Feifei Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Feifei…
Neil … and I’m Neil. Feifei, you’re very lucky I’m here – I have so much work to do, I haven’t got much time to talk to you.
Feifei That’s a shame. I like presenting this programme with you.
Neil Really? Well, that’s nice – let’s get on with it then and afterwards I’ll just get down to some hard work.
Feifei So, you mean you need to get on with your work. To be honest, Neil, if you have lots to do, maybe you need to double down on your work.
Neil Double down? Do you mean do my work twice?!
Feifei Not exactly. When we double down on something, it means we increase our effort to do it – or we do it with more determination. So, I’m saying you need to work harder.
Neil I already am. Look, I’ve made these examples…
Examples I need to double down on my revision – I’ve got an exam tomorrow.
We’re going to double down on our work and finish the project by Friday.
You need to double down on your exercise regime – you’re getting unfit!
Feifei This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English, and we’re talking about the expression ‘to double down’ on something – which means make extra effort or focus on doing something. So, Neil, do you get it? You need to be more determined to get your work done… put more effort in…
Neil OK, Feifei, I will double down on my work – but I still think it will take double the amount of time.
Feifei Excuses! That is a shame because you’re going to miss the office drinks after work.
Neil Office drinks?! I didn’t know about those. Right, I’m off to do my work now and I’ll be there at the double.
Feifei ‘At the double’ – you mean quickly! Good luck, Neil, I’ll see you later. Bye.
Neil Bye.