BBC Learning English
The English We Speak
5 February 2013
Go to town
Abigail: Hi. You're listening to The English We Speak. I'm Abigail and&
actually Neil, sorry, I can't stay long, I've got a lot to do.
Neil: Hi, I'm Neil. And - what do you mean you've got a lot to do?
Abigail: Oh, well, you know I'm having that dinner party this evening.
Neil: I know you're having a dinner party, I'm coming. So? That's this
evening, why do you need to start now?
Abigail: Oh no but I have really big ideas. I'm really going to town.
Neil: You're going to go to town? We're in town already. Just go to the
supermarket and buy a ready meal. No one will know.
Abigail: A ready meal?! No, I'm really going to town.
Neil: Will you stop saying you're going to town? You're supposed to be
working.
Abigail: Come on, you know  'Going to town'. As in& going to a lot of
trouble, making it really special.
Neil: Oh I thought you were just making some simple snacks. Actually, I
was going to eat before I came round to your house.
Abigail: Eat before my dinner party? That's so rude! No it isn't going to be a
snack. As I say, I'm going to town. And I'm not the only person to
use this very useful expression. Have a listen to these people:
Examples
The wedding was beautiful, they really went to town. Everything was decorated
pink and white.
This is lovely food  they've really gone to town.
Have you seen the admin team? They're really going to town on that paperwork.
The English We Speak © British Broadcasting Corporation 2013
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Neil: Well, I can see you can go to town on a party, a wedding, a big
meal& But how can you go to town on paperwork?
Abigail: Hmm  good point. I suppose they're going to a lot of trouble,
making a special effort?
Neil: Being very thorough perhaps.
So if you're not doing paperwork tonight  in what way are you
'going to town' at this dinner party?
Abigail: I still have to think about it. Maybe I'll buy flowers. I could make
cocktails. Oh, I know  all the food could be red!
Neil: All the food will be red! When you go to town you really go to town!
Abigail: Oh, wait, no. All the food could be silver!
Neil: Silver food? You keep planning, I'm just going to get some ready
meals.
Abigail: Oh, no, wait, everyone could dress as animals! We could eat on the
roof!
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