Daily conversation (Part 2) He kept changing channels on the remote !!!

Sharon Heather Sharon Heather Sharon Heather My mother got really annoyed with my father yesterday evening. Why, did he complain about her cooking ? Oh no, she's a great cook. It was when they were watching television. Don't tell me he fell asleep in front of the television and started snoring. No, he does that sometimes but this was because he kept changing channels on the remote. All men do that, it's one of their most annoying habits.

My luggage went astray !!! Maggie Bernard Maggie Bernard Maggie Bernard Maggie Explanation : If something goes astray, it gets lost while it is being taken or sent somewhere. Example : Many items of mail being sent to her have gone astray. They've probably been held up by the traffic !!! Tom You're not looking too cheerful. I had a terrible time on my last trip to Europe. Why, what happened ? Did you have an accident ? No, my luggage went astray. When I arrived in Paris and went to collect my case from the baggage carousel, it never arrived. What happened to it ? Had somebody collected it by mistake or stolen it ? No, it had been sent on to London by mistake. Did you get it back. Yes I did, but it took two whole days. I was absolutely furious.

Henry Tom Henry Tom Henry Explanation :

Well, I arranged with Bob and Chris to meet me here for a drink at seven o'clock. It's now a quarter to eight and neither of them has turned up. I wouldn't give up hope. They've probably been held up by the traffic. It's been very heavy for the past hour. Even so, they should have turned up by now. Well, I'd give them another quarter of an hour or so. OK, but after that I'm going home.

To hold somebody or something up means to delay somebody or something. Example : Traffic was held up for several hours by the accident. It really gets up my nose !!! Teddy Martin Teddy Martin Teddy Martin Explanation : If you say that someone or something gets up your nose, you mean that they annoy you. Example : He's just getting up my nose so much at the moment. Stick at it !!! It's been a pretty tight game so far, don't you think ? Yes, neither side have looked like scoring a goal so far. Except that one time when our striker was almost through but was fouled by the fullback. The referee didn't see it. Yes, it really gets up my nose when something like that happens. Well, let's hope that the ref will be looking right way if that fullback tries playing dirty again. And then we'll get a penalty.

Niall Harry Niall Harry Niall Harry Explanation :

Don't you find these rowing machines hard work ? I certainly do, but they're supposed to be. How often do you come to the gym for a workout ? Three times a week at least if I can manage it. No wonder you look so fit and trim. Thanks. Stick at it and you can be the same.

If you stick at a task or activity, you continue doing it, even if it is difficult. Example : He became more and more irritated by her inability to stick atanything. Let's go for a spin !!! Clyde Al Clyde Al Clyde Al Explanation : If you go for a spin, or take a car for a spin, you make a short journey in a car just to enjoy yourself. Go at steady pace !!! James Harry Where are you going on the weekend ? I'm going hiking with some classmate. I'm feeling energetic today. Let's go for a spin. OK. I need some exercise. Where shall we go ? Let's go around the lake, over the hill and come back through the wood. Fine, that's about 15 kilometers, enough for one day. Don't forget your puncture outfit and crash helmet.

James Harry James Harry Explanation :

Hiking ? Isn't that rather strenuous ? Not if you go at a steady pace and take the occasional break. Oh, that doesn't sound too bad. Why don't you join us ? You'll have a great time.

If you do something at a steady pace , you do it at a speed that is comfortable for you. She just seems to have the knack !!! Melanie Anne Melanie Anne Melanie Anne Explanation : A knack is a particularly clever or skilful way of doing something successfully, especially something which most people find difficult. Example : He's got the knack of getting people to listen. My battery must be low !!! Girl AJ Girl "Hello " ? "Hi it's me what's up baby ? I'm sorry ! Listen ! I'm gonna be late tonight so don't stay up and wait for me OK ?" "Where are you ?" I'm so envious of Lara's cooking. Me too, everything she does tastes perfect. I tried some of her recipes myself, but they just don't seem to turn out right. You're not the only one, I tried to make her Black Forest cake the other day. It tasted all right but not half as good as Lara's. How does she do it I wonder ? She just seems to have the knack.

AJ Girl AJ

"Wait wait ! Say that again ?" "Hello ?" "You're coming in and out I think my battery must be low. Listen ! If you can hear me we're going to a place nearby, alright ? Gotta go " ( click )

Explanation : That battery is low means you are running out of battery. Work like a charm !!! Salesman Buyer Salesman Buyer Salesman Buyer Explanation : If you say that something worked like a charm, you mean that it was very effective or successful. Example : Economically, the policy worked like a charm. He is a good catch !!! Joe Judy Guess who else is falling into the love trap. It better not be Bobbie. I don't want to lose another friend to the death of love. Lowest prices! Best quality! Hello, sir! Oh, hi. I'm just looking. I have a computer already. How long have you had it? Years. Works like a charm. Years? What a dinosaur! I can't believe you still use it. It's fine for writing letters and ...

Joe Judy Joe Judy

It's Marie. With the guy from New York.. No wonder! I saw her wearing a promise ring. I encouraged her. I think he's a good catch. It better not be just 'cuz he looks like Tom Cruise. Marriage is more than a fling with a movie-star look-alike.

Explanation : If you describe someone as a good catch, you mean that they have lots of good qualities and you think their partner or employer is very lucky to have found them. Example : I was so in love with him and all my friends said what a good catch he was. Don't flatter yourself !!! Jean Harry Jean Harry Jean Harry Jean What is that noise ? What noise? I hear a girl saying "Harry, honey. Please pick up the phone, you stud..." Oh! That's my new cell phone. It must be my latest squeeze, Jane. Jane ? Yeah. She's totally into me. She calls me all the time. Don't flatter yourself!

