Summary

On a warm summer's day, there's nothing better than taking a picnic to the park. But when can a picnic be no picnic? When Rob makes it! Find out what we mean when he serves up an authentic English phrase in this programme.

Transcript

Rob
Hello, I'm Rob…

Feifei
… and I'm Feifei and this is The English We Speak.

Rob
… and today we're outdoors, in the park, having a picnic.

Feifei
Yes, a picnic – it's very nice, thanks for preparing it Rob.

Rob
Oh no problem…. Well actually, it was a problem…

Feifei 
Oh, I thought preparing a picnic would be easy.

Rob
No. First I had to find some money to buy some food, then I had to walk to the supermarket because my car isn't working, then I had to prepare the food, then I had to go to work…. and then I had to…

Feifei
Oh I get it, it was an effort.

Rob
What I'm saying is it was no picnic!

Feifei
Huh? It is Rob, look, sandwiches, crisps, salad, strawberries…

Rob
That's a picnic but making it was 'no picnic' – I mean there was nothing easy or pleasant about it.

Feifei
I get it! Let's hear some more examples of situations that are 'no picnic'…

Examples
Having no job and trying to pay the bills is no picnic.

It's no picnic going on a camping holiday with the kids – they moan all the time!

Living on the fifth floor without a lift is no picnic; I have to carry everything up the stairs.

Feifei
So when you say something is 'no picnic' you mean it's a difficult or unpleasant situation. Well Rob, it may have been difficult to prepare but it was worth the effort – the food is delicious.

Rob
Oh thanks very much.

(FX: Thunderstorm begins)

Feifei
Oh no, rain! I think we'd better take cover. Quick!

Rob
Oh dear, it seems that this is literally no picnic.

Feifei
Come on let's drive home.

Rob
We can't. My car's not working remember?

Feifei
Oh yes. Bye.

Rob
Bye.