Daily conversation (Part 3)

Looking back on his life in flashback !!! Graham Eliza Graham Eliza Graham Eliza Graham Explanation : Flashback - In a film, novel, or play, a flashback to the past is a scene that returns to events in the past. Example : There is even a flashback to the murder itself. There'll be just a few trailers !!! Walt Ingo Walt Ingo Walt Ingo Thank goodness the ads are over. They go on for far too long. Yes, there'll be just a few trailers and then the movie will start. I don't mind trailers, at least they're not trying to sell you anything. Of course, they are, they're trying to sell you the latest movies. Well, I suppose so, but they're a lot more exciting than the ads. If you ask me, they're sometimes a lot more exciting than the movies themselves. I've just seen a really interesting foreign movie. Really ? Where was it made ? In Iran. I didn't even know it had a movie industry. Neither did I. What was it about ? It was about an old man on his deathbed looking back on his life in flashback. Sounds a bit depressing. Not at all, he had had a very exciting life.

Explanation :

A trailer for a film or television program is a set of short extracts which are shown to advertise it. Example : .... a misleadingly violent trailer for the film. Where are you off to !!! Augus Martin Augus Martin Augus Martin Explanation : Off - away from a place or position, especially the present place or position I got them through my friend !!! Melanie Jim Melanie Jim Melanie Jim Explanation : You're looking very pleased with yourself ? How come ? Look what I've got - two tickets for the premiere of the latest Tom Cruise movie and the reception afterwards. Wow! How did you get them ? I got them through my friend. His brother's in the movie distribution business. Are they good seats ? I'll say. They're in the front row of the balcony, right in the middle. Where are you off to in such a hurry ? I'm just off to the movie theater to see the latest Nicole Kidman movie. I've seen it, it's really good. Have you got a ticket ? No, I'll buy one at the box office. You could have saved yourself a lot of time by buying it on the internet. I didn't know you could do that. You must show me how to do it.

If you do something through someone else, they take the necessary action for you.

I've still got a long way to go !!! Shawn Jack Shawn Jack Shawn Jack Did you enjoy our round of golf ? I certainly did. It's the first time I've managed to break 75 for the course. That's true, so well done ! It shows how much you've improved. Perhaps, but I've still got a long way to go before I can be really satisfied with my game. What aspect of your game do you think needs improving most ? Oh, without doubt my short game. I seem to drive reasonably well but I tend to drop shots around the green.

The camera zoomed in on the girl's face !!! Rosalind Fiona Rosalind Fiona Rosalind I've just seen an absolutely wonderful movie, so romantic. What was it about ? It was a very sad love story. How did it end ? The camera zoomed in on the girl's face as her lover was being forced to leave her, probably forever. Tears were just beginning to roll down her cheeks. Too gloomy for me I'm afraid. I like comedies.

Fiona Explanation :

If a camera zooms in on something that is being filmed or photographed, it gives a closeup picture of if. Example : ..... a tracking system which can follow a burglar round a building andzoom in on his face ...... They were all dubbed into German !!!

Simon Martin Simon

I've just come back from a great week in Germany staying with my friend, but there was one thing I didn't like much. Don't tell me it was the beer ? No, of course not; that was great. It was when they showed Englishlanguage movies on TV. They were all dubbed into German, which rather spoiled them for me. Your German's very good, so what was the problem ? It just seemed a bit unnatural to see Tom Hanks in an American scene with German coming out of his mouth. But that's done for the Germans' benefit, not yours.

Martin Simon Martin Explanation :

If a film or soundtrack is dubbed, a different sound track is added with actors speaking a translation of the dialogue. Example : It was dubbed into Spanish for Mexican audiences.

She sounds really star-struck !!! Jack Bill Jack Bill Jack Bill Jack My teenage sister really gets on my nerves at times. Why's that ? Does she spend hours making up in the bathroom ? No, it's not that, she just keeps going on and on about how wonderful Leonardo Di Caprio is. Well, a lot of girls really go for him. But she's got dozens of his picture all over her bedroom wall and she watches his movies over and over again on her DVD player. She sounds really star-struck. That's putting it mildly.

I want to see the credits !!!

Vivienne Zelda Vivenne Zelda Vivenne Zelda

Come on, let's go, the movie's over. No, wait, I want to see the credits right through to the end. Why, they list everybody including the studio cleaner. It'll take forever. My sister's in the movie business and she worked on this movie. Really, what does she do ? She's a make-up artist. Look, there she is, that's her name just coming up now. My mother will be so pleased when I tell her.

Explanation : The list of people who helped to make a film, a record, or a television program is called the credits. Example : The star Marlon Brando wants his name removed from the credits. For a time we thought ... !!! Jules Marcel Jules Marcel Jules Marcel Explanation : For a time = for a short period A good cause !!! Has everything been dealt with now ? Yes, the casualties have all been taken to hospital, the electricity supply has been restored and traffic is now flowing normally. What a difference from the chaos and confusion of two hours ago. Yes, for a time we thought we might have to call for reinforcements, but thank goodness in the end we didn't' have to. Well it just remains for me to express our admiration for the exemplary way in which you dealt with a difficult and dangerous situation. I was just doing my job and I'm very glad that there were no fatalities.

Becky Joe Becky Joe Becky Joe Explanation :

How many kilometers did you run ? I ran the full course, which is just over 40 kilometers. And how much money did you raise for our charity ? Almost $2,500. People were very encouraging and generous. Well, we'd all like to congratulate you on your achievement. I'm just glad to be able to contribute to a good cause.

If you say that something is in a good cause, or for a good cause, you mean that it is worth doing or contributing to because it will help other people for example by raising money for charity. Example : The Raleigh International Bike Ride is open to anyone who wants to raise money for a good cause. You're the tops !!! Veronica Raquel Veronica Raquel Veronica Raquel Veronica Explanation : The tops = the best Example : You are the tops, Linda ! I'm so fed up with being stuck in the house all day. Well you can't expect to be up and about so soon after breaking your leg. I suppose not, but it is very frustrating. I can't wait to get the plaster off. I know, I know, but I've brought something to cheer you up. What is it ? Don't keep me in suspense. It's a bottle of the very latest French perfume. Oh, how thoughtful of you. Raquel, you're the tops.

