BBC Learning English
The English We Speak
6 March 2012
Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed
Will: Hi! I'm William. And here's... er well, something that looks a bit like Li, but
kind of half-Li half-animal. Are you okay Li?
Li: Yes, I am very well, thank you.
Will: I don't mean to be rude, but... why have you got a large, bushy tail today?
Li: Well, it was an order from the boss.
Will: The boss told you to come in with a tail?
Li: Yes.
Will: Right. But what about the bright, sparkling glitter around your eyes?
Li: Oh, that too. Don't you think it makes my eyes look lovely and bright?
Will: Well, yes, they are kind of... dazzling.
Li: I think he will be pleased. Yesterday he wasn't pleased with me. He said I
looked bored and tired. It's true I didn't get much work done; I'd had a late
night.
Will: Right. So what will the tail and sparkly eyes do  make you work harder?
Li: Yes! Apparently!
Will: Li, I'm not sure that the rest of the team will be able to concentrate with all
of that fur and glitter in the office!
Li: Well, it was the boss's idea  not mine.
Will: Li, what did he actually say when he asked you to do this?
Li: He said: 'Li, tomorrow I expect you to come in bright-eyed and bushy-
tailed.'
Will: Right. I hate to say this, but it's just an expression.
Li: What? Just an expression? Why does this keep happening to me?
Will: Well, if you're bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, you're full of energy and
enthusiasm. The boss didn't expect you to come in looking like some kind
of squirrel on its way to the Oscars.
The English We Speak © British Broadcasting Corporation 2012
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Li: Oh.
Will: He just wanted you to be a bit more motivated and energetic.
Li: Oh no, I'm never going to be able to get this tail off  I put so much glue
on it. Everyone will laugh at me!
Will: Maybe. Here are some examples:
Examples
Wow, look at you, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed! It looks like you're ready for action!
After the summer holidays, the children returned to school bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
Li: Oh Will, what will people say when they look at my tail?
Will: They'll probably just start feeding you nuts.
Li: Oh! This is terrible!
Will: Or maybe acorns.
Li: What shall I do?
Will: Well I wouldn't eat the acorns, but there's nothing wrong with nuts.
Li: Will, help me! Pull this tail, please, pull!
Will: Okay. Come on! Come on, silly tail!
Li: It's all the boss's fault!
The English We Speak © British Broadcasting Corporation 2012
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