We Speak.

I'm Feifei…

Neil: … and I'm Neil. Hey Feifei, it sounds

like you might have a cold?

Feifei: I think I have – sore throat, blocked

nose. I feel terrible. That's why I'm taking

this medicine.

Neil: That's probably a good idea.

Medicine is usually

good for making you feel better but how

does it taste?

Feifei: Well, it's supposed to taste of

strawberries

but to be honest it's just horrible!

Neil: That's why I never take the stuff – it's

disgusting. Have you heard the phrase 'a

taste of your own medicine'?

Feifei: No. Does it mean doing something

horrible or unpleasant?

Neil: Sort of. It describes someone

receiving the

same, treatment or unpleasant

experience that

they have given to somebody else. You

know, like you're always bossing people

around and

then someone starts to boss you around?

Feifei: I don't know what you mean Neil!

Anyway, it's

quite a negative phrase.

Neil: It is. Let's hear some examples…

Our boss is so rude to us but finally

somebody has answered back and now

he's got a taste

of his own medicine.

When I meet up with my boyfriend, he's

always late so this time I'm going to give

him a taste of his own medicine and turn

up late as well.

Deepak is always rude to the teacher but

he was really offended when she gave

him a taste of his own medicine and was

rude back to him!

Feifei: So that's 'a taste of your own medicine' which

describes someone receiving the same

treatment that they have given to

somebody else.

Excuse me!

Neil: Oh dear. It sounds like you need to

take some more medicine.

Feifei: If you mean literally taking the

medicine, then

yes. But if you

mean receiving the same treatment I've

given to someone else, then no. I can't

believe you think I am always bossing

people around.

Neil: I was just giving an example of the

phrase. I would never say you were bossy.

Feifei: Good. Now why don't you go and

make me a nice

cup up of tea?

Neil: Oh, OK, sure. See you.

Feifei: And don't forget to close the door!

Neil: Yes. Sorry. I'll do that right now.

OK. See you later.

Feifei: Ah, I feel better already. Bye.