Learning English

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Introduction

Here's an expression for when someone reacts dramatically when they don't get what they want.

Transcript

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

Georgie
Hi Feifei! How are things?

Feifei
Not too bad, thank you Georgie. How about you?

Georgie
Yes, I'm very well thank you. So, in this programme, we're looking at an idiom that reminds me of babies, and that's 'throwing your toys out of the pram' or 'throwing your toys out the pram'. Feifei, I thought it might be useful to explain the literal meaning of this first.

Feifei
Yes, I think that's a good idea. Well, a pram is something that you put a baby in, it has four wheels and you push it and it is also known as a pushchair. Now, imagine a baby is crying, he or she is really upset and they’re throwing their toys out of the pram.

Georgie
OK, now if you use the idiom to describe an adult who is throwing their toys out of the pram, it means they are acting in a very childish or dramatic way, especially when they don't get what they want.

Feifei
Yes, for example, yesterday we saw a child in the supermarket literally throwing his toys out of the pram, but when we use ‘throwing your toys out of the pram’ to describe an adult, we don't mean that they’re literally throwing the toys out of their pram, we mean that they’re acting in a very dramatic way. Let's hear some more examples from our colleagues.

Examples
I worked with an actor last week and during lunchtime we found out that there weren't any ham sandwiches. He threw his toys out the pram and refused to work with us anymore.

There are some mistakes in Sally's work again, but there's no way I'm telling her! Last time, she just threw her toys out the pram and stormed off and started shouting at everyone.

Well, that's the last time I play him at tennis! He disagreed with the umpire and just totally threw his toys out of the pram - smashed his racket on the floor and just walked off!

Feifei
The idiom is mostly used to describe someone else's behaviour and it's pretty much always quite negative and critical.

Georgie
Yes, and it's mostly used in British English because 'pram' is a British English word. So, if you're in the UK and someone says you're throwing your toys out of the pram, it might be a good idea to take a step back and reconsider your reaction!

Feifei
Good advice Georgie! OK, let's recap. We've learnt that 'throw your toys out of the pram' means you react in a childish or overly dramatic way when things don't happen the way you want them to.

Georgie
Remember to check out our website: bbclearningenglish.com for more resources to help you improve your English. Thanks for joining us. Bye!

Feifei
Bye!

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