Lesson No. 91 – Authentic Conversational English Explanation:
The paraphrase is written under the original conversation and in italics.
Wife to husband: I’ve been asking you since Columbus sailed to fix the door leak, how many moons is it going to take?
Wife to husband: I’ve been asking you for a very long time to fix the door leak, how much more time is it going to take?
The phrase ”since Columbus sailed” is hyperbole (an exaggeration) for a very long time.
The idiom “many moons” originated with the American Indians with ”moons” meaning “months”therefore, “many moons” literally means many months which translate into a ”long time.”
Husband: Keep hope alive. In due time dear, in due time.
Husband: Don’t quit hoping. At the appropriate time dear, at the appropriate time [implied that he’ll eventually fix the door leak.]
Wife: I got your in due time. In due time you’re gonna be in the dog house.
Wife: I’ll tell you about your “appropriate time.” At the appropriate time you’re gonna be out of the house (humorously she’s telling him she’s going to kick him out of the house that he will sleep in the dog house).
Husband: Now, now dear. Let’s not elevate your request to being in your dreams.
Husband: Calm down dear. Don’t push me to the point where your door leak request will be a dream!
Wife: Speaking of dreams, what part of nightmare don’t you understand?
Wife: Now that you mentioned dreams, how about a nightmare coming your way!
Husband: Are you going to go there?
Husband: Are you thinking about going that far?
[To “go there” means to go into an area of thought that you want to avoid.]
Wife: I’m already there if you don’t fix the door leak ASAP. Hook me up.
Wife: I’ve already decided that you’re going into the doghouse if you don’t fix the door leak As Soon As Possible (ASAP). Do it now!
“Hook me up” is slang for doing a favor for someone.
Husband: A woman’s work is from sun up to sundown but a man’s work is never done!
Husband: A woman’s work has a time limit and ends at sundown but a man is always working!
Wife: Yeah, right. But we know what’s up, ha, ha!
Wife: Yes, I know you think your proverb is right, but we both know the truth, ha, ha!
Answers to the questions:
No. 1-3 questions were answered by you and the paraphrase (re-write).
4. Why did the wife laugh in her last statement which was in response to her husband’s previous statement?
Answer: His wife laughed because her husband changed the subject in a well-known proverb that says “a man’s work is from sun up to sundown but a woman’s work is never done.”
In other words, the husband is saying a man’s work is never done which is the opposite of a woman’s work is never done. He applied the proverb to himself.
Final Words
In Conversational English there may be idioms, phrases, phrasal verbs, slang words, contractions, cliches, and abbreviations combined with Standard English. But don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as it may seem.
The key is to expose yourself to this information on a regular basis, become a good listener/observer, seek answers to your questions and speak at every opportunity.
Amira, your updated paraphrase is even closer to the actual meaning and your diligent efforts are paying off.
Additional Assignment
If you’d like, go through the lesson and identify any slang words, idioms, contractions, and abbreviation.
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