Feifei: Hello, I'm Feifei, and this is The English We Speak
I'm with Rob. Hi Rob, how are you?
Rob: Hi Feifei... I'm fine but I just can't understand
why you've brought me to a railway station.
Feifei: Isn't that obvious?
Rob: No. And what's that piece of paper
you're waving in your hand?
Feifei: Oh this? This is a ticket.
Rob: A ticket. Why would you bring me to
a railway station and show me a ticket?
It's cold and we could be in a warm studio presenting
this programme. And anyway, don't you know
it's my birthday
and we're supposed to be going out to celebrate later?
Feifei: I know it's your birthday,
you told me last week and you said something about
wanting a present that was 'just the ticket'.
So here it is.
Rob: Oh Feifei - I didn't want a ticket -
when I said 'just the ticket' I meant I wanted
something that was exactly what I wanted or needed:
You know... A camera, a computer game or maybe
a nice bottle of whisky.
Feifei: Oh right, I see.
Rob: Oh dear, what a wasted trip Feifei.
But now we're here, let's hear some more examples
of the phrase 'just the ticket'...
Examples: Oh I feel terrible: I've got a cold
and my nose it blocked but a drink of hot honey
and lemon would be just the ticket
to make me feel better.
I think a new art gallery will be just the ticket
for improving the image of the town
and encouraging more people to visit.
Our car has got seven seats, so it's just the ticket
for taking all the kids to football practice every week.
Feifei: So that's 'just the ticket' -
which describes something that exactly
what is wanted or needed.
OK Rob, so you wanted something for your birthday
that was 'just the ticket' - well you're looking at it.
Rob: You Feifei?
Feifei: No Rob. This ticket in my hand.
Have you actually looked at it?
Rob: OK let me see...
Wow! A train ticket to Paris,
for me? That's really generous of you.
Thanks Feifei! When do we go?
Feifei: We? No, it's just one ticket -
I couldn't afford two. Now look, the train's about
to leave so you had better go. Have a good trip!
Rob: Oh right. I'll be off then. Bye.
Feifei: Bye Rob.
Phew, two days in the office without Rob -
that is 'just the ticket' for me!