Explanation : If someone says to you ' don't flatter yourself ', they mean that they disagree with your good opinion of yourself. Example :

I flatter myself that this campaign will put an end to the war. In the air !!! Jenny Vanessa Jenny Vanessa Jenny Vanessa Vanessa! Guess what. Leo proposed to me! Wow. Love is in the air. Did you accept? Not yet. I have some doubts...like the age factor. I'm really robbing the cradle here. So he's eight years younger...he's mature for his age. I'm worried about the cultural differences, too. You guys have the same interests and similar personalities. AND you have the same dreams.

Explanation : If something is in the air it is felt to be present, but it is not talked about Example : There was great excitement in the air ... Up to something !!! Jennifer Billy Jennifer Billy Jennifer Billy Yeah, great. But who recorded these for you? My classmate, as a joke. It makes me sound like a womanizer. Well, then let me record one for you. OK. Cool. Be sexy. Here. Go! Hey, jerk! Answer the phone, you idiot! Hey! I should have known you were up to something.

Explanation : If you say that someone is up to something, you mean that they are secretly doing smething that they should not be doing.

Example : Why did you need a room unless you were up to something. In a row !!! Jane Mei Jane Mei Jane Mei The new year will be here before you know it. This year really went by fast. It seems every year goes by faster. I especially enjoy the new year, though. Why ? We have three holidays in a row.

Explanation : If something happens several times in a row, it happens that number of times without a break. If something happens several days in a row, it happens on each of those days. Example : They have won five championships in a row. I'll tell you what !!! Dave Kuno Dave Kuno Let's go to the movies in Prickly tomorrow. Ok, where should we meet. Do you know where Lot 10 is ? We went there together. No, I don't remember. Let's meet somewhere outside Prickly. I'll tell you what -- name the place and I'll pick you up.

Explanation :

In spoken English, you use I'll tell you what or I tell you what to introduce suggestion or a new topic of conversation. Example : I tell you what, I'll bring the water in a separate glass. Give it to me straight !!! Boss As you know Steven, you are a highly-valued worker. However, the company has run into financial difficulty lately that are causing some unexpected repercussions. Like what ! Give it to me straight.

Steven

Boss

I am afraid we have to lay you off.

Explanation : If you give someone a straight answer , you speak honestly and frankly to them. Example : What a shifty arguer he is, refusing ever to give a straight answer to a straight question. Don't get me wrong !!! Marcie Don't get me wrong ! I think Calvin is a very nice person, but you have to admit he isn't very responsible. I think you are right, he has got a lot of growing up to do.

Teddy

Explanation : You say 'Don't get me wrong' when you want to make sure that someone does not misunderstand what you are doing or sayng or why you are doing or saying it. Example : Dont get me wrong, it is interesting work ..... You can say that again !!! Yin I think there is a sharp contrast between Americans and Chinese. For example, the Americans are very individualistic, while the Chinese are very grouporiented. You can say that again. Chinese are very concious of what other people think of them.

Yang

Explanation : You use 'You can say that again' to express strong agreement with what someone has just said; an informal expression. Example : What a tedious job. -- You can say that again !!! You are on the right track !!! Greg Curtis I am trying to figure out who the murderer is in this story. Who do you think it is !

Greg Curtis

I think it's Mr. Johnson because he was in the house at the time of the murder. No, but you are on the right track.

Explanation : If you are on the right track , you are acting or progressing in a way that is likely to result in success. Example : Guests are returning in increasing numbers - a sure sign that we are on the right track ... It's beyond me !!! Anthony Seung Anthony Seung Anthony Seung Explanation : If you say that something is beyond someone, you mean that they cannot deal with it. Example : Although he could give her sympathy, any practical help would almost certainlybe beyond him ...... Whatever you say !!! How long have you been in this country ? Two months. Is it hard for you to study at an American college ? Yes, I find it very difficult. Especially when you can't follow the professor's lecture. That's because you just arrived. Do you like biology ? No. It's beyond me.

Kato Mori Kato Mori Kato Mori

How about having dinner together after work? Fine. Should we have Japanese or American food ? Whatever you say ! There is a good steak house around the corner. That's a good idea.

Explanation : You say whatever you say to indicate that you accept what someone has said, even though you do not really them or do not think it is a good idea. Example : We'll go in your car, Billy. --- ' Whatever you say '. I am starving !!! Yin Linda Yin Linda Yin Linda I think we should get something to eat. Are you hungry ? Hungry ? I'm starving. There is an Italian restaurant near here. Is the food very hot ? It's kind of hot, but it's very tasty.

Explanation : If you say that you are starving , you mean that you are very hungry. Example :

Apart from anything else I was starving. Rain Check !!! Jean Joe Jean Joe Jean Joe My brother and his family will be coming into town next week. Is he the one who writes articles for the English Post ? Right, why don't you come over next Sunday to meet him. I'd love to but I can't. Can you give me a rain check !!! Sure, they'll be here for a week. So just let me know when you can come. Ok! I will be very interested in seeing him.

Explanation : If you say you will take a rain check on an offer or suggestion, you mean that you do not want to accept it straight away, but you might accept it at another time. Example : I was planning to ask you in for a brandy, but if you want to take a rain check, that's fine ....... Brush up on !!! Jeff Mike Jeff Mike Jeff Mike Do you have a driver's license ? No. I am going to take the test in a couple of weeks . Didn't you drive in your country ? Yes, but I have to brush up on my driving. And. You have to study the traffic rules too ! Yes, there is a lot of new things I must learn.

Explanation :

If you brush up something or brush up on it, you practise it or improve your knowledge of it. Example : Eleanor spent much of the summer brushing up on her driving. I am broke !!! Robert James Robert James Robert James Explanation : If you are broke, you have no money. If a company or person goes broke they lose money and are unable to continue in business or to pay their debts. If you go for broke, you take the most extreme or risky of the possible courses of action in order to try and achieve success Out of the question !!! Robert James Robert James I am going to look at new cars tomorrow. I wish I could have one. Why don't you come along ? I'd like to but I don't want to be tempted. Are you going to Hawaii on your vacation ? Not this year. Why not ? For a good reason, I am broke. Oh! Come on. Seriously, I am flat broke.

