Feifei: So Neil...
Neil: Yes, Feifei?
Feifei: Everyone's asking - who was
that beautiful woman
who you were at lunch with?
Neil: Ah, she's a... just a friend.
A new friend. Err, a very nice, new friend.
Feifei: Ooh, you really like her!
Neil: Well, yes. She's lovely.
She's a doctor.
Feifei: Neil, I just can't help thinking...
she's so pretty!
Neil: What are you saying, Feifei?
She's too pretty for me? As you know,
I punch above my weight!
Feifei: You certainly do.
And I'm not saying you're fat!
Neil: Haha. Yes, 'to punch above
your weight' is our phrase on
The English We Speak. It means to
achieve beyond what
is expected of you.
Feifei: We can use it to describe
the performance or influence of
companies or even countries...
Or in this case - when Neil is going out
with someone more attractive
and successful - we
say he is punching above his weight!
Neil: Hey, Feifei. That was a bit harsh.
Anyway, let's hear these examples.
Croatia punches above its weight when
it comes to football. It has
a population of under 5 million, but
came second in the World Cup.
Even as a small business, you can punch
above your weight if you focus
on quality and build
a strong brand.
Some of the cheaper smartphones
are really punching above their weight -
they're a fraction of the price
but have got some great features.
Feifei: You're listening to The English
We Speak from BBC Learning English.
Our expression is
'punch above your weight'. So, Neil, how
did you meet this mystery woman?
Neil: Well, she's a doctor. You know I was
going to boxing class earlier this year?
Feifei: Yes, how's that going?
Neil: Well, I stopped. I was training with
someone much bigger than me,
and I, err...
broke my nose.
Feifei: You were literally punching
above your weight!
Neil: Yes. And who should I meet
at the hospital but this beautiful doctor!
Feifei: Well, it's a good story.
Shame it's not true.
Neil: I know. I've never boxed in my life!
Feifei: And I know you had
lunch alone today.
Neil: Ahh. But I hope the story helps
teach this phrase!
Feifei: I hope so too.
Neil: Anyway, if you're not busy...
fancy lunch tomorrow, Feifei?
Feifei: There you go again,
punching above your weight! Bye.
Crowd: Ouch! That must have hurt!