American Idioms

Professor Charles Bordogna

CHAPTER 7: Out to Dinner

(Scene: Yelena, a young woman from Russia, dines with Anthony, a young American, in a contemporary, suburban restaurant).

Anthony: I'm really glad that you agreed to go out with me! And I'm glad that I arrived on time! The traffic was terrible on Route 17.

Yelena: Thank you for inviting me out.

Anthony: It took me by surprise that you would go out with me.

Yelena: But why? You're a good-looking, intelligent person. I could tell from the way you act in class. You certainly have good things to say to the professor.

Anthony: Sometimes, I put my foot in my mouth!

Yelena: You what!?

Anthony: It's just an expression. I guess that I use a lot of common expressions. It's just the way I was brought up. But getting back to the professor. At times, he just cracks me up by the things he says.

Yelena: He's very knowledgeable on so many topics.

Anthony: Many of his comments go way over the heads of some of our classmates. I like the way that he stands up for his ideas. He doesn't always say the predictable thing.

Yelena: He likes to challenge our opinions. Do you like to stand up for your beliefs?

Anthony: If I believe I'm right, I'll argue until I'm blue in the face! But I also like to try to calmly talk things over. With some subjects, it's difficult to remain calm and in control.

Yelena: Of course, if you feel passionately about something, you must express it.

Anthony: In America too many people seem ready to compromise their convictions - their passion if you will - to be accepted or not to make waves.

Yelena: Yes.... Perhaps we should order.

Anthony: I'm famished! No wonder. It's nearly eight o'clock. I usually eat at six. I'm not sure that we'll be able to catch the movie at 9:30.

Yelena: You prefer not to stay?

Anthony: No. I'm just not used to planning evenings out. I don't go out on the town much. I work so many hours that going out is often out of the question.

Yelena: Perhaps we should forget the movie. Why not have a nice, relaxing dinner?

Anthony: That sounds fine!

Yelena: Here comes the waitress. Are you ready to order?

Anthony: Sure enough! I always order the same thing when I eat out - surf and turf!

Yelena: Oh, Anthony, you're so...so American!

Anthony: Yeah, I try to be.

Practice and Activities <--Mobile Compatible Version

Exercise 1   Exercise 2 <--Flash Required