Learning English

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Introduction

An expression that talks about something extra you have. Learn it here.

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
What were you doing this morning? I didn't see you in the office, Phil.

Phil
Oh, I was helping a friend design their website, I've been studying design.

Feifei
Design skills? I didn't realise you had that in your locker.

Phil
My locker? I think this could be the expression we learn in this programme. If you have something in your locker, you have a skill, idea or something that you can use if needed. It's not usually about your actual locker where you leave your things.

Feifei
No. It's often something that other people don't know about, like your design skills. They are definitely useful to have in your locker! Now, the important thing is that they are something that you can bring out of your locker and use when needed. For example, if you're going to a job interview, it's good to have some examples of your work in your locker. Do you have anything in your locker to help people understand this expression, Phil?

Phil
Well, I've got some examples of people using the expression. Let's listen.

Examples
Everyone looked really bored with my karaoke song choices but then I remembered I had a really good party song in my locker. Everyone got up and danced.

I didn't realise you had those dance moves in your locker! I wouldn't have challenged you to a dance-off if I'd known.

So, I've invited my colleagues over for dinner. They think I can't cook but they're going to be surprised because I've got some great pasta recipes in my locker.

Feifei
We've been learning the expression 'have in your locker'. It means having something extra you can use if needed. And there is a similar expression – 'to have one shot in your locker'. This means you only have one chance left to do something.

Phil
Yes, think about researchers who have been trying to make an experiment work and there is only one more chance to succeed. They would have 'one more shot in their locker'.

Feifei
Now, I'm sure you want to have some great English expressions in your locker, so make sure you come back next time to learn a new one.

Feifei
Bye!

Phil
Bye!

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