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...

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.

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!

The English language in 30 accents

Watch this funny video of a guy imitating English in 30 different accents, with animations! You can learn about all the different accents the English language has. Enjoy!

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)

Firework, by Katy Perry

This gap filling activity will help you to practise your English listening skills.
Watch the video, and while listening to the song fill in the gaps with the words needed

LYRICS:

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
________________ through the wind
Wanting to start again

Do you ever feel, so paper ____________
Like a house of cards
One blow from caving in

Do you ever feel already buried ___________
Six feet under scream
But no one seems to hear a thing

Do you know that there's still a chance for you
Cause there's a ____________ in you

You just got to ____________ the _________
And let it shine
Just own the __________
Like the Fourth of July

Cause baby you're a _______________
Come on let your colors _____________
Make them go "Oh, oh, oh!"
You're going to leave them falling down

You don't hace to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a _______________

Maybe you're reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open up one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a _________bolt, your heart will blow
And when it's time you'll know


Then you can check your answers by googling Firework lyrics.
You can also go to this website Lyrics training to have them corrected as you fill them in

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!

Safety information in a plane

Air New Zealand has made this video based on a new film coming out, "The Hobbit".

Are you tired of the boring typical information they give every time you are going to take off in a plane? This is a funny way of explaining safety measures when flying. Remember you can activate subtitles in English!

Bonfire Night: 5th of November

On the night of Novemeber 5th, throughout Britain, there is a commemoration of the capture of Guy Fawkes, who tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament (where the Big Ben is) in London. People celebrate it with fireworks, bonfires and burning a dummy of Guy.
For 400 years, since 1605, bonfires have burned on Novemeber 5th to mark the failed Gunpowder Plot.
Watch this video with subtitles to know more about the history:

] 

Happy Halloween!!!

Halloween it's one of America's favourite holidays, but what's the real story behind the tricks and treats of Halloween? Find out watching this video
"Bet You Didn't Know: Halloween"



Check some Halloween jokes for laughing out loud!
My favourite one is "What do birds do in Halloween? Go trick or tweeting" :D

The importance of pronunciation

This video  shows how important it is to pronounce correctly, emphasizing the difference between short and long vowels to avoid misunderstandings! Lol

Here you have the pronunciation of all the phonetic symbols of English. Learn them as this will help you when looking up words in the dicionary

What does 'to cost an arm and a leg' mean?

Listen

Rob goes shopping with Vera to buy a suit for a wedding. Listen to this programme (by clicking the link below) to find out what the phrase 'cost an arm and a leg' means. 

http://http-ws.bbc.co.uk.listening.mp3

The script for this programme

(Rob and Vera go shopping)

Rob: Ah Vera, it's great that you've come with me during our lunch break to do some shopping. I need to buy a suit to go to a wedding and I have to look very smart.

Vera: And I will make sure of that, Rob. Everybody says I have good taste. I've always chosen my husband's and my son's pyjamas and they look good while they sleep! Rob, I love that grey suit in the window!

Rob: Wow! It looks really smart, actually. It will make me look great!

Vera: Exactly! Let's go into the shop, you must try it!

Salesman: The colour suits you, Sir! I will see if I can find a smaller size so that it fits you perfectly.

Vera: You see, Rob... This salesman knows what he is talking about. He thinks it looks good on you. But he is right - a size smaller would fit better. And everybody in the wedding will think you are a powerful man.

Rob: Yes. Wait Vera, this suit is not for me. I'm reading this label and it says it costs an arm and a leg!

Vera: An arm and a leg!? This is terrible, Rob! It's barbaric! This is the 21st century, not the Middle Ages! And the salesman seems quite civilised. He sounded like a nice man who wouldn't demand your limbs!

Rob: Don't worry, Vera. I will keep all of my limbs. In English, when we say something costs an arm and a leg we mean that it is very expensive!

Vera: So, it is something people say but it doesn't actually involve arms and legs. That's a relief!

Rob: Let's hear some examples while I get back into my old clothes.

• "I'd like to travel all over Europe, but the air fare might cost me an arm and a leg."
• "You have to pay a lot of money to give your children a good education nowadays! A place in a top university costs an arm and a leg."

Rob: So, what expression do you use when you want to say that something is very, very expensive?

Vera: You might say it costs an arm and a leg.

Rob: Yes. Now let's leave this expensive suit here and get out of the shop before that posh-sounding salesman comes back.

Vera: Good idea. He will look down on us, Rob. But I would... pay a nail and an elbow for that scarf there... and that red dress over there, it might cost a foot and a knee... Oh, look at that handbag! It's a designer one and must cost an ear and a hand...

Rob: What are you talking about, Vera!? We only say "an arm and a leg"! Now, quickly, let's get out of here!

Vera: OK, OK. Bye...

Rob: Bye.

Fun vs. funny