Feifei So Neil…
Neil Yes, Feifei?
Feifei Everyone’s asking – who was that beautiful woman who you were at lunch with?
Neil Ah, she’s a… just a friend. A new friend. Err, a very nice, new friend.
Feifei Ooh, you really like her!
Neil Well, yes. She’s lovely. She’s a doctor.
Feifei Neil, I just can’t help thinking… she’s so pretty!
** Neil** What are you saying, Feifei? She’s too pretty for me? As you know, I punch above my weight!
Feifei You certainly do. And I’m not saying you’re fat!
NeilHaha. Yes, ’to punch above your weight’ is our phrase on The English We Speak. It means to achieve beyond what is expected of you.
Feifei We can use it to describe the performance or influence of companies or even countries… Or in this case - when Neil is going out with someone more attractive and successful – we say he is punching above his weight!
** Neil** Hey, Feifei. That was a bit harsh. Anyway, let’s hear these examples.
ExamplesCroatia punches above its weight when it comes to football. It has a population of under 5 million, but came second in the World Cup.
Even as a small business, you can punch above your weight if you focus on quality and build a strong brand.
Some of the cheaper smartphones are really punching above their weight - they’re a fraction of the price but have got some great features.
Feifei You’re listening to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. Our expression is ‘punch above your weight’. So, Neil, how did you meet this mystery woman?
Neil Well, she’s a doctor. You know I was going to boxing class earlier this year?
Feifei Yes, how’s that going?
Neil Well, I stopped. I was training with someone much bigger than me, and I, err… broke my nose.
Feifei You were literally punching above your weight!
Neil Yes. And who should I meet at the hospital but this beautiful doctor!
Feifei Well, it’s a good story. Shame it’s not true.
Neil I know. I’ve never boxed in my life!
Feifei And I know you had lunch alone today.
Neil Ahh. But I hope the story helps teach this phrase!
Feifei I hope so too.
** Neil** Anyway, if you’re not busy… fancy lunch tomorrow, Feifei?
Feifei There you go again, punching above your weight! Bye.
[punch]
Crowd Ouch! That must have hurt!