The Flatmates episode 56 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 56: At the doctor's
Dr. Kelly:	So, what's the matter?
Alice:	Well, I've been feeling ill ever since a barbecue a few days ago. My stomach's still upset, and I feel dizzy.
Dr. Kelly:	I see. Any other symptoms?
Alice:	Erm, I've got a bit of a temperature.
Dr. Kelly:	Well, it isn't anything serious, probably just food poisoning... Excuse me. Come in.
Dr. Laver:	Sorry to disturb, just returning these notes. Alice!
Alice:	Dr. Laver!
Dr. Laver:	You look very pale. Look, can I give you a lift home, when you've finished?
Alice:	That would be lovely.
Dr. Laver:	Okay, I'll see you outside. Sorry about the interruption, Dr. Kelly.
Dr. Kelly:	Not at all. Thanks for the notes. Bye... Are you okay Alice?

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Vocabulary:

an upset stomach (adjective phrase) - an unpleasant feeling in your stomach because of illness or because of something you have eaten

dizzy (adjective) -  feeling that you are turning around in circles and are going to fall even though you are standing still

a symptom (noun) - a change in the body or mind which indicates that a disease is present

a temperature  (noun) - a level of heat that is above what is normal for the human body ,also called fever

a fever (noun) - a body temperature that is higher than normal (37.5 °C)

 serious (adjective) - having an important or dangerous possible result

food poisoning (noun) - sickness caused by bacteria or chemicals in food

to  disturb (verb)  - to interrupt or bother (someone or something)

pale (adjective)  -  light in color, having a skin color that is closer to white than is usual or normal

a lift (noun) - a free ride in a vehicle

an interruption (noun)  - an act of to ask questions or say things while another person is speaking, to do or say something that causes someone to stop speaking

The Flatmates episode 55 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 55: Fatherly advice
Michal:	Hello, I've been sent to take you.
Dad:	I can't get a minute's peace around here!
Michal:	No wonders you love it here, your garden's beautiful.
Dad:	Thank you Michal. Just my luck though, neither Helen nor her mother has green fingers.
Michal:	I love gardening!
Dad:	I knew I liked you for a reason! Helen's head is filled with love and romance but I am more of a realist. I've built up my business and my garden the same way - years of hard graft. Helen's looking for a handsome husband but I want a hard-working son-in-law. Of course it will be a slog but the rewards are right here for you to see.
Michal:	Eh, yeah, it must be time for tea! Let's talk later.

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Vocabulary:
fatherly (adjective)  - of a father, resembling a father, showing the affection or concern of a father

resemble (verb) - to look or be like (someone or something)

an  advice (noun) - an opinion or suggestion about what someone should do

I can't get a minute's peace (phrase) - I want some quiet time but people keep interrupting me

green fingers  (British English), a green thumb (American English)  (noun) - an unusual ability to make plants grow

gardening (noun) -  to work in a garden, to take care of the plants in a garden

a realist (noun) - a person who understands what is real and possible in a particular situation, a person who accepts and deals with things as they really are

hard graft (noun) - hard or difficult work

son-in-law (noun) - the husband of your daughter

a slog (noun) - a long period of hard work or effort, a piece of work that is difficult, unpleasant or tiring, a long, difficult walk

a reward (noun) - money or another kind of payment that is given or received for something that has been done or that is offered for something that might be done

The Flatmates episode 54 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 54: A mother daughter chat
Michal:	Helen, this place is enormous!
Helen:	It's just a house, don't get so overexcited by it. And promise me you won't treat me differently after this visit.
Mum:	Hello! Just drop your bags anywhere dears. Michal, will you get daddy in from the garden? Then we'll all have a nice cup of Chinese tea together.
Michal:	Of course.
Mum:	Oh Helen, he's adorable! I know I said you were too young for love but that was ages ago and it's a woman's prerogative to change her mind.
Helen:	Mum, I think he's the one!
Mum:	Oh me too, I watched you two coming up the path and I saw how you looked at him. Do I hear wedding bells?
Helen:	Don't say that, you'll jinx us!

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Vocabulary:

overexcited  (adjective) -   too excited

excited   (adjective) -    very enthusiastic and eager about something

to  promise (verb) - to tell someone that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen in the future

to treat (verb) -  to deal with or think about (something) especially in a particular way

adorable  (adjective) - very appealing or attractive, very lovable

ages ago  (noun) - a long time ago

prerogative (noun) - a right or privilege, a special right or privilege that some people have

mind (noun)  - the part of a person that thinks, reasons, feels, and remembers

Do I hear wedding bells? (phrase) - Are you going to get married soon?

to jinx something (idiom) - to cause bad luck or to turn good luck into bad luck 

The Flatmates episode 53 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 53: The morning after
Michal:	Morning everyone. What a great barbeque yesterday! Coffee and biscuits Alice?
Alice:	Oh no, I feel dreadful. I was throwing up all night long!
Tim:	One too many cocktails?
Alice:	No! I hardly touched a drop. One minute I was having a ball ...
Helen:	Getting chatted up more like!
Alice:	Yeah, I saw a completely different side to Paul.
Michal:	Who?
Alice:	Doctor Laver.
All:	Oooh!
Alice:	Oh don't! Give me a break!
Tim:	So, was it the good doctor who made you ill?
Alice:	No, it must've been something I ate.
Helen:	But we all ate the same things.
Michal:	It looked gorgeous, but I didn't have any of the salmon. Did you?
Helen:	No.
Tim:	No.
Alice:	Yes....oh, no!

