Over the Hill 走下坡路

Exercise
1. Is the expression over the hill about:

 a) walking up hills

 b) age

2. How old is Nina?

Answers
1. age

2. 23

Read
You’re listening to British Council’s English Online and I’m Nina. Today on Language Snacks we take a look at the expression over the hill. Let’s listen to the dialogue.

A: Do you think Beckham should still play for England?

B: No, he's way over the hill now. They should get some youngsters in.

So what does the expression over the hill really mean? Well, as you may guess from the dialogue it has something to do with age and nothing to do with walking up hills. If you are too old to do something well you may be described as being over the hill. For example, a pop star, who is in their thirties or forties could be described as being over the hill.

I’m still only 23, so hopefully I’ve got a few more years before I’m over the hill!

And that’s it for now – join us again for some more Language Snacks. You’ve been listening to English Online – the podcast for English learners in China.