英语听力精选进阶版 14799（在线收听）

English at Work 

Episode 16: Slimy Limey! 

Politely refusing 

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Narrator:  Hello! You're joining us again after Anna's call from Mr Lime – he asked her 

to lunch, remember. Now Anna and Denise are flapping. 

Denise:  ...and before you know it, he'll be asking you to marry him! Trust me Anna, 

this has happened to me dozens of times! 

Anna:  But I thought he was only interested in the lemons! Please promise me you 

won’t mention this to anyone. 

Denise:  OK, I promise. 

Anna: Oh, shhhh! 

Tom:  Good morning. What's going on? 

Denise:  Mr Lime has asked Anna to lunch! 

Anna:  Please… 

Tom:  And? 

Denise:   And it's not to talk business! I saw him looking at her with big eyes, from 

the moment he first saw her! 

Anna:  Denise! 

Tom:  Old Slimy Limey eh? Lucky Anna! 

Anna:  He's not slimy, it's just… 

Tom:  Don't tell me you said yes?! 

Anna:  Well I didn't know what to say. 

Tom:  You didn't? 

Anna:  No, no, I said I was busy and would call back. I wanted to just say no, but 

with everyone complaining that I'm not polite on the phone... I just... I 

didn't know how to say it politely.   

Tom:  Ha ha, I'll tell you what to say. 

Anna:  Hang on, let me write it down... why  do all the pens keep disappearing? 

Denise:  Here's one. 

Anna:  Thanks. Okay, I'm listening Tom. 

Tom:  Say: go...   

Anna:  (writing) go... 

Tom:   ...away... Slimy Limey. 

Anna:   Go away Slimy Limey. Are you sure? 

Tom:   Of course! 

Denise:  Don't listen to him Anna. This is what you say: 

  Thank you for your offer. But I'm really sorry, I won't be able to. 

  Then explain why, say I'm afraid… blah blah blah 

Anna:  Blah blah blah? 

Denise:  Say it's against company policy to have  non-business lunches with clients. 

Anna:  Meaning?  

Denise:  You're not allowed to if it's not for business. Then say: 

  It wouldn't be appropriate. So, with regret, I'm going to have to say no. 

Anna:  Okay, I think I've got that all down. Thanks. He'll be waiting for my call.   

     (dials phone) 

Mr Lime:  Hello, Seb Lime speaking.   

Anna:  Hello Mr Lime. 

Mr Lime:  Anna! Please, call me Seb. So, when can I invite you to lunch? 

Denise:  (whispering loudly)  Thank you for your offer... 

Anna:  Well, thank you for your offer. But I'm really sorry, I won't be able to. 

Mr Lime:  Oh? 

Denise:  (whispering loudly)  I'm afraid... 

Anna:  I'm afraid it's against company policy to have non-business lunches with 

people. 

Mr Lime:  Really? Oh how tedious! 

Denise:  (whispering loudly)  It wouldn't be- 

Anna:  Shhh! 

Mr Lime:  Pardon? 

Anna:  No, not shhh you Mr Slimy I meant shhhh Denise! 

Mr Lime:  Mr Slimy? 

Anna:   Oh no! I mean Mr Limey – Lime – er Seb! You see, it wouldn't be 

appropriate. So, with regret,  I'm going to have to say no. 

Mr Lime:  I think I've understood. Goodbye Anna. 

Anna:  Goodbye. 

Narrator:  Oh dear, he didn't take that too well.  But, apart from a little mistake, Anna 

did well there. Here are the phrases she used to politely refuse the offer of 

lunch: 

   Thank you for your offer. But I'm really sorry, I wo n't be able to. 

I'm afraid it is agai nst company policy…   

  It wouldn't be appropriate.   

  With regret, I'm going to have to say no. 

  Good job Anna, bad luck Mr Slimy! 

   Listening Challenge   

What excuse does Anna give Seb Lime for not going to lunch with him? 

(Answer: She says it is against company policy)