Not everything goes to plan and sometimes we need to delay things until later. This is true for Jiaying, who’s had to postpone her party, but at least it means we can learn a new English phrase to describe this situation.
Jiaying
Hello, and welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Jiaying…
Rob
… and hello it’s me, Rob. Hey, Jiaying, I’m so looking forward to your party!
Jiaying
Well, errr…
Rob
You know – food, drink, dancing – I cannot wait for it…
Jiaying
Err, Rob – didn’t you get the message? I’ve had to push back on the party.
Rob
Push back? You’re moving the location?
Jiaying
No! I mean delay it. If you ‘push back’ on something, it means you delay it until a later time. So, my party is happening later.
Rob
Oh right – so it’s starting later – about eight o’clock?
Jiaying
No, I’ve had to push back by weeks. So for now, I’ve postponed it – postpone is another way of saying ‘delay until later’.
Rob
Oh dear, I was really looking forward to a night out. Have you pushed back on listening to the examples as well?
Jiaying
No, here they are…
Examples
We’ve got to push back on the deadline for the project. There’s still lots of work to be done.
I pushed back on answering his marriage proposal – I’m still not sure if he’s the right man for me!
I’ve got such a busy day today; can we push back the meeting until next week please?
Jiaying
You’re listening to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English, and we’re talking about the expression ‘push back’, which means to delay or postpone something until later. Sorry about delaying my party, Rob. It’s just not the best time to do it.
Rob
Well, I guess it can’t be helped – how about having it the next day?
Jiaying
Don’t be so pushy! ‘Pushy’ means to be very determined to get what you want. I’ll let you know when I have a new date for the party, OK?
Rob
OK! At least I’ll save some money.
Jiaying
Why’s that?
Rob
I can push back on buying you a present now! Bye bye.
Jiaying
Bye, Rob.
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