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

Today on Language Snacks we take a look at the expression thanks, but no thanks.

Let’s listen to the dialogue.

A: Tom, we’re all going out for a drink after work. Fancy joining us?

B: Thanks, but no thanks Bob, I’ve got to finish this report before I go home tonight.

A: OK, maybe next time.

Well we know that British people like to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ a lot, but this expression seems like a bit of a contradiction doesn’t it? ‘Thanks, but no thanks’. (Chinese translation)

In fact, it’s just a friendly way of refusing or turning down an invitation and sounds much better than just saying ‘no’, which can be a little abrupt. (Chinese translation)

So next time you feel like a night in front of the TV and your friend invites you to karaoke, you know what to say ‘thanks, but no thanks – maybe next time’.

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.