Expressing Opinions

Expression "finger on the pulse"

Listen to Feifei and Finn. They are at the cinema and she asks him about who the actors in the movie are. Finn answers that he has his finger on the pulse. Is he nervous about something? Find out by clicking on the following link: bbc- finger on the pulse audio


Does the phrase 'finger on the pulse' have anything to do with health?

Then, you can read the transcript to see if you understood everything:

The script for this programme

(Finn and Feifei are in the cinema; the film is about to start)

Finn: Hi, I'm Finn. This is The English We Speak. And this is Feifei.

Feifei: Hi. I hope you can hear me. This cinema is very crowded! I've never heard of this movie... and who are these actors, Finn?!

Finn: Well, Feifei, when it comes to the best new actors, I have my finger on the pulse.

Feifei: Finger on the pulse? Oh, don't do that here, Finn. You mean you touch the wrists of all these film actors? Where is your British reserve?!

Finn: No. I am not going to touch anybody's pulse or wrists and my fingers are here, in my popcorn. In English, 'to have your finger on the pulse' means: to be familiar with the latest trends and developments.

Feifei: Ahhhh, that's a relief.

Finn: You might hear the expression 'to have your finger on the pulse' or 'to keep your finger on the pulse'. Let's hear some examples.

• You have to keep your finger on the pulse of consumer trends if you want to succeed in business.

• How do I manage to dress so well all the time? I buy this fashion magazine every week because it really has its finger on the pulse.

Feifei: Ah I see. So this expression is about keeping up-to-date with trends.

Finn: Yes it is.

Feifei: Finn, I've been looking at the poster of the film while we wait for the door to open and... this film...

Finn: 'The City That Never Sleeps'. Yes?

Feifei: There is a picture of a zombie on the poster... and... what is that in the corner? A dead woman! Is it a horror movie, Finn?!

Finn: Calm down. It is a great movie. Full of blood and suspense. It will be a thrill!

Feifei: Oh. I don't like that, Finn! I really don't like that! I get really upset when I watch this sort of movie. My heart races... here, put your actual finger on my actual pulse... Here.

Finn: Oh, OK, OK, sorry Feifei. Your heart is beating very fast. I didn't know you had a problem with horror movies. Let's go and watch a musical then.

Feifei: 'The Sound of Music'?

Finn: Go on then!

Feifei: That's much nicer! Bye.

Finn: Bye.

Both: (Singing) Doe, a deer, a female deer. Ray, a drop of golden sun...

Phrases we owe Shakespeare

'English' words invented by Spanish

Let's have a look at how people in Spain are taking English words, changing their meanings and using them in a way that would have Shakespeare turning in his grave.

To say 'hacer footing' for jogging is just one the weird 'English' words the Spanish have coined. 

Ever been asked by a Spanish friend to 'go footing'?

Has someone called you a 'friki'?

If so, then you've been the victim of a growing trend.  

People in Spain are increasingly using words that are not Spanish, but which are not quite English either. 

The words sound thoroughly familiar, yet very strange at the same time.

In this list, The Local Spain gives you the lowdown on how Spanish people are reinventing English for their own needs.

Find out how Spanish speakers are adding English-sounding words to their slang, by clicking this link

Expression: 'to cut the mustard'

Listen

It's a sad day for Feifei as she just lost a cooking contest, and Finn tries to cheer her up by saying that sometimes we've got to accept that we just can't cut the mustard. Did Feifei miss out an ingredient?

Click on this link to listen: bbc - cut the mustard audio

Feifei is sad because she just lost a cooking contest.

The script for this audio

Finn: Hi, I'm Finn. And this is The English We Speak. And this is Feifei. A very sad-looking Feifei, by the way.

Feifei: Sorry, Finn. But I feel a bit of a failure today. I took part in a cooking contest where my grandmother and my mother were champions and I lost!

Finn: I sympathise with you more than you know. My grandfather and my father were the best fishermen ever, and when I go fishing all I catch is a cold.

Feifei: I just can't understand why I didn't win this weekend. My pie was tasty, my cake looked appetising…

Finn: (Trying to make her feel better) Sometimes Feifei we've got to accept that we just can't cut the mustard.

Feifei: (Angry) What!? Are you saying that I can't cut the mustard?! I can cut the mustard, and the cheese, I can beat the eggs, sieve the flour…

Finn: Calm down dear, this has nothing to do with your cooking skills. In English, when you say someone or something 'can't cut the mustard' you mean that it's not good enough.

Feifei: (Calming down a bit) So you're not doubting my cooking abilities.

Finn: I wouldn't dare. So, we can say 'can't cut the mustard', and 'don't' or 'doesn't cut the mustard'. Listen out for some examples of how to use this expression.