You're head and shoulders above the others !!! Walter Ryan Walter Ryan Walter Ryan Explanation : If you say that someone or something stands head and shoulders above other people or things you mean that they are a lot better than them. Example : I am very impressed by your magazine. It is head and shouldersabove any other. Your work is absolutely first-class !!! Greg Heather Greg Heather Greg Heather Explanation : If you describe something or someone as first-class, you mean that they are excellent and of the highest quality. Do come in and sit down. How are you ? I'm fine, thanks. Have you had a chance to look at my proposal ? Yes, I have, that's what I mainly want to talk about. I wasn't sure whether it was exactly the kind of thing you wanted. Oh, have no worries. It's precisely what we need and your work is absolutely first-class. Well, I must say that's a great relief. That's the fifth race in a row that you've won. You're by far our best driver. Well, I think my results are a bit flattering because I've had quite a lot of luck and our car is always so reliable. Nonsense, you're head and shoulders above the others in your division. Do you really think so ? Absolutely. So much so that we are thinking of entering you in the next division for the new season. That means a more powerful car and longer races. It'll be a lot tougher.

Example : The food was first-class. You don't look a day over forty !!! Jean Marion Jean Marion Jean Marion So you're Mary's friend. I'm very pleased to meet you. It's a pleasure to meet you too. Mary has told me that you also working in marketing. Yes, but as you know, she is in shoes, while I'm in cosmetics. Were you at school together with her ? No, no, I'm ten years older. We met much later. What ! I can't believe it. You don't look a day over forty.

The dish is too hot !!! Rita Waiter Rita Waiter Rita I'd like to order the special please. I'm sorry you can't do that. The dish is too hot. Please don't tell me what I can or cannot eat. I love spicy food. I can eat it so bring me the special no matter how hot it is. It's not spicy, I meant it's a hot item tonight and we've sold out. The special is unavailable Ah, sorry.

I can't praise the quality of your advice too highly !!! John Vera John Vera John Vera Did you get the result you were hoping for ? Yes we did, and largely thanks to you. What do you mean ? Well, it was largely your guidance that made it possible. Well, I'm sure that wasn't the most important thing. Yes, it was, and I can't praise the quality of your advice too highly.

You have such good taste !!! Tracy Charlene Tracy Charlene Tracy Charlene Explanation : Taste - A person's ability to judge and appreciate what is good and suitable, especially in art, beauty, style and manners. Example : Barbara has good taste in clothes. You could do just as well !!! Jack Caroline Jack Caroline Jack Caroline Those watercolors are really beautiful. I'm glad you like them. I painted them last year. You painted them yourself ? I can't believe it, they're so good. They're not that good, but I'm glad you like them. You're so talented, I wish I had your skill. You should try your hand yourself, I'm sure you could do just as well if not better. So this is your new apartment. Yes, I moved in a month ago. Well, I have to say it looks fantastic. Did you decorate and furnish it yourself. Yes, I did. It took me quite a lot of time. Well, I must say you have such good taste in interior decor. It could have been done by a professional designer. Oh ! I don't think so, but I'm glad you think it's nice.

You've excelled yourself !!! Al Isabel That was an absolutely delicious meal. I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's a recipe I haven't tried before.

Al Isabel Al Isabel Explanation :

Your cooking is always superb but this time you've excelled yourself. Sounds like you want to get something out of me. Don't be suspicious, I really meant it. Well, they always say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

If one excels himself, he does better than what he is regularly doing. Example : You have excelled yourself with this feat of courage. Minimize the capital gains tax !!! Kathleen Damien Kathleen Damien Have you finished my accounts yet ? I sent you all the paperwork three weeks ago. Well, almost but I've still got some work to do on your investments and your real estate. What's the problem ? There's no problem, but you sold some shares during the financial year at quite a profit and you also made a lot of money on the apartment you sold. Those were capital gains. So what you are trying to do ? Well I'm working on how I can minimize the capital gains taxyou're going to have to pay on the money you made from the sale of those assets.

Kathleen Damien

Explanation : Capital gains are the profits that you make when you buy something and then sell it again at a higher price. Example : Gains from the sale of privately-owned cars and household goods are exempt from capital gains tax. Cut to the bone !!!

Coral Shelby Coral Shelby Coral Shelby

Morale is a bit low in our company at the moment, especially in the HR department where I work. I'm not surprised, business hasn't been good at all lately. It certainly hasn't and it's forecast to get worse. What effect will that have on your plans for the next financial year ? Well, all departments are being told to economize, and the HR department's training budget is being cut to the bone. That's surely a bit short-sighted. I would have thought that upgrading the skills of its staff should be a high priority for any company.

Explanation : If something such as costs are cut to the bone, they are reduced to an absolute minimum. Example : Profit margins have been slashed to the bone in an attempt to keep turnover moving. Splashing his money around !!! Scot Kyle Scot Kyle Scot Kyle That's the third round of drinks that Melvyn has bought in the club this evening. He was doing the same the day before yesterday. He's not normally so generous. What's going on ? He's not, but he's trying to get elected to the club committee. The elections are next week at the AGM. So that's why he's splashing his money around. I'd call that attempted bribery. I wouldn't worry. He's not that popular and it'll take more than a few drinks to buy members' votes.

They're mortgaged up to the hilt !!! Sandy Desmond I'm a bit worried about our son and his wife. Is their marriage going rocky ?

Sandy

No, not at all. But they've just bought a large apartment nearer the city center and it cost them an absolute fortune. They've both got to be working to afford the mortgage payments. So they're mortgaged up to the hilt. Too true and what I'm worried about is what would happen if either of them lost their jobs. Yes, if that happened, they would really struggle to keep up the monthly payments on their mortgage.

Desmond Sandy Desmond

Explanation : ' To the hilt ' and ' up to the hilt ' mean to the maximum extent possible or as fully as possible Example : She was in this right up to the hilt. Like there is no tomorrow !!! Libby Penny Libby Penny Libby Penny Explanation : If someone does something like there is/was no tomorrow, they do it very fast, in large amounts and without thinking carefully Example : After his win on the football pools, he began spending money like there was no tomorrow. Pay through the nose !!! What's in that bag ? Whatever it is, I bet it was expensive. It's a new cocktail dress, absolutely irresistible. That's the second dress you've bought this month and you've already bought three pairs of new shoes. A girl needs to look her best at all times. But you've been spending like there's no tomorrow. Do you want me to go round looking like a tramp ?

Teddy Martin Teddy Martin Teddy Martin

Did you have a good time in Thailand ? We did. We traveled all over the country and saw some fantastic sights. What was the accommodation like ? Very good everywhere we went. And the people were very friendly. Sounds perfect. It was, almost. But I had to make a couple of international phone calls from one of the hotels and I really had to pay through the nose for those.

