SpeakUp

Explaining yourself B2

Making sure your point actually lands.

get at B2 — suggest or implyA: Are you saying I made a mistake?
B: No, that’s not what I’m getting at.

bear with — be patient withBear with me a sec. (casual)
Could you bear with me for a moment, please? (polite)

get across B2 — communicate clearlyA: I don't think my idea got across in the meeting.
B: Maybe you should try explaining it differently next time.

When the point isn't landing

Lee: Sorry, I'm not sure what you're getting at.

Priya: Let me try again — I just can't seem to get this across clearly.

Lee: Take your time, no rush.

Priya: Basically, the deadline moved. Does that make sense now?

Checking they followed

Priya: So, bear with me, the plan's changed a bit.

Lee: Okay, I'm following.

Priya: I think it's finally getting through to you — I can see it on your face.

Lee: It is — that's much clearer, thanks.

Putting it another way

Lee: Hang on — so are you saying we scrap the whole plan?

Priya: Not quite. What I mean is, we keep the idea but push the date back.

Lee: Ah, right — so just the timing changes, not the rest.

Priya: Exactly that. Sorry, I should have said it plainly the first time.

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