Dialogue:
Patient: Doctor, I have been feeling under the weather for a week now, and my better half, who is always something of a prophet of doom, thinks that I am on my last legs. I don't usually make light of such matter, but she insisted that I come and see you for a check - up.
Doctor: Oh, I see. What seems to be the problem, really?
Patient: I don't know. You're the doctor.....
Doctor: (raising her left eyebrow)
Patient: Ooppss!!! You see, I'm getting old, but I expect my body to keep up with me as I travel a lot. I maybe barking up the wrong tree and I know I can't have my cake and eat it, but until you give me a clean bill of health, I shall not sleep a wink.
Doctor: Go on young man, I'm listening....
Patient: You mean you want me to continue... I didn't come here for counselling though....
Doctor: Geez! Just tell me what seems to be the problem?
Patient: I was about to go on a snorkeling holiday in Krabi when I got this excruciating pain in my left chest. This is not making me fit as a fiddle and I really can't afford time off, so I need that like a hole in the head.Doctor: I see. Now if you will kindly undress young man I will give you the once-over.
Patient: Give me what when it's over??? I'm taking off everything now. Did you mean it that way though?
Doctor: Oh, silly you! Just take off your shirt in that case....(giggles)....
Patient: Oh, I see! And, I actually like you calling me young man. It takes the weight off my mind.
After few minutes....
Doctor: (Frowning)
Patient: Perish the thought of a heart disease. Please tell me if it's bad news straight from my shoulder and not pull punches.
Doctor: (smiles) Superficially, you seem fine but better safe than sorry of course. Your wife maybe worrying unduly. There is absolutely nothing wrong with you. She must have been getting the wind up quite unnecessarily.
Patient: Oh, great! I'm giving her a flea in the ear for being pessimistic once I reach home!
_____________________________________________________________________
Idiom Meaning:
1. feeling under the weather - feeling unwell
2. better half - spouse
3. a prophet of doom - a pessimist
4. on my last legs - near the end of life
5. make light of - not take seriously
6. barking up the wrong tree - be mistaken about something
7. have my cake and eat it - have the advantages of something but not its disadvantages
8. a clean bill of health - an assurance of completely fit
9. not sleep a wink - not sleep at all
10. fit as a fiddle - very healthy
11. need (something) like a hole in the head - do not want at all
12. give (someone) the once-over - perform a quick examination
13. takes the weight off my mind - be relieved from anxiety
14. Perish the thought - Do not even consider (a negative thing)
15. straight from the shoulder - honestly and directly
16. not pull punches - not hold back
17. better safe than sorry - it's wise to take proper precautions
18. getting the wind up - be frightened
19. a flea in the ear - a sharp reproof
