Word: Affordance

An affordance is the possibility of an action on an object or environment. Additional meanings have developed, largely a result of misinterpretations. The original definition in psychology includes all actions that are physically possible.

Affordance - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Example:

The key modes of communication on Twitter are linked to the specific technological affordances of Twitter as a platform, and can be understood as corresponding to micro, meso, and macro layers of information exchange and user interaction.

(Twitter and Society, p.16).

argy-bargy: Word of the Day

argy-bargy
\AHR-gee-BAHR-gee\
noun
1. Chiefly British. a vigorous discussion or dispute.

Quotes
The current argy-bargy over herring fishing seems to bring the whole issue of conservation, national fishing limits, and policing of the seas into perspective.
-- Brian Gardner, "Don't send a gunboat," New Scientist, July 21, 1977

Origin
Argy-bargy is a derivative of argle-bargle, the first element of which is a variant of word argue. The term was originally used in Scottish in the late 1500s.

Idioms: navigate through tall grass

We value employees who are risk-taking and detail-oriented, have deep technical knowledge, and can navigate through tall grass to capture wild creatures.

Idioms: Days are Numbered

Somebody's/something's days are numbered - if someone's or something's days are numbered, they will not exist for much longer.

 

Example:

1. As our local cinema struggles to survive, it seems clear that its days are numbered.
2. I know my car's days are numbered, but I hope it will last just a little while longer.
3. My days are numbered, but I hope I can live long enough to see my grandchild.

Courtesy: days are numbered - Idioms - by the Free Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia

Idioms: Look Past, Take Stock of

Look past -
Take stock of -

Example:
"If you look past the immediate economic situation and the recent financial crisis and take stock of the overall picture, the United States is in a great position."

The United States Is Still in an Extraordinarily Good Position | LinkedIn

Idioms: Throw in the Towel

Throw in the towel - To throw in the towel means to quit.

Example:

I was trying to learn Portuguese, but I got frustrated and threw in the towel.

Idioms: Up in the Air

Up in the air - If something is undecided, it is up in the air.

Example:

We're looking for a test market right now, but nothing has been decided yet. Everything's still up in the air.

Courtesy: Common Business Expressions and Idioms

Idioms: Learn the Ropes

Learn the ropes 

To understand how to do a particular job or activity. Learn the ropes stands for learning something new. It is originally a nautical term implying that new recruits had to learn how to tie knots first in order to become true sailors. 

Usage Notes:

Sometimes used in the forms know the ropes (to understand how something is done) and show someone the ropes or teach someone the ropes (to teach someone how something is done):

Example:

1. It'll take some time for the new receptionist to learn the ropes.
2. You'd better find someone to show you the ropes if you're going to fix the car yourself.  
3. This is a new position for him and he will need time to learn the ropes.  

Courtesy:
Free Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia
Business Idioms & Phrases

Grammar: Could

'Could' can be used to talk about the past, the present or the future.

'Could' is a past form of 'can'

1. When I was living in Boston, I could walk to work.
2. He phoned to say he couldn't come.
3. I could see him clearly but I couldn't hear him and then the video conference line went dead.

'Could' is used to make polite requests. We can also use 'can' for these but 'could' is more polite. 

1. Could you help me, please?
2. Could you lend me some money?
3. Could I have a lift?
4. Could I bother you for a moment?

If we use 'could' in reply to these requests, it suggests that we do not really want to do it. If you agree to the request, it is better to say 'can'.

1. Of course I can.
2. I could help you if it's really necessary but I'm really busy right now.
3. I could lend you some money but I'd need it back tomorrow without fail.
4. I could give you a lift as far as Birmingham.

'Could' is used to talk about theoretical possibility and is similar in meaning to 'might'.

1. It could rain later. Take an umbrella.
2. He could be there by now.
3. Could he be any happier?
4. It could be Sarah's.

Courtesy: English Grammar Lessons

Idioms: With Bells on

If you go somewhere with bells on, you are delighted and eager to go there.

Example:

Of course I'll be there - with bells on!