Story of Speak English Like an American (13)

Lesson 13 Amber Comes Over To Bake Cookies

Ted's girlfriend Amber comes over to help with the cookies.
Amber has experience baking cookies from a former job.
Susan leaves the kitchen so they can work better.

Ted: Mom, Amber is here to lend a hand with the cookies.

Susan: Hi Amber. Nice to see you again.

Amber: Good to see you too, Mrs.Johnson.

Susan: that's an interesting hairstyle.

Amber: Thanks. I'm glad you think it's cool. Blue hair is all the range this season.

Susan: Well, I'm going to take a break now and let you kids to take over.

Ted: Don't worry, Mom. Your business is in good hands with Amber. She really knows her stuff.

Amber: That's true. I used to work at Mrs.Field's Cookies in the mall.

Susan: You don't work there anymore?

Amber: No, I got fired. I have a real sweet tooth, and they told me I was eating too many cookies.

Susan: Well, I'm sure you haven't lost your touch.

Amber: I might be a bit out of practice.

Ted: Mom, you can watch Amber bake if you want. You might pick up a few tricks of the trade.

Amber: Yes, feel free. As a singer, I'm used to performing before an audience!

Susan: Thanks, but I'm going to get out the way. You know what they say: too many cooks spoil the broth!

Amber: Will I see you later tonight?

Susan: Yes, I'll be back in a few hours.

Ted: Mom, why don't you just call it a night and go to bed. You've been working your tail off all day.

Idioms

all the rage - the latest fashion; popular right now

(to) call it a night - to stop an activity for the rest of the night

feel free - go ahead and do something; don't hesitate (to do something)

(to) get out of the way - to move out of the way; to stop interferring with someone's plans or activities

(to be) in good hands - in good, competent care

(to) know one's stuff - to have an expertise in a field

(to) lend a hand - to help

(to) lose one's touch - to no longer be able to do something well

(to be) out of practice - no longer good at doing something

(to) pick up - to acquire; to learn

sweet tooth - an enjoyment of sugary foods

(to) take a break - to stop and rest from an activity

(to) take over - to assume control

too many cooks spoil the broth - too many people involved in an activity can ruin it

tricks of the trade - clever shortcuts gained by experience

(to) work one's tail off [slang] - to work very hard