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The English we speak from BBCLearningEnglish.com hello, I'm Neil.
And I'm Fei Fei.
And this is the English we speak.
What's in that bag, Fei Fei?
Oh, this?
It's a box of the best washing powder there is.
Dazzle Bright Num Bio washing powder.
And why will I need that?
Well, at the meeting earlier, when John suggested we all wore suits to work, you said his idea won't wash with the team.
So here's some washing powder to help you make it wash.
It's a kind thought, but I won't need it.
When I said it won't wash, I mean his idea is unconvincing and won't work.
Ah, so you don't need my washing powder, then?
No, thanks.
You see,
this phrase originally referred to fabrics that were not good quality and wouldn't last long when they were washed.
But now it's about someone's idea or suggestion not lasting very long because people won't believe it or accept it.
Let's hear some examples.