Robert James Explanation :

I am sure you could get a good deal. No, buying a new car is out of the question for me right now.

If you say that something is out of the question, you are emphasing that it is completely impossible or unacceptable. Example : For the homeless, private medical care is simply out of the question ....... Don't get me wrong !!! Billy Lucy Billy Lucy Billy Lucy Bill is going to sing tonight. Oh, no ! Don't you like his singing ? It's not that. Don't get me wrong !!! What's the problem then ? He only knows one song.

Explanation : If you say ' Don't get me wrong ' when you want to make sure that someone does not misunderstand what you are doing or saying, or why you are doing or saying it. Example : Don't get me wrong, it's interesting work. I'll keep my fingers crossed !!!

Peters Albert Peters Albert Peters Albert

Please have a seat. Thank you I'm Mr. Peters. The personnel manager. What can I do for you. I am looking for a position as a sales representative. We may have an opening next week. Please leave your resume, I will keep in touch with you. Thanks. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Explanation : If you cross your fingers , you put one finger on top of another and hope for good luck. If you say that someone is keeping their fingers crossed,you mean they are hoping for good luck. Example : I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they turn up soon. Does it ring a bell !!! Shirley Leonard Shirley Leonard Shirley Leonard Explanation : If you say that something rings a bell , you mean that it reminds you of something else, but you cannot remember exactly what it is ...... Let's get to the point !!! Guess who I met at the grocery store. I can't imagine. Do you remember Mr. Johnson from our old neighborhood. That name rings a bell, but I can't place him. He used to live in the building next to ours. Oh yes, now I remember. He had dark hair and wore glasses.

Janet Bob Janet Bob Janet Bob

Good afternoon Bob, isn't it a lovely day ? Yes, it is Janet ! It is the kind of day when you want to go outside. Janet, let's get to the point. Do you want the afternoon off ? Yes, Bob. Alright. As soon as you finish typing. You can go.

Explanation : When someone comes to the point or gets to the point, they start talking about the thing that is most important to them. I tossed and turned all night !!! Robb Seles Bobb Seles Robb Seles Are you ill ? Not really ! I am just tired. Didn't you sleep well last night. No, I tossed and turned all night. I am sorry to hear that, I hope you sleep better tonight. Thank you. I'm sure I will.

Explanation : If you toss and turn, you move restlessly in bed and cannot sleep properly, for example because you are ill or worried. Example : You feel as if you've been tossing and turning all night, and wake up feeling worn out. It's a piece of cake !!!

Han Joe Han Joe Han Joe

What kind of Chinese food would you like to have. I'd like to have spring rolls. Fine. By the way, do you know how to use chopsticks ? It's a piece of cake. How in the world did you learn to use them ? I was stationed in Taiwan for five years, you know.

Explanation : If you think something is very easy to do, you can say it is a piece of cake. People often say this to stop someone feeling worried about doing something they have to do. Not that I know of !!! Mei Susie Mei Susie Mei Susie Is Mrs. Johnson joining us for dinner ? Not that I know of. I was hoping she would come with us. Why ? I would like her to try some of our traditional Chinese foods. That's very kind of you.

Explanation : You say ' Not that I know of ' when someone has asked you whether or not something is true and you think the answer is; ' no ' but you cannot be sure because you do not know all the facts. It is on the tip of my tongue !!! Mahoney Marcus Do you remember the restaurant we went to Friday. Sure I do. It was the ' Silver Castle '.

Mahoney Marcus Mahoney Marcus Explanation :

No, we've never been to the ' Silver Castle '. Maybe it was the Gold Coin. No Gee. It is on the tip of my tongue. Never mind. The food was terrible.

If something that you want to say is on the tip of your tongue, you think you know it and that you will be able to remember it very soon. Example : A sarcastic remark was on the tip of her tongue. Chances are slim !!! Carol Judy Carol Judy Carol Judy What are your chances of getting into Yale ? My chances are slim. I hear those Ivy League Colleges are tough to get into. I know. I'd have better chance at the state University. Sure. It's not a bad school either. I'd rather be a big fish in a small pond.

Explanation : If you say that someone doesn't stand a chance of achieving something, you mean that they cannot possibly achieve it. Example : Neither is seen as standing any chance of snatching the leadership from him.

It doesn't make any difference !!! Mike Joei Mike Joei Mike Joei Shall I pick you up at 5 or 6 ? It doesn't make any difference. O.K, I will pick you up at 5. No problem ! Shall we play badminton or table tennis on Sunday ? It doesn't make any difference.

Explanation : If something makes no difference, it does not have any effect on what you are doing. Example : It is sad to see him go but it won't make any difference to the way we conduct our affairs. It's better than nothing!!! Jim Carmen Jim Carmen Jim Carmen Explanation : If you say that something is better than nothing, you mean that it is not what is required, but that it is better to have that thing than to have nothing at all. Did you ask Mr. Davidson for a raise ? Yes, I asked for 80 cents any hour more. Did you get it ? No, I got 30 cents That's too bad. Oh, it is alright. It is better than nothing.

Example : After all, 15 minutes of exercise is better than nothing. You can count on us !!! Stacey Sue Stacey Sue Stacey Sue Sue, can you drive Jane and I to the doctor on Monday ? I think so. We need a ride very badly, are you sure you will be able to help out ? Sure. I will mark it on my calendar so I don't forget. Thanks you are a good friend. You can always count on me when you need help.

Explanation : If you count on someone or count upon them, you rely on them to support you or help you. Example : I can always count on you to cheer me up ......... It is up to you !!! John Karen John Karen John Karen Would you like to go out to dinner or to a movie ? Either one, it is up to you . What would you prefer ? I really don't care, I just want to get out of the house. Well, then how about dinner and a movie ? That's a great idea !

