Neil Hello, and welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Neil and… er… here with me…
Feifei Here with you is… Feifei. What are you looking for, Neil?
Neil I'm looking for my script...
Feifei Your script?
Neil Yeah… and… my pen… I had it a moment ago… where's it gone?
Feifei What's going on with you, Neil? You're all over the place today!
Neil Yes, I am! That's a good expression: all over the place!
Feifei It can mean that someone is disorganised and confused – they are all over the place.
Neil Yes, and it can also mean that things are left in many places in an untidy way – your things are all over the place! Here are some examples of how this expression is used:
Examples Don't expect Simon to help you with your report. He’s all over the place right now - he can't even finish his own work.
What a windy day. My hair's all over the place!
Neil Well Feifei, I'm afraid I'm a bit disorganised today. You know I woke up late, I missed my bus and… well the day's just been a bit difficult. I am all over the place… and… where is it…?
Feifei What are you looking for now?
Neil I still haven't found my script.
Feifei Is it this one?
Neil Yes, that's it! Great!
Feifei And here's your pen. It was on the floor.
Neil Good. I'm ready to start the programme now.
Feifei The programme's finished, Neil. It's done.
Neil Oh, is it? So… we can go now? I could do with a coffee, Feifei.