Sometimes we’re not sure what to say or do in a certain situation! There’s an expression you can use to describe that feeling, and we teach you what it is in this programme.
Neil
Welcome to The English We Speak, with me, Neil.
Feifei
And me, Feifei.
Neil
We’ve got an expression which describes that feeling you get when you’re not sure what to say or do. It’s ‘to be at a loss’.
Feifei
We can get an idea of the meaning of this expression from that word ‘loss’ – the idea that we no longer have something, or have lost something.
Neil
Exactly, so in the case of ‘at a loss’ we are trying to say that we have no idea what to do or say in certain situations – for example, when we’re trying to help someone. So, Feifei, I heard you are going to Spain next week from the UK.
Feifei
That’s right. Can you phone the hotel for me to make a reservation, please, Neil?
Neil
Well, I can try but – I’ll be at a loss. I don’t speak Spanish!
Feifei
Great example. And I know you love video games, but I don’t usually play them. I’m at a loss when I try to play them.
Neil
Well, maybe I should teach you some! Let’s hear some examples.
Examples
Ahmed was at a loss as to what to do for his wife’s birthday.
Kevin didn’t know how to operate the new computer system. He was at a loss.
I was at a loss as to what to say to him after his girlfriend left him.
Feifei
You’re listening to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English, and we are learning about the expression ‘be at a loss’, which means you are not sure what to do or say in a certain situation.
Neil
Yes, so ‘at a loss’ is nearly always used with the verb ‘be’ – ‘I am’, ‘he is’ or ‘she is at a loss’. And is commonly followed by the words ‘as to’.
Feifei
Very well explained, Neil. I’m at a loss to explain it better. So, what are you doing this weekend?
Neil
Well, my wife and I are going to a restaurant near our house on Friday! What about you?
Feifei
I’m not sure, I’m at a loss as to what to do!
Neil
Well, maybe you can join us at the restaurant – and after that we can you teach you how to play our favourite game, so you won’t be at a loss in future!
Feifei
Thank you. Bye.
Neil
Bye.
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