BBC Learning English
The English We Speak
10 April 2012
To take the weight off your feet
Rob: Hello, it s Rob here.
Helen: And me, Helen. This is The English We Speak. Rob I don t know why we
have to stand up when we present this programme  it s quite tiring.
Rob: Really? I thought standing up would give us more energy and sitting down
makes us a bit lazy.
Helen: But I ve been standing up all day, this is my only chance to sit down.
Rob: Why didn t you say. Here, have a chair, take the weight off your feet.
Helen: The weight?! Take the weight off my feet  that s a bit rude! Do you mean
I m heavy and my feet can t carry the weight?
Rob: Helen don t be so sensitive. I was being kind. It s a way of saying, relax, sit
down, especially after standing up for a long time. It's got nothing to do
with your actual weight.
Helen: Oh I see. I that case, I will.
Rob: Here are some other ways of saying that phrase& .
Examples
We ve been shopping all day, let s take the weight off our feet, sit down and have a cup
of coffee.
Don t walk to work today, go on the bus and take the weight off your feet.
Rob: Those are different situations where you can take the weight off your feet.
Helen: I have to admit Rob, it s very comfortable sitting down. I feel quite relaxed
I think I ll put my feet up too.
Rob: That s another expression we use  to put our feet up. Again it means rest
and relax and literally, put your feet up on the sofa, or in your case, on the
desk. Helen you could have taken your shoes off!
Helen: Sorry. So to put your feet up is all about relaxing and resting our feet.
Ahh, lovely! Can we hear some more examples please?
Rob: Yes Helen!
Examples
You ve been gardening all day, come inside and put your feet up.
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After working for the company for 30 years, Jim has decided it s time to finally put his
feet up and retire.
Rob: If he s retiring he ll be putting his feet up for a long time. But Helen we ve
got work to do, so back on your feet.
Helen: You want me to put the weight on my feet now?
Rob: I m afraid so. It s time to go shopping.
Helen: Shopping! Why didn t you say. Look, I m back on my feet now.
Rob: That was quick. OK, best foot forward, off to the supermarket we go  left,
right, left, right&
Helen: Shopping at the supermarket!
Rob: Yes, the supermarket Helen. Bye!
Helen: Bye.
Rob: Come on  left, right, left right, keep moving those feet.
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