Rabbit in the Headlights

Finn:	Hello. I'm Finn.
Li:	And I'm Li.
Finn:	And we're whispering—we're talking very quietly—because we are about to watch an awards ceremony for the best dancer in the UK.
Li:	Yes—I think it's going to begin now. Shh.
Awards Host:	And the award for best dancer this year goes to ... Timmy Tapper!
	(Applause)
Timmy Tapper:	Erm, thank you!
Awards Host:	Timmy, would you like to say a few words?
Timmy Tapper:	Yes, erm, thank you ... to ... everybody! Thanks.
Awards Host:	Great. Well thank you Timmy. You've done a fantastic job this year!
Finn:	(whispers) Li, what happened? He was like a rabbit in the headlights.
Li:	I don't know, he was very nervous. But what did you say, Finn, about rabbits?
Finn:	Oh, rabbits, yes. A rabbit in the headlights. It's a phrase used to describe someone who is so nervous that they can't move or speak.
Li:	I see. Someone who is too nervous to move or speak. But why does it involve headlights—the lights at the front of a car?
Finn:	Well if you think about if you are driving a car at night and you have your headlights on. Suddenly, a rabbit appears in the middle of the road. But it is too scared by the car driving towards for it to run away. It's a rabbit in the headlights.
Li:	That's a rabbit in the headlights. Oh, Finn, I think Timmy Tapper wants to say something.
Finn:	Oh yes.
Timmy Tapper:	Oh, sorry. Can I just say one more thing?
Awards Host:	Sure, go ahead, Timmy!
	(Timmy starts tap dancing)
Awards Host:	Well, isn't that amazing!
Li:	Ha ha. I think Timmy was nervous speaking in front of everyone here just now, but now he's happy to express himself through tap dancing!
Finn:	He looks very happy doesn't he? And while Timmy dances, I have some advice for everyone. If you want to speak confident English, and not be like a rabbit in the headlights, why not visit our website explore our free English learning materials?
Li:	bbclearningenglish.com
Finn:	That's it. Bye.
Li:	Bye.
	(Timmy tap dancing)