Lesson 2 -- Bob Returns Home With Bad News

 

Speak English Like an American -- Lesson 2

Bob tells his wife Susan that he lost his job. Susan suggests that he start his own business.

Susan: What’s the matter, dear?

Bob:    Susan, I got canned today at work.

Susan:  But Bob, you were Peter’s right-hand man.

Bob:    Yes, he stabbed me in the back.

Susan:  Keep your chin up. Maybe he’ll change his mind and take you back.

Bob:    When pigs fly! Once he makes up his mind, he never changes it back. Besides, I told him off.

Susan:  Look on the bright side. You won’t have to set eyes on Peter ever again.

Bob:    Thank goodness for that!

Susan:  Hang in there. I am sure you won’t be out of work for long.

Bob:     In the meantime, we will have to live from hand to mouth.

Susan:  Don’t get too stressed out, Bob. We’ll make ends meet.

Bob:     I can always get a job at McDonald’s as a last resort.

Susan:  I don’t think they are hiring right now.

Bob:    If worse comes to worst. We can sell our home and move into a tent.

Susan:  Let’s think big. Maybe you can start your own business.

Bob:    Easier said than done.

Idioms,

(to) change one’s mind – to change one’s opinion or decision

Easier said than done – more difficult than you think

(to) get canned (slang) – to lose one’s job; to get fired

(to) hang in there  - to persevere; to not give up

If worse comes to worst – in the worst case; if absolutely necessary

(to) keep one’s chin up – to stay positive

Last resort – if there are no other alternatives left; the last solution for getting out of a difficulty

(to) live from hand to mouth –  to barely have enough money to survive

(to) look on the bright side – to be optimistic; to think about the positive part or aspect of a situation

(to) make ends meet – to manage one’s money so as to have enough to live on; to be okay financially

Out of work – unemployed; not working

Right-hand man – the most helpful assistant or employee

(to) set eyes on – to look at; to see for the first time

(to) stab someone in the back – to betray someone

(to be) stressed out – under severe strain; very anxious

(to) tell off – to scold; to tell someone on strong words what one really thinks

Thank goodness – I’m grateful; I’m relieved

(to) think big – to set high goals

What’s the matter? – what’s the problem ?

When pigs fly! (slang) - never