Explanation : If you say that you paid through the nose for something, you are emphasizing that you had to pay what you consider too high a price for it. Example : We don't like paying through the nose for our wine when eating out. Shell out a lot more money for extras !!! Billie Vaughan Billie Vaughan Did you enjoy your theme park visit ? On the whole yes; there was certainly a lot to see and we had a very full day. You don't sound totally enthusiastic. Well that's because the entrance fee was quite high, but once inside we had to shell out a lot more money for extras which I think ought to have been included in the ticket price. What sort of extras ? Well, for example, traveling between the different attractions on the electric bus. We had to pay for each separate journey.

Billie Vaughan

Explanation : If you shell out for something, you spend a lot of money on it.

Example : Do you expect me to shell out to gratify your vanity ? She blows all her money !!! Terri Marlene Terri Marlene Terri Marlene Explanation : If you blow a large amount of money, you spend it quickly on luxuries. Example : Before you blow it all on a luxury cruise, give a little thought to the future ... Made an absolute mint !!! Vera Sally Vera Sally Vera Sally Explanation : If you say that someone makes a mint, you mean that they make a very large amount of Have you seen Henry lately ? Yes, I saw him only yesterday driving around in a brand-new, top-of-the range Mercedes. My sister's in real estate and she told me that he had also just bought a luxury penthouse apartment. Where does he get the money from for all that ? Haven't you heard ? He's made an absolute mint from property deals. He really is a shrewd operator. Hettie was complaining to me yesterday that there's always so much month left at the end of the money. She's always moaning like that. She just can't manage her money. But she's always dressed like a film-star. Well, that's just it. She blows all her money on clothes and shoes and wonders why she's always so short of cash at the end of the month. I suppose she is rather extravagant. She certainly is. She needs to learn how to budget.

money. Example : He made a mint in the computer industry. Throwing good money after bad !!! Rudy Diane Rudy Diane Rudy Diane We're having such problems with our database software. Does it crash a lot ? It does but it also seems to be full of bugs, which gives us inaccurate results at times. That's bad. What are you going to do about it ? Well we're thinking of getting a software consultant in to get the bugs out of the system. That could be throwing good money after bad. Why don't you buy newer and more reliable software ?

Explanation : If you say that someone is throwing money after bad, you are critical of them for trying to improve a bad situation by spending more money on it, instead of doing more thoughtful of practical things to improve it. Example : Do you know that he has gambled away the $5,000 you lent him last time ? If you lend him any more money, you are throwing good money after bad. He really played hardball !!! Kevin Alex Kevin Alex Kevin Alex Did you sign the star mid-fielder from Brazil ? We did, but it took hours of really tough negotiation. Was he making really big demands ? It wasn't him, it was his agent. He really played hardball. So he was after the maximum he could get for the star and himself. Absolutely and he threatened to pull out of negotiations if he didn't get what he wanted.

Explanation : Play hardball - Be firm and determined in order to get what you want Example : He's a nice guy, but he can play hardball when he needs to. It would have been basically a zero-sum game !!! Jules Garfield Jules Garfield Jules Garfield Did you get what you wanted ? No, we pulled out of the negotiation after a very short time. I'm surprised. The prospects for agreement seemed very good at the start. They did, but it didn't take long before things looked very different. Why was that ? Well what they were proposing would have left us with almost nothing and they thought our proposal would mean the same for them. So it would have been basically a zero-sum game.

Explanation : If you refer to a situation as zero-sum game, you mean that if one person gains an advantage from it, someone else involved must suffer an equivalent disadvantage. Example : Mahjong is a zero-sum game : others have to lose money for you to win money. Health insurance is the sticking point !!! Wensley Marnie Wensley Marnie Haven't you completed negotiations yet ? You're into the second day already. I know. I thought they would be over by now, but we've run into a problem. Is it price ? No, they want health insurance included in the deal and that's something

our managing director is very much against. Wensley Marnie Explanation : A sticking point in a discussion is a point on which it is not possible to reach an agreement Example : The sticking point in the negotiations proved to be the money question. A sense of what their bottom line is !!! Jean Angus Jean Angus Jean Angus Explanation : The bottom line in a business deal is the least a person is willing to accept. Example : She says $95,000 is her bottom line. Haggle over every penny of the deal !!! Virginia Alice Virginia Did you get that fashion order from Fashion International ? Yes, but it was really hard work. I'm not surprised. They're known to be a tough bunch to do business with. So how are we going to conduct this negotiation ? Well, obviously we're not going to put our cards on the table straight away. No, that would be naive. We've got to get a feel for what their negotiating limits are. That's right. We really need to get a sense of what their bottom line is. Then we'll know how far we can push them. Yes, but remember they will be doing the same in relation to us. So health insurance is the sticking point. How are you going to get round it ? We're working on that right now.

Alice Virginia Alice Explanation :

They certainly are. Their buyer haggled over every penny of the deal. That's why the company's so profitable. Too right. Still their order will give us work for the next three months.

If you haggle, you argue about something before reaching an agreement, especially about the cost of something that you are buying. Example : Of course, he'll still haggle over the price. We've got a win-win situation !!! Jason Keith We'll give you the order if you can guarantee delivery in three weeks. If you confirm the order today, we'll deliver in two weeks. We'll have to because we have an urgent order that we must start working on in two weeks' time. If you can deliver in two weeks, that would give us a big advantage over our competitors. We definitely can, our workers are very experienced and we have the latest equipment. Looks like we've got a win-win situation here. You've got our order. That's great. We'll start on it straight away.

Jason Keith Jason Keith Explanation :

A win-win situation is one in which an agreement is reached that is beneficial to both sides. Give me 10% off !!! Vernon Elizabeth Vernon So you want to book ten people in for three nights, 1st to 3rd December ? That's right, what would your rate be for a group of that size ? Eighty dollars per person per night.

Elizabeth Vernon Elizabeth Vernon Elizabeth Explanation :

That's only 5% less than your individual rate. Give me 10% offand I'll confirm the booking. A 5% reduction for groups is company policy. I can't offer any more than that. So that's your final offer ? Yes. Let me think about it.

10% off - 10% less than the original price Example : There's 10% off this week on all winter coats. There was no give and take at all !!! Paul Kate Paul Kate Paul Kate Explanation : If you say that something requires give and take, you mean that people must compromise for it to be successful. Example : If the dispute is to be resolved there must be some give and take. They used pressure tactics !!! That was a really hard negotiation. I can see; you look really exhausted. What was the problem ? They were very inflexible and just stuck to their original position. So there was no give-and-take at all. No, none at all, because they knew they were in a very strong position. No wonder you had such a hard time.