Explanation :

If you say that it is up to someone to do something, you mean that it is their responsibility to do it. Example : The choice was up to Paula. I couldn't help it !!! Daryl Smith Daryl Smith Daryl Smith I am upset. Somebody told my boss I have a part-time job. And he doesn't like that ? No, he doesn't. He thinks that I am too tired to work. I am sorry. I have to admit I told him. You told him ? Why ? I couldn't help it. He asked me point-blank.

Explanation : If you can't help the way you feel or behave, you cannot control it or stop it from happening. You can also say that you can't help yourself. If you say something point-blank, you say it very directly or rudely, without explaining or apologizing. Reducing and enlarging facility !!! Walter Dawn Walter Dawn I have to photocopy these two documents. I need a copy of this one smaller than the original, and of the other larger. Well you'll need to use the reducing and enlarging facility on the photocopier. The copy of this one should be half the size of the original, and the other twice the size. Lift the lid and put the first document on the glass face down. then press the button marked 200% and you'll get a copy twice the size of the

original. Walter Dawn OK. What about the other one ? When you've copied the first one, put the other one face down on the glass, press the button marked 50% and you'll get a half-size copy.

That's really wasteful !!! Nerys Rolf Nerys Rolf Nerys Rolf Look at all the waste paper in the waste bin next to the photocopier. There is rather a lot but it's the same with all the photocopier. What do they do with all that waste paper ? As far as I know they just throw it out as trash. That's really wasteful. There's a better way of dealing with it than that. Well we should try to recycle all our waste paper. That would save the company a lot of money and help the environment.

Explanation : Wasteful - Action that is wasteful uses too much of something valuable such as time, money, or energy. Example : This kind of training is ineffective, and wasteful of scarce resources ........ It's very temperamental !!! Billie Lesley Billie Lesley Billie Lesley Why has the photocopier stopped ? Oh, it's probably because the paper has jammed. You'll have to open the door and look inside the machine to check. Oh yes, I can see where a sheet of paper has got stuck. You need to follow the instructions printed inside the door to remove it and restart the machine. That wasn't too difficult. Well, I'll restart the machine and hope for the best. You'll need a lot of hope for that machine. It's very temperamental and really needs replacing.

Explanation : Temperamental - If you describe something such as a machine car astemperamental, you mean that it often does not work properly. Example : I first started cruising in yachts with temperamental petrol engines ........ It doesn't collate !!! Lucas Elyst Lucas Elyst Lucas Elyst I've got this 32-page report and I need to make 40 copies. Well you can't do that on our photocopier. Why not ? There's nothing wrong with it, is there ? No, but it's a basic model and doesn't collate. Where can I find a photocopier which does ? Try the Project Department. They're always producing reports so I'm sure they must have a machine that does the job.

Explanation : Collate - To collect and arrange the sheets of a report, book, etc., in the correct order Example : The photocopier will collate the documents for you. A3-sized copies !!! Quentin Vicky Quentin Vicky Quentin Vicky This document is A3 size and I've got to make three A3-sized copies. That's no problem on this photocopier as it's got an A3 paper tray. I've put the document face down on the glass, what do I do next ? Open the door and check that there's paper in the A3 paper tray. Yes, it's almost full. Close the door, select the A3 paper tray on the control panel and then press

the green button to start copying. Put the document face down !!! Ginny Heather Ginny Heather Ginny Heather Ginny Explanation : Face down - In a position so that the face is down Double-sided printing !!! Cary Bud Cary Bud Cary Bud Explanation : Double-sided printing - To print on both sides of a paper Have you seen the e-mail from the supplies department ? No, I haven't. What does it say ? It says that in future when photocopying we should use double-sided printing wherever possible. Well I suppose only using one side of the paper is wasteful. Doing this should cut out paper bill by 50 percent. Yes. And think of all the trees we'll save by using double-sided. I want to make some A4 copies but I've never used a photocopier before. Could you please help me ? Of course. First of all lift the lid and put the document you want to copy face down on the glass. OK. What do I do now ? Make sure that it's straight and within the A4 lines marked on the glass. Then lower the lid. There, done that. Now what ? Enter the number of copies you want using these button and then press the big green button to start. That's a breeze !

You need to increase the contrast !!! Roy Sadie Roy Sadie My copies have started coming out a bit faint. Let me have a look. Yes they should be a bit darker than that. How can I do that on this machine ? You need to increase the contrast by pressing this button here. You've got a choice of five levels. Try the third one. You'll need to press the button three times. The copies look fine now, just what the doctor ordered. Thanks a lot. Don't mention it.

Roy Sadie Explanation :

A contrast is a great difference between two or more things which is clear when you compare them. Example : Silk was used with wool for contrast. The copies are faint !!! Terry Yuri Terry Yuri Terry Yuri That's annoying. The copies are suddenly coming out very faint. Let's have a look. Yes, you can hardly read the text. What should I do ? Well you could try taking out the toner cartridge, giving it a good shake, and putting it back. It worked. The copies are much clearer. Thanks a lot. No problem. That trick will work a couple of times. After that, the machine will need a new toner cartridge.

Explanation : Faint - A faint sound, color, mark, feeling, or quality has very little strength or intensity.

Example : He could see faint lines in her face ..... Run out of !!! Belinda Henry Belinda Henry Belinda Henry Belinda Explanation : If you run out of something, you have no more of it left Example : We are running out of time ........... Have a go at you !!! Foreigner Friend Foreigner Friend Foreigner Friend That man at the bar got really annoyed with me just now. Yes, I could see him having a go at you. What was the reason ? I wanted to get drinks for us and he said I had jumped the queue. But people weren't standing in line at the bar. That's true, but there actually was still a queue in the sense that the rule is " first come, first served " and he must have been at the bar before you. Where I come from, it's every man for himself. But not here I'm afraid, so it's best to follow the local rule if you want to avoid such unpleasantness. Oh no ! It's always the same. What's the matter ? The photocopier's run out of paper. Have you looked in the store cupboard for more ? Yes, of course. But that's out of paper as well. That's really bad luck. If your job's really urgent, I would go to the copy bureau across the street. Thanks. It is and I will.

