Welcome to the English we speak with.
Me, Neil and me, Fei Fei.
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.
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.
Exactly.
So in the case of at a loss, we're 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, Fei Fei, I heard you're going to Spain next week from the uk.
That's right.
Can you phone the hotel for me to make a reservation, please, Neil?
Well, I can try, but I'd be at a loss.
I don't speak Spanish.
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.
Well, maybe I should teach you some.
Let's hear some examples.
Ahmed was at a loss as to what to do for his wife's birthday.