Summary
If someone’s ‘not looking too clever’ are we doubting their intelligence? Join Jiaying and Neil to discover the real meaning of this confusing expression.
Transcript
Jiaying
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Jiaying…
Neil
….and I’m Neil.
Jiaying
Oh, Neil, you don’t sound too good.
Neil
I’m not, but I’ve got to keep going because I’ve been learning Spanish at an evening course, and I’ve got an exam tonight.
Jiaying
Oh dear – maybe you shouldn’t do it. I have to admit you don’t look too clever.
Neil
Well, that’s not very encouraging – you’re supposed to say ‘good luck, you’ll be great’. I have been studying it for a long time.
Jiaying
I was being sympathetic, Neil. ‘Not looking or feeling too clever’ means not looking or feeling very well – you look ill!
Neil
Oh, you didn’t mean I am stupid!
Jiaying
No – although I am beginning to wonder. I think you should take some medicine and go to bed while we listen to these examples.
Neil
Maybe.
Examples
I think you should go and see a doctor – you’re not looking too clever.
I’m not feeling too clever today, so I think I’ll take the day off.
She’s not looking clever, so I suggest we send her home.
Jiaying
This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English and we’re hearing about the expression ‘not looking or not feeling too clever’. It’s an informal way of describing not looking or feeling ill. And Neil, as I said, you don’t look clever….
Neil
Actually, I don’t really feel clever – or smart – either.
Jiaying
I get it – is this an excuse not to do your Spanish exam?
Neil
Ha ha – you’re not stupid! Yes, I think the stress of doing this exam has made me ill.
Jiaying
Oh dear. Why don’t you go and revise now, then you’ll feel clever and look clever as well.
Neil
Maybe. See you later.
Jiaying
Bye. Good luck!
Neil
Gracias!