Larie & Jan English University

You can learn a great deal of USEFUL English expressions at Jane and Laurie's. The point is.. to have a notebook and a pen handy all the time! Here is how I enriched by English vocabulary in the Cinderford University. Laurie is an experienced Oxford University professor and Jan is a teacher and very refined lady. My inermost gratitute to them for all the food for thought provided this year. Not mentioning the endless hours of chatting over breakfast or neverending dinners or whiskey time....

OTHER PEOPLE HAVE CLIMATE, WE HAVE WEATHER.

( we loved that one and had a tipical example of this during this year's stay in UK)

hobb/devil ( hobb gobling)

a layabout- in Argentina: un vago

BURN THE CANDLE ON BOTH ENDS.

DOG EAT DOG.

SHIP- HIGH & DRY

You like like a rag. ( Jane to Laurie with her Queen's English and manner of speaking)

If you want to have something done, ask a busy man, he is the only one who has time.

( one of Laurie's favourites)

A woman who is no better than she ought to be. ( Laurie's, spoken with a naughty smile)

I danced with a man who danced with a girl

who danced with a prince of Wales.

( Jane paraphrased it saying about the girl who has a friend whose sister danced tango with Victor)

in loco parentis (lat)- place of parents

CArtley is a modest man with much to be modest about. ( Laurie talking about Victor)

He burnt his boats/bridges. ( talking about the origins of this expression)

What's the difference between God and the consulting surgeon?

God knows he is not a consulting surgeon.

( a lovely post breakfast chat about hospitals and surgeons)

Atuc Gawande ' The check list manifestor' ( reccomended by Laurie)

Lady minister of the government during the II world war .Because of the German U-boats Britain has been short of wool, cotton and other materials and government decided that the material available will be restricted to the soldiers, not to the female forces, in particular to the WRNS ( wrens/female solgiers).Compaining in parlament:

' Is it a case that the skirts of my wrens must be held up untill all the needs of the navy have been satisfied?'

Held up- 1. literally, 2. restricted

Smarmy- suggestes oily, greasy, incincerity ( Jane's contribution)

Edmond BURKE 19th century politician

' For eveil to riumph, all that is necessary is for good man to remain silent'

( Laurie's)

' When there is no case for change, there is a case for no change'

convervativity of life

1.poofter/gey

2.nancy boy

both pejorative

Eton mess

( LOVELY DESERT served by Jane for dinner with Pete and Peny and us, absolutely copy worth)

It's not a man of my life, it's a life in my man,

Mae West

mead

succinctly- expressed clearly and in few words, no unnecesarry words

( a word Pete impressed his young tangos students driving them for the class: the English girls in their twenties would not understand this word)

Houseman A.E. ( Laurie's recommendation)

' When I was in love with you...'

Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof ( Bible)

AMBROSE BIERCE ' The devil's dictionary' ( recommended by Laurie)

Ben Goldacre 'ad science'

She is old enough and ugly enough. ( Laurie's saying)

Be good and if you cannot be good, be careful!

Be good and if you cannot be good, do not be cought!

SWANSEA IS A SERIES OF VILLAGES CONNECTED BY GOSSIP. ( by Jane)

MUTTON DRESSED AS LAMB. ( Jane speaking about dressing up for tango, esp. older women who want to appear younger)