English Idioms – Episode 8

Очередная серия нашего мультсериала уже в эфире!

1. dig one’s heels in = to show firmness over smth, especially one’s own desires (укрепить свое положение, укрепиться)
2. take smth lying down = to accept smth harmful/unpleasant without complaint/a struggle (принять без сопротивления, принимать покорно, проявлять покорность)
3. sit on the fence = to refuse to have an opinion or take sides on an issue (не становиться ни на чью сторону, отсиживаться, выжидать, сохранять нейтралитет)
4. seal smb’s/smth’s fate = to ensure the death/failure of smth/smb (решить чью-л. судьбу, предрешить судьбу)
5. easier said than done = smth which sounds/appears simple but is difficult to achieve/do (сказать легче, чем сделать; легко сказать; скоро сказка сказывается, да не скоро дело делается)

Here is the script for this movie:

Mr Whitby: Well, the Mayor has really dug his heels in on the subject of the new car park. I suggest that we hold a demonstration!
Mr Johns: Now Mr Whitby, you know that is easier said than done. Most of the residents are pensioners and, well, they are just not up to marches!
Mr Whitby: But they are not going to take these plans lying down either!
Mr Johns: Relax Mr Whitby. Listen, we’ve got Councillor Dudley who seems to be just sitting on the fence and refusing to say publicly whether or not he approves of the plans…
Mr Whitby: What about the Mayor?
Mr Johns: Yes, I haven’t finished yet. And the Mayor, who’s simply ignoring the demands of those who put him where he is today. Basically, they’ve both sealed their fates.
Mr Whitby: I hope so.
Mr Johns: Yeah, they’ll be out of a job next year, so all we’ve got to do is keep stalling their plans till then.