Fireworks: The English We Speak

Feifei: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak.
You are Rob…
Rob: And you are Feifei. Hello!
Feifei: So another year over, Rob.
Rob: Yes and what a year it’s been – and there’s
just one more thing to do before the next
year begins. Party!
Feifei: Yes, New Year means party season
– so are you going to a party, Rob?
Rob: Yeah, Richard’s invited me to his
New Year bash at his house. Everyone’s
going – apart from you of course. And I’ve
even invited Zhong.
Feifei: Oh dear.
Rob: Why do you say that?
Feifei: Well if she goes, there will be fireworks.
Rob: Fireworks! Great!
Feifei: Not great, Rob. When we say there
will be ‘fireworks’
we don’t always mean the colourful
exploding things we see in the sky.
Sometimes ‘fireworks’ describes a lot of
angry shouting. So if Zhong turned up at
the party, there’s bound to be some
shouting and arguing. Here are some
more examples of fireworks…
The fireworks started when I told her what
I really thought about her boyfriend!
Argh! I’m going to be late again. The boss
is going to be furious when I get to work.
There’s going to be fireworks!
There’s a public meeting about the new
building plans tonight – and there’s bound to be
fireworks!
Feifei: This is The English We Speak from
BBC Learning English. And I’m with Rob,
who’s off to a party where there might be
fireworks… that’s a lot of angry shouting.
Enjoy the party, Rob!
Rob: Thanks. So why might there be lots
of shouting?
Feifei: Well Zhong is Richard’s ex-girlfriend.
Their relationship didn’t end well.
Rob: Oh dear. The situation sounds a bit
‘explosive’. Maybe it won’t be such a
happy New Year. Errr, what are your plans, Feifei?
Feifei: Me? Well I’m meeting my good
friends by the river in London to watch the
real fireworks – they’re always amazing.
Rob: So there’ll be no angry shouting?
Feifei: Nope. Just cheering and laughter.
Rob: Sounds great. Maybe I could join you?
Feifei: Errr, go on then as it’s New Year’s Eve.
Rob: Great – it looks like our New Year
celebrations will go with a bang!