Just the ticket: The English we Speak

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

I'm with Rob. Hi Rob, how are you?

Rob: Hi Feifei... I'm fine but I just can't understand

why you've brought me to a railway station.

Feifei: Isn't that obvious?

Rob: No. And what's that piece of paper

you're waving in your hand?

Feifei: Oh this? This is a ticket.

Rob: A ticket. Why would you bring me to

a railway station and show me a ticket?

It's cold and we could be in a warm studio presenting

this programme. And anyway, don't you know

it's my birthday

and we're supposed to be going out to celebrate later?

Feifei: I know it's your birthday,

you told me last week and you said something about

wanting a present that was 'just the ticket'.

So here it is.

Rob: Oh Feifei - I didn't want a ticket -

when I said 'just the ticket' I meant I wanted

something that was exactly what I wanted or needed:

You know... A camera, a computer game or maybe

a nice bottle of whisky.

Feifei: Oh right, I see.

Rob: Oh dear, what a wasted trip Feifei.

But now we're here, let's hear some more examples

of the phrase 'just the ticket'...

Examples: Oh I feel terrible: I've got a cold

and my nose it blocked but a drink of hot honey

and lemon would be just the ticket

to make me feel better.

I think a new art gallery will be just the ticket

for improving the image of the town

and encouraging more people to visit.

Our car has got seven seats, so it's just the ticket

for taking all the kids to football practice every week.

Feifei: So that's 'just the ticket' -

which describes something that exactly

what is wanted or needed.

OK Rob, so you wanted something for your birthday

that was 'just the ticket' - well you're looking at it.

Rob: You Feifei?

Feifei: No Rob. This ticket in my hand.

Have you actually looked at it?

Rob: OK let me see...

Wow! A train ticket to Paris,

for me? That's really generous of you.

Thanks Feifei! When do we go?

Feifei: We? No, it's just one ticket -

I couldn't afford two. Now look, the train's about

to leave so you had better go. Have a good trip!

Rob: Oh right. I'll be off then. Bye.

Feifei: Bye Rob.

Phew, two days in the office without Rob -

that is 'just the ticket' for me!