meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
Learning English Conversations

Bits and bobs

Learning English Conversations

BBC

Education, Language Learning

4.61.1K Ratings

🗓️ 28 October 2013

⏱️ 3 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Neil says he has a lot of 'bits and bobs' to sort out. What does he mean?

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

This is a feature from BBC Learning English.

0:03.0

For more information and our terms of use go to BBC World Service.com

0:09.0

forward slash podcasts

0:11.0

The English We Speak broadcasts. Hello and welcome to the English we speak. I'm Faye.

0:24.0

Yeah, hi, I'm Neil.

0:28.0

Neil, what are you doing?

0:30.0

Can we record this program please?

0:32.0

Yeah, sure, just a second.

0:33.7

Still need to call the bank, turn off mobile data roaming, finish the script, buy mosquito repellents what are you talking about we need to

0:46.8

record this program yes I know just a minute need to pick up the euros, check in, pack the bag.

0:55.0

Neil, what on earth are you talking about?

0:58.0

Sorry Faye, I'm trying to sort out some bits and bobs before I go on holiday tomorrow.

1:04.0

Bits and bobs? What has Bob done?

1:07.0

Why do you need to sort out Bob before you go on holiday?

1:10.0

No, no. I don't mean I need to sort out Bob. The word Bob here is not a person.

1:15.8

It's not a person. So what does Bittinbops mean then?

1:19.8

In English we use bits and bobs to mean small things, or many different types of little jobs.

1:26.0

Oh, so what you meant was you had a lot of small things to sort out before you go on holiday? Yes that's right. Now let's hear some examples.

1:37.7

What are you doing tomorrow? No nothing special just a few bits and bobs.

1:47.0

Alex can you tidy up all your bits and bobs Okay

1:50.0

Have you been to the shop round the corner?

1:53.0

No I haven't. Is it good?

...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from BBC, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of BBC and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2025.