Advanced everyday english: Advanced vocabulary, phrasal verbs, idioms and expressions - Collins Steven 2011

Listen to the CD track 8
Chapter Seven in Use

Speech by managing director of XYZ LTD

Thank you for giving up your time today. I’m sorry to deprive you all of an evening with your families.

Up to the end of last year, the company’s finances were in turmoil. Nobody envisaged this happening after we had embarked on a new policy of cashing in on the Government’s decision to devalue the pound. At times, we were really scraping the barrel for new ideas and it was true that a rift had begun to appear between the directors of the company.

After bowing to much pressure, in January we decided to turn over a new leaf by curbing our unnecessary expenses. We needed to head off almost certain bankruptcy, as our creditors were whingeing about not being paid.

Now, I can happily say the company is flourishing again. Business is thriving, especially in Europe, giving us a great opportunity to invest seriously, and not just dabble, in new and exciting products.

I’d like to thank each and every one of you for taking the time and effort to save this business.

Conversation between two friends on the train coming home from work

JOHN: You know, the amount that Peter drinks beggars belief.

JAMES: Why? Was he paralytic again on Sunday?

JOHN: What do you think?

JAMES: He is just a sucker for punishment. He doesn’t know when to stop. Poor chap!

JOHN: On Sunday in the pub, he decided to make a beeline for this pretty Italian girl. I tried to tell him she was already spoken for, but it went straight over his head. It’s like banging your head against a brick wall, trying to tell him how to behave.

JAMES: Yes, and /7/ tell you something else: if you think you’re inviting him to my 40th birthday party, you’ve got another think coming.

JOHN: Well, you brought that bolshy political activist Jim Smith to mine, so I’m thinking about giving you a taste of your own medicine. No, but seriously, you’ll see, there’s no need to make a song and dance about it; I’ll make sure he’s on his best behaviour.

JAMES: Oh really? I’m sorry but I’m very sceptical about that.

JOHN: OK, I have to get off here. See you tomorrow. Have a nice evening.