A Family Affair

Martin: Are these your sons in the photo, Janet? I haven’t seen them for ages. John hasn’t changed a bit. He’s the image of his father, isn’t he?

Janet: Yes, he is. He takes after his father, that’s for sure. He’s followed in his father’s footsteps too and works in the family importing business. It was difficult for him at first because he had to start from scratch, you know, finding somewhere to live and making new friends. He’s settled in now though and he loves it.

Martin: Good – give him my best when you talk to him. And do the boys keep in touch. I remember they used to be very close.

Janet: Yes they do – but not as much as before they were married. Their wives don’t get on, so it makes it a bit sticky, you know.

Martin: Really? That’s no good! In-laws can be a problem sometimes, can’t they?

Janet: Yes, they can sometimes. The problem is that they’re from different cultural backgrounds. It’s a tough one because we brought up the boys to be tolerant about other cultures and to get on with everyone.

Martin: Well let’s hope their ideas rub off on their wives.

Everyday Expressions Definitions

for ages for a long time

the image of (someone) the same in appearance

take after to be similar to (an older family member)

follow in (someone’s) footsteps do the same as someone has done before/to copy someone’s example

start from scratch start from the beginning without help

be settled in become established (in a new place)

give (someone) my best give (someone) my best wishes

keep in touch communicate regularly!

be very close have a good relationship

don’t get on not have a good relationship

sticky difficult

a tough one a difficult problem

brought up (children) train and educate (within the family)

get on with be friendly with

rub off on transfer (a habit, idea) to another person