Lesson 13 -- Amber Comes Over to Bake Cookies

Speak English Like an American -- Lesson 13

Ted's girlfriend Amber comes over to help with the cookies. Amber has experience baking cookies from a former job. Susan leaves the kitchen so they can work better.

Ted:     Mom, Amber is here to lend a hand with the cookies.
Susan:  Hi Amber, nice to see you again.
Amber: Good to see you too, Mrs. Johnson.
Susan:  That's an interesting hairstyle.
Amber: Thanks. I'm glad you think it's cool. Blue hair is all the rage this season.
Susan:   Well, I'm going to take a break now and let you kids take over.
Ted:      Don't worry, Mom. Your business is in good hands with Amber. She really knows her stuff.
Amber: That's true. I used to work at Mrs. Field's Cookies in the mall.
Susan:   You don't work there any more?
Amber:  No, I got fired. I have a real sweet tooth, and they told me I was eating too many cookies.
Susan:   Well, I'm sure you haven't lost your touch.
Amber:  I might be a bit out of practice.
Ted:      Mom, you can watch Amber bake if you want. You might pick up a few tricks of the trade.
Amber: Yes, feel free. As a singer, I'm used to performing before an audience.
Susan:   Thanks, but I'm going to get out of the way. You know what they say: too many cooks spoil the broth.
Amber: Will I see you later tonight?
Susan:   Yes, I'll be back in a few hours.
Ted:      Mom, why don't you just call it a night and go to bed? You've been working your tail off all day.

Idioms,

All the rage – the latest fashion; popular right now

(to) call it a night – to stop an activity for the rest of the night

Feel free – go ahead and do something ; don’t hesitate (to do something)

(to) get out of the way – to move out of the way; to stop interfering with someone’s plans or activities

(to be) in good hands – in good, competent care

(to) know one’s stuff – to have an expertise in a field

(to) lend a hand – to help

(to)lose one’s touch – to no longer be able to do something well

(to be) out of practice – no longer good at doing something

(to) pick up – to acquire ; to learn

Sweet tooth – an enjoyment of sugary foods

(to) take a break – to stop and rest from an activity

(to) take over – to assume control

Too many cooks spoil the broth – too many people involved in an activity can ruin it

Tricks of the trade – clever shortcuts gained by experience

(to) work one’s tail off (slang) to work very hard