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Last updated at 12:45 BST, Thursday, 20 September 2012

A window of opportunity

A Buddhist monk carries his robe as another looks out of the window of their monastery.

A Buddhist monk carries his robe as another looks out of the window of their monastery in Yangon, Burma. Photo: Damir Sagolj/Reuters

Today's Phrase

The phrase 'a window of opportunity' describes a short period of time in which an opportunity exists for you to do something.

For example:

I've got a window of opportunity to talk to my boss about a pay rise tomorrow.

Meet me in reception – there might be a window of opportunity for me to let you into the concert!

Sometimes a problem can actually be a window of opportunity.

Don't confuse it with

The phrase 'out the window' means something has gone or has been wasted. For example:

My computer crashed yesterday, so any chance of finishing my work is out the window.

Interesting fact

A 'French window' is actually a type of door, but one which has many small panes of glass so that it can let light through. As well as France, they are very common in Italy.

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