Rob has bumped into someone and got himself into a sticky situation. What can this mean and can Feifei help him get un-stuck? Listen to this programme and learn a new expression about a difficult, awkward or sensitive situation.
Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript
Feifei
Welcome to The English We Speak with me Feifei and ... Rob ... Rob? Where's Rob?
Rob
(Door opens) Oh hi Feifei ... you couldn't lend me £10, could you?
Feifei
Rob! You're supposed to be presenting this programme. Anyway, what do you need £10 for? And what's that ... stuff all over your clothes?
Rob
Well, I was running to get to the studio and I bumped into a woman.
Feifei
Right ... So, what do you need £10 for?
Rob
Well, you see, she dropped a big box she was carrying and said I would have to pay for the damage—and if I didn't, her daughter would be really upset!
Feifei
Oh! Rob, you are in 'a sticky situation'.
Rob
Well, that's true. You mean I'm in a situation that is difficult to get out of?
Feifei
Exactly! Rob, here's £10—now you can go and un-stick the situation!
Rob
Thanks Feifei. I think we should hear some examples of this phrase while I go and pay the woman ...
Examples
I'm in a sticky situation: I said I'd go to the cinema with Pete but I've also promised to go for a drink with John.
It was a sticky situation—neither side would agree on who caused the accident.
We're in a sticky situation—we've got to catch the train but we haven't got enough money to buy a ticket.
Feifei
So a sticky situation is a difficult, awkward or sensitive situation. (Door opens again) Ah, Rob, you're back ...
Rob
... yes. She's happy now and is going back to the bakery again.
Feifei
The bakery? Why? What was in that box she was carrying?
Rob
It was a big birthday cake for her daughter.
Feifei
Oh no—you were in a sticky situation in more ways than one!
Rob
I suppose I was.
Both
Bye.