Subscribe
Share
Share
Embed
This podcast is designed to give English students extra practice by discussing events, history, culture and language.
You’re the Apple of my Eye – A2+
Kari: Good morning, Robert. It’s nice to speak with you again this morning.
Robert: And you. Nice to see you. Nice to be here.
Kari: Okay, very good. Well, the weather is getting colder here. I don’t know about where you’re located, but where I am located It feels like autumn now.
Robert: Yeah, I mean it’s always cold where I live but I enjoy autumn time - you know, colorful leaves, cooler air, not to mention all the fall fruits and vegetables. In fact, right now is the time for apples.
Kari: You know? You’re right! It’s the time for apples here, as well. Of course, I like apples, but I love autumn apple dishes. I usually make apple pie. It’s quite American, but it’s sweet. It has cinnamon in it … and it goes perfectly with some vanilla ice cream on top. Do you have any favorites?
Robert: Well, that sounds delicious. Yes, I like to make apple crumble, which is quite an English-y thing, I think. It’s easy to make, and the crunchy topping is perfect with the soft apples inside. And it goes perfectly with hot custard on top.
Kari: Hot custard and not ice cream, I like this idea. And I think we have a similar dish, only we don’t call it Apple Crumble. We call it Apple Crisp. Same thing, different name. Oh, and don’t forget apple cider. I think it’s the perfect warm drink when it’s cold outside.
Robert: Apple cider is good, but maybe cold.
Kari: Not warm?
Robert: Not warm.
Kari: Okay.
Robert: You know, all this talk about apples makes me think of some common idioms in English about apples.
Kari: Okay. Sounds good to me. Do you want to do something with these idioms?
Robert: Yes, of course. I’d like to play a little game. I’ll say an apple idiom, and you guess what it means.
Kari: I like games, so I’m in. Let’s do it.
Robert: Okay, number one: "The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree." Does it mean (a) a person is very similar to their parents or (b) apples are heavy and often fall off the tree?
Kari: Okay. Well … apples DO fall off of trees, but I think it means a person is similar to their parents.
Robert: Correct. Well done. This idiom is about how children often act or think like their parents.
Kari: That’s a good one. I like it. Okay, I’m ready. Go again.
Robert: Here’s another. Number two: "to be the apple of someone’s eye." Does it mean (a) someone really loves you or (b) you have nice eyes?
Kari: Oh, that one is easy! It’s someone really loves you.
Robert: Well done. Correct again! People say this to let someone know he or she is very special.
Kari: Aww, that’s a sweet one. Okay, do you have another?
Robert: Of course, and this one is fun. Number three: "To be like apples and oranges." Does it mean (a) to be sweet like fruit or (b) that two things are very different?
Kari: Hmm, that is a bit more difficult. I think it is that the person is sweet. You know, he or she is kind or nice to others.
Robert: Oh, I’m sorry. Not correct, unfortunately. Not all fruit is sweet – the lemon.
Kari: Oh, yeah.
Robert: And because apples and oranges are quite different, it means two things are completely different.
Kari: Oh, yeah. Okay, let me try one for you. What does it mean, "to be a rotten apple?" Does it mean (a) a person who creates problems or trouble for others or (b) to be a bit old?
Robert: Yes, that’s good one. Rotten apples are old, but it means a person who creates problems.
Kari: Yes, of course! A rotten apple in a group can make the whole group bad.
Robert: That was fun. I like that.
Kari: It was.
Robert: Now I’m really thinking about apples. Maybe I’ll go bake that apple pie or apple crumble.
Kari: Oh, yes, one or the other. Maybe both. Maybe both, right?
Robert: Maybe both.
Kari: Well, I hope all of our listeners enjoyed our apple dishes AND apple idioms. Now listeners, try to use one.