In the same boat vs On the same page
In the same boat vs On the same page
A group of people riding a wooden boat off a beach in Venezuela. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Last week, I was in a lesson with a learner who was telling me he really enjoyed working with his new boss because they seemed to be “on the same boat”.
He was referring to the fact that they both have similar views and a similar approach when it comes to their business, so what he really meant was that they were on the same page.
What do they mean?
- On the same page > agreeing about something (such as how something should be done)
- In the same boat > in the same unpleasant or difficult situation
How do we use them in context?
- The project manager called a meeting to make sure everyone involved was on the same page (i.e. thinking in a similar way).
- Katherine said : “I think we should boost sales through a new marketing campaign.” John replied: “I’m glad to see we’re on the same page” (we agree).
- If the company closes, we’ll all lose our jobs, so we all have to make an effort, from top management to junior staff members, because we are all in the same boat.
- Jack is always complaining that he doesn’t have enough money, but we’re all in the same boat.
Can we use other expressions that mean the same?
‘On the same wavelength‘ can be used instead of ‘On the same page’.
It would make us happy if you could share this post with a fried who needs to gain confidence in English. Learning a little English every day, goes a long way.
Lem..xo!
4 Comments
Nice explanation, thanks! Other phrases that mean the same as ‘we’re on the same page’:
– “We share the same perspective”
– “We see things the same way”
– “We are in agreement on this”
– “We are in alignment”, “We are aligned” (used in business situations)
Reblogged this on ESL 7090 Weekly News Helper and commented:
Good idioms to know, and how they differ: “We’re in the same boat” & “We’re on the same page”
This is a smart way to teach English idioms: compare and contrast two idioms with similar structure but different meaning. Thanks for the post!
Wow! Thanks!