Neil OK. Not again. Why oh why is Feifei late for the studio this time? Seriously… That does it. I’m gonna give her a call… Great. Let me go out and take a look. Feifei?! Feifei, where are you? Where has she gone? Oh, is that…? There she is!
Feifei Oh, oh, hi, Neil.
Neil Where have you been? I’ve been looking all over the shop for you!
Feifei All over the shop? Well, I wasn’t in a shop. I was in… the toilet!
Neil Thanks for the information.
Feifei And yes, before you tell me – I do know what all over the shop means. It means ’everywhere’.
Neil Well, I’m just glad I’ve found you. Now we can finally start the programme and explain this expression: all over the shop. Oh, we’ve already done that.
Feifei Yes. It usually means ’everywhere’ – when describing a search for something, or an untidy arrangement of things. Like in these examples:
Examples Where were you? We looked all over the shop for you.
He left his dirty washing all over the shop. Our house was a real mess!
I spilled wine all over the shop when I tried to open that bottle. Oops.
Feifei It can also describe someone or something very disorganised. Listen to this:
Example Sorry, I’m a bit all over the shop this morning. I forgot my ticket, my phone… I left my laptop at home. What’s wrong with me?
Neil So there you go. You can look all over the shop for something or someone.
Feifei And you can also leave things all over the shop – like the dirty clothes.
Neil And you yourself can also be all over the shop – describing someone who is forgetful or disorganised. Though not you, of course, Feifei.
Feifei Never me.
Neil And that is the expression for this programme. Thank you, Feifei… Feifei? Feifei? Where’s she gone? Oh, a message. “Just off to the shops. Need anything?” Very funny. Bye!