…and me, Rob.

We may sound a little different. That's because we are not able to record in our normal studios during the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, Rob, why are you wearing those funny rubber shoes today?

It's in preparation for today's phrase, Feifei!

What? Our English expression today has nothing to do with wearing shoes!

Ah, but these are special rubber shoes to stop me sliding down any slippery slopes – that is what we're talking about, isn't it?

Hmm, well, sort of. But it's not really about slipping down a slope – only metaphorically.

Right, so it has got something to do with easily descending downhill into something?

Yep. We describe a situation that is getting worse and will end in disaster unless it is stopped, as a slippery slope. Listen to these examples.

Having a glass of wine with your dinner is a slippery slope – you'll end up finishing the whole bottle by the end of the evening.

Juan was on a slippery slope to getting the sack when he started missing important meetings with clients.

He's on the slippery slope to failure if he keeps missing the deadlines for his assignments.

This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English and we're talking about the expression 'a slippery slope', which describes a situation that is only going to get worse.

It's basically a situation or problem that is going downhill!

OK, so I won't be needing these slip-resistant shoes, then. Hmm, but they are very comfortable.

I might keep wearing them actually.

Oh no, Rob – it'll be a slippery slope.

Why's that?

Well, if you keep wearing them without socks…

…everyone will laugh at me?

No. Your feet will smell and then nobody will want to sit next to you!

Charming! Well, it's a good job I'm self-isolating!

Bye, Feifei.

Bye, Rob.