We Speak with me, Neil and errr... where's

Feifei?

Feifei: ... sorry I'm late. Hello!

Neil: Goodness, it's not like you to be late.

You're always so punctual and... smartly

dressed. But today you look a mess - If

you don't mind me saying.

Feifei: I do mind you saying, Neil. It's been

a very stressful morning. I didn't have

time to shower, iron my clothes or even

have breakfast.

Neil: Hmm. Did you get up late by any

chance?

Feifei: Yes, you're right. I forgot to set my

alarm last night. So I overslept!

Neil: Has this got anything to do with you

going out last night? I suppose you're

going to tell me you had such a great

time, you stayed

out later than expected?

Feifei: Yes, how did you guess? I had one

of the best nights out for a long time -

but I'm regretting it now!

Neil: Ah well, that'll teach you for staying

out late - enjoying yourself!

Feifei: 'That'll teach me'? I'm not going to

school - nobody is going to 'teach me' not

to stay out late.

Neil: It's just a saying, Feifei. You might

say it to someone to suggest that they

should learn the bad effects of doing

something and not repeat it in the future.

In other words, your stress this morning is

a suitable punishment for staying out late

last night - you won't do it again.

Feifei: You sound like my parents!

Neil: These examples might explain the

phrase better...

You lent some money to Dan and he didn't

pay you back - that'll teach you!

My brother got a speeding ticket for

driving too fast down the High Street -

that'll teach him!

The footballer got a red card for his bad

tackle and now he'll miss playing in the

final - that'll teach him!

Feifei: This is The English We Speak from

BBC Learning English and we're hearing

about the phrase 'that'll teach you' which

is said to someone to mean they should

learn from the bad effects of what they've

done. I guess we could also say

'it serves you right!'?

Neil: Yes, it's a very informal but blunt way

of saying 'your suffering is your own fault'.

And for you it's true.

Feifei: But do you know what, Neil -

despite my suffering,

I had a really good night out.

Neil: Oh did you? And who did you have

this 'great night out' with?

Feifei: Everyone from the office. We all

went to the pub and then onto a

nightclub. That'll teach you for leaving the

office early, Neil. You left too early

and you missed out!

Neil: Hmm. That's enough teaching for

one day. I'm off.

Feifei: Bye!