Vocabulary and Idioms
A Christmas Tipple - Ein kleines Weihnachtsgetränk. // A cuppa' - A cuppa is a cup of tea. // For the life of me - beim besten Willen // Over the moon - Überglücklich // All the rage - der letzte Schrei // Jumble sale - Flohmarkt // Going for a song - zu haben für einen Spottpreis // dirt cheap - spottbillig // All good and well - Das ist alles schön und gut. //
A Christmas Tipple
Jean and her sister Sally are enjoying an afternoon cuppa'. Christmas is just round the corner.
However hard I try, I can't think of anything to get Ken for Christmas. I'm in a real pickle, Sally.
I fully understand, Jean. A suitable present for someone who has everything is no easy matter. What did you give him last year?
What did I give Ken last year? A good question, Sally. For the life of me, I can't remember. What did you get Bob, Sally?
Funnily eough, I really can remember what I got Bob. It was something a bit out of the ordinary. I got him a CD.
A CD!! Was he happy?
Bob was over the moon, Jean. He said it was the best Christmas present he'd ever ever had. Stevie Wonder's Greatest Hits. It was all the rage when we started dating.
Where on earth did you get it, Sally?
I found it at the church jumble sale. On the white elephant stall. It was going for a song. I just had to snap it up. I couldn't resist it. I knew it would be just right for Bob. And, most importantly, it was dirt cheap.
Just shows you, Sally. Presents don't have to be expensive. Cheap things are usually better than expensive things. In particular, presents for men.
That's all good and well, Sally. But, I still don't know what to give Ken.
How about a pair of nice warm winter socks, Jean?
Now, I remember, Sally. That's what I gave Ken last year. I can't possibly give him the same thing again.
Of course you can, Jean. Why not? Men are happy with whatever you give them!
You're right, Sally. Problem solved. A pair of nice thick warm winter socks for Ken. And, by the way, What are you getting for Bob?
To be honest, Jean, I'm in the same boat as you. I don't know either.
Well why not a pair of warm winter socks.
A perfect idea, Jean.
How about a nice cup of tea, Sally?
I would prefer a small Christmas tipple.
Brandy or gin?
A brandy, please.
Two brandies. Coming right up.
Questions - Are Jean and Sally enjoying tea or coffee? Why is Jean in a pickle? Does Sally understand Jean's problem. Why does Sally unerstand Jean's problem? What did Jean give Ken the Christmas before? What did Sally give Bob? Was Sally's present to Bob an expensive present? Where did Sally find Bob's Christmas present? What has Jean decided to give Ken this Christmas? And, what is Sally giving Bob? What did you get for Christmas last year? What is the perfect Christmas present for someone with everything? What would you like for Christmas?
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