone simply completes a task without any particular challenge, they have not necessarily done so “in stride”.
Misusing the context
Another common mistake is misusing the context of the phrase. For example, if someone says they took criticism “in stride”, but their response was actually defensive or angry, then they did not truly take it in stride. It’s important to consider whether the person really handled the situation calmly and smoothly before using this idiom.
| Mistake | Correction |
|---|---|
| Saying “in stride” for every minor obstacle | Reserve usage for significant challenges overcome with ease. |
| Misapplying context of phrase | Ensure that situation was truly handled gracefully before use. |