22.4.13

Finger on the pulse


(Finn and Feifei are in the cinema; the film is about to start)

Finn: Hi, I'm Finn. This is The English We Speak. And this is Feifei.

Feifei: Hi. I hope you can hear me. This cinema is very crowded吵鬧的! I've never heard of this movie... and who are these actors, Finn?!

Finn: Well, Feifei, when it comes to the best new actors, I have my finger on the pulse.

Feifei: Finger on the pulse? Oh, don't do that here, Finn. You mean you touch the wrists手腕 of all these film actors? Where is your British reserve?!

Finn: No. I am not going to touch anybody's pulse or wrists and my fingers are here, in my popcorn爆米花. In English, 'to have your finger on the pulse' means: to be familiar熟悉 with the latest trends最新的趨勢 and developments.

Feifei: Ahhhh, that's a relief.

Finn: You might hear the expression 'to have your finger on the pulse' or 'to keep your finger on the pulse'. Let's hear some examples.
  • You have to keep your finger on the pulse of consumer trends if you want to succeed in business.
  • How do I manage to dress so well all the time? I buy this fashion magazine every week because it really has its finger on the pulse.
Feifei: Ah I see. So this expression is about keeping up-to-date with trends.

Finn: Yes it is.

Feifei: Finn, I've been looking at the poster of the film while we wait for the door to open and... this film...

Finn: 'The City That Never Sleeps'. Yes?

Feifei: There is a picture of a zombie殭屍 on the poster... and... what is that in the corner? A dead woman! Is it a horror movie, Finn?!
Finn: Calm down. It is a great movie. Full of blood and suspense. It will be a thrill驚險片!

Feifei: Oh. I don't like that, Finn! I really don't like that! I get really upset when I watch this sort of movie. My heart races... here, put your actual finger on my actual pulse... Here.

Finn: Oh, OK, OK, sorry Feifei. Your heart is beating very fast. I didn't know you had a problem with horror movies. Let's go and watch a musical then.

Feifei: 'The Sound of Music'?

Finn: Go on then!

Feifei: That's much nicer! Bye.

Finn: Bye.

Both: (Singing) Doe, a deer, a female deer. Ray, a drop of golden sun...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theenglishwespeak/2013/03/130326_tews_116_finger_on_the_pulse.shtml

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