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Vocabulary: 

barbeque  or barbecue, abbr. BBQ (noun) - food that has been cooked on a barbecue, barbecued food, a flat metal frame that is used to cook food over hot coals or an open fire, an outdoor meal or party at which food is cooked on a barbecue

biscuits (noun) - Brit : cookie;  U.S.: a small  light roll that is eaten as part of a meal

dreadful (adjective) - very bad or unpleasant

to throw up (verb) - to be physically sick

cocktail (noun) -  an alcoholic drink that is a mixture of one or more liquors and other ingredients (such as fruit juice)

to hardly touch a drop (phrase) - to not drink much alcohol

to have a ball (noun phrase) - to have fun : to spend time in a very enjoyable way

to chat up (verb phrase) -to get to know someone and talk to him or her in a romantic way 

different (adjective) - not of the same kind, partly or totally unlike, unusual

give me a break (verb phrase) - stop annoying me

to annoy (verb) - to cause (someone) to feel slightly angry

ill (adjective) - sick or unhealthy

gorgeous (adjective) -  very beautiful or attractive, very enjoyable or pleasant

salmon (noun) -  a large fish that is born in streams but that lives most of its life in the ocean and that is commonly used for food

The Flatmates episode 52 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 52: The BBQ
Michal:	Hi, come on in and have a drink. We're just firing up the barbecue.
Khalid:	Oh, it's nice to see you outside the classroom my friend. Thanks for inviting me.
Helen:	Oh it's lovely to meet you Khalid. Michal's told us all about you.
Tim:	So, who's for the best grub over hot coals this summer?
All:	Me! Yes please! Wonderful!
Alice:	Drinks anyone? Can I get you a top-up Dr Laver?
Dr Laver:	Oh come on. We've been working together for how long, looked after how many babies? I'm here at your party. Please, my name's Paul. And how about a dance before that drink?
Alice:	Oh, OK!
John:	Great party! Thanks so much for asking me.
Helen:	Maybe it is time for us to patch it up. But I didn't invite you.
John:	Well, here's a toast to the secret peace-maker.
Helen:	I'll drink to that!

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Vocabulary:
BBQ (abbreviation) - barbecue

a barbecue (noun) - a flat metal frame that is used to cook food over hot coals or an open fire, an outdoor meal or party at which food is cooked on a barbecue

to fire up something (verb) - to start (something) by lighting a fire, to cause (something) to start working

grub (informal noun) - food 

coal (noun) -  a black or brownish-black hard substance within the earth that is used as a fuel

a top-up (noun) -  an amount of liquid that is added to make something full, more of a drink, after having a first glass or cup of it

to patch it up (phrase) -  to make up after a fight or disagreement, to deal with (a problem, disagreement, etc.) in order to improve or repair a relationship

a toast (noun) - an occurrence in which words are said that honor someone, express good wishes, etc., and people take a drink to show that they agree with what has been said

secret   (adjective) - kept hidden from others : known to only a few people

a peace-maker (noun) - a person who helps to prevent or stop an argument, a fight, or a war

The Flatmates episode 51 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 51: Summertime blues
Alice:	It's nice to be back but I do miss the excitement of the World Cup. I'm bored!
Helen:	Oh thanks very much!
Alice:	I didn't mean you! I just mean it's a bit hard to come back to reality that's all.
Tim:	Who says we have to? Why don't we do something to cheer ourselves up?
Alice:	Like what?
Michal:	Go to the pub.
Alice:	No, it's too smoky.
Tim:	Go to a nightclub.
Helen:	It's too noisy.
Michal:	How about going to the cinema?
Alice:	There's nothing on I really want to see.
Michal:	We could have a party.
Alice:	What are we celebrating?
Michal:	You know it's almost a year since I came to live here.
Tim:	Perfect! We'll have our first anniversary party!

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Vocabulary:
the blues (noun) - a feeling of sadness or depression, also a style of music that was created by African-Americans in the southern U.S. and that often expresses feelings of sadness

the excitement (noun) - a feeling of eager enthusiasm and interest, the state of being excited

the reality (noun) - the true situation that exists, the real situation, something that actually exists or happens, a real event, occurrence, situation, etc.

to cheer (verb) - to shout with joy, approval, or enthusiasm

to cheer (someone) up (verb) -  to become happier or to make (someone) happier

a pub (noun) - a building or room especially in Britain or Ireland where alcoholic drinks and often food are served

smoky (adjective) - filled with smoke, having a flavor, taste, or appearance of smoke, very attractive or sexy

a nightclub (noun)  -a place that is open at night, has music, dancing, or a show, and usually serves alcoholic drinks and food

noisy (adjective)  - full of loud or unpleasant noise, making a lot of loud or unpleasant noise

a cinema (noun) -  in British English: a movie theater

to celebrate (verb) -to do something special or enjoyable for an important event, occasion, holiday, etc.

an anniversary (noun) - a day that is exactly a year or a number of years after a particular event

a fancy-dress party (noun) - a party where people dress up in costumes (often dressed as famous people) 

The Flatmates episode 50 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 50: Landing in London
crew 1:	Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to London. Please wait until the aircraft has come to a complete standstill before unfastening your seatbelts. We would like to remind you that mobile phones must remain completely switched off until the seatbelt sign has been turned off. Please remember that you can only smoke in designated areas once inside the terminal building. Please take care when opening the overhead lockers as the contents may have moved during the flight and might fall out and injure you or your fellow passengers. Thank you for flying with us and we look forward to seeing you onboard with us again soon.
crew 2:	Excuse me madam, didn't you just hear the announcement?
Alice:	I'm not phoning anyone I just want to see if I've got any messages.

