to catch (someone) in the act

Welcome to English as a Second Language Podcast number 108: Asking Someone Out.

You’re listening to English as a Second Language Podcast episode 108. I’m your host, Dr. Jeff McQuillan, from the Center for Educational Development in beautiful Los Angeles, California.

Today’s podcast is about asking someone out on a date, someone you’re romantically interested in. Let’s go!

I walked into the coffee room and saw that Brad was writing something on a piece of paper. When he saw me come in, he slipped the note out of sight.

Trisha: Hey, what's up?

Brad: Oh, nothing.

Trisha: What were you writing?

Brad: (Laugh) All right. You caught me in the act. I finally worked up the nerve to ask Diana out. I was just writing a note to put on her desk.

Trisha: You mean you're going to ask her out in a note? You big chicken!

Brad: I admit it. I'm a wuss. I just can't do it in person.

Trisha: But, you work with her every day.

Brad: That's different. When I'm working, I'm in a different frame of mind. But, when I even think about asking her out, I get tongue-tied. At least in a note, I can get the words out without turning beet red.

Trisha: You've dated a lot.