A taste of your own medicine: The English We Speak - YouTube
Feifei: Hello and welcome to The English
We Speak.
I'm Feifei…
Neil: … and I'm Neil. Hey Feifei, it sounds
like you might have a cold?
Feifei: I think I have – sore throat, blocked
nose. I feel terrible. That's why I'm taking
this medicine.
Neil: That's probably a good idea.
Medicine is usually
good for making you feel better but how
does it taste?
Feifei: Well, it's supposed to taste of
strawberries
but to be honest it's just horrible!
Neil: That's why I never take the stuff – it's
disgusting. Have you heard the phrase 'a
taste of your own medicine'?
Feifei: No. Does it mean doing something
horrible or unpleasant?
Neil: Sort of. It describes someone
receiving the
same, treatment or unpleasant
experience that
they have given to somebody else. You
know, like you're always bossing people
around and
then someone starts to boss you around?
Feifei: I don't know what you mean Neil!
Anyway, it's
quite a negative phrase.
Neil: 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, he's
always late so this time I'm going to give
him a taste of his own medicine and turn
up late as well.
Deepak is always rude to the teacher but
he was really offended when she gave
him a taste of his own medicine and was
rude back to him!
Feifei: So that's 'a taste of your own medicine' which
describes someone receiving the same
treatment that they have given to
somebody else.
Excuse me!
Neil: Oh dear. It sounds like you need to
take some more medicine.
Feifei: If you mean literally taking the
medicine, then
yes. But if you
mean receiving the same treatment I've
given to someone else, then no. I can't
believe you think I am always bossing
people around.
Neil: I was just giving an example of the
phrase. I would never say you were bossy.
Feifei: Good. Now why don't you go and
make me a nice
cup up of tea?
Neil: Oh, OK, sure. See you.
Feifei: And don't forget to close the door!
Neil: Yes. Sorry. I'll do that right now.
OK. See you later.
Feifei: Ah, I feel better already. Bye.