Explanation :

Has a go at - If someone has a go at you, they criticize you, often in a way that you feel is unfair. Example : Some people had a go at us for it, which made us more angry. You must be starving !!! Hanna Lenore Hanna Lenore Hanna You've been working on that file for almost five hours without a break. You must be starving. Yes, I am a bit peckish, especially as I didn't have anything for breakfast. Well the only place you can get food around here at this time of day is the " Dog and Duck " across the road. What's the food like there ? It's not bad. They don't do hot food but their ploughman's lunch is really tasty. The bread and cheese are always really fresh and they make their own pickle. Sounds good. I'll shoot over straight away. Care to join me ?

Lenore

He stood us all a round of drinks !!! Nick Jonas Nick Jonas Nick Jonas Explanation : Stand - If you stand someone a meal or a drink, you buy it for them. Example : You can stand me a pint. You missed a treat last night. Why, what happened ? Well, Benny came into our local, told us that he'd just played a round of golf and scored a hole in one at the 18th. So what ? Everyone gets lucky now and again. Ah, but he stood us all a round of drinks. Now that's what I call a real sportsman

Is this just a one-off ? Kenny Brendon Kenny You must come to my local tomorrow evening. Why, what's on ? It's darts night. Our pub's team is playing against the team from the " Lord Nelson " across the park. I'm in the team and we need all the support we can get. Is this just a one-off ? Oh no. We're in a league of 20 pub teams and there's a game every week. Where does your team stand ? We're second in the league and could go top if we beat the " Lord Nelson " tomorrow.

Brendon Kenny Brendon Kenny

Explanation : One-off - Something that happens or is made or done only once Example : Will you be doing more talks in the future or was that just a one-off ? Let's go to my local !!! Jeff Doug Jeff Doug Jeff Doug Explanation : Well, we've got through a pile of work and it's past opening time. Let's go for a pint. Good idea, where shall we go ? Let's go to my local, it's just around the corner. I think I must have passed it on the way here. Is it the " Rose and Crown " ? That's it. It's a really old place with lots of atmosphere. Great stuff, lead on MacDuff.

Local - In British English, your local is a pub which is near where you live and where you often go for a drink. Example : Black Horse is my local. What's it for ? Brenda Jim Brenda Jim Brenda Jim What's that above the bar ? It looks like a long glass trumpet with a glass bulb at the end. It's a yard of ale, that's to say it's a bit less than a meter long. What's it for ? It's for a traditional beer-drinking competition. Who wins ? The person who can drink a pint of beer from it fastest without spilling a drop. It's very difficult. The record in this pub is 9 seconds.

You were really tipsy !!! Myrtle May Myrtle May Myrtle May Explanation : Tipsy - If someone is tipsy, they are slightly drunk. Example : I am feeling a bit tipsy. Draught or bottled ? Lulu's hen party last night was really wild, wasn't it ? Yes, look at the horrible bags under our eyes. I really had a bit too much to drink. No wonder I feel so rough. Yes, you were really tipsy by the end. I think I'd better keep off alcohol for a bit. Good idea, I think I'll do the same. Our systems need to recover.

Laurie Marge Laurie Marge Laurie Marge

I've worked up a bit of a thirst after all that walking and this looks like a really nice pub. Shall we go in ? Why not ? We could do with a rest. ( At the bar ) Now what can I get you ? I'd like a half of lager please. Draught or bottled ? Bottled please. I prefer German beer and they don't seem to have any on draught.

Explanation : Draught ( draft in American English ) - Beer that is on draught is kept in and served from a barrel rather than a bottle. Example : They drink bitter on draught in the local bar. Change hands !!! Vernon Perry Vernon Perry Vernon Perry Explanation : Change hands - To go from one owner to another Example : That Italian restaurant is nowhere near as good since it changed hands. Are you a regular ? This pub's just changed hands you know. Is that right ? Who's got it now ? The publican wanted to retire so he sold it to one of the big breweries. ( Rings bell ). Last orders, please ! Oh no, the saddest words a man will ever hear. One more before we go ? Yes please, but be careful you don't get trampled in the rush.

Stranger 1 Stranger 2 Stranger 1 Stranger 2 Stranger 1 Stranger 2

Ah, great taste ! They certainly know how to keep beer here. Yes, the publican's very fussy about how it's stored and at what temperature. And the variety of beers seems to be much greater than in your average pub. That's true. He's very keen on beers from small, independent breweries and we've got quite a few around here. Are you a regular ? Oh yes, I've been coming here once or twice a week for years. Can't keep me away.

Explanation : Regular - If you are a regular customer at a shop or a regular visitor to a place, you go there often. Example : She has become a regular visitor to Houghton Hall. He's down the pub !!! Alf Ted Alf Ted Alf Ted Alf Explanation : Down - If you are down at a place, you are at that place. Example : People are down the pub, getting drunk ........... Where's Paul ? I've been looking for him everywhere. I don't know, haven't seen him all day. What's the time ? It's just gone 7. Well, what a silly question ! What do you mean ? Well he's down the pub of course. He's there every night.

Fancy another ? Jock Tracy Jock Tracy Jock Tracy Have you enjoyed the evening ? Oh yes, you've taken me to places I never knew existed. Well you're pretty new here and I've been working in this area for almost five years, so I know most of the good places by now. And this is one of the nicest pubs I've been in. It is very attractive. Fancy another ? I'd better not. It's time to go and I really need my beauty sleep as I've got to get up very early in the morning.

