All over the place

Hello, and welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Neil and… er… here with me…

Here with you is… Feifei. What are you looking for, Neil?

I’m looking for my script.

Your script?

Yeah… and… my pen… I had it a moment ago… where’s it gone?

What’s going on with you, Neil? You’re all over the place today!

Yes, I am! That’s a good expression: all over the place!

It can mean that someone is disorganised and confused - they are all over the place.

Yes, and it can also mean that things are left in many places in an untidy way - your things are all over the place! Here are some examples of how this expression is used:

Don’t expect Simon to help you with your report. He’s all over the place right now - he can’t even finish his own work.

What a windy day. My hair’s all over the place!

Well Feifei, I’m afraid I’m a bit disorganised today. You know I woke up late, I missed my bus and… well the day’s just been a bit difficult. I am all over the place … and… where is it…?

What are you looking for now?

I still haven’t found my script.

Is it this one?

Yes, that’s it! Great!

And here’s your pen. It was on the floor.

Good. I’m ready to start the programme now.

The programme’s finished, Neil. It’s done.

Oh, is it? So… we can go now? I could do with a coffee, Feifei.

Yes - it will do you good. Let’s go.

Bye!