Have a go

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2017-10-02

[Images: Getty Images]

Summary

Feifei is being very critical of Neil’s appearance. Why is she being so unfriendly? Learn why and pick up a useful expression to talk about criticism in our programme

Transcript

Feifei
Morning Neil. In a rush today, were you?

Neil
Just a bit, Feifei. You know, kids, breakfast, commute. The usual. Why?

Feifei
Well – I noticed your shirt isn't ironed.

Neil
Very attentive of you.

Feifei
And your shirt has – ketchup on it?

Neil
Oops, yes – beans for breakfast.

Feifei
And you haven't shaved, have you?

Neil
Well, no. Erm…

Feifei
You really do need to make more of an effort.

Neil
Feifei, why are you having a go at me?

Feifei
Relax, Neil. I'm just giving you the opportunity to use the phrase we are teaching, which is: 'have a go'!

Neil
Well that's a relief.

Feifei
'To have a go at someone', as we've just seen, means to criticise someone.

Neil
That's right. Here are some examples.

Examples
The boss really had a go at Michaela after she offended our clients.

Susie had a go at her husband last night. He'd forgotten all about her birthday.

Why do you always have a go at me? Why can't you say something nice?

Feifei
That's our phrase. 'To have a go at someone' - which means to criticise someone.

Neil
There. Can we be nice to each other now?

Feifei
Well, we can have a go!

Neil
Ah, very clever. 'To have a go' has another meaning – 'to try'.

Feifei
Yes – if you have a go at something, you try it.

Neil
Why don't you have a go at making an example sentence, Feifei?

Feifei
Ok then. I'm going to have a go at cooking a Thai curry from scratch.

Neil
Tasty. 'To have a go' meaning 'to try'. And one last thing, Feifei. Do I really look scruffy?

Feifei
Not at all. Though you could shave once in a while.

Neil
I'll have a go. Just for you Feifei.

Feifei + Neil
Bye.