No picnic

Hello, I’m Rob and I’m Feifei and this is The English We Speak.

and today we’re outdoors, in the park, having a picnic.

Yes, a picnic - it’s very nice, thanks for preparing it Rob.

Oh no problem, Well actually, it was a problem…

Oh, I thought preparing a picnic would be easy.

No. First I had to find some money to buy some food, then I had to walk to the supermarket because my car isn’t working, then I had to prepare the food, then I had to go to work…. and then I had to…

Oh I get it, it was an effort.

What I’m saying is it was no picnic!

Huh? It is Rob, look, sandwiches, crisps, salad, strawberries…

That’s a picnic but making it was ‘no picnic’ - I mean there was nothing easy or pleasant about it.

I get it! Let’s hear some more examples of situations that are ‘no picnic’…

Having no job and trying to pay the bills is no picnic.

Living on the fifth floor without a lift is no picnic; I have to carry everything up the stairs.

So when you say something is ‘no picnic’ you mean it’s a difficult or unpleasant situation. Well Rob, it may have been difficult to prepare but it was worth the effort - the food is delicious.

Oh thanks very much.

Oh no, rain! I think we’d better take cover. Quick!

Oh dear, it seems that this is literally no picnic.

Come on let’s drive home.

We can’t. My car’s not working remember?

Oh yes. Bye.

Bye.