This is a download from the BBC.

For more information and our terms of use, go to BBCworldservice.com

forward slash podcasts.

The English we speak.

From BBC Learning English.

Hi, I'm Jen and with me today is Lee.

Did you get my text message this morning?

Hi Jan. Yes, of course. I've brought everything you mentioned.

What? I didn't ask you for anything.

I've got you this great alarm clock and I've made this

lovely pot of coffee. Would you like a cup? No thanks.

But Lee, I didn't tell you to bring anything today.

You did.

Look, you said,

The boss asked to see you in his office.

I think you need to wake up and smell the coffee.

Yes, yes. So I brought some coffee and an alarm clock.

For when I see the boss to show him I can wake up and smell the coffee.

I didn't mean it literally.

When we say wake up and smell the coffee in English it means that you need to pay attention because you're missing

something that's really obvious.

Oh I see so when you tell me to wake up and smell the coffee. You think something is going on that I don't realize?

...