Idiom: around the bend
Meaning: to be coming soon (an event or time of year); upcoming
Context #1 – Betty and Sergio are talking about the upcoming
vacation
Sergio:This has been a difficult term at
school. I can’t wait until vacation!
Betty: Well, you won’t have
to wait long. The break is just around
the bend and I have some really fun activities planned!
Sergio: Really?
Betty: Yes. I think you
will like where we are going. But I’m keeping everything a secret so
that you will be surprised.
Sergio: No way! Vacation is just around the bend and I have very little time to plan. What if I need
to bring a bathing suit or hiking boots? I need to know.
Betty: No worries! I will make sure you have
everything you need.
Context #2 – It is October
2016 and two friends are talking about the upcoming presidential election in
November.
Darline: I can’t believe how fast time goes by. The
election is right around the bend
and we need to vote for our next president. Do you know who you will vote for
yet?
Kenji: No, I think that I need a little more time and
there is not much of a choice. One of the candidates just insults everyone
and the other one is a career politician who only cares about power.
Darline: Well, it may seem hopeless, but we should
still vote. It’s not only the presidential election, but other important
elections for the House and Senate are also around the bend.
Kenji: Yes, I know. Maybe our votes will make a
difference in those elections.
Darline: I certainly hope so!
Meaning: The idiom “around the bend” means upcoming or coming soon in
American English. Sometimes “around the corner” can have the same meaning when
discussing upcoming events or seasons. For example, in Context 1, they are talking
about their upcoming vacation. In Context 2, they are talking about the
presidential election which is just around the bend. Please note that in
British English, the definition for this idiom is crazy or mentally unstable. For
example. “I think this stressful job is sending me around the bend,” which
means the job is making me crazy.
