Rob's got a second job but Feifei doesn't think he's good at it. What can she say to gently suggest he shouldn't do it? Find out the authentic English to use in this programme.

文字稿

Feifei
大家好，欢迎收听BBC英语教学为你制作的《地道英语》，我是冯菲菲。

Rob
(singing badly) And me Rob. Hello!

Feifei 
Err Rob, what is that terrible noise? 

Rob
Noise? This is my best singing voice – I need it for my new job.

Feifei
Rob, 要辞职去当歌手？You didn't tell me you were leaving the BBC and going to a new job.

Rob
I'm not – I've got a new part-time job in the evenings to earn a bit of extra cash [tries singing again].

Feifei
Hmm – and this second job involves singing, does it?

Rob
Yes, that's right. I'm going to be a cabaret singer in a nightclub. Good news isn't it?

Feifei
Well, Rob, don't give up the day job!

Rob
Oh – that's an expression which means someone's not very good at doing something and isn't likely ever to be successful at doing it.

Feifei
Yes – but it's used in a humorous and light-hearted way Rob. 这是一个非正式的幽默表达，意思是要告诉对方应该做好眼下的工作，不要追求不可能成功的事情。Sorry Rob, I was trying to be nice。

Rob
Hmm, well, I think we better hear some examples of this phrase in action while I continue to practice my singing (starts singing again).

Feifei
Oh no!

Examples
I wouldn't give up the day job - you're never going to be an actor!

Do you really want to be a writer? I've read your first book and my advice is 'don't give up the day job'!

Don't give up the day job Pete - you're never going to earn a living as a singer!

Feifei
大家都听明白了吧？如果有人对你说 don't give up the day job – 其实就是在婉转地说，你不适合这个新行当，还是保住你眼下的工作，别把业余爱好变成自己的职业。So Rob, have you got the message?

Rob
Yes, I should stick to what I'm good at – so I'll concentrate on doing the day job shall I?

Feifei
Yes, good idea.

Rob
So why we don't we sing together and entertain our listeners then (starts singing)？

Feifei
Oh Rob, perhaps you should give up the day job as well.

Rob
Oh thanks.

Both
Bye!