• I know the borough of Milton Keynes well. It's a charming place... but it doesn't cut the mustard where tourism is concerned.

• I won't study architecture. I am bad at drawing. I just can't cut the mustard.

Feifei: Now I get it. It means you can't meet the expectations. This is a very odd expression.

Finn: There is some controversy about its origins. Some say it is because 'mustard' used to be slang for something that was the real thing, or the genuine article. Others believe it has to do with the fact that mustard seeds are hard to crack.

Feifei: It sounds like an old expression.

Finn: It is and it seems to be very popular especially in America. Here in Britain you might hear a shorter version like 'he can't cut it'.

Feifei: Oh, I've learnt a lot today. And now, to prove to you that I can cut it – the mustard, the cheese and the pie, I am inviting you to have lunch in my house this weekend.

Finn: And what is on the menu?

Feifei: (Proud and confident) You mentioned fishing so I'll offer you my very own special fish dish: tuna and chocolate pie!

Finn: Tuna and chocolate pie?! (Inventing an excuse, a bit desperate) Sorry, I think I won't be able to make it this weekend. I've got to go… fishing. Bye.

Feifei: Another time, then. Bye.

Feeling adjectives

Learn some adjectives to describe feelings and emotional states, very useful in a lot of conversations, writings and topics!!

Now some synonyms for the most commonly used feeling adjectives

Expression: 'Every Tom, Dick and Harry'

Listen to Kaz inviting Tom, Dick and Harry to the studio and introducing them to Yang Li. Who are they? And why does Kaz bring them to the studio? Find out more with Kaz and Yang Li by cliking on the following link: bbc- every Tom, Dick and Harry audio


Can Tom, Dick and Harry be these three cute cats?

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

The script for this programme

Kaz: Hello I'm Kaz.

Yang Li: And I'm Yang Li. Hey Kaz I see you have brought some guests to the studio.

Kaz: Indeed I have. Li I'd like you to meet Tom... Dick... and Harry.

TDH: How do you do?

Yang Li: How do you do. It's always nice to meet new people Kaz, but I suspect these young men are here for a reason. Am I right?

Kaz: Yes Li I've invited them because their names are Tom, Dick and Harry.

Yang Li: Tom, Dick and Harry. Three popular English names - connected to a popular phrase by any chance Kaz?

Kaz: Absolutely right Li. Our phrase today is 'every Tom, Dick and Harry'.

Yang Li: 'Every Tom, Dick and Harry' - meaning everyone with a common name I suppose.

Kaz: Yes, In English if you want to talk about lots of unspecified people you can use the phrase 'every Tom, Dick and Harry'.

Yang Li: So it's like saying 'everyone', right?

Kaz: That's right but it's more informal and slightly humorous.

Yang Li: OK, I think you should demonstrate its use Kaz.

Kaz: Good idea Li. Imagine I tell you something in confidence, in private... I could ask you not to repeat it.

Yang Li: Because we don't want everyone knowing about it.

Kaz: Exactly. We don't want every Tom, Dick and Harry knowing about it.

Yang Li: We don't want every Tom, Dick and Harry knowing our secret Kaz.

Kaz: You've got it Li!

Yang Li: OK, let's listen to some more examples:

• Shhhhh! Lower your voice! We don't want every Tom, Dick and Harry to hear us.

• Make sure you send out invitations, otherwise you'll have every Tom, Dick and Harry showing up at your party.

• Whatever you do, don't tell Doug. He can't keep a secret and soon every Tom, Dick and Harry will know about it.

Yang Li: Those three names are interesting and each is a short form of a longer name. I know Tom is the diminutive of Thomas and Harry is short for Harold. But what's Dick short for?

Kaz: Dick is short for Richard.

Yang Li: Ah yes, of course, Dick is short for Richard. So what's Kaz short for?

Kaz: We don't need to know that Li.

Yang Li: Why not Kaz?

Kaz: Because we are very unlikely to ever say 'every Kaz, Dick and Harry'.

Yang Li: Very funny Kaz but it's time to say goodbye to our guests 'Tom, Dick and Harry'. So, goodbye chaps!

TDH: Goodbye!

Kaz: And it's goodbye from us.

Kaz/Yang Li: Bye!

Synonyms

In the exams, when writing and speaking you have to use synonyms to avoid repeating the same words all the time. Bear in mind that the richer the vocabulary and structures you use are, the better grade you'll get!

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

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!

Today's phrase 'Not rocket science'

Listen to Kaz introducing the expression 'not rocket science' to Li.
Does it mean that they are going to the moon? Find out more about this expression by listening to their conversation on this link: bbc- not rocket science audio



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

The script 

(Sound of a rocket being launched)

Kaz: Hello, I'm Kaz.

Yang Li: And I'm Yang Li. Hey Kaz, why are we listening to this rocket launch?