Gordon Chris Gordon Chris Gordon Chris

You don't look too pleased. What happened ? They gave us a really tough time and forced us to agree to sell at the lowest possible price. Couldn't you have done better than that if you'd tried harder ? Not really, they used pressure tactics. What do you mean ? They said that if we didn't agree to their terms they would take all their existing business with us away. So we really had no choice.

Explanation : Tactics are the methods that you choose to use in order to achieve what you want in a particular situation. Example : He pressed on in the hope that a few others would join him. Thetactic paid off. They beat us down as far as they could !!! Guy Harry Guy Harry Guy Harry Explanation : If you beat down a person who is selling you something, you force them to accept a lower price for it than they wanted to get. Example : Beat down the seller to the price that suits you. Which company were you selling to ? Compexon, it's a number one in automotive components. Did you get a good deal ? Not really. They beat us down as far as they could. That's tough. Where do you go from here ? We'll have to reduce our costs a lot to make any real profit on the deal.

The going rate for my job !!! Manager James Manager James Manager James So what makes you think you're worth a raise in salary ? Well, first of all I've been responsible for a ten per cent increase in sales since I joined the company. That may be true, but the market in general has been expanding in that period. I've also improved my department's efficiency and cut its costs by seven per cent. OK, OK, what are you looking for ? I want an annual salary that at least matches the going rate for my job, which is currently $80,000. That means a raise of $ 7,500.

Explanation : The going rate or the going salary is the usual amount of money that you expect to pay or receive for something. Example : That's about half the going price on world oil markets. We'll meet you halfway !!! Mr. Armstrong We can offer you ten thousand pieces for immediate delivery at $500 per thousand. Four hundred fifty dollars would be a fairer price. We could get them Mr. Hawkins from Vortex for that price. Mr. Armstrong But you know as well as I do that the Vortex company is in no position to offer immediate delivery. Five hundred dollars is considerably more than the market rate and Mr. Hawkins we're not going to pay more than that. Mr. Armstrong OK, we'll meet you halfway : $475 Mr. Hawkins Explanation : We can live with that. You've got a deal.

If you meet someone halfway, you accept some of the points they are making so that you can come to an agreement with them. Example : The Democrats are willing to meet the president halfway. You drive a hard bargain !!! Mr. Klein Ms. Johnson Mr. Klein Ms. Johnson Mr. Klein Ms. Johnson Explanation : If people drive a hard bargain, they argue with determination in order to achieve a deal which is favorable to themselves. Example : Ukraine was always gong to drive a hard bargain before signing the treaty. Put your cards on the table !!! Gavin Jake Gavin Jake Gavin Jake We've put forward a number of possible options for an agreement. Now we need you to make a decision. None of them seem to us completely satisfactory. We'd like to explore other possibilities. Look, there's no point in dragging this negotiation out, and we need a decision by the end of the day. We would like to consider all possible options. We've considered all the realistic ones. It's time to put your cards on the table and make your position clear. At this point I think our side had better take some time out so that we can discuss among ourselves. This price leaves us with a very small margin. It's the best price that I can offer. What about another two per cent. It's not much to ask. No, as I said, that's our best price. You drive a hard bargain. Not hard, just fair.

Explanation : If you put or lay your cards on the table, you deal with a situation by speaking openly about your feelings, ideas, or plans. Example : Put your cards on the table and be very clear about your complaints. He was headhunted !!! Griff Tarquin Griff Tarquin Griff Tarquin Explanation : Headhunted - If someone who works for a particular company is headhunted, they leave that company because another company has approached them and offered them another job with better pay and higher status. Example : He was headhunted by Barkers last October to build an advertising team ......... Think on his feet !!! Chairman Panel member 1 Panel member 2 I thought every candidate on the shortlist was very impressive. Agreed. We would appoint any one of them. Indeed but I thought the last we interviewed had one outstanding quality. Barry's just got the most fantastic job. Lucky devil ! Tell me more. He's got the finance director's job with the country's biggest shipping corporation. How did he get that ? I haven't seen any finance directors' jobs advertised lately and I check the appointments pages regularly. He was headhunted through one of the top recruitment consultancies. He must have got an outstanding reputation to get his job that way.

Chairman Panel member 2 Chairman Explanation :

What is it that particularly struck you about him ? The ability to think on his feet. He dealt with the most difficult and unexpected questions we threw at him very coolly and intelligently. That's certainly true and it's not a very common quality.

Think on your feet - To make a quick decision or give an answer quickly Example : I'd never heard about the firm before, so I had to think on my feet. I've had to do a case interview !!! Wayne Derek Wayne Derek Wayne Derek Explanation : Case interview - An interview that requires the interviewee to give detailed information about how to solve a business problem. We had to do an in-tray exercise !!! Irene Simon Irene How did your job interview go ? It was actually pretty tough because it wasn't just an interview, we had to do an in-tray exercise as well. Is that where they give you an in-tray full of documents like memos, That's the first job interview I've had where I've had to do a case interview. What did it involve ? Well the interviewing panel described a business problem their company had, asked me to analyze it and suggest how I would go about solving it. That must have been really tough. It certainly was, but happily I've got a business studies degree and that included case studies. So at least you had some sort of preparation for the ordeal.

Simon Irene Simon Explanation :

letters, requests and ask you to prioritize and deal with them in a fixed time ? Yes, that's it. We only had 30 minutes to sort it all out and decide on what to do and in what order. Did you manage to deal with everything ? Not quite. I still had a few things left when the time ran out.

An in tray is a shallow basket used in offices to put letters and documents in when they arrive or when they are waiting to be dealt with. The last candidate seemed outstanding to me !!! Chairman Panel member 1 Chairman Panel member 2 Chairman Panel member 1 Explanation : If you describe someone or something as outstanding, you think that they are very remarkable and impressive. Example : He is outstanding at tennis and golf. I made a good impression !!! Well we have interviewed everyone on the shortlist. What did you think of them ? I thought they were variable. The second and fourth were very strong candidates, the third was average and the first relatively weak. That was also my impression. To be fair to the first, he had rather less experience than the others. The last candidate seemed outstanding to me. She answered all our questions very confidently, and was very well qualified. On the other hand the second candidate was also well qualified and had rather more experience. It's going to be very difficult to decide which of them is going to get the job.

