You’re listening to British Council’s English Online and I’m Sabrina.

Today on Language Snacks we take a look at the expression rather you than me

Let’s listen to the dialogue.

A: James, I hear you’re off to New York next week.

B: Yeah Tim, I’ve got a meeting there Monday morning, but then I’ve got to fly straight back to China for another meeting on Wednesday.

A: Rather you than me.

So how would we use this expression?

James has a really busy schedule and Tim responds by showing sympathy and says rather you than me.

If someone tells you about something difficult or unpleasant that they have to do, you can use this expression to sympathise with them.

So next time your colleague complains about their busy schedule remember to say ‘rather you than me’.

And that’s it for now – join us again for some more Language Snacks.

You’ve been listening to English Online – the podcast for English learners in China.