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Hello and welcome to the English We Speak.
I'm Ja Ying.
And I'm Neil.
You look really busy.
Is everything ok?
Yes, but I'm having a dinner party for my friends on Saturday.
But I'd forgotten my parents were coming to stay this weekend.
Have you considered postponing the dinner?
No, it's.
In fact, my parents were more concerned they would cramp my style.
Your style is giving you cramp?
Oh, that sounds painful.
No, Neil, I said cramp my style,
which is an expression used to mean
that someone or something is stopping you from doing what you want or behaving in a way that makes you feel free.
Ah, that makes sense.
Your parents were worried they would stop you having the type of party where you could be yourself.
Now I understand.