It was a holiday weekend and the Brown family were planning a day out. Over breakfast they discussed where to go.
"Basically, we have to think of somewhere that we'll all enjoy", said Mr Brown as everyone made suggestions.
"Easier said than done" replied Mrs Brown. "We all enjoy different things. What will suit the younger children might not suit the older ones, not to mention the grandparents."
"Well, don't let's watste the day thinking about it", said Mr Brown. "Let's see. What about a visit to the zoo? It's a long time since we've all been there."
"You're wrong there, Dad. As a matter of fact I was there just last week," said Jane, the Browns' youngest daughter. "We sent on a school outing. I don't want to go again so soon."
"In all honestly, I'm not very keen on zoos"said Mrs Lane, Mrs Brown's mother. "I know that the animals are well looked after, but I can't bear to think of wild creatures being locked up."
"I agree with Gran," said Anne, the Browns' middle daughter. "It's horrible to think of animals being shut up. In any case, the zoo will be horribly crowded today. It's a lovely day and I dread to think how many people will have decided to spend the day there."
"OK, so that's the zoo out," replied Mr Brown. "Any other ideas? Where would you like to go, Mark?" He asked his elder son.
"I'm easy!" said Mark, "but I have to be back by 5 o'clock at the latest. I'm going to a barbecue at Jack's house,"
"I'll have to be back early, too," said Mary, the Browns' elder daughter. "I promised to go to the cinema with Sara."
"For goodness sake!" said Mr Brown. "There's no point in going anywhere if we have to be back that early. I think we should forget the day out and you can all do what you want. I'm going to read the paper in the back garden."
_Everyday Idioms_
