Clever clogs

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2019-05-27

Summary

Fashion-conscious Feifei has bought a new pair of wooden shoes – what we call clogs – but she's been told they are clever clogs. Will wearing them make her more intelligent? Rob is on hand to offer some words of wisdom. Find out what they are in this programme.

Transcript

Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, I’m Feifei… and you are?

Rob
I’m Rob!

Feifei
Yes, of course you are. And what is the capital of Greenland?

Rob
Strange question. Why are you asking?

Feifei
Well, somebody has sold me this pair of ‘clever clogs’ and I’m trying them out. But they don’t seem to be working. I don’t feel any cleverer.

Rob
Well, they’re nice shoes, Feifei, but I’m afraid wearing them won’t improve your intelligence. In fact, buying them has made you look stupid, not clever.

Feifei
Oh! Thanks!

Rob
Clogs are interesting, though. They’re made of wood, and were first made in Holland. They were used for farming, but are also used for dancing and…

Feifei
Yes, Rob! I know you’re trying to show how clever you are, but it’s actually quite annoying.

Rob
Well, I’m just demonstrating what a 'clever clogs' is. It’s someone who is annoying because they think they know more than everyone else.

Feifei
That sounds like you! Let’s hear some clever examples…

Examples
If you’re such a clever clogs, why don’t you work out our accounts?

My brother’s such a clever clogs. He always comes first in the pub quiz.

We got lost in the city because Neil, being such a clever clogs, insisted he knew the right way to go. He didn’t!

Feifei
This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English and we’re talking about the expression ‘clever clogs’, which is used to describe someone who is annoying because they think they know more than everyone else, or they always think they’re right.

Rob
Yes, and of course I’m right in saying you were stupid to buy a pair of 'clever clogs' to make you more intelligent. You can’t buy intelligence!

Feifei
Actually, they’re very comfortable and ideal for wearing around the office. But come on Mr Clever Clogs. If you’re so smart, what is the capital of Greenland?

Rob
Well, it’s Anchorage of course.

Feifei
Wrong! The capital of Greenland is Nuuk. Who’s clever now?

Rob
Smart Alec!

Feifei
Smart Feifei, actually. Bye.

Rob
Goodbye.