Bringing up children is not easy, and it’s not always easy to be brought up by our parents either.
In this podcast, we’ll share some things our parents used to say that made sense at the time, but seem strange when we look back on them many years later.

The next conversation course starts at the beginning of October. Sign up for details at https://www.englishmasterclass.net/

Voice message from Loli from Spain
Be careful of the difference between history and story
some time ago (no ‘s’)
pronunciation of ‘scared’
The sheets rose up (people get up)

Phrasal verbs
to lie down
to turn on/off the light
to look back
I wonder if I dreamt it or it really happened

Things our mum and dad used to say

Because I said so.

Back in my day…

Ask your father/mother.

If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times.

What did your last slave die of?

It’ll end in tears.

You just wait until your dad gets home. He’ll give you what for.

Don’t make me…tell you again/go up there (to your room)/pull this car over/etc.

You’ll be smiling on the other side of your face in a minute.

Wipe that smile off your face!

Children should be seen, not heard.

My house, my rules. (If you don’t like it, you can sling your hook.)

Do as I say, not as I do.

Oh, you know/knew it all, don’t/didn’t you?

Who’s she, the cat’s mother?

To think you’d speak to your own mother/father like that!

(Just) who do you think you’re talking to?

Don’t you use that tone with me!

How dare you speak to me like that.

Don’t sit so close to the telly (you’ll get square eyes).

You’ll take/put someone’s eye out with that.

Shut the door! Were you brought up in a barn?

If someone asked you to put your head in a gas oven, would you?

(It) Serves you right!

Don’t come crying to me.

Oh, you’ve really done it this time!

I’ll give you a good hiding in a minute!

(You) listen to me, young man/lady.

You’ll be the death of me.

After all I’ve done for you. (This is the thanks I get.)

You’ll thank me one/someday.

What is the world coming to?

(If they use your full name – first name and surname – you know you’re in big trouble!)

Reza’s mum had her own idiosyncratic favourite: “I’ll not miss and hit the wall.” This was a warning that she was about to hurl a slipper at you and she was an exceptionally good aim! (She could have made millions of dollars if she’d signed up for The Boston Red Sox as a pitcher!!)

…and now it’s your turn to practise your English.
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On next week’s episode: Had better

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The music in this podcast is by Pitx. The track is called ‘See You Later’