BBC Learning English
The English We Speak
26 March 2013
Finger on the pulse
(Finn and Feifei are in the cinema; the film is about to start)
Finn: Hi, I'm Finn. This is The English We Speak. And this is Feifei.
Feifei: Hi. I hope you can hear me. This cinema is very crowded! I've never heard
of this movie& and who are these actors, Finn?!
Finn: Well, Feifei, when it comes to the best new actors, I have my finger on the
pulse.
Feifei: Finger on the pulse? Oh, don't do that here, Finn. You mean you touch the
wrists of all these film actors? Where is your British reserve?!
Finn: No. I am not going to touch anybody's pulse or wrists and my fingers are
here, in my popcorn. In English, 'to have your finger on the pulse' means:
to be familiar with the latest trends and developments.
Feifei: Ahhhh, that's a relief.
Finn: You might hear the expression 'to have your finger on the pulse' or 'to keep
your finger on the pulse'. Let's hear some examples.
Examples
You have to keep your finger on the pulse of consumer trends if you want to succeed in
business.
How do I manage to dress so well all the time? I buy this fashion magazine every week
because it really has its finger on the pulse.
Feifei: Ah I see. So this expression is about keeping up-to-date with trends.
Finn: Yes it is.
Feifei: Finn, I've been looking at the poster of the film while we wait for the door
to open and& this film...
Finn: 'The City That Never Sleeps'. Yes?
Feifei: There is a picture of a zombie on the poster& and& what is that in the
corner? A dead woman! Is it a horror movie, Finn?!
Finn: Calm down. It is a great movie. Full of blood and suspense. It will be a
thrill!
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Feifei: Oh. I don't like that, Finn! I really don't like that! I get really upset when I
watch this sort of movie. My heart races& here, put your actual finger on
my actual pulse& Here.
Finn: Oh, ok, ok, sorry Feifei. Your heart is beating very fast. I didn't know you
had a problem with horror movies. Let's go and watch a musical then.
Feifei: 'The Sound of Music'?
Finn: Go on then!
Feifei: That's much nicer! Bye.
Finn: Bye.
Both: (Singing) Doe, a deer, a female deer. Ray, a drop of golden sun&
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