Lesson 16 -- Bob Brings the Cookies to the Village Market
Speak English Like an American -- Lesson 16
Bob brings Carol the cookies. He tells Carol that baking the cookies was easy because he had lots of help.
Carol: Bob, how did the baking go?
Bob: Slow at first, but we are getting the hang of it.
Carol: Once you learn the ropes, it becomes second nature.
Bob: To tell you the truth, I thought that baking 2,000 cookies
would be a pain in the neck. But we managed to round up
some helpers, and it was a piece of cake.
Carol: Well, thanks for coming in person with the cookies.
Bob: No problem. When will you need more?
Carol: It depends on how many we sell today.
Bob: How many do you think you'll sell?
Carol: Maybe 500, maybe 2,000. Your guess is as good as mine.
In any case, I'll keep you posted.
Bob: Okay, just give me a ring as soon as you know.
Idioms,
At first – in the beginning
(to) get the hang of (something) – to learn how to do something; to acquire an effective technique
(to) give (someone) a ring – to telephone someone
In any case – whatever the fact is; certainly
In person – personally; in one’s physical presence
(to) keep posted – to provide up-to-date information
(to) learn the ropes – to learn the basics
Pain in the neck – an annoyance
Piece of cake – very easy
(to) round up – to gather people together
Second nature – a behavior that has been practiced for so long, it seems to have been there always
To tell you the truth – to speak openly; to admit
Your guess is as good as mine – I don’t know; I don’t know any more than you do