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Vocabulary:
a landing (noun) - an act of returning to the ground or another surface after a flight

an aircraft (noun) - a machine (such as an airplane or a helicopter) that flies through the air

complete  (adjective) -full, whole, perfect

a standstill (noun) - a state in which all activity or motion is stopped, a stop or an end

to unfasten (verb) - to make (something) loose, undo

a seat belt (noun) - a strap on a vehicle's seat that holds a person in the seat if there is an accident

to remind   (verb) - to make (someone) think about something again, to cause (someone) to remember
 something

a mobile phone (noun)  - cell phone, a small telephone that people can take with them and use outside their homes

remain (verb) -  to continue to be something specified

designated (adjective) - officially choose, marked, shown, or represented

a designated area (noun) - a place that is signed for a particular purpose (for example, a designated smoking area)

a terminal building (noun) - the part of an airport where planes arrive or depart from 

overhead (adjective) - above someone's head, in the sky or space above someone

fellow (noun) - a member of a group of people who have shared interests, activities, etc.

a passenger (noun) - a person who is traveling from one place to another in a car, bus, train, ship, airplane, etc., and who is not driving or working on it

on-board (noun) - in or on an airplane, train, boat, etc.

an announcement (noun) - a written or spoken statement that tells people about something, public or formal words that announce something

a message (noun) - text information to or from a mobile phone 

to confiscate (verb) to take something away from someone as a punishment for doing something wrong

The Flatmates episode 49 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 49: The quarter-finals
Tim:	England are out! We lost on penalties again!
Alice:	I'm gutted! I blame Rooney.
Tim:	He didn't do nuffink!
Alice:	How can you say that? We all saw what he did. The ref had to send him off.
Tim:	I still say we was robbed. The ref was far too free and easy with that card.
Alice:	You're just looking for a scapegoat.
Tim:	No I'm not.
Alice:	What about the manager, the skipper, the strikers? Don't you blame them?
Tim:	Don't be so rational Alice. We're going back empty-handed and I can't stand it!
Alice:	Oh cheer up Tim. We'll be home soon and you and Michal can commiserate with each other - England and Poland out of the World Cup again ... until next time!

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Vocabulary:

the quarter-finals (noun) - one of four matches, games, or contests to decide the four people or teams that will continue playing in a competition (such as a tennis tournament)

a penalty (noun) - a punishment or disadvantage given to a team or player for breaking a rule in a game, punishment for breaking a rule or law

I'm gutted (informal) - I'm very disappointed

blame (verb) - to say or think that a person or thing is responsible for something bad that has happened

nuffink (slang) - nothing

ref (noun) - short for a referee in a game or sport

a referee   (noun) - a person who makes sure that players act according to the rules of a game or sport
  
to send someone off (phrase)  - to sent a player off the field or kick a player out of the game for not acting according to the rules of a game or sport

a scapegoat (noun) - a person who is wrongly blamed when something goes wrong

a skipper (noun) - someone who leads a group, especially, the manager of a baseball team, the captain of a ship or boat

a striker (noun) - a forward in soccer, a worker who is on strike

rational  (adjective) - having the ability to reason or think about things clearly, based on facts or reason and not on emotions or feelings

empty-handed (adjective) - (often used when talking about competitions) not winning any prizes, without having, carrying, or bringing anything

I  can't stand it (phrase) - used to say that someone strongly dislikes a person or thing

cheer up (verb) - to become happier or to make (someone) happier

commiserate with someone (verb phrase) - show pity for someone's misfortune or bad luck

The Flatmates episode 48 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 48: Strawberries and cream
John:	Oh Helen! Fancy bumping into you at Wimbledon!
Helen:	And I was having such a nice time too.
John:	Bet you're here on one of those cheap afternoon tickets, aren't you?
Helen:	Yeah but for a fiver they're such a bargain.
John:	I wouldn't know. I've been here all day - in the Centre Court posh seats - not much change from fifty quid. Well, I won't keep you. I need to get on with my horrendously expensive strawberries and cream before they get warm.
Helen:	Oh, look out!
John:	Arrghh! I'm covered in strawberries and cream!
Man:	I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going.
Helen:	Look on the bright side John. At least with all that red and white, you look ...

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Vocabulary:

a strawberry (noun) - a soft, juicy red fruit that grows on a low plant with white flowers

a cream (noun) - the thick part of milk that rises to the top, the part of milk that contains fat

fancy (adjective) not plain or ordinary very expensive and fashionable, of the highest grade or quality

bump into ( verb phrase) -  to meet (someone) by chance, to see and usually talk to (someone you did not expect to see)

cheap (adjective) - not costing a lot of money

a bargain (noun) - something that is bought or sold for a price which is lower than the actual value, something bought or sold at a good price

 a fiver (noun) - five pounds (money)

a pound (noun) - a basic unit of money in the United Kingdom and some other countries

Centre Court or Center Court (noun) - may be used generically as the British English term for the main court at any tennis complex.

posh  (adjective) - very attractive, expensive, and popular, British English: typical of people who have high social status

fifty quid (noun) -  fifty pounds (money)

horrendously (adjective) - very bad or unpleasant

berry nice (British expression) - The usual expression is "very nice" but because the man spilt strawberries (or berries) on John, Helen is making a joke because "berry" and "very" sound similar.

pretty in pink (British expression) - Usually you say to a girl or woman wearing pink clothes that she looks "pretty in pink". Helen is making a joke because John is covered in pink not because he is wearing pink clothes but because the man spilt strawberries on him.

a real smoothie (British expression) - This has two meanings. One is a kind of drink made of fruit, cream, juice mixed together. The other meaning describes someone who is very smooth, sophisticated or suave. So Helen is making a joke here because John looks like a drink (with all the strawberries and cream spilt on him) and she is also being sarcastic (making a joke by saying something that is the opposite of the truth) when she says he looks smooth because, of course, he doesn't look smooth at all!

