We Speak. I'm Feifei...

Rob: ... and hello, I'm Rob. Feifei, why's

your hair wet - it's not raining, is it?

Feifei: No, Rob. I've just been for my

swimming lesson. It was a bit scary,

actually.

Rob: Why's that?

Feifei: Well, for the first time, I swam into

the deep end and couldn't stand up.

The lifeguard had to jump in and save me.

Rob: Oh dear, Feifei. It sounds like you

were out of your depth!

Feifei: Yes, I suppose I was.

Rob: Well, I'm out of my depth too.

Feifei: What - you're learning to swim too?

Rob: No, no. I'm struggling to complete

this project about statistics that the boss

has asked me to do. I know nothing about

statistics and numbers - it's just too

difficult and I just can't do it. So

I'm out of my depth.

Feifei: Ah, I've got it. When you are out of

your depth, it can mean you are in a

difficult situation that you cannot cope

with - it could be because a task exceeds

your knowledge or ability. so it's a bit like

drowning in a situation - but not literally.

Rob: Exactly. Let's hear some examples...

I'm so out of my depth in this new job.

I haven't got a clue what to do!

When everyone started talking about

politics I knew I was out of my depth,

so I politely made my excuses and

went home.

He was clearly out of his depth in the

match - he lacked any skill and couldn't

even pass the ball!

Feifei: This is The English We Speak from

BBC Learning English and we're talking

about the phrase 'out of your depth'. It

describes a situation that is too

difficult for you, and you do not have

the knowledge or ability to cope with it.

Well, Rob, I may be able to save you! I love

statistics and can help you out.

Rob: Oh that's great. And I can help you

improve your swimming.

Feifei: Oh yes? How can you do that?

Rob: You can borrow my arm bands so

you'll never sink, even in the deep end.

You'll never be out of your depth again!

Feifei: Thanks, but I think I should learn to

swim properly. Anyway, when do you need

to complete this project for the boss by?

Rob: Errr... now.

Feifei: Oh. Come on then. We had better

go and get on with it, otherwise the boss

will throw you in the deep end! Bye.

Rob: Bye.