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Introduction

When you take someone under your wing, you help them with something or protect them. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.

Transcript

Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too. I'm Feifei.

Phil
And I'm Phil.

Feifei
I just had a fantastic weekend. How about you, Phil?

Phil
Me? Fun but busy. My wife's cousin is staying with us. He hasn't been to London before, so I've taken him under my wing and shown him all the things you can do here.

Feifei
You can do a lot in London, can't you?

Phil
Tell me about it! That's why I'm so tired.

Feifei
Actually, I wanted to have a closer look at the expression you just used, 'take someone under your wing'.

Phil
Yes, it's the idea of helping or guiding someone through something or protecting them. Think about the image of a bird looking after their chicks. They use their wings to protect their young.

Feifei
Yes, it has the idea that the person taking someone under their wing is more experienced. For example, when you start a new job, it can be helpful if there is someone experienced who takes you under their wing.

Phil
Let's listen to some more people using this expression, 'take someone under your wing'.

Examples

I've been in a choir for a couple of years now, and someone new has just joined, so I've kind of taken her under my wing. I've introduced her to some of the other people.

When I was about ten years old, I moved country, and I had to go to a school where I didn't know anyone, and there was a really friendly boy called James. He took me under his wing. He became my friend, he showed me everything, and he was great.

When I was at university, I was quite shy, but I had some confident friends who took me under their wing, and that made it better.

Feifei
We've been learning the expression 'take someone under your wing' to describe guiding or protecting someone through something.

Phil
A similar expression could be to 'put your arm around someone's shoulder' – it means that you're helping or supporting someone.

Feifei
Yes, whether you're taking someone under your wing, or putting an arm around their shoulder, it's always good to help people.

Phil
Well, we can help with English – let us take you under our wing! That's it for this programme, but join us next time to learn more English phrases and expressions

Feifei
That's right. See you next time! Bye.

Phil
Bye.

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