The Flatmates episode 47 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 47: A call from Germany
Helen:	Hello?
Alice:	Guten morgen! Hi Helen, it's Alice.
Helen:	Hey, how are you? What's Germany like? Are you having fun?
Alice:	I'm fine, it's fab and yes, yes, yes! How are things back home?
Helen:	Great. We've just come back from Brighton and Michal was a complete star!
Alice:	Oh how so?
Helen:	Well this guy stole my purse while we were on the beach and he ran after him like a bat out of hell, caught him and got my purse back! He was a real hero!
Alice:	Oh quite the Superman, I'm sure! So have you made up with him then?
Helen:	What do you think? Of course ... Oh, her money must have run out.

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Vocabulary:
Germany (geographical name) - A country of north-central Europe. It was split into East Germany and West Germany after World War II and reunited in 1990.

fab  (adjective) - extremely good, fabulous

complete (adjective) - often used for emphasis, not limited in any way,not lacking anything

a star (noun) -an extremely famous and successful performer or athlete

like a bat out of hell  (idiom) - run very quickly

a hero (noun) - a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities, a person who is greatly admired

a superman (noun) - a man who is very strong, successful

make up  (verb) - become friends again after having a disagreement or fight

run out (verb) - come to the end of something, have no more of something left

a legend  (noun) - a story from the past that is believed by many people but cannot be proved to be true, most people regard the story as truthful but there is usually no historical basis for it

The Flatmates episode 46 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 46: A day at the beach
Michal:	I'm so glad we decided to come to Brighton!
Helen:	Yeah, so much better than going to the poxy World Cup in Germany.
Michal:	Let's sit here on the beach. What a perfect spot for an ice-cream!
Helen:	Oh, look at that guy over there. He looks nice ...tall and handsome.
Michal:	Ahem, I thought you were here with me!
Man:	Excuse me.
Helen:	Oh, hello can we help you?
Man:	I wonder if you could tell me where Brighton Pier is?
Michal:	It's right over there!
Man:	Oh, course it is, silly me. Thanks, bye.
Michal:	Helen, how about that ice cream now?
Helen:	Oh no! I can't find my purse!
Michal:	It must have been that man!
Helen:	Oi you! Stop!

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Vocabulary:

a beach (noun) - an area covered with sand or small rocks that is next to an ocean or lake

glad (adjective) - very willing to do something, causing happiness and joy

decide (verb) - to make a choice about (something), to choose (something) after thinking about it

Brighton (noun: geographical name)  - town in England, in East Sussex on the south coast of Great Britain with a population of 155,919.

 poxy (British English Slang) - not important, having little value, rubbish, not good

 a spot (noun) - a place, a small area of a surface that is different from other areas

a guy   (noun)  - a man or person

ahem (interjection) -used to attract attention or to express doubt or warning, used in writing to represent a sound that is like a quiet cough that people make especially to attract attention or to express disapproval or embarrassment

a pier (noun) - a structure that goes out from a shore into the water, Piers are typically used as a place for ships to load and unload people or things or as a place where people can walk.

silly (adjective) - having or showing a lack of thought, understanding, or good judgment, foolish or stupid

a purse (noun) -  a usually leather or cloth bag used by women for carrying money and personal things handbag,  (chiefly in British English) a change purse

oi (informal  British English)  -  used to get the attention of someone or to express disapproval

The Flatmates episode 45 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 45: Packing
Tim:	Hurry up Alice!
Alice:	I'm going as fast as I can.
Tim:	The plane's going to take off without us at this rate. You've not even finished packing yet!
Alice:	Don't hassle me! I couldn't just walk out in the middle of an emergency. I'm a nurse. These things happen. I got here as fast as I could.
Tim:	Look, have you got the most important things?
Alice:	Tickets, money, passport - yes they're all here.
Tim:	OK, grab what you've got and let's go.
Alice:	Oh Tim, hang on! Have you got the football tickets?
Tim:	Yes! They're right here... Where are they?
Alice:	Just relax. When did you last see them?
Tim:	Yesterday, today, oh, I don't know. Where are they?

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Vocabulary:
packing (noun) - the act or process of putting things into bags or boxes

hurry  (verb) - to move, act, or go quickly

take off   (verb) - the moment when an airplane, helicopter, etc., leaves the ground and begins to fly

at this rate (idiom) - in this way or at this speed

to hassle someone (informal) (idiom) - to annoy or bother someone

ticket (noun) - a piece of paper that allows you to see a show, participate in an event, travel on a vehicle, etc.

passport   (noun) - an official document issued by the government of a country that identifies someone as a citizen of that country and that is usually necessary when entering or leaving a country

to grab something (idiom)  -  to take hold of something quickly and strongly

hang on (phrasal verb) - wait, to keep happening or continuing

relax (verb) -  to stop feeling nervous or worried

The Flatmates episode 44 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 44: A free lunch
Tim:	That food was delicious!
Mrs Hall:	It took ages to come but yes, absolutely scrummy. Ready for afters?
Tim:	Thank you.
Mrs Hall:	Go on, open it.
Tim:	World Cup tickets! How can I ever thank you Mrs Hall?
Mrs Hall:	Well you can start by dropping the formality. Please, call me Janet.
Tim:	Alright ... Janet.
Mrs Hall:	Much better. Now, my husband's away on business next month. So we'll do lunch again then.
Tim:	Your husband?
Mrs Hall:	Well where did you think those corporate tickets came from? Yes, he's good for some things but quite dreadful for others - like decent lunch company.
Tim:	I'm not sure if I'm free. Let me check the rota first.

