meanings of "in my way" and "in the way"

[tung quoc]

Dear teachers,

Please tell me the meanings of "in my way" and "in the way" in:

1. You are in my way.

2. The man is in the way of the bus.

Thanks
Quoc

[Alan]

Hi,

If you are blocking somebody's way it means that they cannot proceed or go forward because you are standing in the middle of their path.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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[Tamara]

Hi

Can I say: 'An opportunity had (has?) been put(?) in my way.'
?
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[Yankee]

Hi Tamara

I wouldn't. The word "opportunity" suggests something positive and "in my way" suggests something negative (an impediment).

But you could say "An opportunity came my way."

Amy
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Amy
.
ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

[Alan]

Hi Tamara,

The expression nearest to what you are asking is: An opportunity/offer/bargain has been put my way. That means someone has done you a favour by making sure that you benefit from this opportunity/offer/bargain.

Alan
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English as a Foreign Language
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[Tamara]

Hi Alan,

[Alan]

Hi Tamara,

Does sound a bit contracted, I agree but it stands up. I'm racking my brains to find a similar example but so far no luck.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Don't bank on it