Kaz: Well, it's dramatic, but there's another reason. I thought it could introduce today's expression.

Yang Li: Tell me more.

Kaz: The expression is 'It's not rocket science'.

Yang Li: 'It's not rocket science', meaning?

Kaz: Something that's not complicated or difficult to understand - 'it's not rocket science'.

Yang Li: For example?

Kaz: OK. Somebody can't get the television to work and asks you, "How do I switch this thing on?" You would say "It's not rocket science. Just press 'on' on the handset".

Yang Li: So there's nothing complicated about it. You just press the 'on' switch and away you go. But is the expression 'it's not rocket science' only used for gadgets?

Kaz: No, not at all, Li. In fact it's used for many situations that are just obvious... for example - why are we always short of money?

Yang Li: Well, it's not rocket science Kaz - we don't get paid enough!

Kaz: Brilliant Li. That's an excellent example.

Yang Li: Yes, I like it too. But let's listen to some more examples:

• How do I cook this soup?
• Come on Rob, it's not rocket science, all you have to do is open the tin and heat it up.
• I can't understand why our company is in such a mess?
• It's not rocket science to figure that out - there are too many managers!

Yang Li: OK Kaz, the phrase 'it's not rocket science' is used for situations that are obvious. But I get the feeling that the phrase 'it's not rocket science' is quite informal, right?

Kaz: You're right Li. So please use with care!

Yang Li: Absolutely.

Kaz: It's usually used with the negative 'It's not rocket science'.

Yang Li: Well, I'm sure of one thing Kaz.

Kaz: What's that Li?

Yang Li: Presenting this programme is not exactly rocket science - it's easy!

Both: Bye!

(Sound of a rocket being launched)

New Year's resolution

A New Year's resolution is a goal made on 1st January, which a person aims to complete within that year.

Examples

- Have you made any New Year's resolutions? I want to lose weight and get fit.

- My mum's New Year's resolution is to stop smoking.

- Let's make it our New Year's resolution to run a marathon in 2013!

Take note

If you break your resolution, you are unsuccessful at completing it.

I don't bother making New Year's resolutions, as I always break them. 

Interesting fact

Many people use the New Year as an opportunity to make resolutions to change their life. Popular resolutions include eating healthily and getting fit, although around 60% of gym memberships taken out in January are said to go unused.

Is English a crazy language?

The answer should be... no, but it has a lot of irregularities and peculiarities that make it a very rich, magical language!!! Have a look at some of these exceptions

Christmas Lottery

Spaniards Celebrate 

Christmas Lottery Wins

VOXY/AP | 24 DECEMBER, 2012

MADRID -

Winners of Spain's cherished Christmas lottery - the world's richest -celebrated Saturday in more than a dozen locations where the top lucky tickets were sold, a moment of uplift for a country enduring another brutal year of economic hardship.

The lottery sprinkled a treasure chest of €2.5 billion ($3.3 billion) in prize money around the country. Champagne corks popped and festive cheer broke out in 15 towns or cities where tickets yielding the maximum prize of €400,000 ($530,000), known as "El Gordo" ("The Fat One,)" had been bought.

Unlike lotteries that generate a few big winners, Spain's version — now celebrating its 200th anniversary —has always shared the wealth more evenly instead of concentrating on vast jackpots, so thousands of tickets yield some kind of return.

Almost all of Spain's 46 million inhabitants traditionally watch at least some part of the live TV coverage showing school children singing out winning numbers for the lottery.

It is so popular that frequently three €20 ($26) tickets are sold for every Spaniard and many consider lottery day as the unofficial kickoff of the holiday season.

Highlighted are the most difficult vocabulary words, all have to do with lottery and winning prizes. Look up the words you don't know. Here are a few of them:

• uplift: emotional lift
• economic hardship: economic difficulties
• yielding: generating, granting (financially) 
• wealth: richness
• jackpot: highest prize
• kickoff: opening, beginning

Gunman Kills 20 Schoolchildren in Connecticut

Staffers Hailed as Heroes after Connecticut Shooting

VOXY/AP | 17 DECEMBER, 2012

NEWTOWN, Connecticut -

Out of the ruins of families that lost a precious child, sister or mother, glows one bright spot: the stories of staff members at Sandy Hook Elementary School who may have prevented further carnage through selfless actions and smart snap judgments.

After gunman Adam Lanza broke through the school door, gun blazing, school psychologist Mary Sherlach and principal Dawn Hochsprung ran toward him, Robinson said. Hochsprung died while lunging at the gunman, officials said.

The 56-year-old Sherlach, who would have been tasked with helping survivors cope with the tragedy, died doing what she loved, her son-in-law, Eric Schwartz, said.

