ESL Podcast 240 – Working Overtime

Jeremy: Hello.

Miranda: Hi, it’s me. I can’t make it home for dinner tonight. I’m working overtime¹.

Jeremy: Again? That’s the third time this week. I can’t believe your boss is making you do this.

Miranda: Don’t get mad, but I actually told him that I didn’t mind. I know I’ve been working long hours, but I don’t want to turn down the work. You know that I’m getting paid time and a half, and we need the money.

Jeremy: I know we do, but we’re getting by. What happened to a 40-hour workweek? You’ve been working at least 60. It’s not worth it for you to work your fingers to the bone no matter how strapped² we are.

Miranda: I know. I know. It’s just that morale³ around this place is pretty low and I’m just trying to do my part. Just don’t gripe. Okay?

Jeremy: I’m not griping. I’m just worried about you. You come home after a long day, and you’re overworked and emotionally drained. That’s not fair to the kids.

Miranda: You’re right, but could we talk about it this weekend? I’ve really got to go. I promise we’ll work it all out then.

Jeremy: Okay, but what time are you coming home tonight?

Miranda: I’m not sure, but I’ll try to make it home in time to tuck the kids in.

Jeremy: All right. I’ll see you then.

Miranda: Bye.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

1 overtime   

adj.超时的，加班的；adv.加班地

参考例句：

• They are working overtime to finish the work.为了完成任务他们正在加班加点地工作。
• He was paid for the overtime he worked.他领到了加班费。

2 strapped   

adj.用皮带捆住的，用皮带装饰的；身无分文的；缺钱；手头紧v.用皮带捆扎(strap的过去式和过去分词)；用皮带抽打；包扎；给…打绷带

参考例句：

• Make sure that the child is strapped tightly into the buggy. 一定要把孩子牢牢地拴在婴儿车上。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The soldiers' great coats were strapped on their packs. 战士们的厚大衣扎捆在背包上。 来自《简明英汉词典》

3 morale   

n.道德准则，士气，斗志

参考例句：

• The morale of the enemy troops is sinking lower every day.敌军的士气日益低落。
• He tried to bolster up their morale.他尽力鼓舞他们的士气。