Knees up: The English We Speak - YouTube

Feifei: Hello, I'm Feifei and this is The English We Speak.

Rob: ...and hello, it's Rob here. Err, Feifei, I hope

you don't mind me saying but you look a bit hot and sweaty.

Feifei: That's because I've been training for this 'thing' that Dan's having for his birthday.

Rob: A 'thing' - what sort of thing?

Feifei: Well according to his party invitation, he's having a knees-up to celebrate his birthday.

I'm not sure what it is but I wanted to be prepared by getting fit. Look I can get my knee up to my chin!

Rob: That's impressive but completely unnecessary.

A knees-up is an informal way of saying a lively party where there's usually dancing.

So he's having a party!

Feifei: Oh right. So I've been invited to Dan's birthday party! Well, if there's dancing I still need to get fit.

Rob: That's true. Let's hear some more examples of people having a knees-up...

Examples: Sorry I'm a bit sleepy today, we had a big knees-up last night. It was great!

We're planning a knees-up for Dad's 70th birthday, I hope you can come.

Now our exams have finished, let's have a knees-up at my house tonight!

Feifei: So a knees-up is a lively party or gathering to celebrate something. This is going to be fun!

Rob: Yes, there'll be dancing... Feifei: Good.

Rob: Eating and drinking... Feifei: Perfect.

Rob: And lots of celebrating. But this knees-up will be missing one thing.

Feifei: Oh yes, what's that?

Rob: Me. I won't be coming - I haven't got time - I'm up to my knees in paperwork.

Feifei: 'Up to your knees' in paperwork!

You mean you've got too much work to do - come on Rob, be honest, you haven't been invited!

Rob: Well... yes. I can't dance anyway, I've got a bad knee.

Feifei: Excuses. I'll let you know how it goes. Bye! Rob: Bye!