Rory Barnaby Rory Barnaby Rory Barnaby

You look relieved, what have you been doing ? I've just been interviewed for a reporter's job on the evening paper. How did it go ? Did they go through your resume in detail ? Yes they did, especially where I'd worked for their main competitor. What's your overall feeling about how it went ? Well I think I made a good impression. But I'll only know for sure when they write to me to give me their decision.

Explanation : If someone or something makes an impression, they have a strong effect on people or a situation. Example : He has told me his plans and he's made a good impression on me ... Who's in the line-up !!! Magda Quentin Magda Quentin Magda Quentin What are you reading ? Looks like a letter. It is, it's a letter informing me that I've been shortlisted for a senior marketing manager's job with the airline. That's great ! Why are you looking so worried ? It lists the interviewing panel. It's a bit scary. Who's in the line-up ? The president, the managing director, the HR director and the head of marketing. That's pretty high-powered panel.

Explanation : A line-up is a group of people or a series of things that are assembled to take part in a particular activity or event. Example : The program is back for a new series with a great line-up of musicians and comedy acts.

Make the shortlist !!! Eva Loretta Eva Loretta Eva Loretta Explanation : If someone is on a shortlist, for example for a job or a prize, they are one of a small group of people who have been chosen from a larger group. The successful person is then chosen from the small group. Example : If you've been asked for an interview you are probably on a shortlistof no more than six. I'm still working on my career portfolio !!! Greta Orlando Greta Orlando Greta Orlando Greta Explanation : How is your job hunting going ? I haven't really started yet because I'm still working on my career portfolio. Is that the same as a resume or c.v. ? It's similar but it's more detailed. It will give potential employers a complete picture of my qualifications, experience and capabilities. That will be quite a folder. Not only a folder. I'm planning to upload it to my website. Wow ! That sounds really impressive. Victoria's done ever so well, hasn't she ? Yes, to make the shortlist for a manager's job in our biggest bank is a real achievement. When's the interview ? Next week. She told me that it's not just an interview, but a whole day with tests and exercises as well. Sounds really tough. Rather her than me. Yes, but she's very capable and pretty resilient, so I think she'll do well.

A portfolio is a set of pictures by someone, or photographs of examples of their work, which they use when entering competition or applying for work. Meet the criteria !!! Valeri Darrel Look at the job ad. What do you think ? Let's see : HR manager; at least ten years' experience preferably in at least two different industries; experience of change management; ability to deal with the unexpected. They're asking for quite a lot. Well, maybe, but I know your resume and you definitely meet the criteria for the job. So you think I should apply ? Of course, Have a go. You'll be a strong candidate.

Valeri Darrel Valeri Darrel Explanation :

Meet the criteria - Meet the standard I'm a job hopper !!! Lana Roy Lana Roy Lana Roy Lana Please wish me luck for tomorrow, Roy. Oh, why's that ? Are you getting married ? Very funny. No, I've got an interview for an HR manager's job with a television company. Well done ! I'm sure you'll get the job. I'm not so sure. I'm a bit worried about how they'll see my resume. What's the problem ? Well, I've moved companies quite a bit over the past few years and I'm afraid they might think I'm a job hopper.

Explanation :

Job hopper - Someone who keeps changing jobs. Fill the gaps !!! Adrienne Tessa Adrienne Tessa Adrienne Tessa Would you mind looking over my resume, I'm thinking of applying for a job near my boyfriend. Not at all, let's have a look. What do you think ? Well, overall I think it's very impressive. But there are one or two gaps of several months in your resume where you don't list what you were doing. Does that matter ? I was traveling actually. Well it might make a potential employer suspicious and they ask a lot of questions about it in a job interview. So I think it's best to fill the gaps and list what you were doing.

Explanation : Gap - If there is something missing from a situation that prevents it being complete or satisfactory, you can say that there is a gap. Example : China can't fill the economic gap left by the cut in Soviet support ... Tailor your resume to fit the job !!! Danny Victor Danny Victor Danny Victor Explanation : I'm thinking of applying for a marketing manager's job. Well you've got plenty of experience, so you should have a good chance. I'm going to work on my resume tonight after work. I'd wait until you get the job description if I were you. Why do you say that ? Well then you'll be able to tailor your resume to fit the job.

If you tailor something such as a plan or system to someone's needs, you make it suitable for a particular person or purpose by changing the details of it. Example : ... scripts tailored to American comedy audiences. I've just put in an application !!! Eddie Samantha Eddie Samantha Eddie Samantha Explanation : If you put in a request ( application ) or put in for something, you make a formal request or application. Example : I decided to put in for a job as deputy secretary. It must have finally given up the ghost !!! Harley Julia Harley Julia Harley Julia This fax machine's suddenly started making a strange noise in the middle of my fax job. Look, the screen has gone blank too. Oh no ! It's stopped dead and this is a really urgent job. It's quite an old machine. I think it must have finally given up the ghost. Just my luck ! What am I going to do now ? There's another fax on the next floor down. Why don't you try that one. I'm really fed up with my present job. Really ? What's the matter with it ? It's so boring, the pay's miserable and there's no appreciation. I'm sorry to hear that. What are you going to do about it. I've already done something. I've just put in an application for a better paid and higher status job in the company where my brother works. Well I hope you get an interview. I'm sure you will.

Explanation : If someone gives up the ghost, they stop trying to do something because they no longer believe they can do it successfully ... Example : Economics required George Bush to give up the ghost on what was a campaign pledge. From telephone to fax mode !!! Susie Leo Susie I need to send this fax to my brother but I'll have to telephone him first. Why do you have to do that ? He's only got an old-fashioned fax machine and one telephone line so I've got to ask him to switch his machine from telephone to fax mode before I start. He must have a pretty ancient machine. It's not that old and it still does the job. But it's very inconvenient. You should persuade him to buy a more modern machine with automatic switching.

Leo Susie Leo

Space is at a premium !!! Zara Otis Zara Otis Zara Otis Zara Explanation : I'm going to start working from home in a few weeks. I've already got a computer. What other equipment do you think I'll need ? Well apart from a telephone of course, you'll need a fax, a printer and a way of copying documents. My home office is quite small. Will they take up much room on my desk ? They will take up a certain amount of room. But if space is at a premium, you could get one of the all-in-one machines. What advantage do they have ? You get a telephone, fax machine, document scanner and printer all combined into one fairly compact unit. That sounds just what I need.

