The 15th birthday event is a big event; we have been together through ups and downs, sadness and happiness. We have had a whale of time (1) working together. We have been together dealing with many hard and challenging situations and we still stand tall (2) in our field with many significant achievements. It is the time for us to turn the page (3), to start a new period in the future, to become more and more successful in our career.
The most important thing we need to remember is to play our cards right (4) to devote for the whole center and to obtain success together. Being in safe hands (5) of our big cheese (6) and wise old owl (7), we are confident enough to take the bull by the horns (8) and face the coming challenges in the future. Two heads are always better than one (9); therefore, be a full steam ahead (10), try to get the ducks in a row (11) and unite together to go sky-high (12) and be on top of the world (13).
Last but not least, “May the best man win” (14)!
For now, English Corner would like to explain some phrases used in the wishes and hope the readers will enjoy using it in the future.
(1) A whale of a time: To have a whale of a time means to have a lot of fun while doing something.
Example: I spent the summer holidays in Mexico and had a whale of a time!
(2) Stand tall: When you say someone stands tall you mean they are confident and proud of themselves.
Example: Our athletes stand tall after winning many gold medals at this year's Olympics.
(3) To turn the page: means to leave a difficult situation behind and move on to a new period in your life. It’s more commonly used in American English.
Example: Joan cried a lot during her divorce. When it was over, she decided to turn the page and start partying again.
(4) Play your cards right: If you play your cards right, it means you do the right thing and become successful. People often use this phrase to offer advice and encouragement, saying that 'if you play your cards right', something good could happen.
Example: If you play your cards right, he might ask you to marry him!
(5) In safe hands: When you say someone is in safe hands, you mean they are being cared for by someone who is confident and skilled.
Example: The new CEO of the company had degrees in engineering and business administration. The staff knew they were in safe hands
(6) The big cheese: The big cheese is the most important or powerful person in a group or organization.
Example: The big cheese is coming to visit our office today - she's the owner of the whole company!
(7) Wise old owl: When you say someone is a wise old owl, you mean they are very experienced in life.
Example: My English teacher was a wise old owl. He told me that I shouldn't give up on things when they don't work the first time.
(8) To take the bull by the horns: means to deal with a difficult situation in a brave and firm way.
Example: Don't suffer in silence while your flatmate takes up all the space. Take the bull by the horns; tell him to move his things out of your way or move out.
(9) Two heads are better than one: means that when two people work together they are more likely to solve a problem than one person doing it alone.
Example: I can help you to have this presentation ready tomorrow morning. Let's work together. Two heads are better than one.
(10) Full steam ahead: If you go full steam ahead, you do something with enthusiasm, energy and determination.
Example: We must get this project finished before the presentation tomorrow. Come on, full steam ahead, team!
(11) Ducks in a row: To get your ducks in a row means to organize your things well. It's American English.
Example: With the recession looming, the government has to get its ducks in a row and invest in job creation.
(12) Sky-high: If something is 'sky-high', it has reached a very great or high level.
Example: The prime minister's popularity was sky-high after he cut taxes for everybody.
(13) On top of the world: When someone is 'on top of the world' they are in a position of great success or happiness.
Example: Winning a gold medal was the happiest moment of my life. I was on top of the world.
(14) May the best man win: The phrase "May the best man win" is used before a competition to say that you hope the most deserving person wins.
Example: My best friend and I are both going for the same job interview. All I can say is, "May the best man win".