Age & Experience

Meaning

Fairly old, especially in a way people notice or comment on.

Example

"That laptop is getting a bit long in the tooth, but it still works."

Conversation questions

• What things in your life are getting a bit long in the tooth?
• Do people worry too much about age when it comes to work or image?

Meaning

Not young anymore.

Example

"I'm no spring chicken, so I need more recovery time after long trips now."

Conversation questions

• At what age do people usually start joking that they are no spring chicken?
• Do you think attitudes to ageing are changing for the better?

Meaning

Past the best or most active stage of life, often said humorously.

Example

"He joked that turning forty meant he was over the hill."

Conversation questions

• Do you find the phrase over the hill funny, rude, or both?
• Why do societies attach so much meaning to certain ages?

Meaning

To reveal how old you are through your attitudes, references, or behaviour.

Example

"I really showed my age when I started explaining how cassette tapes worked."

Conversation questions

• What habits or references immediately show someone's age?
• When have you most obviously shown your age in conversation?

Meaning

Very inexperienced and new to something.

Example

"He was still wet behind the ears when he started managing a full team."

Conversation questions

• Have you ever been given a big responsibility while still wet behind the ears?
• How can experienced people support beginners without talking down to them?

Meaning

A very experienced person who knows how something is done.

Example

"Ask Maya for help with the event planning — she's an old hand at it."

Conversation questions

• Who is an old hand in your workplace or family?
• What do experienced people know that beginners usually overlook?