Idioms
To pull out all the stops - To make a great effort to achieve a great result. To give all that you have means to do something with all the energy and talent you have. Second to none means the best. For the life of me means however hard I try. To grin and bear it means to get through a hard situation because there's nothing you can do about it.
And, now to our story. A Concert
I say, mum and dad, that was a brilliant concert.
Yes, Dave, The Wiener Philharmonic is wonderful orchestra.
And, the conductor was fantastic. He conducted brilliantly. He gave everything he had.
You're right Jean, He pulled out all the stops. This year's new year's concert was second to none. In fact, it was the best Viennese new year's concert I've ever seen.
What was the conductor's name, Dave?
For the life of me, I can't remeber, dad.
I can remeber his name, Ken. It was Yannick Nézet-Séguin. It's an easy name to remember, Ken. Yannick Nézet-Séguin is a typical Canadian name.
I never knew that, Jean. And, What did you think of the orchestra, Jean?
A great orchestra, Ken. I think the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra must be a professional orchestra. Most of the players seem to know what they're doing. In fact, some of them are really good.
Really mum! The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the best in the world. And, what do you say to the audience, dad?
A typical Viennese audience, Dave. The Viennese are amongst the nicest people in the world. They're always friendly and never stop smiling. Maybe, you could get yourself a Viennese Fräuline, Dave.
I don't know any Viennese Fräulines, dad.
Well, it's time you did, Dave. We're going to Vienna next year. Christmas and new year. Dave, Jean, you can do the organizing. Money's no problem. The Imperial hotel. I've heard it's very good.
It must be very good, Ken. That's where the Queen stayed.
Well, if it's good enough for the Queen, it's good enough for us.
Oh, and Ken, I'll need one or two new dresses for the trip.
We can buy you a Dirndl when we get to Vienna, Jean.
A good idea, Ken. Then I'll look just like a typical Viennese Oma. How exciting.
And, Dave, some Lederhosen for you.
Of course, dad. And, dad, while we're at it, can we go to the new year's concert, please?
Of course we can. Whilst you're booking the hotel, Dave, you can book three tickets for the New year's concert as well.
Just leave it to me, Dad.
So, Jean, what do say?
I say let's have a nice cup of tea and a nice slice of Christmas cake.
No cherry cake, mum?
Next week, Dave. First we must finish the Christmas cake.
And, what's for lunch, Jean?
Cold turkey, again. Sorry boys.
No problem, mum. We'll just have to grin and bear it. The turkey will soon be gone.
Ken, Jean, and Dave, a happy new year to you all.
Questions
Did the Bartons enjoy the New Year's concert? What does Ken say about the Viennese? Did you see the concert? Why is Jean buying a Dirndl? What did Jean say about the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra? Did Dave agree with her? What did Ken say about the conductor? How did Jean know the conductor was canadian? Is it easy to get tickets for the New Year's concert?
