Finn: This is flat number five, Li.
I'm happy you came along to help me find a
nice place to live.
Li: Renting a new place is a big
step, Finn. This one looks good. Look here.
Big windows, lots of light coming in. Isn't it nice?
Finn: Yeah. It's good but…
Li: It's been painted recently. Look, the wooden floor is lovely!
Finn: Yes, you're right,
it's lovely but… Li… there's not enough room to swing a
Li: A cat? Are you sure? No problem.
I saw one outside. I'll be back in a
minute.
(She leaves the room for a few seconds)
Finn: Li, what is this?!
Li: It's a cat, Finn.
I didn't know you liked swinging cats around, but… well,
this cat was just outside and you
can try swinging it! Just be gentle with
Finn: No, Li. I don't swing cats.
In English, you use the expression 'there's not
enough room to swing a cat' when you want to say a place is much too
small.
Li: What a relief!
Finn: 'Not enough room to swing a cat'
is today's expression in The English We
Speak. Let's hear some examples of how to use it.
Examples
The library at my college was really
small. There wasn't enough room to swing a cat!
I can't work in this office.
There's not enough room to swing a cat! Where will I put my
books and my computer?
Finn: So, not enough room for me in
this flat, Li. But thanks for coming with
me all the same.
Li: So what are you going to do, Finn?
Finn: I think I'll just move in with my brother.
Li: Is his flat small? Could you… swing a cat there?
Finn: In my brother's house cats rule! He loves furry little animals.
Li: Well, I think this cat might join you there. Let's go, Finn. Bye.
Finn: Bye.
And no cat was harmed in the recording of this programme. Isn't
that right, Tubby?
Tubby: Meow.

ENVIAR CORREÇÕES