…and me, Roy.

Roy, please will you sit down! It's really annoying with you always just standing there!

No, I refuse to sit down! I haven't sat down for the whole week.

I heard you talking about 'a sticking point' the other day, and after you played a joke on me and glued me to the chair, I will not sit down ever again!

No, Roy! 'A sticking point' refers to a problem or issue that prevents progress towards a goal or an agreement.

I was talking about negotiating my new work contract – I think I should be given 'unicorn truffles' every day as part of the job.

Wait, so a sticking point in your new contract is that you want unicorn truffles?

Yes! I also asked for an eagle called Clive.

But I want unicorn truffles.

That's a great idea. I might ask for free unicorn truffles too.

Sorry, Roy. That's only for amazing people like me – now sit down and let's listen to these examples.

Trade tariffs were a sticking point in the negotiations.

Bob and Ahmed could not agree on the budget.

The amount spent on stationery was a real sticking point.

The amount of time it would take to build the railway was a sticking point when it came to signing the final agreement.

This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English and we're talking about the expression 'sticking point', which refers to an issue or problem that blocks a negotiation or an agreement.

I'm glad I could sit down – I was getting really tired!

So, have you finally stopped playing your jokes around the office? Am I safe again?

Yes, I've stopped! You're safe!

That's good. Your jokes were a real sticking point in our friendship!

Well, talking of sticking points, I'm off to negotiate my new contract and get some of those unicorn truffles! And my eagle!

I love unicorn truffles!

Well, there are some on that table over there.

You could have all of them, but sadly, you're stuck to a chair – again!! I got you again with my prank!! Bye Roy!

Nooo!!!! Don't leave me stuck to a chair again!!!

Feifei!? Ohh, bye.