It's the thought that counts

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2018-12-17

Summary 

Neil's bought an early Christmas present for Feifei which he thinks is really cool. She's not so sure. Learn an expression which lets you politely say you appreciate the present, but don't like it.

Transcript

Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Feifei.

Neil
And I’m Neil.

Feifei
Oh what's that parcel you've got in your hands there, Neil? Looks exciting…

Neil
It's a present.

Feifei
A present? For who?

Neil
For you! For Christmas!

Feifei
Christmas? It's a bit early, isn't it?

Neil
Well, I saw these and I just knew you'd love them so much – so I bought them! I can't wait till Christmas to see your face. Go on, open it now!

Feifei
You're too kind, Neil. OK…  A pair of glasses… Harry Potter glasses.

Neil
Aren't they brilliant?! Go on, try them on.

Feifei
I look ridiculous. And I don't even like Harry Potter. Oh well, it's the thought that counts.  

Neil
'It's the thought that counts'. An excellent expression, Feifei. If someone gives you a present which you don't like, you can say 'it's the thought that counts'.

Feifei
It's a polite way of saying you appreciate the effort and the kind thought a person had when they bought you a present – but you don't like what they bought.

Neil
Let's hear some examples of this expression which is particularly useful around Christmas time.

Examples
A: Wow! That Elvis Presley onesie you're wearing is pretty weird.
B: Thanks. My grandmother gave it to me for Christmas. It's the thought that counts, I suppose.

A: I have no idea what to get my auntie for her birthday.
B: Get her anything. It's the thought that counts.

A: Oh no, not more tea towels. I was expecting something more exciting for our wedding presents.
B: You know what they say - it's the thought that counts.

Feifei
This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. Our expression is 'it's the thought that counts.' It means the kindness someone shows when they buy you a present is more important than the gift itself.

Neil
A very useful expression for politely saying that a present someone bought you is really not what you wanted. OK, Feifei, lean over.

Feifei
Ouch! What are you doing with that pencil?

Neil
There we go. With that flash of lightning on your forehead now you really look the part - Feifei Potter.

Feifei
Hmm I need a spell to make you vanish, Neil…

Neil
Bye!

Feifei
Bye!