The best of both worlds

Feifei Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, with you Rob…

Rob …and you, Feifei.

Feifei Hey Rob, how are you enjoying your new life in the countryside?

Rob It’s great Feifei. When I get home at night, I get to smell the fresh air and look out on green fields. Yes, the country life is for me.

Feifei But come on Rob, you must miss the bright lights and the excitement of living in the city?

Rob I get that by coming to work right here in the centre of London. I have a great night out and then slip off to the peace and quiet of the country. Perfect!

Feifei Perfect? I don’t think so - the countryside is too quiet. The city is the only place for me.

Rob No way. I’ve got the best of both worlds - excitement in the city, relaxation in the country.

Feifei The best of the both worlds - you think you get the advantages of two very different things at the same time.

Rob Yes that’s right. Let’s hear some examples of the phrase ‘the best of both worlds’ in action…

Examples Working part-time means I get the best of both worlds: time with the kids and a steady income.

Our hotel is by the beach and just a short train ride away from the city, so we get the best of both worlds.

We get the best of both worlds with our new car: excellent fuel efficiency and great acceleration and speed.

Feifei So the phrase ‘the best of both worlds’ means you have the benefits of two different things and none of the disadvantages. But surely Rob there must be some negative things about living in the country?

Rob Such as?

Feifei No shops, no pubs or clubs, having a long commute to work every day.

Rob I can cope - and anyway, commuting by train is fine - time to relax and shake off the stress of the city.

Feifei Maybe not today Rob.

Rob Why?

Feifei My news feed says there’s been a major signal failure - all trains to your village are cancelled!

Rob Cancelled? Grrr. So I can’t get home! Err, any chance I could sleep on your sofa tonight?

Feifei Ha, so maybe it’s not always possible to have the best of BOTH worlds Rob?

Rob Maybe!

Feifei Bye.

Rob Bye.