Learning English

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• cook up an idea
• read the room
• rinse repeat

Introduction

Here’s a phrase that is about doing things gradually. Learn how to use it in this programme.

Transcript

Phil
Welcome to Authentic Real English, with me Phil…

Feifei
And me, Feifei.

Phil
We have a phrase which is about building something up carefully, or taking it apart – it’s ‘brick by brick’.

Feifei
‘Brick by brick’. This sounds like something related to construction.

Phil
It can be, but actually we often use it more metaphorically, especially where we can use the verb 'build' in that way. So, for example, my brother is really proud of his business. He built it brick-by-brick.

Feifei
So, your brother's job has nothing to do with building, has it?

Phil
No, he's an accountant. It's his company that he built. He grew it carefully and gradually and now it's really successful.

Feifei
Your brother built his success brick-by-brick! You also said that it can be used for taking things apart?

Phil
Yes, that's right. If you take a house apart brick-by-brick you are doing it carefully enough that it could be rebuilt somewhere else. Again, it's not just literal – if you're trying to disprove someone, you can take their argument apart brick by brick.

Feifei
That would when you carefully argue against each of the points someone has made.

Phil
Yes, that's right – listen to these examples.

Examples
It's nice to be recognised with this award. I've spent years building up my career brick-by-brick.

The historic building was moved brick-by-brick to the museum.

I thought I was well-prepared, but the professor pulled my argument apart brick-by-brick.

Feifei
You’re listening to Authentic Real English from BBC Learning English, and we are learning the expression ‘brick by brick, which is a way to refer to something done carefully and gradually.

Phil
As well as the idea of something done carefully and gradually, it often suggests that something is the result of hard work.

Feifei
It someone says that they have built their success brick-by-brick, they are likely to be proud of the effort that they've made.

Phil
We've come to the end of this episode, but we'll be back soon to help you build your knowledge of English, brick-by-brick!

Feifei
See you next time!

Phil
Bye!