Learn English with The Lincoln Lawyer: 5 common conversation phrases, idioms 50-CENT TOUR, ON THE PLUS SIDE. COMPLIMENTS OF THE CHEF meaning.
Hello everyone and welcome back to English Watch And Learn. Today I have got some common phrases for you that you can use in conversation. We already started watching the conversation between Lisa and Mickey from Netflix's series The Lincoln Lawyer. In this episode, Mickey visits a restaurant and unexpectedly gets a meal as a "compliments of the chef", and after that Lisa approached him to find out if he liked it.
Scene without subtitles (Listening practice)
Context
"The Lincoln Lawyer” Netflix series, season 2, episode 1, 15:28-18:25. Mickey and Lisa talk at restaurant at first time.
Words and phrases
Firstly, let’s discuss what does “compliments of the chef” mean. When you receive an item “compliments of the chef”, it means that the item is being offered to you free of charge as a gesture of goodwill from the chef. It is usually a little thank-you gift for being a valued customer, or a way to show off the chef’s skills.
Lisa asked Mickey “Do you need any help?”. This question can be used in a variety of cases. It is a polite and friendly way to offer assistance. It is also a way to show that you care about the other person and are willing to help them. Sometimes, you can ask “Do you need any help?” when someone is simply looking for someone to talk to. For example, if you see someone who looks lonely, you might ask them if they want to chat. This is exactly how Lisa used the question here.
“I couldn’t finish it”. Micky uses this phrase in a more figurative sense to mean that he were unable to achieve a goal or complete a process because, for example, he didn’t have enough time, or because he was too tired. The expression “on the plus side” is an idiom that means “considering the positive aspects” or “looking on the bright side.” In this way, Mickey wants to point out the good aspects of the situation, even if there are also negative aspects.
Lisa said “My hostess is a true-crime junkie.” In the context of a restaurant, the “hostess” is a woman who is responsible for greeting customers, welcoming them to the restaurant, and seating them. She may also help them with their menus and answer any questions they have.
“junkie” is a slang term for a drug addict. “ceviche” (pronounced “seh-VEE-chay”) is a Latin American dish made of raw fish or seafood marinated in citrus juices, such as lemon or lime juice.
A “take-out counter” is a long, flat, narrow surface or table in a restaurant where customers can order food to be taken away and eaten elsewhere.
The term “50-cent tour” is an idiom that means a quick, cursory, or introductory tour. It is often used humorously to describe a tour that is not very comprehensive or detailed.
The question “Really?” often can be used in conversation for a variety of purposes, for example, -To express surprise or disbelief; -To express doubt or skepticism; -To emphasize something. Here, Lisa ask “Really?” to express interest or excitement: “Really? Tell me more!”
“responsibility” means a duty to take care of something and also the ability to act independently and make decisions.
The phrase “well, now” is commonly used in conversation: -to introduce a new topic or idea; -to express surprise or disbelief; to indicate that you are about to ask a question; to express a change of opinion or perspective; or to introduce a joke or humorous comment, as Lisa said here.
The phrase “I should probably go” can be used in different ways: -To express a desire to leave; -To avoid an awkward situation; -To signal that you are not interested in continuing a conversation, as Mickey said here.
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