Explanation : Fancy - If you fancy something, you want to have it or to do it. Example : What do you fancy doing, anyway ? He only drinks shorts !!! Henry Vince Henry Vince Henry Vince Henry Explanation : Short - A short is a small, strong alcoholic drink of a spirit such as whisky, gin, or vodka, rather than a weaker alcoholic drink like beer or wine that you can drink in larger I was out on the town with Ollie last night. Where did you go ? Oh, lots of places, but we ended up in the " Queen's Head ". Have a good time ? Oh sure, but Ollie's a rather expensive drinking companion. Why's that ? He only drinks shorts and he can certainly put them away.

quantities. It's my round !!! Dave Greg Dave Greg Dave Greg Explanation : It's my round - It's my turn to buy drinks. They hold a referendum !!! Clive Ben Clive Ben Clive I've been working in Switzerland for some time now and I find their political system very interesting. Isn't it very similar to ours ? Not really, there is much more direct democracy there. How does it work ? If there is an important question to be decided, at national or local level, they hold a referendum so that the people can decide for themselves. That's quite different from our representative system. Fantastic shot. Yes, he really did bend it like Beckham. This is a great pub for football, they've got such a big screen. Yes, it's almost like actually being at the match. Would you like another drink ? I certainly could, but stay put, it's my round.

Ben Explanation :

Referendum - If a country holds a referendum on a particular policy, they ask the people to vote on the policy and show whether or not they agree with it. Example : Estonia said today it too plans to hold a referendum on independence.

Won by a landslide !!! Fay Craig Fay Craig Fay Craig Explanation : Landslide - A landslide is a victory in an election in which a person or political party gets far more votes or seats than their opponents. Example : He won last month's presidential election by a landslide. A real cliff-hanger !!! Jerry Natalie Jerry Natalie Jerry Natalie Explanation : Cliff-hanger - A cliff-hanger is a situation that is very exciting or frightening because you are left for a long time not knowing what will happen next. This is one of the closest elections I can remember. Yes, that's true whichever part of the country you look at. In the west, the candidates have equal support in the polls. And in the rest of the country there is very little to separate them. This election is clearly going to be a real cliff-hanger. Yes, we won't know the result until all the votes have been counted. You look pretty depressed, what's the matter ? I've just come from our party's headquarters. Everyone there feels the same. You must have lost the election then ? We did, and after all that hard work, canvassing for days on end. Is it really that bad ? It is. The other side won by a landslide. It's our worst defeat in ten years.

Example : Wednesday's election is likely to be a cliff-hanger. First-past-the-post voting system !!! Ronnie Quentin Ronnie Quentin Ronnie I think the result of that election was really unfair. Why do you say that ? Well, there were three candidates and the total votes the two losers got were more than the winning candidate received. But he did get more votes than either of them got individually. Maybe, but this first-past-the-post voting system is not genuinely democratic because someone can win without getting an absolute majority of the votes. Well, a proportional representation system would solve that problem.

Quentin Explanation :

First-past-the-post - Using a voting system in which a person is elected by obtaining more votes than anyone else in the area that they want to represent, whether or not their political party obtains more votes than any other party in the whole of the country According to the exit polls !!! Luke Matt Luke Matt Luke Matt Explanation : Exit poll - The organized questioning of people as they leave a polling station (= place at I'm a bit more optimistic about the election than I was. I'm surprised, all the opinion polls are predicting that your party is going to lose. That may be true, but I think they may have got it wrong ? What makes you say that ? Well, according to the latest exit polls, our party is doing far better than expected. Perhaps you have been picking up a lot of last-minute support.

which people vote) about how they voted, to try to discover who will win the election Cast their votes for !!! Thomas Digby Thomas Digby Thomas Digby Have you studied the election statistics ? Yes I have. Of the votes cast, 40 percent were cast for the White Party, 35 percent for the Blue Party and 25 per cent for the Black Party. So, since more voters cast their votes for the White Party than either of the other two parties, it's a White victory. Under our first-past-the-post electoral system that's true. How many voters actually voted ? Seventy percent of those eligible to vote actually voted, which is more than that at the last election.

Explanation : Cast - When you cast your vote in an election, you vote. Example : About ninety-five percent of those who cast their votes approve the new constitution. I can't be bothered !!! Lenore Abby Lenore It's election day today, so don't forget to vote. I can't be bothered, what difference will it make ? The parties are all the same. It took a long struggle to get everyone the right to vote. You should exercise your democratic right, otherwise one day you may find it's been taken away. Oh, well all right. What time does the polling station close tonight ? At 10 pm I'll go as soon as I get home from work.

Abby Lenore Abby Explanation :

Can't be bothered - If you say that you can't be bothered to do something, you mean that you are not going to do it because you think it is unnecessary or because you are too lazy. Example : I just can't be bothered to look after the house. Things are hotting up !!! Tim Leila Tim Leila Tim Leila Explanation : Hot up - When something hots up, a lot of activity and excitement starts to happen. Example : Campaigning is expected to start hotting up today. That's one of my favorites !!! Jeff Danny Jeff Danny Jeff Danny Well, it's almost lunch time, what would you like to eat ? Oh, I'd like some really typical city food. Well, for that we'll have to go to the east side of town. What sort of food can you get there ? The sort of food the locals really like. Like what ? Have you been following the election so far ? Yes and with only two weeks to go things are really hotting up. That's true and it's one of the dirtiest election campaigns I can remember. I have to agree with you. Both campaign teams have been spreading nasty rumors and even lies about the opposing candidate. Their television advertising has also been very negative, attacking the opponent's character and record. It's not really much of a recommendation for democracy.

Jeff

Pie and mash, that's is one of my favorites too and I know one of the best places to get it.

They heckled him throughout his speech !!! Jamie Alasdair Jamie Alasdair Jamie Alasdair Explanation : Heckle - If people in an audience heckle public speakers or performers, they interrupt them, for example by making rude remarks. Example : They heckled him and interrupted his address with angry questions. What's her platform ? Merry Sandra Merry Sandra Merry Sandra Explanation : Who are you going to vote for ? I haven't decided yet. How about you ? I'm going to vote for Shirley Day. What's her platform ? She is promising to introduce much more family-friendly policies if she is elected and that's the most important thing for me. If that's the case, I might vote for her too. That was one of the rowdiest election meetings I've ever been to. I'm not surprised, I could hear the noise from some distance away. Why was it so rowdy ? A section of the crowd was very hostile to the candidate and they heckled him throughout his speech. What sort of things were they shouting at him ? They were attacking his support for the government's employment policies. They were probably dissatisfied or unemployed.

