Its the thought that counts

Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Feifei.

And I ‘m Neil.

Oh what’s that parcel you’ve got in your hands there, Neil? Looks exciting …

It’s a present.

A present? For who?

For you! For Christmas!

Christmas? It’s a bit early, isn’t it?

Well, I saw these and I just knew you’d love them so much - so I bought them! I can’t wait till Christmas to see your face. Go on, open it now!

You’re too kind, Neil. OK … A pair of glasses… Harry Potter glasses.

Aren’t they brilliant?! Go on, try them on.

I look ridiculous. And I don’t even like Harry Potter. Oh well, it’s the thought that counts.

‘It’s the thought that counts’. An excellent expression, Feifei. If someone gives you a present which you don’t like, you can say ‘it’s the thought that counts’.

It’s a polite way of saying you appreciate the effort and the kind thought a person had when they bought you a present - but you don’t like what they bought.

Let’s hear some examples of this expression which is particularly useful around Christmas time.

Wow! That Elvis Presley onesie you’re wearing is pretty weird.

Thanks. My grandmother gave it to me for Christmas. It’s the thought that counts, I suppose.

I have no idea what to get my auntie for her birthday.

Get her anything. It’s the thought that counts.

Oh no, not more tea towels. I was expecting something more exciting for our wedding presents.

You know what they say - it’s the thought that counts.

This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. Our expression is ‘it’s the thought that counts.’ It means the kindness someone shows when they buy you a present is more important than the gift itself.

A very useful expression for politely saying that a present someone bought you is really not what you wanted. OK, Feifei, lean over.

Ouch! What are you doing with that pencil?

There we go. With that flash of lightning on your forehead now you really look the part - Feifei Potter.

Hmm I need a spell to make you vanish, Neil …

Bye!

Bye!