Feifei Hello, I’m Feifei and this is The English We Speak.
**Rob
**… and hello, it’s Rob here. Err, Feifei, I hope you don’t mind me saying but you look a bit hot and sweaty.
FeifeiThat’s because I’ve been training for this ’thing’ that Dan’s having for his birthday.
**Rob
**A ’thing’ – what sort of thing?
FeifeiWell according to his party invitation, he’s having a knees-up to celebrate his birthday. I’m not sure what it is but I wanted to be prepared by getting fit. Look I can get my knee up to my chin!
**Rob
**That’s impressive but completely unnecessary. A knees-up is an informal way of saying a lively party where there’s usually dancing. So he’s having a party!
FeifeiOh right. So I’ve been invited to Dan’s birthday party! Well, if there’s dancing I still need to get fit.
Rob That’s true. Let’s hear some more examples of people having a knees-up…
ExamplesSorry I’m a bit sleepy today, we had a big knees-up last night. It was great!
We’re planning a knees-up for Dad’s 70th birthday, I hope you can come.
Now our exams have finished, let’s have a knees-up at my house tonight!
FeifeiSo a knees-up is a lively party or gathering to celebrate something. This is going to be fun!
**Rob
**Yes, there’ll be dancing…
FeifeiGood.
Rob Eating and drinking…
FeifeiPerfect.
Rob And lots of celebrating. But this knees-up will be missing one thing.
FeifeiOh yes, what’s that?
**Rob
**Me. I won’t be coming – I haven’t got time – I’m up to my knees in paperwork.
Feifei‘Up to your knees’ in paperwork! You mean you’ve got too much work to do – come on Rob, be honest, you haven’t been invited!
**Rob
**Well….yes. I can’t dance anyway, I’ve got a bad knee.
Feifei Excuses. I’ll let you know how it goes. Bye!
Rob Bye!