Learning English

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Introduction

In this programme you can learn about 'hats off' – an idiom that can be used to say you admire someone's achievements. Can it be used for things as well as people? Find out in this episode.

Transcript

Rob
Welcome to The English We Speak, with me Rob…

Jiaying
And me, Jiaying.

Rob
Here's an idiom to use when you want to say you admire someone because they've done something impressive – it's 'hats off'.

Jiaying
‘Hats off’. But we don't physically take our hat off to someone – it's metaphorical, isn’t it?

Rob
It is, although the origin of the expression is from when a person would raise their hat to show respect to someone. But don't worry, Jiaying, if you're not wearing a hat, you can still say it.

Jiaying
Good. So, 'hats off' to you, Rob, for telling us about this phrase.

Rob
Thanks. And hats off to you Jiaying – I hear you won a cake-making competition. Impressive – It’s not easy to make good cakes. I can't even bake!

Jiaying
Thanks. I might let you try some later. So, you're saying 'hats off' there to mean 'congratulations' as well?

Rob
Yes, because it's a great achievement – I can't even bake! Let’s hear some more examples of 'hats off'.

Examples
Hats off to you for completing your first marathon – what an achievement!

I take my hat off to anyone who works full time and manages a family as well.

Hats off to my brother for getting top grades in all his exams. I'm proud of you!

Jiaying
You’re listening to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English, and we are learning the expression ‘hats off’, which is an informal way of expressing your respect or admiration for something someone has done. It can also mean 'congratulations'.

Rob
It's not a new saying, but it still gets used today. And of course, it refers to people not things – so, we don’t say 'hats off to the new computer system'.

Jiaying
But we could say 'hats off to the person who installed the new computer system'.

Rob
Yes, and when we say 'hats off' to someone, it's probably because they have achieved something that you could never do. Like making an award-winning cake!

Jiaying
Ah yes, would you like to try some now?

Rob
Sounds like a good idea. See you next time!

Jiaying
Bye.

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