Today's phrase is: Starting Something New

Chris: Hello Lee. It’s Chris here. I thought I’d give you a buzz and see how you’re getting on in your new job.

Lee: Oh hi Chris. It’s good to hear from you. I’m getting on well now thanks. I had a few hassles at first – you know everything was different – but I stuck at it and I'm getting the hang of it now.

Chris: Good for you!

Lee: Thanks. What have you been up to anyway?

Chris: Not much. I should get some training and go for a better job.

Lee: Yes, you should. Why don’t you do a computer course?

Chris: I don’t really like the idea of studying again – it’s so long since I left school. I know nothing about computers. I mean, what if everyone else in the class catches on quicker than me.

Lee: Oh, come off it! Lots of people study as adults these days. Everyone in the class will be in the same boat. Go on Chris? Once you start, I’m sure you’ll soon get the hang of it.

Chris: OK. You’ve talked me into it. I’ll enquire about courses this week…………

Useful words and expressions:


Give (someone) a buzz Call (someone) on the telephone
Getting on Progressing

Hassles Difficulties/problems
Get the hang of (it) Understand what to do

Beyond (someone) Too difficult for (someone)
Not make head or tail of To not understand anything

Stick at (something) To keep trying
Get into the swing of things To become familiar with the usual way of doing things

Good for you! Congratulations!
What’ve you been up to? What have you been doing?

Take a leaf out of (someone’s) book Copy someone’s good example
Not have the foggiest idea Have no knowledge about (something)

Catch on To learn/understand
(new) tricks (new) ways of doing things

Come off it! I don’t agree with you!
In the same boat In the same situation

Go on! You should do it!
Talk into Show good reasons for