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Martin, why are you still working? It is nearly 10o'clock.
Because tomorrow is important, Julia.
You said that yesterday.
Yesterday was also important.
Have you been working around the clock?
Not literally, but it certainly feels like it.
Then perhaps we should call it a day.
Not yet. I want to finish before the deadline.
Not in the nick of time.
You rest once in a blue moon, Martin.
That is an unfair exaggeration.
Is it?
Welcome to your English Toolbox and Practice Arena5-Minute English.
I am Martin.
And I am Julia.
Today we are exploring Lesson 2 of our free idiomscourse, Time.
The course gives you a clear path through 25lessons and 100 useful English idioms.
Each lesson uses a natural dialogue, clearexplanations,
common mistakes, listening, and interactivepractice.
Visit yourenglishtoolbox.com slash idioms
or use the direct link to Lesson 2 in thisepisode's description.
The complete course is free.
Today's four expressions are around the clock,
it's a nick of time, once in a blue moon, and callit a day.
So, Martin, why does it feel as if you have beenworking around the clock?
We are preparing episodes and finishing newpractice arena exercises.
Around the clock means continuously, all day andall night.
Hospitals provide care around the clock.
There is also an important grammar detail.
After a verb, there are no hyphens.
The team worked around the clock.
Before a noun, we normally use hyphens.
They offer around-the-clock support.
Good.
Now, I usually finish projects in the nick oftime.
Meaning just before it is too late.
Exactly. The expression creates urgency.
Failure was very close.
It is not simply the same as on time.
If I arrive at 11 for an 11 o'clock meeting, Iarrive on time.
If I run through the door while it is closing, Iarrive in the nick of time.
03:00
We say in the nick of time, never on the nick oftime.
Now tell the truth. How often do you take a properbreak?
Regularly.
Once in a blue moon?
That means very rarely or almost never.
We can say, I order take-away once in a blue moon.
Or, once in a blue moon, Julia admits that I amright.
Very funny. And now our final idiom, call it aday.
It means stop working on something for the day.
We have done enough. Let us call it a day.
The pronoun is fixed. Call it a day, not call thisa day.
Time for a quick challenge.
Say the best idiom before Martin answers.
Situation 1.
A customer service team is available all day andall night, around the clock.
Situation 2.
You reach the airport gate seconds before itcloses.
In the nick of time.
Situation 3.
You visit an expensive restaurant very rarely.
Once in a blue moon.
Final situation.
You have worked enough and decide to stop untiltomorrow.
Call it a day.
Now make one sentence about your own life usingone of today's idioms.
Complete your sentence aloud.
Quick recap.
Around the clock means continuously throughout theday and night.
In the nick of time means just before it is toolate.
Once in a blue moon means very rarely.
And call it a day means stop working for the day.
Continue with idioms lesson 2.
Time through the direct link in this episode'sdescription.
Hear the dialogue, practice the grammar, checkcommon mistakes, and complete the interactive
activities.
Four expressions. One very long working day.
About five minutes of clear, slow English.
And now, Martin?
Now we can call it a day.
Excellent! You agreed before midnight.
Just in the nick of time.