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Vocabulary:

delicious (adjective) -  very pleasant to taste, having a smell that suggests a very pleasant taste

absolutely (adverb) - in an absolute way, such as a completely or totally, with unlimited power, often used to make a statement more forceful 

scrummy (adjective) - informal way of saying delicious or lovely
 
ages (noun) - a long time, centuries, for ever

afters (noun) -  British informal for  dessert, sweet food eaten after the main part of a meal

 dropping (verb) - to stop doing or continuing with (something)

 formality (noun) - a formal quality

corporate   (adjective) - involving or associated with a corporation, business

dreadful (adjective) - very bad or unpleasant

decent (adjective) - good enough but not the best, adequate or acceptable ,polite, moral, and hones

a rota (noun) - (British English) a schedule or timetable which shows what days and times employees work, a list that shows who must do a certain job

The Flatmates episode 43 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 43: Exam revision
Michal:	Oh dear I have my exam today. I'm really worried. Helen, will you practise with me please?
Helen:	You must be joking!
Michal:	Alice?
Alice:	Oh Michal, you know I'm just back from a night-shift. I'm exhausted, sorry.
Tim:	Don't worry mate, you'll be all right. Just relax, be yourself.
Michal:	But I did very bad in my practice test last week.
Helen:	I told you Michal, it's important to revise for exams but you went out every night this week.
Michal:	Yes I know but it's a speaking exam so I had to talk to people. Won't anyone help me? Thanks Bronka, that's a big help!

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Vocabulary:

 revision (noun) - British: study of information that was studied before, a change or a set of changes that corrects or improves something

 exam short for examination (noun) -the act of looking at something closely and carefully, a test to show a person's progress, knowledge, or ability

to revise for exams (phrase)  - to do special preparation for an exam, when you look back at your earlier work

practise or practice    (verb) - to do something again and again in order to become better at it

joking   (verb) - to say things that are meant to cause laughter, to make jokes about someone or something

you must be joking (verb phrase) - (you must be kidding), what you say is very surprising or hard to believe

a night-shift (noun) - a period of work that takes place during the night

to be exhausted ( adjective) -  to use all of someone's mental or physical energy, to tire out or wear out (someone) completely

mate (noun) - British: a friend

The Flatmates episode 42 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 42: A raffle
Tim:	We're on our way to Deutschland, Deutschland!
Helen:	Tim, what's got into you?
Tim:	The promise of two gorgeous, free world cup tickets, that's what!
Alice:	That's fantastic. Can I go with you, please?
Tim:	No, it's a boy thing - Michal, ready for action?
Helen:	Well that's just typical! You're such a sexist, old-fashioned bore Tim. What makes you think Alice and I don't want to see the match?
Tim:	Oh-oh. OK, anything to keep the peace. Sorry Michal.
Michal:	Don't worry. Helen, how should we decide who goes with Tim?
Helen:	Oh stop trying to get on my good side - it's not working.
Tim:	Well?
Helen:	There's only one fair way - a raffle.
Tim:	OK everyone's name in the hat then.

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Vocabulary:
Deutschland - a word from the German language for Germany

promise (noun) -  a statement telling someone that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen in the future

the promise of something (noun phrase)  - to guarantee that you will get something

gorgeous (adjective) - very beautiful or attractive

World Cup (noun) - an international competition in a sport (such as soccer or hockey)

international   (adjective) - involving two or more countries, occurring between countries

competition (noun) - the act or process of trying to get or win something (such as a prize or a higher level of success) that someone else is also trying to get or win, the act or process of competing

ticket (noun) - a piece of paper that allows you to see a show, participate in an event, travel on a vehicle, etc.

fantastic (adjective) -  extremely good

a boy thing (phrase) - an activity that is thought of to be done in particular by boys

typical (adjective) - happening in the usual way, normal for a person, thing, or group, average or usual

sexist (noun) - unfair treatment of people because of their sex, especially, unfair treatment of women

old-fashioned (adjective) - of or relating to the past, such as a, no longer used or accepted, replaced by something more recent, using or preferring traditions or ideas from the past

a match (noun) - a contest between two or more players or teams, a game played between two teams (for example, tennis or football)

to keep the peace  (noun phrase) - to have a lasting state in which there is no war or fighting

a raffle (noun)  -  a competition where the winner is chosen at random or by chance (not on merit or skill), a contest that a group or organization uses to earn money and that involves people buying numbered tickets in exchange for a chance to win a prize

The Flatmates episode 41 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 41: Tickets for lunch
Tim:	Yeah and just tidy up that display now. Oh good morning madam.
Customer:	Hello. It's nice to see you on this side of the counter for a change.
Tim:	Yes, I've been promoted. I'm an Assistant Manager now!
Customer:	Oh does your ambition know no bounds? Congratulations!
Tim:	Thank you. Now how can I help you today?
Customer:	It's more about how I can help you. I've got the option of some World Cup tickets and, quelle surprise, football bores me silly. Would you care for them?
Tim:	I'd love them! But I could never afford them.
Customer:	Well, that's where you're wrong. Just keep a gal company over lunch some time soon and they're yours for nothing...

