“To be on the same wavelength / To be on the same wave / To be on the same page”

What was your favourite subject at school? I had two – English and Art.

What was your worst subject? For me it has to be Physics. Now I understand that the creative part of my brain is much more developed than the logical and mathematical side, but of course when you are at school and have to pass an exam this doesn’t really count!

This week’s idiom reminds me of physics – I remember we had to calculate wavelengths (“lunghezza d’onda”), the distance between two points at the same phase of sound, light or water waves. So if we are on the same wavelength we are at the same phase, or we are thinking, feeling or expressing the same thing. In English we can also say we are on the same wave or page (“pagina”) – they have the same meaning: to have a similar opinion to someone else. Here are some examples:

• Everyone is on the same wavelength that terrorism should be condemned and that we need to support each other after an attack
• “I think English is important these days to help me find a job.”

“Me too. We’re on the same wavelength!”

• “I’d love to go on holiday in June this year – it’s less expensive and less crowded.”

“I was thinking the same thing. It’s good we’re on the same wave about our holiday this year!”

• The leaders at the G7 meeting in Sicily last week didn’t seem to be on the same page about a lot of issues.

Do you have the impression that you are or aren’t on the same wavelength with your family and friends?

Have a good week!

The English Tree Team