Under your belt
| Finn: | Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Finn. |
| Feifei: | And I'm Feifei. We're at a very nice party. |
| Waiter: | Champagne? |
| Feifei: | Oh, yes please. |
| Finn: | Oh, this party is full of famous actors, actresses and film directors. |
| Feifei: | Very glamorous. (whispering) Oh look, there's ... what's his name again? And what is he wearing? |
| Finn: | Oh yes. What is he wearing? A bright purple suit ... |
| Feifei: | And pink leather boots ... ! |
| Finn: | Yes! And he's got a few awards under his belt, hasn't he? Very successful ... |
| Feifei: | Under his belt? How do you know what he's got under his belt? I mean, we can see the purple suit and pink shoes, but ... |
| Finn: | No, no. If you say someone has something under their belt, it means they have a particular experience already—something that might help them in the future. So, in this case, he has the experience of winning a few awards already. |
| Feifei: | I think we need some examples to make that clearer. |
| After the new football manager had a few wins under his belt, he felt more confident. | |
| I think Madeleine would be a great leader. She has so much experience under her belt. | |
| Finn: | Now we've got some examples under our belt—is it easier to understand? |
| Feifei: | Yes, thanks! Oh Finn, he's coming over—that famous actor. |
| Famous actor: | Hi. I saw you chatting over there and I thought I'd introduce myself. I'm Willy Wards. |
| Feifei: | Lovely to meet you. My friend Finn says you've won lots of awards? |
| Famous actor: | I have. Would you like to see them? |
| Feifei: | Erm ... OK? |
| Famous actor: | I always keep them with me. They're right here ... under my belt. |
| Finn: | Oh I'm sorry, I think we have the wrong guy. Time to go Feifei! Bye! |
| Famous actor: | But I really do keep them under my belt! Do join us again next time for The English We Speak. |