Rob Hello, I’m Rob…
Feifei … and I’m Feifei and this is The English We Speak.
Rob … and today we’re outdoors, in the park, having a picnic.
Feifei Yes, a picnic – it’s very nice, thanks for preparing it Rob.
Rob Oh no problem…. Well actually, it was a problem…
Feifei Oh, I thought preparing a picnic would be easy.
Rob No. First I had to find some money to buy some food, then I had to walk to the supermarket because my car isn’t working, then I had to prepare the food, then I had to go to work…. and then I had to…
Feifei Oh I get it, it was an effort.
Rob What I’m saying is it was no picnic!
Feifei Huh? It is Rob, look, sandwiches, crisps, salad, strawberries…
Rob That’s a picnic but making it was ’no picnic’ – I mean there was nothing easy or pleasant about it.
Feifei I get it! Let’s hear some more examples of situations that are ’no picnic’…
Examples Having no job and trying to pay the bills is no picnic.
It’s no picnic going on a camping holiday with the kids – they moan all the time!
Living on the fifth floor without a lift is no picnic; I have to carry everything up the stairs.
Feifei So when you say something is ’no picnic’ you mean it’s a difficult or unpleasant situation. Well Rob, it may have been difficult to prepare but it was worth the effort – the food is delicious.
Rob Oh thanks very much.
(FX: Thunderstorm begins)
Feifei Oh no, rain! I think we’d better take cover. Quick!
Rob Oh dear, it seems that this is literally no picnic.
Feifei Come on let’s drive home.
Rob We can’t. My car’s not working remember?
Feifei Oh yes. Bye.
Rob Bye.