Neil: Yes, Feifei?

Feifei: Everyone's asking - who was

that beautiful woman

who you were at lunch with?

Neil: Ah, she's a... just a friend.

A new friend. Err, a very nice, new friend.

Feifei: Ooh, you really like her!

Neil: Well, yes. She's lovely.

She's a doctor.

Feifei: Neil, I just can't help thinking...

she's so pretty!

Neil: What are you saying, Feifei?

She's too pretty for me? As you know,

I punch above my weight!

Feifei: You certainly do.

And I'm not saying you're fat!

Neil: Haha. Yes, 'to punch above

your weight' is our phrase on

The English We Speak. It means to

achieve beyond what

is expected of you.

Feifei: We can use it to describe

the performance or influence of

companies or even countries...

Or in this case - when Neil is going out

with someone more attractive

and successful - we

say he is punching above his weight!

Neil: Hey, Feifei. That was a bit harsh.

Anyway, let's hear these examples.

Croatia punches above its weight when

it comes to football. It has

a population of under 5 million, but

came second in the World Cup.

Even as a small business, you can punch

above your weight if you focus

on quality and build

a strong brand.

Some of the cheaper smartphones

are really punching above their weight -

they're a fraction of the price

but have got some great features.

Feifei: You're listening to The English

We Speak from BBC Learning English.

Our expression is

'punch above your weight'. So, Neil, how

did you meet this mystery woman?

Neil: Well, she's a doctor. You know I was

going to boxing class earlier this year?

Feifei: Yes, how's that going?

Neil: Well, I stopped. I was training with

someone much bigger than me,

and I, err...

broke my nose.

Feifei: You were literally punching

above your weight!

Neil: Yes. And who should I meet

at the hospital but this beautiful doctor!

Feifei: Well, it's a good story.

Shame it's not true.

Neil: I know. I've never boxed in my life!

Feifei: And I know you had

lunch alone today.

Neil: Ahh. But I hope the story helps

teach this phrase!

Feifei: I hope so too.

Neil: Anyway, if you're not busy...

fancy lunch tomorrow, Feifei?

Feifei: There you go again,

punching above your weight! Bye.

Crowd: Ouch! That must have hurt!