Rob’s got a second job but Feifei doesn’t think he’s good at it. What can she say to gently suggest he shouldn’t do it? Find out the authentic English to use in this programme.
文字稿
（關於台詞的備註: 這不是廣播節目的逐字稿件。本文稿可能沒有完整呈現錄製、編輯過程中對節目做出的改變。）
Feifei
大家好，歡迎收聽BBC英語教學為你製作的《道地英語》，我是馮菲菲。
Rob
(singing badly) And me Rob. Hello!
Feifei
Err Rob, what is that terrible noise?
Rob
Noise? This is my best singing voice – I need it for my new job.
Feifei
Rob, 要辭職去當歌手？You didn’t tell me you were leaving the BBC and going to a new job.
Rob
I’m not – I’ve got a new part-time job in the evenings to earn a bit of extra cash [tries singing again].
Feifei
Hmm – and this second job involves singing, does it?
Rob
Yes, that’s right. I’m going to be a cabaret singer in a nightclub. Good news isn’t it?
Feifei
Well, Rob, don’t give up the day job!
Rob
Oh – that’s an expression which means someone’s not very good at doing something and isn’t likely ever to be successful at doing it.
Feifei
Yes – but it’s used in a humorous and light-hearted way Rob. 這是一個非正式的幽默表達，意思是要告訴對方應該做好眼下的工作，不要追求不可能成功的事情。Sorry Rob, I was trying to be nice.
Rob
Hmm, well, I think we better hear some examples of this phrase in action while I continue to practice my singing (starts singing again).
Feifei
Oh no!
Examples
I wouldn’t give up the day job – you’re never going to be an actor!
Do you really want to be a writer? I’ve read your first book and my advice is ‘don’t give up the day job’!
Don’t give up the day job Pete – you’re never going to earn a living as a singer!
Feifei
大家都聽明白了吧？如果有人對你說 don’t give up the day job – 其實就是在婉轉地說，你不適合這個新行當，還是保住你眼下的工作，別把業餘愛好變成自己的職業。So Rob, have you got the message?
Rob
Yes, I should stick to what I’m good at – so I’ll concentrate on doing the day job shall I?
Feifei
Yes, good idea.
Rob
So why we don’t we sing together and entertain our listeners then (starts singing)?!
Feifei
Oh Rob, perhaps you should give up the day job as well.
Rob
Oh thanks.
Both
Bye!
