BE 519: Does Your English Strike a Chord?

The podcast episode addresses the meaning and usage of the idiom "strike a balance," prompted by a listener's question about its core image. It explains that "strike a balance" means actively finding a midpoint or equilibrium, like balancing a scale, requiring effort rather than happening passively. Examples include balancing customer desires with company affordability, and logic with creativity. The hosts also explore related expressions using "strike," such as "strike a deal" (achieve an agreement) and "strike a chord" (resonate emotionally). A role-play illustrates these idioms in a business meeting context, emphasizing the active role one takes in achieving these outcomes. The key takeaway is that "strike" implies intentional action and effort toward a specific result.