Learning English

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Introduction

This expression is all about being in control. Learn about it here

Transcript

Feifei

Hello, and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases used by fluent English speakers so you can use them, too! I'm Feifei.

Georgie
And I'm Georgie. Feifei, tell me. How are you, and what is the phrase we're learning in this programme?

Feifei
I'm well, thank you. The phrase we're learning in this programme is about taking control of a situation. But, first of all, can you take the wheel for the introduction?

Georgie
Smooth introduction to the phrase we're looking at in this programme. And sure, I'll take the wheel, and you can rest for a few seconds. We're learning 'take the wheel', which means take control of a situation. It comes from the literal sense, when you take control of the steering wheel of a car, or 'wheel' for short. So, imagine we're in a car - I'm driving, you're the passenger, and there's an emergency. I might say to you, "quick - take the wheel!" and I'm asking you to put your hands on the steering wheel, to take control of the car.

Feifei
Well, that sounds a little stressful! But the meaning we're looking at is more metaphorical, isn't it? So, for example, my family is talking about going on holiday together, but no one is actually organising it. So, I've decided to take the wheel to organise the holiday.

Georgie
That's a great example. Let's hear some more examples of 'take the wheel' in use.

Examples
When I worked as a teacher, I often had to cover classes of teachers that were suddenly sick. I just had to take the wheel and teach without being able to prepare anything in advance.

There's this massive project at work. I just don't have any time to organise it. Can you take the wheel on this one?

I think I'll take the wheel on the decorations for the party, but could you organise the food?

Feifei
So, this phrase is quite flexible and can be used like any normal verb, so I can use it in the past, for example, "I took the wheel", as a request "Can you take the wheel?" or "He's always taking the wheel", and lots more. Is there anything else we can say about this phrase, Georgie?

Georgie
Well, it's interesting, actually, that a lot of expressions we use to talk about control and power are related to driving, like this one, or even riding horses. Similar to 'take the wheel' we have 'take the reins' – which are those things like straps attached to a horse's mouth that we use to control them when riding them.

Feifei
Oh yes, and if someone is in full control of a situation, we can say that they're in the driving seat. You're right, Georgie. I hadn't thought about that.

Now, let's recap. We've learned the expression 'take the wheel' which means to take control of a situation and be the leader.

Georgie
Now that we've taught you this expression, it's your turn to take the wheel of your English learning and practise using it!

Feifei
We'll be back next time with another useful English phrase. Bye bye!

Georgie
Bye.

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