Li: | Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, I'm Li. And here with me is Neil. Hi Neil! |
Neil: | Hi Li! But before we start the programme I've got some good news for you. I've just fixed your bike tyres as I promised! It wasn't easy to find the punctures on them but I managed to do it and the bike, I have to say, is as good as new! |
Li: | Oh, great! I am so happy, Neil! You know, I use the bicycle every day. I ride it when I come to work and when I go home. You know, I took it to the mechanic last week to have it fixed and he didn't do it properly. Thank you! You are a star! |
Neil: | It wasn't easy but I am glad to have been of service. Well, you told me that you'd pay me for the work so now would be a good time to do that because actually I am a bit short of cash at the moment, you know. |
Li: | Oh, you want to receive some payment? Yes, I remember that I promised you'd get paid. That's fair. Okay. Here you are! |
Neil: | What are these? |
Li: | Your payment, Neil. |
Neil: | Peanuts?! |
Li: | Yes, Neil. You keep saying that there are people who work for peanuts! |
Neil: | Yes I have said that on occasions but it's got nothing to do with food! To work for peanuts is an expression in English that means to work for a very small payment. |
Li: | Now you tell me, Neil! So people are not really paid in peanuts, are they? |
Neil: | No, they are not! Just think. A peanut is something small and cheap. |
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Woman 1: | My cousin is a catwalk model and she travels all over the world!
Woman 2: She must be a millionaire!
Woman 1: Yes, she is! But before she become famous she used to work for peanuts! She could hardly buy a lipstick.
... ... .
Man: I am going to ask for a pay rise. I am tired of working for peanuts! |
|
Li: | Oh, I am sorry, Neil, when you said that some people work for peanuts I thought you wanted to be paid in peanuts! |
Neil: | That's alright Li. But now that you know that I don't work for peanuts will you give me some money? |
Li: | Yes, of course I will. I left my wallet in my drawer in the office but as soon as we finish this programme I'll pay you with cash. So give me back my peanuts then. |
Neil: | (sound of chewing) |
Li: | Neil, the peanuts! I am hungry! |
Neil: | I am hungry too and these peanuts taste great! |
Li: | I know they do. You know, I bought them in the new grocery shop around the corner. |
Neil: | Don't worry, Li. As soon as you pay me we can go down there and I'll buy you some of these delicious peanuts myself. |
Li: | Okay. I don't work for peanuts either but I am glad to eat some. Let's go then. |
Neil: | (sound of monkey) I want more peanuts! (sound of monkey) |
Li: | So do I, Neil, but why are you making this odd noise? You sound like a monkey! |
Neil: | Well, you know what they say: if you pay peanuts you get monkeys. |
Li: | Okay, I got the message. Let's go. Bye! |
Neil: | (monkey noises) |