Platform - The platform of a political party is what they say they will do if they are elected. Example : The Socialist Party won a landslide victory on a nationalist platform. Our party is ahead !!! Theo Gary Theo Gary Theo Gary How has the election been going so far ? Very well as far as our party is concerned. How can you be sure ? Well the results of the latest opinion polls are in this morning's newspapers. What do they say ? They show that our party is ahead in all of them by at least 7 percent, so we're pretty confident about the election result.

Explanation : Ahead - If you are ahead in your work or achievements, you have made more progress than you expected to and are performing well. Example : Children in small classes were 1.5 months ahead in reading and 2.5 months ahead in mathematics. Face to face !!! Vera Dan Vera Dan Vera Dan My feet are killing me ! Why ? What have you been doing all day ? I have been going from house to house canvassing voters to vote for our party at the next general election. Is that really necessary ? Oh yes ! Most voters want to discuss the election issues face to face with a party representative and to express their own views. Democracy in action !

Explanation : Face to face - If you come face to face with someone, you meet them and can talk to them or look at them directly. Example : It was the first face to face meeting between the two men. It seems to have been heated !!! Joseph Beth Joseph Beth Joseph Beth We're having a really big battle inside our party at the moment. Yes, I've seen the newspaper headlines. It seems to have been heated. It's always the same when we are trying to write the party's manifesto for the next general election. What were the arguments about ? One of the main ones is about whether we are going to promise lower taxes in the manifesto if we win the election. That's always one of the most controversial topics.

What is he aiming for ? Henry Una Henry Una Henry Una My brother has decided to go into politics. Really ? Why is that ? He's such a successful businessman. Well, he's gone as far as he wants to go in business and is looking for a new challenge. What is he aiming for ? The city hall. He's going to run for mayor at the next mayoral election. Well with his reputation and money, he should succeed.

Pasties are very filling !!! Harley Evan I'd like something to eat to go with our beer. Fancy a pasty ? Never heard of that, what is it ?

Harley Evan Harley Evan Harley

It's minced beef and potatoes baked in a pastry casing in a half-circle shape. Sounds good, I'll go for it. You won't regret it; pasties are very filling and very tasty. What's their origin ? They say that miners' wives used to make them as lunch for their husbands to eat in the mine.

Explanation : Pasty - In Britain, a pasty is a small pie which consists of pastry folded around meat, vegetables, or cheese. Time for elevenses !!! Gemma Meryl Gemma Meryl Gemma Meryl Explanation : Elevenses is a short break when you have a cup of tea or coffee, and sometimes biscuits, at around eleven o'clock in the morning. A light supper wouldn't do us any harm !!! Robbie Gayle Robbie It's some time since we've eaten. I'm quite hungry, what about you ? I'm a bit peckish too, but it's quite late and we don't want anything too heavy before we go to bed. What do you suggest ? I haven't started work so early in weeks. Yes, it's only a quarter to ten and we've been at it for almost four hours. Time for elevenses before we die of hunger and thirst. Great idea. I'll pop out and get some doughnuts. And I'll put the kettle on. Oh yes, I'm just dying for a cup of tea.

Gayle Robbie Gayle Robbie

Well, a little light supper wouldn't do us any harm ! Such as ? I could make a cheese and potato salad. That'll do nicely.

We'll be able to dine alfresco !!! Olive Sean Olive Sean Olive Sean Where shall we eat after the show ? What about that restaurant down by the river ? Do you mean the one with peacocks running around the garden ? That's the one. It's very traditional and I just love the atmosphere. And it's such a warm and pleasant evening that we'll be able to dine alfresco on the riverside terrace. Yes, that would be lovely. And with the sky so clear we'll be dining by moonlight. How romantic !

Explanation : Alfresco - An alfresco activity, especially a meal, is one that takes place in the open air. Take me back !!! Jilly Nicola Jilly Nicola Jilly Nicola This takes me back, I haven't been to the seaside since I was a child. I haven't been for ages either. Tell you what, let's go on the pier and get some cotton candy. But that's for kids and it's pure sugar; it'll ruin your figure. I don't care, it was one of my favorite things to have when we came to the seaside. Well, if you're going to relive your childhood, I'm going to have to do the same.

Explanation :

Take sb back - If you say that something takes you back, you mean that it reminds you of a period of your past life and makes you think about it again. Example : I enjoyed experimenting with colors - it took me back to being five years old. Stock up on that !!! Granville Hector Granville Hector Granville Hector Explanation : Stock up - To buy a large quantity of something Example : During the emergency, people stocked up on essential items like candles, medicines and tins of food. Go in for a pie and a pint !!! Leslie Alastair Leslie Alastair Leslie Alastair Punting's thirsty work and it's almost one o'clock. Talk about thirsty, I'm pretty hungry as well. Do you see what I see ? You mean that pub just on the next bend in the river ? Right first time. Are you thinking what I'm thinking ? Yes, let's tie up there and go in for a pie and a pint. I've almost finished the preparations for our expedition. Where are you planning to go ? We're going to spend two weeks in northern Norway. That's pretty tough country. You'll need a lot of energy. That's why we're taking lots of Kendal mint cake. I'm not surprised. A lot of expeditions stock up on that before they go.

Let the teapot stand !!!

Frank Brian Frank Brian Frank Brian Frank Brian

Teach me how to make a pot of tea. Well, first of all you need a china teapot. Tea doesn't taste so good from a metal one. What next ? Rinse out the teapot with very hot water to make it hot. Then boil the kettle ? That's right. Then put two or three teaspoons of tea into the teapot, take the kettle to the pot and pour the boiling water over the tea. Can you drink it straight away ? No, you have to let the teapot stand for a few minutes and then the tea will be ready to drink.