If something is at a premium, it is wanted or needed, but is difficult to get or achieve. ( scarce ) Example : If space is at a premium, choose adaptable furniture that won't fill the room. It's got all the bells and whistles !!! Ivor Mat Ivor Mat Ivor Mat Explanation : Bells and whistles - Unusual or unique features of a financial instrument designed to appeal to a specific issuer or investor. Often refer to the features of an offering that seem to be added solely to attract attention. The transmission time is quite slow !!! Theo Lara Theo Lara Theo Lara Explanation : I need to fax a 15-page document. Do you mind if I use your machine ? No, not at all. It's over there in the corner. Please help yourself. Here we go. The first page is just starting to go through. One thing I have to tell you, you'll need a little bit of patience. Why's that ? Well the transmission time is quite slow, about 10 seconds a page. This new fax machine is really great, the best we've ever had. What's so great about it ? Well it's got all the bells and whistles you could possibly want. Such as ? A 500-page out-of-paper memory, 100 speed dial numbers, 3 seconds per page transmission time and fast laser printing, to name just a few. It sounds as if it does everything except make the tea.

The transmission of something is the passing or sending of it to a different person or place. Example : ..... the fax machine and other forms of electronic data transmission. It prints at 600 dpi resolution !!! Romola Betty Romola Betty Romola Betty Romola Betty Explanation : The resolution of an image is how clear the image is; technical use in science. Example : Now this machine gives us such high resolution that we can see very small specks of calcium. I get fed up !!! Bunny Elvira Bunny Elvira Bunny I get fed up with having to change the rolls on our fax machine. What ? You're not still using a fax that uses special paper ? Yes, my boss is very tight-fisted and won't change it until it breaks down. That's a shame. The modern plain paper fax machines are a lot easier to use. You don't have the bother of changing rolls. I know, but, as I said, the boss is too mean to change ours. Is that your new fax machine, it looks really cool. Yes, we've only had it a few days. Gosh, the quality of that fax just coming through is as good as from a laser printer. That's not surprising as the fax actually has built-in laser printer. The print resolution is far better than we get from our ink-jet fax. Everything is so sharp and clear. Yes, it prints at 600 dpi resolution, which gives really good quality. What does dpi mean ? Dots per inch. That's how you measure print resolution.

Elvira Explanation :

Try telling him that the new machines are a lot cheaper to run.

If you are fed up, you are unhappy, bored, or tired of something, especially something that you have been experiencing for a long time. Example : I am fed up with reading how women should dress to please men ........... I've got a spare one !!! Bertie Louise Bertie Louise Bertie Louise Do you mind if I use your fax to make a quick copy ? Not at all. Help yourself. I've put the document in and pressed the button, but nothing's happening. Let me have a look. Ah, that winking red light means the ink cartridge is empty. Oh, what a shame ! No, don't worry. It doesn't take a second to replace the ink cartridge and I've got a spare one here.

Explanation : Spare - An extra thing which is not being used and which can be used instead of a part which is broken, lost, etc. I'll go for the entry-level model !!! Carl Denis Carl Denis Carl I'm thinking of buying a fax machine. That's a good idea. They are still quite useful, even though people increasingly send documents via computer these days. I have been having a look around and there seem to be so many different models on the market. So what kind are you going to buy ? Well I think I'll go for an entry-level model because our requirements are

fairly basic. Denis Good idea. You don't have to buy anything really sophisticated, if that's the case.

Explanation : Entry-level - Describes a device that is basic and less expensive or technical than other types and therefore suitable for someone who has not used or bought one before Example : an entry-level model/machine/PC It has the smallest footprint !!! Winnie I'm looking for a really compact fax machine.

Salesperson Well we have plenty to choose from, just have a look around. Winnie That one in gray and silver looks very attractive and it's quite small.

Salesperson Yes, it has the smallest footprint of any of the machines which we stock. Winnie So it's not going to take up too much room on the shelf.

Salesperson No, it's certainly the best choice if your space is limited. Explanation : Footprint - An item's footprint is the surface area it occupies. Turn tail !!! Penny Caroline Penny Caroline Penny I feel so sorry for Helen. She must be devastated. Yes, to be standing at the altar waiting to be married to a bridegroom who never shows up. Who would have thought he would turn tail at the very last minute. How could anyone be so heartless ? It just shows how yellow some men are.

Caroline Explanation :

I never liked him anyway. I just hope she has better luck next time.

Turn tail - To turn around and run away, usually because you are frightened I left it too late !!! Lily Kevin Lily Kevin Lily Kevin Explanation : If you leave something too late, you delay doing it so that when you eventually do it, it is useless or ineffective. Example : I hope I haven't left it too late. I'd take that with a pinch of salt !!! Lennie Peter Lennie Peter Lennie Peter I've just been talking to John James. That's interesting. What did he say ? He told me how well his company was doing. Really ? I'm surprised. From what I've heard things aren't going well for him. Well he told me that he expects his order book will soon be full. I'd take that with a pinch of salt if I were you. He's known for being How are your shares doing this year ? Not as well as I expected. Over half of them are down. What were you hoping for ? Well I hit the bull's-eye with hotel shares last year. They went up a lot and I was expecting them to do even better this year. Hotel shares are well down this year. You should have sold them before they dropped so far. I know, but I left it too late. Now nobody wants them. Just my luck.

over-optimistic. Explanation : If you take something with a pinch of salt, you do not believe that it is completely accurate or true. Example : You have to take these findings with a pinch of salt because respondents tend to give the answers they feel they should. What made you smell a rat !!! Linda Becky Linda Becky Linda Becky Explanation : If you smell a rat, you begin to suspect or realize that something is wrong in a particular situation Example : If I don't send a picture, he will smell a rat ....... That really makes my blood boil !!! Georgina Greg Georgine That's the last time we give a party. It'll take ages to clean up this mess and get back to normal. Yes, look at these wine stains on the carpet and the scratch marks on the table. I know, they'll be almost impossible to get rid of completely. I was almost fooled by a telephone call I had yesterday. Not one of those telling you that you had won a wonderful prize. Yes, a week's vacation for two. It sounded great. What made you smell a rat ? When they told me I had to ring a special telephone number to claim the prize. Then I was sure it was a scam. Yes, those calls are charged at unbelievably high rates.

Greg Georgina Caroline Explanation :

Oh no! Look here, people have been stubbing their cigarettes out on the sofa. I can't believe it ! That really makes my blood boil. This is going to cost us a fortune.

