AL: What’s eating you?
BILL: What do you mean? I’m fine.
AL: NO, you aren’t. Come on, whatever it is, get it off your chest.
BILL: Well . . . see that woman over there? Her name’s Elizabeth. I’ve been trying to find a way to meet her for months, and now, here she is. But I don’t have the guts to walk over there.
AL: Come on, Bill! This is your chance. Just give it a shot. What do you have to lose?
BILL: She wouldn’t be caught dead with me.
AL: Why do you say that?
BILL: Oh, let’s just skip it, OK? I don’t know why I even told you.
AL: HOW do you know her, anyway?
BILL: We work in the same building.
AL: Well, I think you should just bite the bullet, go over there, and start a conversation.
BILL: Maybe later.
AL: Why put it off? Who knows? You two might hit it off.
BILL: That’ll be the day.
AL: Why are you so negative all of a sudden? I’ve never seen you like this.
BILL: Maybe you’re right. I should just take the initiative and walk over there. But what should I say?
AL: NOW you’re talking. Just introduce yourself and start talking about the party or mention that you’ve seen her at work. She’s bound to recognize you, too.
BILL: Well, maybe. Oh . . . you’re probably right. If I pass up this chance, I’ll never forgive myself. Well, here I go. Wish me luck!
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Vocabulary
- What’s eating (you)? = What’s bothering you?
- get something off one’s chest = to reveal something (usually a confession or complaint) that has been bothering you
- (not) have the guts (to) = (not) have the courage (to do something)
- give it a shot = try something; give something a chance to happen (while knowing you can make a change if it doesn’t work out)
- (someone) wouldn’t be caught dead (with someone) = someone would never want to be with someone because of dislike, fear, or shame
- Skip it! = Let’ s not talk about it anymore. = Forget it!
- bite the bullet (and do something) = make a decision to do something after hesitating
- put something off = postpone, delay until later
- hit it off = immediately get along with someone very well
- THAT’LL be the day. = That will never happen to
- take the initiative (and do something) = take the first step in doing something
- be bound to = be likely to; will probably
- pass up = to miss
Other topics: English Conversations in Real Life with common Phrases (Meaning & Example)
