Finger on the pulse
(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 ... |