Little lost at the prospect
/ˈlɪtl lɔst æt ðə ˈprɑːspɛkt/
B2
Definition
The phrase "little lost at the prospect" describes a small feeling of confusion or uncertainty about what will happen next. "Little lost" means slightly unsure or confused, and "at the prospect" means when thinking about a future event or possibility.
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See It in Action
Feeling slightly confused or unsure about a future event
- •She was little lost at the prospect of starting a new job in a different city.
- •He felt little lost at the prospect of moving to a new school.
- •They were little lost at the prospect of planning their first big trip abroad.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "little lost" like "a bit confused," but not very strong—just a small feeling of not knowing exactly what to do or expect.
- ✓Picture standing at a fork in the road, looking ahead and feeling unsure which path to take.
- ✓It's the feeling you get when you hear about a new plan and don’t know how it will work out.
- ✓Sounds like "little lost" → imagine a small child who feels lost in a big park, unsure where to go next.
- ✓Think of a story where someone hears about a big change coming and feels a little unsure about it.
- ✓NOT like "completely lost" (which means very confused), this is just a small or light confusion.
- ✓NOT like "excited" (positive feeling), this phrase shows mild worry or uncertainty.
- ✓NOT like "afraid" (strong fear), it’s a softer feeling of doubt or hesitation.
Try Other Words
- •A bit confused: feeling slightly unclear or uncertain (Use when the feeling is mild and about understanding)
- •Slightly uncertain: feeling a little unsure about what will happen (Use when the focus is on doubt about the future)
- •Mildly worried: feeling a small amount of worry (Use when the feeling includes some concern)
Unboxing
- •"little" = small amount or degree
- •"lost" = confused or unsure where to go or what to do
- •"at the prospect" = thinking about or facing a future event or possibility
- •Origin: "lost" comes from Old English meaning "to be unable to find one's way"; "prospect" comes from Latin "prospectus" meaning "view" or "looking forward"
- •The phrase combines a small feeling ("little lost") with looking ahead ("at the prospect") to describe mild confusion about the future
Reflect & Connect
•Can you remember a time when you felt little lost at the prospect of something new in your life? What helped you feel better?
•How is feeling "little lost at the prospect" different from feeling excited or scared about the future?
Fill in the blanks
1.She felt little lost at the prospect of ___ a new language because she had never tried before.
2.Being little lost at the prospect usually means you have some ___ but not strong fear.
3.Unlike feeling confident, feeling little lost at the prospect shows you are ___ about what will happen.
4.When someone is little lost at the prospect, they might ___ questions or want more information.
5.People often feel little lost at the prospect when facing ___ or big changes.
6.Feeling little lost at the prospect is different from being ___, which means very confused.
7.He was little lost at the prospect of moving abroad, so he asked his friends for ___ advice.