Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/05/2014 - 21:33

Listen

William is very puzzled to see Li arriving at the office with glitter around her eyes and a bushy tail like a squirrel. Find out more in this week's programme.

a squirrel

The script for this programme

Will: Hi! I'm William. And here's... er well, something that looks a bit like Li, but kind of half-Li half-animal. Are you okay Li?

Li: Yes, I am very well, thank you.

Will: I don't mean to be rude, but... why have you got a large, bushy tail today?

Li: Well, it was an order from the boss.

Will: The boss told you to come in with a tail?

Li: Yes.

Will: Right. But what about the bright, sparkling glitter around your eyes?

Li: Oh, that too. Don't you think it makes my eyes look lovely and bright?

Will: Well, yes, they are kind of... dazzling.

Li: I think he will be pleased. Yesterday he wasn't pleased with me. He said I looked bored and tired. It's true I didn't get much work done, I'd had a late night.

Will: Right. So what will the tail and sparkly eyes do - make you work harder?

Li: Yes! Apparently!

Will: Li, I'm not sure that the rest of the team will be able to concentrate with all of that fur and glitter in the office!

Li: Well, it was the boss's idea - not mine.

Will: Li, what did he actually say when he asked you to do this?

Li: He said: 'Li, tomorrow I expect you to come in bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.'

Will: Right. I hate to say this, but it's just an expression.

Li: What? Just an expression? Why does this keep happening to me?

Will: Well, if you're bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, you're full of energy and enthusiasm. The boss didn't expect you to come in looking like some kind of squirrel on its way to the Oscars.

Li: Oh.

Will: He just wanted you to be a bit more motivated and energetic.

Li: Oh no, I'm never going to be able to get this tail off - I put so much glue on it. Everyone will laugh at me!

Will: Maybe. Here are some examples:

  • Wow, look at you, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed! It looks like you're ready for action!
  • After the summer holidays, the children returned to school bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

Li: Oh Will, what will people say when they look at my tail?

Will: They'll probably just start feeding you nuts.

Li: Oh! This is terrible!

Will: Or maybe acorns.

Li: What shall I do?

Will: Well I wouldn't eat the acorns, but there's nothing wrong with nuts.

Li: Will, help me! Pull this tail, please, pull!

Will: Okay. Come on! Come on, silly tail!

Li: It's all the boss's fault!

Article references
www.bbc.co.uk