Dialogue
A: …like I told you before, we just don’t have the resources to hire you an assistant.
B: I understand that, but the fact is we’re understaffed.
A: The timing is just not right. The economy is bad, and it’s too risky to take on new staff.
B: Yeah, I guess you’re right…. here’s an idea, what if we hire an intern? She would take some of the weight off my shoulders.
A: She?
B: Yeah, you know, a recent graduate. She could give me a hand with some of these projects and we could keep our costs down.
A: That sounds reasonable… let me see what I can do.
A: Tony, I’d like to introduce you to your new assistant.
B: OK, great! Let’s meet her!
C: Hi, I’m Adam.
B: Oh… hi… I’m Tony…
Explain
Key Vocabulary:
resources — common noun, plural money
understaffed — Adjective not enough people to do the job
the timing is just not right — phrase it is not a good time now
weight off my shoulders — phrase remove pressure or stress
give me a hand — phrase help
that sounds reasonable — phrase is OK
recruit [rɪˈkruːt]— principle verb, infifinitive hire
overworked — Adjective working too much
short staffed — Adjective not enough people to do the job
cut costs — phrase reduce spending
overstaffed — Adjective having too many employees
Example：
timing is just not right.—— it’s just not a good time.
Example one.
A: I was gonna sell my house, but the timing is just not right.
Example two.
B: Honey, I think we should have a baby.
C: The timing is just not right
give me a hand
Example one.
A: Can you give me a hand with these boxes?
Example two.
B: Neil, I’ll need you to give me a hand with this sales report.
Example three.
C: Here, let me give you a hand with your suitcase.
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