To fall at the first hurdle

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

Rob
… and hello I’m Rob. So what’s this I hear about your new business idea Feifei?

Feifei
Yes, I’m going to make and sell cakes.

Rob
Hmm, are you sure Feifei?

Feifei
Yes I’m sure. Look I’ve already made this batch of muffins.

Rob
Err, are they supposed to be black? Cooking isn’t really your speciality is it?

Feifei
Cooking isn’t my speciality! Rob, just you watch, I’m going to be a millionaire selling my homemade cakes.

Rob
I’m sorry to say Feifei but I think you’re going to fall at the first hurdle.

Feifei
Don’t be stupid Rob, I’m not going to be jumping any hurdles - we’re not talking about sport - just cooking.

Rob
No Feifei - I mean you’re going to fail right at the start of what you’re trying to do.

Feifei
Thanks Rob! So you think by cooking these ‘black’ muffins means I have already failed?

Rob
Well they are burnt. Let’s hear some examples of other people who have fallen at the first hurdle….

Examples
Plans to construct a new motorway will fall at the first hurdle if they can’t buy the farmland to build it on.

His dream of marrying Julie fell at the first hurdle when he discovered she was already married.

Feifei
‘To fall at the first hurdle’ means to fail near the beginning of something. Ah but Rob, why don’t you actually taste one of these muffins before you call me a failure?

Rob
OK here goes. Mmm, actually, not bad Feifei. They’re not burnt…

Feifei
… no, it’s actually a layer of crunchy toffee. I can cook Rob!

Rob
OK, I’m sorry for doubting you… but you’re going to have to sell lots of muffins if you want to be a millionaire.

Feifei
I know. Perhaps I’ll just sell these ones first and see how I get on.

Rob
Good idea. Just make sure you don’t fall at the final hurdle!

Feifei
You mean fail near the end of what I’m trying to do?

Rob
Exactly.

Feifei
I won’t - as long as you don’t keep eating my cakes. Hands off!

Rob Sorry!

Both
Bye!