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The English we speak.

From BBC Learning English.

Hello and welcome'm Neil.

Hey Fe Fe It sounds like you might have a cold.

I think I have.

Saw throat, blocked nose nose I feel terrible that's why I'm taking this medicine

That's probably a good idea medicine is usually good for making you feel better

But how does it taste?

Well, it's supposed to taste of strawberries,

but to be honest, it's just horrible.

That's why I never take the stuff.

It's disgusting.

Have you heard the phrase, a taste of your own medicine?

No, does it mean doing something horrible or unpleasant?

Sort of. It describes someone receiving the same treatment or unpleasant experience that they've given to somebody else.

You know, like you're always bossing people around and then someone starts to boss you around.

I don't know what you mean, Neil. Anyway, it's quite a negative phrase.

It is. Let's hear some examples.

Our boss is so rude to us, but finally somebody has answered back and now he's got a taste of his own medicine.

When I meet up with my boyfriend,'s always late so this time I'm going to give him a taste of his own medicine and turn up late as well

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