If you say that something makes your blood boil you are emphasizing that it makes you very angry. Example : It makes my blood boil to think two thugs decided to pick on an innocent young girl. Putting the cart before the horse !!! Hank Sonja Hank Sonja Hank Sonja I've just found a great location to open a new shop and I've already been in touch with the owner of the property. He's keen to sell. Have you researched the market for out kind of products in that district ? No, not yet. This is an opportunity that's too good to miss. Don't you think this is putting the cart before the horse ? What do you mean ? Well surely we ought to check first whether the people who live around there will want to buy what we have to sell, before we decide to open a new shop there.

Explanation : If you say that someone is putting the cart before the horse, you mean that they are doing things in the wrong order Example : This puts the cart before the horse; elections should follow, not precede, agreement on a constitution. Take the bull by the horns !!!

Maxine Jeanie Maxine Jeanie Maxine Jeanie Explanation :

You don't look too cheerful, what's the matter ? I've just moved in with a new roommate and she smokes quite a lot. Oh dear, that's not very healthy for either of you. You should have a word with her about it. I know, but I don't want to offend her, she's very nice otherwise. Look, it's so important that you'll just have to take the bull by the horns and suggest that she smoke outside. Well, I'll think about it.

If you take the bull by the horns, you do something that you feel you ought to do even though it is difficult, dangerous, or unpleasant. She needed a shoulder to cry on !!! Oliver Dodie Oliver Dodie Oliver Dodie Explanation : If someone offers you a shoulder to cry on or is a shoulder to cry on, they listen sympathetically to all your troubles. Example : Roland sometimes saw me as a shoulder to cry on. She's got a bee in her bonnet !!! Why are you so late ? Problems with your make-up ? Don't be sarcastic. It was my girlfriend Susie. What's her problem this time ? She's just broken up with her boyfriend so she needed a shoulder to cry on. She never seems to be able to hang on to anyone for very long. It's not her fault, she just seems to have bad luck with men.

Veronica Julie Veronica Julie Veronica Julie

My mum's making life difficult for my dad at the moment. Why, what's she doing ? She's got a bee in her bonnet about healthy eating after reading a diet book and she's trying to make him eat a more healthy diet. What's wrong with that ? Well, a lot of the stuff he likes, she won't let him eat because she says it's bad for him. He's going to have to do as he's told. Your mother's a determined character.

Explanation : A bee in one's bonnet - If you have a bee in your bonnet about something, you keep mentioning it or thinking about it. Example : He's got a bee in his bonnet about factory farming. Looks like the cat that swallowed the canary !!! Mollie Anne Mollie Anne Mollie Anne Explanation : Looks like the cat that swallowed the canary - to look smug or smugly guilty He's got his head screwed on !!! Samantha This stock market crash is really bad. I've just seen Winnie. She gets all the luck. Why, what's happened ? She's just got a fantastic job as a top fashion buyer. Well that was always her dream. She must be very pleased. More than that; she looks like the cat that swallowed the canary. You can't blame her, she's done very well for herself.

Jamie Samantha Jamie Samantha Jamie Explanation :

Too true, a lot of people have lost a lot of money as a result, including me. Bad luck. But I do know one notable exception : my friend Rodney. How did he escape. He sold off almost all of his shares just before the crash and made a pile of money. He's got his head screwed on, unlike me.

He's got his head screwed on - He is smart. ( Opposite : He has a screw loose = stupid ) I have other fish to fry !!! Harry Felix Harry Felix Harry Felix Explanation : Other fish to fry - Other things to do Chewing the fat !!! Hettie Vera Hettie Vera I don't really like that suggestion. There must be better ways of doing it. That's the umpteenth suggestion I've made which you've turned down. Well I'm just concerned that we get it right. So am I, but we can't keep chewing the fat over this indefinitely. We've got to come to a decision. Why don't you come to the soccer match on Saturday ? It's a really important game and a lot of us are going. We'll have a really good time. I wish I could, but I've got other fish to fry. Like what ? Well I'm playing golf with one of our most important clients. Business before pleasure ! I'm afraid so. But a lot of future business depends on it.

Hettie Vera Explanation :

Tell you what, let's ask Jane to choose and settle the matter for us. OK, if that's what it takes to get it decided.

Chew the fat - If people chew the fat, they talk or gossip. Example : We'd been lounging around, chewing the fat for a couple of hours. Barking up the wrong tree !!! Jean Gwyn Jean Gwyn Jean Gwyn We've been having quite a lot of customer complaints lately ? Yes, David has just been telling me about them. I think they're caused by faults in our telephone system. We're checking it right now. You're barking up the wrong tree there I think. Why do you say that ? I don't think there's anything wrong with the telephone system. The problem is the company's procedures for dealing with customers.

Explanation : If you say that someone is barking up the wrong tree, you mean that they are following the wrong course of action because their beliefs and ideas about something are incorrect. Example : Scientists in Switzerland realized that most other researchers had been barking up the wrong tree. Getting more economical !!! Madge Larry I've just checked the page counter on our photocopier and it's done 5,000 copies since we bought it. That's a lot better than the previous machine. We had to replace the toner cartridge on that one after only 3,000 copies.

Madge Larry Madge Larry Explanation :

Yes, the toner life on this model is a lot longer. We apparently won't need to replace the cartridge until it has done at least 6,000 copies. I've heard that the latest models can do as many as 8,000 copies before the toner cartridge needs replacing. Yes, these machines are getting more economical all the time. Yes, technology marches on.

Economical - Something that is economical does not require a lot of money to operate. Example : A car that only uses a small amount of petrol is economical. Get the hang of it !!! Tony Georgina Tony Georgina Tony Georgina Explanation : Get the hang of - If you get the hang of something such as a skill or activity, you begin to understand or realize how to do it. Example : It's a bit tricky at first till you get the hang of it. Put a lot of thought into !!! I've just been using our department's new photocopier. It took me quite a time to get the hang of it. Mary's just been telling me about it. Apparently it's a very versatile machine which can do lots of things. That's just it. There are lots of menus available on the control panel and they each have lots of options. It can be quite confusing. I suppose that's the price you pay for its versatility. I know but you really need a training course to get to grips with it. Perhaps that's something we ought to suggest to the boss.

Edgar Cathy Edgar Cathy Edgar Cathy Explanation :

This is our new photocopier. What do you think of it ? It looks very compact and stylish but how easy is it to use ? It's a lot easier than previous models. The designers have put a lot of thought into making it easier to use. What's the main thing they have done ? They've made the control panel very clear and intuitive, so that you won't waste a lot of time working out how to operate it. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Let me have a try.

