We Speak. I'm Feifei.

Neil: And I'm hungry – I mean Neil. Feifei,

why did you book this studio

recording session at midday? I'm

starving. Do you fancy going for lunch?

I've heard that new chicken restaurant

just down the road is excellent!

Feifei: Not sure about that.

Neil: Oh, have you been there before?

Feifei: Yes, and it left a bad taste

in my mouth.

Neil: Oh really? So the food's bad?

Everyone says it's great!

Feifei: Well, the food was great…

Neil: Eh? The food was great but it left

a bad taste in your mouth?

I don't understand!

Feifei: Let me explain. If something leaves

a bad taste in your mouth, it means you've

had a bad experience and

the memory is unpleasant.

Neil: Oh I see. So, what went wrong?

Feifei: The bill was twice as much as

it should have been!

Neil: Ah I get it now - we use

the expression it 'leaves a bad taste in

your mouth' when we have a negative

experience and feel bad or angry about it

afterwards – like being

ripped off in a restaurant!

Feifei: Come on, Neil.

Let's hear some examples.

Then we can go for lunch somewhere

that doesn't rip me off!

I refuse to go back to that hotel.

They were so rude! It left

a bad taste in my mouth.

When my boss sent me that angry email

last thing on Friday, it left a bad taste

in my mouth.

It left a bad taste in my mouth when I got

fined for going just one mile an hour

over the speed limit!

Feifei: This is The English We Speak from

BBC Learning English.

And I'm with Neil, who was wondering

why I've got a bad taste in my mouth

when it's got nothing to do with food.

Neil: We use the expression it 'leaves a

bad taste in your mouth' when we have

a negative experience and

feel bad or angry about it afterwards.

So, is it time for lunch?

Feifei: Yes, Neil! I really want you to come

and try that new tofu place.

The food's just delicious and

the service is excellent!

Neil: So, will it leave a good taste

in my mouth?

Feifei: It sure will! Bye.

Neil: Bye.