Learning English

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Summary

Feifei’s been baking again and has made some amazing cookies and she’s also served up a great English phrase that shows off what’s she done – but it means Rob can only look and not eat these tasty treats!

Transcript

Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. It’s me, Feifei…

Rob
…and it's me, Rob. Now, Feifei, have you been baking again?

Feifei
I have, Rob. As you can see, I’ve been very busy – so, feast your eyes on these cookies.

Rob
Oh wow – so many. Thanks! I’ll start with the chocolate chip cookies, shall I?

Feifei
Stop! What are you doing?

Rob
Well, I'm feasting on your cookies – like you said. You meant ‘eat lots’, didn’t you?

Feifei
No, I said ‘feast your eyes’ on them – not just ‘feast on them’.

Rob
Oh… so no eating, just looking?

Feifei
Exactly! To ‘feast your eyes’ on something means enjoy - or even be amazed by – looking at something because of the quantity, quality or beauty of what you see. So, Rob, you can look at all my amazing cookies, but don’t eat them.

Rob
Oh, really?

Feifei
Yes, really. Now, feast your eyes - and ears – on these examples instead!

Examples
This is the best room in the hotel – feast your eyes on the amazing view.

I’ve prepared a special birthday meal – feast your eyes on all this food.

The new art exhibition is a feast for your eyes – the artist has used so many colours.

Feifei
This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English, and we’re hearing about the phrase ‘feast your eyes on something’ – it means look at or be amazed by what you see.

Rob
But Feifei, what is the point of just looking at food and not eating it?

Feifei
Because they aren’t for you. They’re a present for Roy – it’s his birthday. But if you ask him nicely, he might just give you one.

Rob
Just one cookie isn’t really a feast – but it’s better than just looking.

Feifei
Rob, I think your eyes are bigger than your belly!

Rob
Thanks Feifei. Now hurry up and give Roy his birthday present, please!

Feifei
OK. Bye.

Rob
Bye.

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