Victoria Soto, a 27-year-old teacher, reportedly hid some students in a bathroom or closet and died trying to shield them from bullets, a cousin, Jim Wiltsie, told ABC News. Those who knew Soto said they weren't surprised.

In other cases, staffers both saved students and managed to escape with their own lives.

One person who wasn't in the school at all also is being lauded for his grace: Robbie Parker, whose daughter Emilie died.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, he said he was not mad and offered sympathy for Lanza's family. "I can't imagine," he said, "how hard this experience must be for you."

The highlighted words are the most difficult ones, and they are related to crime. Look them up in the dictionary if you don't know the meanings, here are a few of them:

• smart snap judgement: intelligent sudden decisions
• gun blazing: with the gun ready, marking path with the gun
• is being lauded: is being praised, glorified

How did Hochsprung die?

1. hiding the students
2. confronting the killer
3. shielding students
4. breaking the school doors

                                                                                                                                 The correct answer is: 2.

What does to have 'irons in the fire' mean? Listen to find out

Irons in the fire

Listen

Jen tells Helen that she has a few 'irons in the fire' for her fortnight off work. Learn a phrase to describe having lots of options. Find out more with this programme.

 

Click on this link to listen to this conversation: bbc- irons in the fire mp3

You can then read what you listened not to miss anything out.

The script for this programme

Jen: Hello, I'm Jennifer. Welcome to The English We Speak. Joining me in the studio today is Helen. Hi Helen!

Helen: Hi Jen! I wasn't expecting to see you in the office today; I thought you were on leave?

Jen: No, that's next week. I'm taking two weeks off work and I can't wait!

Helen: Are you going on holiday?

Jen: I haven't planned anything just yet, but I do have a few irons in the fire that will keep me busy across the fortnight.

Helen: Irons in the fire? What do you mean? When did you become an ironmonger?

Jen: No, Helen, I'm not an ironmonger...

Helen: ...because that could be great! I saw a lovely wrought-iron bed in a shop in London, but it was too expensive... Perhaps with your new iron-making skills you can make me one, instead!

Jen: I definitely don't have any iron-making skills!

Helen: But you said you had a few irons in the fire... Oh! I suppose you mean that you've got a lot of ironing to do; you do wear a lot of different clothes so I suppose it would take a long time to iron them all...

Jen: No, that's not what I meant!

Helen: So what did you mean when you said you have 'a few irons in the fire'?

Jen: This is another English phrase which you shouldn't take too literally. If you have a few irons in the fire, it means that you have a few different projects or potential ideas going on at the same time.

Helen: I see. So you have a few irons in the fire because you have different options for your fortnight off?

Jen: That's right - I can't wait.

Helen: So tell me, Jen, what are your irons in the fire - what are you planning?

Jen: Well, I have a friend in Paris who I haven't seen for ages, so I could go there... I'd like to pop up to Scotland to visit my sister and her children for a few days... There's also a cheap deal to Turkey that I've seen and I already have some yoga classes booked in!

Helen: Wow, that's a lot!

Jen: There was one thing you were right about, though...

Helen: What's that?

Jen: I do have a huge pile of ironing to do! Join us again for another edition of The English We Speak from bbclearningenglish.com. Bye for now!

Helen: Bye!

Travel vs. journey vs. trip

TRAVEL/ TRAVELLING (nouns) Travel is the general term to describe going from one place to another. We can talk about someone's travels to refer to the journeys he makes: His travels abroad provided lots of background material for novels he wrote. Travelling is also a general term which refers to the activity of travel: Travelling by boat between the islands is less tiring than travelling by road. I don't do as much travelling as I used to now that I'm retired. Travel often crops up as part of compound nouns. Compare the following: Make sure you keep all your travel documents safely. You can obtain your travel tickets from the travel agents in the High Street if you don't want to order them over the Internet. Some of you may suffer from travel sickness. Air travel may well give you a bumpy ride. If you don't have a credit or debit card, make sure you take plenty of traveller's cheques with you.

JOURNEY (noun) A journey is one single piece of travel. You make journeys when you travel from one place to another. (Note that the plural is spelt journeys, not journies): The journey from London to Newcastle by train can now be completed in under three hours. We can talk about journeys taking or lasting a long time: How long did your journey take? ~ Oh, it lasted for ever. We stopped at every small station. TRIP (noun) A trip usually involves more than one single journey. We talk about day trips, round trips and business trips. We make journeys usually, but we go on trips: I went on a day trip to France. We left at 6.30 in the morning and returned before midnight the same day. The round-trip ticket enabled me to visit all the major tourist destinations in India. Where's Laurie? ~ He won't be in this week. He's gone on a business trip to Malaysia and Singapore. The trip went well. It was an old car, but we didn't break down in four weeks of travelling