Feifei Welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Feifei…
Rob … and I’m Rob.
Feifei Rob, why are you sounding so fed up?
Rob I’ve just had a meeting about my work with my boss, and his feedback wasn’t very… good.
Feifei Oh no – what did he say?
Rob He said I had a very ‘relaxed’ attitude to work.
Feifei Oh Rob, don’t take it to heart – he’s not good at giving constructive feedback.
Rob My heart is fine thanks, Feifei. It’s just my feelings that are hurt.
Feifei I’m sure – but I wasn’t referring to your heart literally! If someone takes something to heart, it means they react to someone’s criticism or advice personally and seriously so that they become upset by it. So, cheer up, Rob. you’re not the only one who’s been taking things to heart – listen to these examples…
Examples Don’t take her comments to heart. I thought your performance at the show was excellent!
He was only joking about your shoes – don’t take it to heart!
Freya tends to take things to heart, so be careful how you deliver your feedback.
Feifei This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. Rob has had some negative feedback from the boss and taken it to heart – which means he’s taken advice or criticism personally and very seriously. But Rob, don’t worry, maybe the boss was trying to be kind?
Rob But he said I had a ‘relaxed’ attitude to work – that means lazy!
Feifei Not necessarily – maybe he meant you don’t find work stressful?
Rob Really? Do you think so? Hmm… maybe you’re right. I’m being too sensitive. I won’t take it to heart.
Feifei That’s right! Don’t take things to heart.
Rob Thanks, Feifei. Bye.
Feifei Bye, Rob.