Summary

When someone's become famous why would you need a map to find them? It sounds like there's some confusion over an authentic phrase. But don't worry Rob is here to show Feifei and you, the way and you won't need a map!

Transcript

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

Neil
And hello I'm Neil.

Feifei
Neil, I wonder if you could help me. I'm trying to find something on this map.

Neil
Oh yes, map reading – I'm good at that. What are you trying to find?

Feifei
Well, I went to a gig last night and saw this new singer – he was amazing.

Neil
Thanks for inviting me! Anyway, what's that got to with a map?

Feifei
Well, afterwards everyone was talking about it and saying the gig was so good that it will 'put him on the map'. But… I just can't find him on here.

Neil
Put the map away Feifei – you won't find him there. When we say someone will be 'put on the map' it means they will become famous or become more prominent – but not on a map!

Feifei
Right! Actually Neil, I've heard about a new restaurant I ate at being 'put on the map'.

Neil
Yes, something as well as someone can be put on the map – or in other words, become famous, popular or well known. You must have eaten at a good quality restaurant for it to be put on the map!

Feifei
I did! Let's tuck into some examples shall we?

Examples
Her first exhibition at the Tate gallery has put her on the map as a serious modern artist. .

This great tasting food has really put this new restaurant on the map.

Hosting the Olympics has put this city on the map as a great place to come for a holiday.

Feifei
So that's to put someone or something on the map – to become famous, popular or more prominent. I suppose it suggests that becoming famous means you are now important enough for your name to be seen or heard by everyone.

Neil
That's right. In the old days when a place was too small and unimportant it wasn't shown on a map – but when it became more important it was 'put on the map'.

Feifei
Right. Anyway Neil, let me look at that map again…

Neil
OK.

Feifei
Look! That singer I saw really is on the map – right there.

Neil
Really? What was he called?

Feifei
'Man-chester'

Neil
Manchester. Of course!

Both
Bye.