介绍:
Feifei: Hello 大家好，欢迎收听《地道英语》。我是冯菲菲。
Neil: (Sounding distracted) Yeah, Hi, I'm err, Neil.
Feifei: Neil, what are you doing? Can we record this programme please?
Neil: Yes, sure, just a second. (Talking to himself) I still need to call the bank, turn off mobile data roaming, finish this script, buy mosquito repellent…
Feifei: 你自言自语说什么呢？ We need to record this programme!
Neil: Yes, I know, just a minute. (Carrying on talking to himself) Need to pick up the Euros, check-in, pack the bag…
Feifei: Neil! What on earth are you talking about?
Neil: Sorry Feifei. I'm trying to sort out some bits and bobs before I go on holiday tomorrow.
Feifei: Bits and bobs? What has Bob done? 奇怪了，Bob 这个人挺好的，怎么招惹你了？Why do you need to sort out Bob before you go on holiday?
Neil: No, no. I don't mean I need to sort out 'Bob'. The word 'Bob' here is not a person.
Feifei: It's not a person? 那 'bits and bobs' 在这里到底是什么意思呢？
Neil: In English, we use 'bits and bobs' to mean small things, or many different types of little jobs.
Feifei: 那也就是说你在去度假前还有很多零零碎碎地事儿要处理， 我明白了。原来bits and bobs 这个表达常用来指零碎的小东西或许多不同的乱七八糟的杂事儿。
Neil: Yes. Now let's hear some examples.
A: What are you doing tomorrow?
B: Nothing special, just a few bits and bobs.
Mum: Alex, can you tidy up all your bits and bobs?
Son: Okay.
A: Have you been to the shop round the corner?
B: No, I haven't. Is it good?
A: Aw, it's great – it sells all sorts of interesting bits and bobs.
Neil: Do remember 'bits and bobs' is an informal saying so we wouldn't use it in a formal situation.
Feifei: 注意 bits and bobs 是一个非正式的日常口语表达，通常在正式场合还应该避免使用。Neil, what about the phrase 'bits and pieces'? Is it the same as 'bits and bobs'?
Neil: Yes, 'bits and pieces' is another informal way of saying 'lots of small things'.
Feifei: Bits and pieces 也是一个非正式的表达，它的意思、用法和 bits and bobs 完全相同。Thank you, very helpful, Neil! (Panicking) Oh no, it's 7 o'clock. I need to go!
Neil: But we need to finish recording the programme...
Feifei: You can finish it Neil. I have to get all the bits and bobs for the party tonight before the shops close! Bye…
Neil: Err, OK. Well, maybe we can just finish it tomorrow? (Talking to himself again) I have got the visa, still need buy travel insurance and a guidebook. Ooh, must remember to ring my mum...
