BBC Learning English - The English We Speak / Each to their own

Learning English

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Introduction

Sometimes difference is a good thing. You may like one type of music, while your best friend likes another. This situation can be described with a phrase which we’re about to explain in this programme.

Transcript

Neil
Welcome to The English We Speak with me, Neil…

Feifei
…and me, Feifei.

Neil
We’re looking at the phrase 'each to their own'. It means 'everyone has their own opinions and preferences, and that's fine.'

Feifei
'Each to their own'. So, it's kind of like saying it's OK to like different things?

Neil
Yes. So, what's your favourite type of music? I love classical music.

Feifei
I hate classical music – it's so dull and slow – I prefer heavy metal music.

Neil
Each to their own. And I believe you drink your tea and put the milk in first. I prefer to put my milk in second, but each to their own.

Feifei
Speaking of tea, let's have a cup while we listen to these examples.

Examples
How can he eat pickles on his burger? It's so disgusting. Each to their own, I suppose.

She prefers watching documentaries to reading books. Each to their own.

I prefer to run in the mornings, but my husband prefers to exercise after work. Each to their own.

Feifei
In this The English We Speak, we’re looking at the phrase 'each to their own'. It means that not everyone likes the same things or doing things in the same way, and that's OK.

Neil
You know Feifei, I've just cooked an amazing curry. Here, try this.

Feifei
[SLURP]. Ow – that's so spicy, it's really burning my mouth. I need a drink of milk.

Neil
Sorry. Feifei, I thought you liked spicy food. Each to their own, I guess.

Feifei
Maybe next time you could cook something that we both can enjoy.

Neil
I'll try. Bye for now.

Feifei
Bye.

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