Lesson 17 -- Carol Tells Bob the Good News

Speak English Like an American -- Lesson 17

Carol phones Bob to tell him the cookies are selling very well and that she needs another 1,000 by the morning. Bob isn't sure he can make the cookies so quickly, but Carol insists.

Carol:  Bob, your wife's cookies are selling like hotcakes!
Bob:    How many did you sell, Carol?
Carol:  We've sold out. I need more right away!
           Bring me another 1,000 by tomorrow at 9 a.m.
Bob:    That's a tall order, Carol.
Carol:  Don't blow it, Bob! Susan's Scrumptious Cookies could really take off.
Bob:    I know, but I'm not sure we have enough time to bake all those cookies.
Carol:  Bake all night if you have to. Burn the midnight oil! If you work hard
           now, you'll be sitting pretty in a few years.
Bob:    Rest assured that I'll do my best to deliver the goods.
Carol:  Okay, now let's stop the chitchat. You've got work to do!

Idioms,

(to) blow it – to spoil an opportunity

(to) burn the midnight oil – to stay up late studying or working

Chitchat – casual conversation ; gossip

(to) deliver the goods – to meet expectations; to do what’s required

(to) do one’s best – to try as hard as possible

Rest assured – be sure

Right away – immediately

(to) sell like hotcakes – to sell fast; to be a popular item

(to be) sitting pretty – in a good position (often financially)

Sold out – completely sold

(to) take off – to become popular; to grow suddenly

Tall order – a task or goal that is difficult to achieve