Neil: And hello I'm Neil.

Feifei: Neil, I wonder if you could help me.

I'm trying to find something on this map.

Neil: Oh yes, map reading - I'm good at that.

What are you trying to find?

Feifei: Well, I went to a gig last night and

saw this new singer - he was amazing.

Neil: Thanks for inviting me! Anyway,

what's that got to with a map?

Feifei: Well, afterwards everyone was talking about it

and saying the gig was so good that

it will 'put him on the map'.

But... I just can't find him on here.

Neil: Put the map away Feifei - you won't find him there.

When we say someone will be 'put on the map'

it means they will become famous

or become more prominent - but not on a map!

Feifei: Right! Actually Neil, I've heard about

a new restaurant I ate at being 'put on the map'.

Neil: Yes, something as well as someone can be put on

the map - or in other words, become famous, popular

or well known.

You must have eaten at a good quality restaurant for it

to be put on the map!

Feifei: I did! Let's tuck into some examples shall we?

Examples: Her first exhibition at the Tate gallery

has put her on the map as a serious modern artist.

This great tasting food has really put this

new restaurant on the map.

Hosting the Olympics has put this city on the map

as a great place to come for a holiday.

Feifei: So that's to put someone or something

on the map - to become famous,

popular or more prominent.

I suppose it suggests that becoming famous means

you are now important enough for your name

to be seen or heard by everyone.

Neil: That's right. In the old days when a place was

too small and unimportant it wasn't

shown on a map - but when it became more important

it was 'put on the map'.

Feifei: Right. Anyway Neil, let me look

at that map again...

Neil: OK.

Feifei: Look! That singer I saw really is on the map -

right there. Neil: Really? What was he called?

Feifei: 'Man-chester'

Neil: Manchester. Of course!

Both: Bye.