---

Vocabulary : 

tidy up (verb) - to make (something) tidy : to make (something) clean and organized

display (noun)  -  an arrangement of objects intended to decorate, advertise, entertain, or inform people about something

counter (noun) - the table or shelf in a shop that separates the shop assistant from the customers

for a change (noun) - as something different from what is usual

promote (verb) -  to change the rank or position of (someone) to a higher or more important one

ambition (noun) - a particular goal or aim, something that a person hopes to do or achieve, a desire to be successful, powerful, or famous

bounds (noun) -  the point at which something (such as an idea or someone's behavior) stops being good or acceptable, the limit of what is correct or proper

option  (noun) - the opportunity or ability to choose something or to choose between two or more things

quelle suprise (idiom) - what a surprise

to bore (verb) - to make (someone) tired and annoyed by being uninteresting or too much the same

to afford (verb) - to be able to pay for (something)

your ambition knows no bounds (phrase) -  there is no limit to your goals or dreams

The Flatmates episode 40 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 40: Right or wrong?
Michal:	You did what?
Helen:	I had to Michal. I had no choice.
Michal:	Haven't you got any morals? You know that you're supposed to stick to your friends.
Helen:	How could I? He cheated. The professor knew. She had me over a barrel.
Michal:	How you say in English? 'A friend in need is a friend indeed'? You didn't turn out to be a very good friend, did you?
Helen:	Listen Michal ...
Michal:	No, you listen for a change. You're selfish and two-faced Helen. It makes me worry about what you're saying about me behind my back. Now, leave me alone. I don't ever want to speak to you again!
Helen:	Oh no Michal!

---

Vocabulary:
choice (noun) - the act of choosing : the act of picking or deciding between two or more possibilities

morals (noun) - proper ideas and beliefs about how to behave in a way that is considered right and good by most people

supposed (verb) - to believe (something) to be true

to stick to (verb) - to continue doing or using (something or somebody) especially when it is difficult to do so

idiom (noun) - an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its separate words but that has a separate meaning of its own, a form of a language that is spoken in a particular area and that uses some of its own words, grammar, and pronunciations

to have someone over a barrel (idiom) - to give someone no choice about what she/he will do

A friend in need is a friend indeed (idiom) - if someone helps you when you are having a problem that means s/he is a true friend 

selfish (adjective) - having or showing concern only for yourself and not for the needs or feelings of other people

two-faced (adjective) - to say one thing and then do something different. For example, to say you like someone but then gossip about her/him when she/he isn't there

behind someone's back (phrase) - if you do something behind someone's back, you do it without telling them.

The Flatmates episode 39 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 39: A friend of a friend
Helen:	Well, you see, I have this friend. And, she has a problem. She saw a friend of hers doing something wrong and now she doesn't know what to do. If she reports him, he'll know it was her and probably won't ever speak to her again. But if she doesn't report him, he'll just get away with it.
Prof. Lewis:	What do you think your 'friend' should do?
Helen:	I haven't got a clue!
Prof. Lewis:	Well, you can tell your 'friend' that I'm extremely suspicious about someone's unusually high test score recently and I also overheard some very worrying comments about photocopying being 'very easy'.
Helen:	Really?
Prof. Lewis:	Yes really. Now what's your friend of a friend's name?
Helen:	It's .it's John.

---

Vocabulary:

of (preposition) - belonging to, relating to, or connected with (someone or something)

to report (verb)  -  to tell someone with authority about (someone who has broken a rule, done something wrong, etc.)

probably (adverb) - very likely, almost certainly

ever (adverb) - at any time

to get away with something (phrase) - to do something wrong or illegal and not get caught or found out

clue (noun) - something that helps a person find something, understand something, or solve a mystery or puzzle, an understanding of something, knowledge about something

extremely (adverb) - very great in degree, very serious or severe

suspicious (adjective) - causing a feeling that something is wrong or that someone is behaving wrongly, causing suspicion, having or showing a feeling that something is wrong or that someone is behaving wrongly, feeling or showing suspicion

unusually (adverb) - to a great degree, in a way that is not normal or usual

recently (adverb) -  during the period of time that has just passed, not long ago

to overhear (verb) - to hear (something that was said to another person) by accident

to worry (verb) - to think about problems or fears : to feel or show fear and concern because you think that something bad has happened or could happen

comment  (noun) -  a spoken or written statement that expresses an opinion about someone or something

photocopying  (verb) - to copy  a document, picture, etc., that is made with a special machine

The Flatmates episode 38 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 38: A chat with the professor
Prof. Lewis:	Come in Helen, sit down. Now how are you?
Helen:	Fine really. Honestly, I'm fine.
Prof. Lewis:	Are you? That's not what your marks are saying to me. They tell a very different story. You failed this mid-term test quite badly. Even John, who seems to do no work at all in class, managed to do so much better than you.
Helen:	Humph!
Prof. Lewis:	Is there something you want to talk about?
Helen:	No, it's nothing.
Prof. Lewis:	You and John just don't seem as close as you used to be. Is there something wrong?
Helen:	No, it's just that..Oh I don't know.
Prof. Lewis:	Helen, I'm here to help. Now why don't you just tell me what's on your mind.

---

Vocabulary:

honestly (adverb) - without cheating or lying : in an honest way, used to stress that a statement is true and express annoyance or disapproval 

mark (noun) - a number or letter that indicates how a student has performed in a class or on a test

mid-term (noun) - an examination given at the middle of a school term

to manage (verb) - to have control of, to succeed in doing (something)

humph (interjection) - used to express doubt, displeasure, or contempt

interjection (noun)  - a word or remark expressing emotion; exclamation

to be close (adjective) - to care about each other very much

close friends  (noun) - pals who like each other very much

on your mind (noun phrase)   - what you're thinking about, is there something troubling you, are you worried or bothered about something

The Flatmates episode 37 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 37: The interview
Interviewer:	How long have you been working at McCarthy's?
Tim:	For the last 3 years.
Interviewer:	And have you always worked in retail?
Tim:	Yes I have. In fact ever since I was young I've been interested in commerce. My first job was in a newsagent's when I was still at school.
Interviewer:	I see, and what are your strengths and weaknesses?
Tim:	Well, some might say I'm a little head-strong. I do leap into projects and sometimes my enthusiasm can be a bit overwhelming. My strengths? I'm a great team-player. For example, when the stockroom was understaffed recently, I jumped at the chance to help out.
Interviewer:	Lovely. Well thank you for coming in today. We'll be in touch very soon.

