Saturday, January 19, 2013

Today's Phrase 'go down a storm'

Kaz says his party 'went down a storm'. Is this a good or a bad thing? Find out more about this phrase by listening to this audio: bbc- go down a storm audio

Stormy weather


Then you can read the tapescript to see if you understood everything.

The script

(Stormy weather)
Kaz: Hello, I'm Kaz.
Yang Li: And I'm Yang Li. Hey Kaz, there is a storm raging outside - let's shut that door.
(Door shuts)
Yang Li: Ah that's better. Now I can ask you about your party last weekend. How did it go?
Kaz: It went down a storm Li.
Yang Li: Your party 'went down a storm.' You mean you cancelled it because of the weather? Because of high winds and rain? Or snow?
Kaz: No, no, no Li. If something 'goes down a storm' it means it's massively successful and enjoyable - so my party went really well - it went down a storm.
Yang Li: People loved it?
Kaz: Exactly. People loved my party so I can say 'It went down a storm.'
Yang Li: Your party went down a storm - it was incredible.
Kaz: That's right.
Yang Li: Well, Kaz, I gave a presentation yesterday.
Kaz: Oh OK. How did it go?
Yang Li: It went really well, everyone loved it, it went down a storm.
Kaz: That's great Li.
Yang Li: Yes, I'm delighted and I like today's expression. Let's listen to some more examples:
  • You should have seen the new band last night. They went down a storm with the audience.
  • My idea for more holidays went down a storm with my colleagues.
  • I like the looks of this new toy. I'm sure it'll go down a storm with our customers.
Yang Li: Kaz, you know, to me the word 'storm' has negative associations because storms are usually destructive.
Kaz: I agree Li but in this case it's used in a positive sense.
Yang Li: But it is informal, right?
Kaz: Yes it is.
Yang Li: So our listeners should use it with care.
Kaz: That's right Li. So what do you think our listeners will think of today's expression?
Yang Li: I'm sure it'll go down a storm!
Both: Bye!


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