| [00:01.25] |
Hello. I'm Rob. And this is Li. |
| [00:03.53] |
Hello. |
| [00:04.41] |
Now, the weather is so great today we're outside on the sea, sailing in this beautiful boat. So Li, what do you think? |
| [00:11.92] |
Wow, impressive. Rob, I didn't know you had a sailing boat. In fact I didn't know you could sail a boat. |
| [00:20.70] |
Oh, don't worry Li, I know what I'm doing. |
| [00:23.75] |
Oh mind that rock. |
| [00:24.88] |
Whoa,phew it's okay Li. I'm in control, just keep your hand on that rope. |
| [00:32.70] |
We've got the wind in our sails, the sea is calm. We can just easily sail around this island and be home in time for tea. |
| [00:41.11] |
Oh right. I thought our excursion was going to be trouble free, or plain sailing. |
| [00:49.67] |
What? Plain sailing? We're not sailing any planes Li. |
| [00:54.73] |
No Rob. Plain sailing. It's an expression used to describe an activity that goes well or smoothly and is easy and uncomplicated. |
| [01:05.60] |
Yes of course. This sailing is going well and is actually quite easy. So you're right. This is plain sailing. |
| [01:14.00] |
But can we only use the phrase to describe sailing boats? |
| [01:17.68] |
No. Although it was originally a sailing term, it can really refer to any activity. Listen to these examples. |
| [01:27.32] |
Driving through the city was difficult but once we were on the motorway it was plain sailing all the way. |
| [01:34.61] |
Once we found some office space and recruited staff, setting up our business was plain sailing. |
| [01:42.81] |
So plain sailing means things are going well. |
| [01:46.76] |
I have to admit Rob, your sailing skills are very good and, oh watch out for that big wave. |
| [01:57.23] |
Whoa, ouch. Oh oh, I've hit my head on the boom. Oh no, we're heading for the rocks again. Hold the rope Li, quick quick. |
| [02:08.50] |
I've changed my mind Rob, this isn't plain sailing anymore. |
| [02:16.93] |
That's taken the wind out of your sails Rob. |
| [02:20.55] |
Err, Li it's still windy. Look at the sails. |
| [02:24.18] |
No Rob. That's another sailing idiom, to take the wind out of your sails is an expression that means your boasting and arrogance has been challenged. |
| [02:36.69] |
Let's hear some other people using this expression. |
| [02:40.97] |
I was all ready for a big argument but when he bought me some flowers it took the wind out of my sails. |
| [02:49.16] |
The negative feedback from my boss has really taken the wind out of my sails. |
| [02:55.52] |
Hmm, so Li you've certainly taught me a lot about sailing today. There are some really good expressions, but one thing you haven't taught me is how to sail this boat. |
| [03:05.13] |
But you said you knew how to sail it. |
| [03:08.15] |
Well when I said I had been sailing several times I had, but I meant on a ferry, as a passenger. |
| [03:15.10] |
Oh, watch out. |
| [03:22.43] |
That was close. I've a feeling this really isn't going to be plain sailing after all. |
| [03:28.00] |
Too right. Bye bye. |
| [03:30.16] |
Bye. Now Li could you just hold that rope there. |