---

Vocabulary:

retail (noun) - the business of selling things directly to customers for their own use

 in fact (noun phrase) - in truth —used to stress that a statement is true although it may be surprising or unlikely

ever since (adverb phrase) - continually from the time in the past when, continually or often from a past time until now

commerce (noun) - activities that relate to the buying and selling of goods and services

newsagent (noun) - (British)  a person or shop that sells newspapers, magazines, and often paperback books

strength (noun) -  the quality that allows someone to deal with problems in a determined and effective way

weakness (noun) - a quality or feature that prevents someone or something from being effective or useful, something that you like so much that you are often unable to resist it

head-strong (adjective) - not willing to do what other people want, very stubborn

to leap (verb) -to move quickly,  to eagerly take

enthusiasm (noun) -  strong excitement about something, a strong feeling of active interest in something that you like or enjoy

a bit (noun) - a little, somewhat or rather

overwhelming (adjective) - used to describe something that is so confusing, difficult, etc., that you feel unable to do it 

team-player (noun) -  someone who cares more about helping a group or team to succeed than about his or her individual success

understaffed   (adjective) - not having enough workers, having a staff that is too small

to jump at the chance (phrase) - to eagerly accept a challenge or chance to do something

The Flatmates episode 36 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 36: Test results
John:	How did you do in the economics test Helen?
Helen:	I failed miserably.
John:	Oh poor you! I got 98%. Didn't want to get a perfect score. Might have looked a bit suspicious, given me recent track record. Bet you wished you'd sneaked a peek at the answers when you had your chance.
Helen:	Oh I don't ...
John:	You're a fool! It was the easiest bit of photocopying I've ever done.
Prof. Lewis:	John, Helen hello!
John:	Oh good morning Professor Lewis. I was just saying how much I've been enjoying your lectures recently.
Prof. Lewis:	Oh really? Helen, I think it's about time we had a little chat, don't you? Come to my office later and make an appointment, OK?

---

Vocabulary:

economics (noun) - a science concerned with the process or system by which goods and services are produced, sold, and bought

miserably (adverb) - very poor in condition or quality,  very bad

perfect (adjective) - having no mistakes or flaws, completely correct or accurate

suspicious (adjective) - causing a feeling that something is wrong or that someone is behaving wrongly, causing suspicion, having or showing a feeling that something is wrong or that someone is behaving wrongly

track record (noun) -  a record of actual performance or accomplishment

 to sneak a peek (British phrase) - to tell someone (such as a parent or teacher) about something wrong that someone else has done, to look at something quickly and secretly or furtively

 to photocopy (verb) -to make a photographic reproduction of (printed or graphic material), especially by xerography

xerography (noun) - a dry photographic or photocopying process in which a negative image formed by a resinous powder on an electrically charged plate is electrically transferred to and thermally fixed as positive on a paper or other copying surface.

me recent track record (phrase) - my performance or achievements in the last few months or years (note in some regional accents 'me' is used instead of 'my')

The Flatmates episode 35 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 35: A letter from HR

Tim:

Dear Mr. Hunter, Vacancy reference: Assistant manager Further to your application for the above position, I am pleased to be able to invite you to attend an interview. Please report to the HR office on Tuesday 11th March at 1 pm. A job specification is enclosed. If you have any access needs in order to complete your job or be able to attend the interview, please let me know as soon as possible. Finally, it would be most helpful if you could confirm whether or not you will be able to attend. Yours sincerely, Jennifer Smith Recruitment Advisor Well, Kitty, 'Assistant manager', what do you think of that?

---

Vocabulary:

a vacancy (noun) - position or job in a company that's available

HR (short for Human Resources) (noun) - department in a company which looks after the hiring, training etc of employees 

a reference (noun) - the act of mentioning something in speech or in writing, the act of referring to something or someone

assistant (adjective) - having the job of helping someone to do work,  having a lower rank or position than others in a group, organization, etc.

a manager (noun) - someone who is in charge of a business, department, etc.

an application (noun) - a formal and usually written request for something (such as a job, admission to a school, a loan, etc.)

to attend (verb) - to go to and be present at

an interview (noun) -  a meeting at which people talk to each other in order to ask questions and get information: such as a : a formal meeting with someone who is being considered for a job or other position

specification (noun) - detailed description of something

to enclose (verb) - to include (something) with a letter or in a package

access needs  (noun) - requirements for people with disabilities

to confirm  (verb) - agree, to tell someone that something has definitely happened or is going to happen
  
whether or not (conjunction) - used to indicate choices or possibilities

sincerely (adverb) -  genuinely or truly, in a sincere or truthful way

The Flatmates episode 34 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 34: Helen to the rescue
Michal:	I told you so!
Tim:	Hurry up, I'm getting soaked!
Helen:	What's going on here? What a mess! Dad'll kill me.
Michal:	It's the water. Tim didn't turn off it before trying to fix the tap.
Helen:	Honestly Tim! You're as thick as two short planks sometimes. Michal, turn the water off. Tim, give me the spanner. I'll soon have this sorted.
Tim:	What shall I do?
Helen:	Get the mop, of course! I want this floor as dry as a bone now! Dad's coming round later to check the flat.
Tim:	Is he?
Tim and Michal:	Oh no!
Helen:	No, I'm just winding you up!