I love your tea cozy !!! Corey Stella Corey Stella Corey Explanation : Cozy - A cozy is a soft cover which you put over a teapot or a boiled egg to keep it warm. What beautiful china !!! Laura Melanie Laura Thank you for inviting me to tea, it's really good of you. Not at all, we're delighted to have you. May I pour you a cup of tea ? Oh, yes, thank you very much. What beautiful china ! May I pour you another cup of tea ? Thank you, that's very kind. I must say I love your tea cozy. The design is very attractive. I'm glad you like it. It's one of many my mother made. Well, she was clearly very skilled with the needle. Yes, she was; needlework was her favorite hobby.

Melanie Laura Melanie Laura Melanie Explanation :

I'm glad you like it. This is part of tea service which my grandmother left me. I was her only granddaughter. It's all so artistically decorated. It is very fine work and genuine Chinese porcelain. No doubt that's why your tea tastes so good. Thank you. They do say that tea always tastes better from real porcelain.

China - China is a very thin clay from which cups, sauces, plates, and ornaments are made. Example : Judy collects blue and white china. What's clotted cream ? Marie Sean Marie Sean Marie Sean Marie Now we're in the countryside, there's one thing we just mustn't miss. What's that, drinking the local cider ? No, it's having a real cream tea. What's so special about that ? Well, it's having real clotted cream on your scones with home-made strawberry jam to go with your tea. What's clotted cream ? It's thickest and most delicious cream there is.

Explanation : Clotted cream - A thick cream made primarily in England by heating milk until a layer of cream forms on its surface that is then cooled and skimmed off. Just what the doctor ordered !!!

Josie Alan Josie Alan Josie Alan

I'm dying for a cup of tea and I'm also a bit peckish. What about that place over there. " Ye Olde Tea Shoppe " ? Just what the doctor ordered. It's almost 4 o'clock, let's go in and have afternoon tea. ( To waitress ) A pot of tea for two please. And I'd like some salmon sandwiches and a cream cake Watch your figure there. I think I'll just have some toast with strawberry jam.

Explanation : Just what the doctor ordered - Exactly what is wanted or needed. Example : Ooh thank you, a nice cup of tea. Just what the doctor ordered. Time for high tea !!! Anne Elisabeth Anne Elisabeth Anne Elisabeth Anne Elisabeth It's 4 o'clock, time for high tea. So early ? Six o'clock or thereabouts is high tea time. What ? Tea, sandwiches and cakes at 6 o'clock ? That's a surely far too late. No, no. I think you're mixing up high tea and afternoon tea. Aren't they the same ? No, not at all. Afternoon tea means tea, perhaps sandwiches and definitely cakes around 4. What's high tea, then ? That's a proper meal, often with meat or fish, but also of course with tea to drink.

Explanation : High tea - ( British ) A fairly substantial meal that includes tea and is served in the late afternoon or early evening.

It showed documentaries !!! Giles Tony Giles Tony Giles Tony Giles Explanation : Documentary - A documentary is a television or radio program, or a film , which shows real events or provides factual information about a particular subject Example : ...... a TV documentary on homelessness. Some love interest !!! Sharon Gareth Sharon Gareth Sharon Gareth Explanation : Love interest - Details about love and romance I didn't really enjoy that movie at all. Why not ? I thought it was really exciting with lots of action. Typical man, that's just what you would like. Well what would you have wanted ? Some love interest, not just car chases and fights. Typical female, you're only interested in romance. Have you seen the movie Fahrenheit 9/11 ? No, what is it, a science fiction adventure ? No it's a documentary about American politics after the World Trade Center tragedy in September 2001. Did you see it on television ? No, at our local movie theater. It's been on all this week. I didn't know it showed documentaries. It doesn't normally, but there has been huge demand to see this one.

Example : Fay Wray was the love interest in the 1933 version of King Kong. The score was fantastic !!! Zara Abigail Zara Abigail Zara Abigail Explanation : Score - The music written for a film, play etc Example : The dance is accompanied by an original score by Henry Torgue. A movie crew was shooting on location !!! Lennie Freda Lennie Freda Lennie Freda Explanation : On location - A place away from a studio where all or part of a film or a television show is recorded You'll never guess what was going on in our town last week. Go on, surprise me. A movie crew was shooting on location in the town square. Really ? Why did they choose your town ? Because the square's full of old buildings which were a perfect background for the kind of historical movie they were making. I'd love to have been there. I've never seen a movie crew in action before. I haven't enjoyed a movie so much in years. Yes, it really was something special. It had a great story and the acting was absolutely fantastic. The score was fantastic too. It really added to the action. Yes it was really good music and it had such a haunting theme. If they bring it out on CD, I'll be the first to buy it.

Example : The documentary was made on location in the Gobi desert. I had to rely on the subtitles !!! Carl Vera Carl Vera Carl Vera I've just seen the latest movie from China. Good ? Oh yes. It was about a family who lived in the late Qing dynasty. I know you're learning Chinese. Did you understand everything ? No, not really. They spoke too fast for me to catch much, so I had to rely on the subtitles. Yes, they're always very helpful when you're watching a foreign-language movie.

Explanation : Subtitles - Subtitles are the printed translation that you can read at the bottom of the screen when you are watching a foreign film. Example : The dialogue is in Spanish, with English subtitles. Violence is good box office !!! Marie Jean Marie Jean Marie Jean That was a really violent movie. It certainly was. There seemed to be one killing about every ten minutes. I know. I began to get a bit sick of it long before the end. Why are so many movies so full of violence ? It's because violence is good box office I suppose. You must be right. Well the next movie I go to see will be romantic comedy.

Explanation : 1) Box office - The box office in a theater, cinema, or concert hall is the place where the tickets are sold. 2) Box office - When people talk about the box office, they are referring to the degree of

success of a film or play in terms of the number of people who go to watch it or the amount of money it makes.