| Abigail: | Hi. You're listening to The English We Speak. I'm Abigail and ... actually Neil, sorry, I can't stay long, I've got a lot to do. |
| Neil: | Hi, I'm Neil. And—what do you mean you've got a lot to do? |
| Abigail: | Oh, well, you know I'm having that dinner party this evening. |
| Neil: | I know you're having a dinner party, I'm coming. So? That's this evening, why do you need to start now? |
| Abigail: | Oh no but I have really big ideas. I'm really going to town. |
| Neil: | You're going to go to town? We're in town already. Just go to the supermarket and buy a ready meal. No one will know. |
| Abigail: | A ready meal?! No, I'm really going to town. |
| Neil: | Will you stop saying you're going to town? You're supposed to be working. |
| Abigail: | Come on, you know—'Going to town'. As in ... going to a lot of trouble, making it really special. |
| Neil: | Oh I thought you were just making some simple snacks. Actually, I was going to eat before I came round to your house. |
| Abigail: | Eat before my dinner party? That's so rude! No it isn't going to be a snack. As I say, I'm going to town. And I'm not the only person to use this very useful expression. Have a listen to these people: |
| Neil: | Well, I can see you can go to town on a party, a wedding, a big meal ... But how can you go to town on paperwork? |
| Abigail: | Hmm—good point. I suppose they're going to a lot of trouble, making a special effort? |
| Neil: | Being very thorough perhaps. So, if you're not doing paperwork tonight—in what way are you 'going to town' at this dinner party? |
| Abigail: | I still have to think about it. Maybe I'll buy flowers. I could make cocktails. Oh, I know—all the food could be red! |
| Neil: | All the food will be red! When you go to town you really go to town! |
| Abigail: | Oh, wait, no. All the food could be silver! |
| Neil: | Silver food? You keep planning, I'm just going to get some ready meals. |
| Abigail: | Oh, no, wait, everyone could dress as animals! We could eat on the roof! |
