Summary

Feifei has gone missing and Neil goes looking for her. Why does he use a phrase about shops? Learn an everyday English slang expression.

Transcript

Neil
OK. Not again. Why oh why is Feifei late for the studio this time? Seriously… That does it. I'm gonna give her a call… Great. Let me go out and take a look. Feifei?! Feifei, where are you? Where has she gone? Oh, is that…? There she is!

Feifei
Oh, oh, hi, Neil. 

Neil
Where have you been? I've been looking all over the shop for you! 

Feifei
All over the shop? Well, I wasn't in a shop. I was in… the toilet! 

Neil
Thanks for the information.  

Feifei
And yes, before you tell me – I do know what all over the shop means. It means 'everywhere'. 

Neil
Well, I'm just glad I've found you. Now we can finally start the programme and explain this expression: all over the shop. Oh, we've already done that. 

Feifei
Yes. It usually means 'everywhere' – when describing a search for something, or an untidy arrangement of things. Like in these examples:

Examples
Where were you? We looked all over the shop for you.

He left his dirty washing all over the shop. Our house was a real mess!

I spilled wine all over the shop when I tried to open that bottle. Oops.

Feifei
It can also describe someone or something very disorganised. Listen to this:

Example
Sorry, I'm a bit all over the shop this morning. I forgot my ticket, my phone… I left my laptop at home. What's wrong with me?

Neil
So there you go. You can look all over the shop for something or someone.

Feifei
And you can also leave things all over the shop – like the dirty clothes.

Neil
And you yourself can also be all over the shop – describing someone who is forgetful or disorganised. Though not you, of course, Feifei.

Feifei
Never me.

Neil
And that is the expression for this programme. Thank you, Feifei… Feifei? Feifei? Where’s she gone? Oh, a message. "Just off to the shops. Need anything?" Very funny. Bye!