BBC Learning English The English We Speak 1st February 2011 Rabbit in the Headlights

Finn: Li: Finn: Li: Insert Awards Host: And the award for best dancer this year goes to Timmy Tapper! (Applause) Timmy Tapper: Erm, thank you! Awards Host: Timmy, would you like to say a few words? Timmy Tapper: Yes, erm, thank you to everybody! Thanks. Awards Host: Great. Well thank you Timmy. You've done a fantastic job this year! Finn: Li: Finn: Li: Finn: (whispers) Li, what happened? He was like a rabbit in the headlights. I don't know, he was very nervous. But what did you say, Finn, about rabbits? Oh, rabbits, yes. A rabbit in the headlights. It's a phrase used to describe someone who is so nervous that they can't move or speak. I see. Someone who is too nervous to move or speak. But why does it involve headlights the lights at the front of a car? Well if you think about if you are driving a car at night and you have your headlights on. Suddenly, a rabbit appears in the middle of the road. But it is too scared by the car driving towards for it to run away. It's a rabbit in the headlights. That's a rabbit in the headlights. Oh, Finn, I think Timmy Tapper wants to say something. Hello. I'm Finn. And I'm Li. And we're whispering we're talking very quietly - because we are about to watch an awards ceremony for the best dancer in the UK. Yes I think it's going to begin now. Shh.

Li:

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Finn: Insert

Oh yes.

Timmy Tapper: Oh, sorry. Can I just say one more thing? Awards Host: Sure, go ahead, Timmy! (Timmy starts tap dancing) Awards Host: Well, isn't that amazing! Li: Finn: Ha ha. I think Timmy was nervous speaking in front of everyone here just now, but now he's happy to express himself through tap dancing! He looks very happy doesn't he? And while Timmy dances, I have some advice for everyone. If you want to speak confident English, and not be like a rabbit in the headlights, why not visit our website explore our free English learning materials? bbclearningenglish.com That's it. Bye. Bye.

Li: Finn: Li:

(Timmy tap dancing)

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