Feifei: Hello and welcome to The English
We Speak. I'm Feifei...
Rob: ... and hello, I'm Rob. Feifei, why's
your hair wet - it's not raining, is it?
Feifei: No, Rob. I've just been for my
swimming lesson. It was a bit scary,
actually.
Rob: Why's that?
Feifei: Well, for the first time, I swam into
the deep end and couldn't stand up.
The lifeguard had to jump in and save me.
Rob: Oh dear, Feifei. It sounds like you
were out of your depth!
Feifei: Yes, I suppose I was.
Rob: Well, I'm out of my depth too.
Feifei: What - you're learning to swim too?
Rob: No, no. I'm struggling to complete
this project about statistics that the boss
has asked me to do. I know nothing about
statistics and numbers - it's just too
difficult and I just can't do it. So
I'm out of my depth.
Feifei: Ah, I've got it. When you are out of
your depth, it can mean you are in a
difficult situation that you cannot cope
with - it could be because a task exceeds
your knowledge or ability. so it's a bit like
drowning in a situation - but not literally.
Rob: Exactly. Let's hear some examples...
I'm so out of my depth in this new job.
I haven't got a clue what to do!
When everyone started talking about
politics I knew I was out of my depth,
so I politely made my excuses and
went home.
He was clearly out of his depth in the
match - he lacked any skill and couldn't
even pass the ball!
Feifei: This is The English We Speak from
BBC Learning English and we're talking
about the phrase 'out of your depth'. It
describes a situation that is too
difficult for you, and you do not have
the knowledge or ability to cope with it.
Well, Rob, I may be able to save you! I love
statistics and can help you out.
Rob: Oh that's great. And I can help you
improve your swimming.
Feifei: Oh yes? How can you do that?
Rob: You can borrow my arm bands so
you'll never sink, even in the deep end.
You'll never be out of your depth again!
Feifei: Thanks, but I think I should learn to
swim properly. Anyway, when do you need
to complete this project for the boss by?
Rob: Errr... now.
Feifei: Oh. Come on then. We had better
go and get on with it, otherwise the boss
will throw you in the deep end! Bye.
Rob: Bye.