Thought - Thought is the activity of thinking, especially deeply, logically, or with concentration. Example : He had given some thought to what she had told him. Have your work cut out !!! Fay Ingrid Fay Ingrid Fay Ingrid Fay Ingrid Explanation : Have your work cut out - If you say that you will have your work cut out to do something, you mean that it will be a very difficult task. I've got 40 copies of this draft report to make by lunchtime. It's huge. It must be at least 100 pages. You'll have your work cut out. When the committee has made all the changes it considers necessary. I'll have to print out another 40 copies of the final version. If it's only the draft report this time, why don't you copy it using the tonersaving mode ? What's the advantage of that ? The photocopier will use a lot less toner and the job will be done quicker. Will the text still be legible ? Of course. I use toner-saving mode all the time without any problems.

Example : The new administration has its work cut out for it. Creating jobs in this kind of environment is not going to be easy ..... A multifunctional photocopier !!! Aaron Yasmin Aaron Yasmin Aaron Yasmin Our photocopier has just about reached the end of its useful life. I know, the boss has already decided to replace it. Do you know what he's going to replace it with ? Yes, he said he's going to go for a multifunctional photocopier. I've never heard of those. What do they do ? They both photocopy and print so you get a photocopier and printer together for not much more than the price of one machine.

On the blink !!! Marvin Cherie Marvin Cherie Marvin Cherie Explanation : On the blink - If the machine goes on the blink, it stops working properly. Example : ....... an old TV that's on the blink. Just what I need ! I've got a really urgent copying job and the photocopier's on the blink. What's the matter with it ? I'm not sure, but when this light is blinking, it means the machine is out of order. Don't worry, I'll call the Service Department. They can normally get a technician here in under half and hour. Thanks a lot. This sort of things always seems to happen when I've got an urgent job to do. I know. It can be really frustrating at times.

Made mincemeat of !!! Babs Eamonn Babs Eamonn Babs Eamonn Well that was one of the more lively committee meeting I've attended. Yes, the discussion became quite heated at times. I felt a bit sorry for David when he challenged the chairman about the accounts. I did too. The chairman really made mincemeat of him. That was because David hadn't got all his facts right. That's right. I think he'll prepare a bit more thoroughly next time he thinks about doing something like that.

Explanation : Make mincemeat of sb - To defeat someone very easily in an argument, competition or fight Example : The Brazil National Team made mincemeat of the Hong Kong Team on 9 February 2005, when they won with a score of 7 to1. Went up the wall !!! Sidney Jerome Sidney Jerome Sidney Jerome Explanation : Drive sb up the wall - To make someone extremely angry Example : When his son fails an examination, he runs up the wall. Gordon's really in trouble with his father. Yes, his sister told me. Still it's his own fault. Yes, fancy borrowing his father's car without permission. And then crashing it into the garage door. No wonder his father went up the wall. It's understandable; the repairs are going to cost him a fortune.

The mayor's wife turned her back on her !!! Hayley Julia Hayley You should have seen what happened at the mayor's New Year reception yesterday evening. I had to miss it. Tell me what happened. Well, Laura Dixon approached the mayor's wife to tell her about the new fashion boutique she's just opened in the main street, butthe mayor's wife turned her back on her. Well that wasn't a very friendly thing to do. But I think I know why. Really ? Well go on, tell me. Somebody told me that the mayor's wife had been thinking about opening a similar boutique. She was probably jealous that Laura had done it before she did.

Julia Hayley Julia

Explanation : Turn one's back on - Deny, reject; also abandon, forsake. Example : I can't turn my back on my own daughter, no matter what she's done. That's what really gets up my nose !!! Zack Magnus Zack I hate these automated telephone systems. You're not the only one. I can't stand them either. You're listening to one recorded voice after another telling you to press the key on your telephone for the option you want. Sometimes you have to do that four or five times. I know, and more often than not, when you finally get to the department you want, you're told that all their customer assistants are busy and that you should ring back later. That's right, you spend all that time pressing buttons to get the right option but you still can't get to a real person who will sort out your problem. Yes, that's what really gets up my nose.

Magnus

Zack

Magnus

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. You really are an eager beaver !!! Gerard Fiona Gerard Fiona Could you take the documents to the copy bureau and get two sets please ? I've already done that. They're on your desk. Oh well done. In that case, I'd like you to book the flights and hotel for my San Francisco trip next week. I did that yesterday. I also got you a great deal on a hire car while you're there. I'm now working on the preparations for your meetings when you get back. That's fantastic. You really are an eager beaver. Just doing my job.

Gerard Fiona Explanation :

Eager beaver - An exceptionally zealous person, one who habitually takes on more tasks or works harder than others Example : Our new colleague is a real eager beaver, and seems to work with boundless energy. Cut me dead !!! Melanie Imogen Melanie Well I just couldn't believe it. You don't look best pleased. What happened ? I bumped into Dana in the street just now and started to talk to her but she just cut me dead.

Imogen Melanie Imogen

Well, she can be moody at the best of times. That's true but I've still been trying hard to think if there's anything I've said or done recently to make her behave like that. I wouldn't worry if I were you. She'll be in a better mood tomorrow. I'm sure.

Explanation : Cut someone dead - Pretend not to see or recognize someone Example : After I declined to lend him any more money, he cut me dead every time he saw me. International roaming cell phone !!! Susan Mark Susan Mark Susan Always make sure you've got an international roaming cell phonewith you when you go on vacation. Why, I don't always take my cell phone with me on vacation. Well, I've just been reading how useful cell phones have been for rescuing tourists in Sri Lanka. How was that ? Well many were stranded by the tsunami in the remote area of the country where they had been hiking. They couldn't get out, but the authorities were able to locate them when they made calls on their phones. That's really useful to know. I'll certainly take your advice in future.

Mark Explanation :

International roaming cell phone - A cell phone that be used on all GSM frequencies in the US, Europe and Asia. Blow the whole of my New Year bonus !!! Jodie Gloria Why are you looking so pleased with yourself ? Well, Chinese New Year's coming up and we've been paid a really good

bonus. Jodie Gloria Jodie Gloria Lucky you. We're getting hardly anything. Well our company has done very well over the past year and the boss is quite generous. So what are you going to do with the money ? Save it ? Oh no, I'm going to blow the whole of my New Year bonus this year on a luxury cruise.

Explanation : Blow - To spend money freely and rashly