Story of Speak English Like an American (8)

Lesson 8 Ted Formed Rock Band

Ted plans to become a successful musician.
First, he needs Susan to loan him money for a new guitar.
Susan suggests that Ted bake cookies earn the money.

Susan: You're in good spirits today, Ted.

Ted: I've got great news, Mom.

Susan: What is it?

Ted: Amber and I are going to start a rock band!

Susan: Good for you!

Ted: Mom, I'm not going to beat around the bush. I need to borrow $1,000 for a new guitar.

Susan: Ted, your father and I can't shell out that much. We aren't made of money.

Ted: You're not? I thought you were millionaires, like Donald and Ivana Trump!

Susan: Ha ha. This is no time to be a wise guy!
Ted: I promise I 'll pay you back.

Susan: How?

Ted: We're going to take the music world by storm and make lots of money.

Susan: That sounds like a pipe dream. Aren't high school rock bands a dime a dozen?

Ted: Yeah, but we're different. With my guitar playing and Amber's beautiful voice, we're sure to make a splash!

Susan: Well, we're going through hard times. You're going to have to work for that $1,000.

Ted: How?

Susan: You can bake cookies.

Ted: I bet Mrs.Clapton never made Eric bake cookies, but I guess those are the breaks.


Idioms

(to) beat around the bush - to talk around the subject; to avoid getting to the point

dime a dozen - so plentiful so to be nothing special; common

Good for you! - Good job! Well done!

hard times - a time of difficulty

(to be) in good spirits - happy; in a good mood

made of money - very rich

(to) make a splash - to wn popularity quickly

(to) pay (someone) back - to repay a loan or debt

pipe dream - an unrealistic hope