---

Vocabulary:

rescue (noun) -  an act of saving someone or something from danger, harm, or trouble

soaked (adjective) - made completely wet by water or another liquid

to get soaked (verb phrase) -  to get very wet, often in heavy rain

honestly (adverb) - without cheating or lying : in an honest way, in a genuine way, without pretending, used to stress that a statement is true 

as thick as two short planks (idiom) - not clever

to sort (someone) out (verb phrase) - to solve the problems of (someone), to deal with (someone who is causing problems) in a forceful way

mop (noun) -  similar to a broom but for cleaning a floor with water, a tool for cleaning floors that has a bundle of cloth or yarn or a sponge attached to a long handle

as dry as a bone (phrase) - [also bone-dry] extremely dry

to wind someone up (verb phrase) -  to tell someone something that's not true, as a joke

The Flatmates episode 33 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 33: The dripping tap
Michal:	Hey Tim, what are you doing?
Tim:	I'm fixing this tap. I can't put up with that drip-drip noise anymore.
Michal:	Have you turned off the water?
Tim:	I told you. That's what I'm working on.
Michal:	I mean the main water supply? Have you cut it off?
Tim:	No, I haven't. Stop worrying and let me get on with this.
Michal:	I don't think you should carry on doing that!
Tim:	It's okay, just one more turn of the spanner.
Michal:	I really think you should stop.
Tim:	Oh, go away Michal. You're putting me off. One more turn and then ... aaaaaargh! Oh no! Michal! Help! Stop the water! Aaaaaargh!

---

Vocabulary:

 
to drip (verb) - to fall in drops, to let drops of (a liquid) fall

tap (noun) - the thing you turn to let water run into a sink

to fix (verb) -  to make (something) whole or able to work properly again , to repair (something)

to put up with (something or someone) (verb phrase) - to allow (someone or something unpleasant or annoying) to exist or happen, to tolerate

noise (noun) - a loud or unpleasant sound

to turn off (verb) -  to stop the operation or flow of (something) by pressing a button, moving a switch, etc.

to work on (verb) - to be in the process of making, doing (something), etc.

main  (adjective) -   most important

supply (noun) -  the amount of something that is available to be used, things (such as food, equipment, fuel, etc.) that are needed for a particular purpose  

to cut something off (verb phrase) - to stop the supply of something, to disconnect something  

to get on with something (verb phrase) - to do something without delay

to carry on (verb) - to continue to do what you have been doing, to continue despite problems  

to turn (verb) - to move around a central point  

spanner (noun) - British for wrench, a tool consisting of a handle with one end designed to hold, twist, or turn an object (such as a bolt or nut)  

to put someone off (verb phrase) -  to distract someone, to cause (someone) to stop thinking about or paying attention to someone or something and to think about or pay attention to someone or something else instead, to take (attention) away from someone or something

The Flatmates episode 32 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 32: Baby talk
Dr. Laver:	Okay, well in this room we monitor the babies overnight. Now, the important thing is to talk to them.
Alice:	Talk to them? What do I say?
Dr. Laver:	Well, watch me. Hello, you are a handsome boy aren't you? You're gorgeous. Now you try. Speak to the baby next to you.
Alice:	Oh, okay. Hello little one! Who's a handsome boy then?
Dr. Laver:	Erm, that's a girl.
Alice:	Oh! Who's a pretty little girl? What a lovely smile! Aren't you lovely? Oh, oh, oh!
Dr. Laver:	Excellent, excellent - you're a natural. You'll make a very good nurse here and a lovely mother one day I'm sure.

---

Vocabulary:

monitor (verb) - to watch, observe, listen to, or check (something) for a special purpose over a period of time

overnight (adverb) - for or during the entire night

important   (adjective) - deserving or requiring serious attention

gorgeous (adjective) - very beautiful or attractive

lovely   (adjective) - attractive or beautiful especially in a graceful way
  
excellent  (adjective) - extremely good

you're a natural (phrase) - you're really suited (to nursing), you have a natural ability (for nursing)

The Flatmates episode 31 (including Video/Vocabulary)

Episode 31: The photocopier
John:	Hey, Helen, look what I've found on the photocopier - the answers for next week's test!
Helen:	The answers? You'd better hand them in to the office.
John:	You're kidding, aren't you? I think you should wise up.
Helen:	What do you mean?
John:	We've both been struggling with the work this term; here's our chance to pass with flying colours. If I were you, I 'd make the most of it.
Helen:	What? Cheat? We can't do that!
John:	Why not? Do you want to fail? Your parents won't like it if you do.
Helen:	No, I don't want to fail. But, if we get caught.
John:	We won't get caught. Come on, what do you say?
Helen:	Well, I'm not sure..

---

Vocabulary:

photocopier (noun) - a machine that makes paper copies of printed pages, pictures, etc. —called also copy machine, copier, or  photocopy machine

had better (adverbial phrase) - if you had better do something, you should do it

hand (something) in (idiom) - return them , to give (something) to a person who will review or accept it

kidding (verb) - to speak to (someone) in a way that is not serious : to say things that are not true to (someone) in a joking way

wise up (verb) - stop being stupid, stop being naive or too innocent about life

struggle (verb) - to try very hard to do, achieve, or deal with something that is difficult,  to be doing something without success

term (noun) -  one of the parts of the school year

chance  (noun) - an opportunity to do something : an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done

pass with flying colors (phrase) - do very well in a test or exam

make the most of it (phrase) - take advantage of a given situation

cheat (verb) - to break a rule or law usually to gain an advantage at something

fail (verb) -  to not succeed, to end without success

get caught  (phrase) -  to be discovered doing something wrong or not legal