Table of Contents
Quick Answer
The fastest way to understand British vs. American idioms.
A regional idiom is a phrase whose meaning is tied to a specific version of English, such as British or American. For example, when a Brit says "Bob's your uncle," they mean 'and there you have it,' whereas an American might say "easy as pie" to convey a similar sense of simplicity.
Native speakers use these regional idioms constantly—in the office, at school, and in casual conversations. Below, you will find a massive grid of British and American idioms categorized by theme, followed by deep dives into the most popular ones, complete with origins, examples, and usage tips.
What is a Regional Idiom?
A linguistic breakdown of transatlantic figurative language.
| Concept | Transatlantic Phrase |
| Key Trait | The meaning is often completely lost on speakers from the other side of the Atlantic. |
| Usage | Informal and conversational. Used to establish cultural identity and add local color. |
| Example | "Taking the piss" (UK) vs. "Pulling someone's leg" (US) for joking. |
| Translation | Rarely translates directly between UK and US English |
The 50 Idioms Grid
A complete visual directory of British and American idioms. Click any phrase to explore its definition.
British Basics
American Basics
British Slang & Banter
American Slang & Action
British Descriptions
American Descriptions
British Comparisons
American Comparisons
Top 50 Idiom Deep Dives
Meanings, origins, and examples of the 50 most used transatlantic idioms.
Bob's Your Uncle (UK) vs. And There You Have It (US)
Used to signify that a task is easily accomplished or concluded.
- Just add hot water, and Bob's your uncle!
- Push the button, and there you have it.
- Turn left at the pub, and Bob's your uncle.
Taking the Piss (UK) vs. Pulling Someone's Leg (US)
To joke with someone or mock them playfully.
- Are you taking the piss?
- He's just pulling your leg.
- Don't take the piss out of him.
Spend a Penny (UK) vs. Hit the Restroom (US)
To go to the toilet.
- I need to spend a penny.
- I'm gonna hit the restroom.
- Where's the ladies' room? I need to spend a penny.
Spanner in the Works (UK) vs. Throw a Wrench (US)
To disrupt a plan.
- The rain threw a spanner in the works.
- The audit threw a wrench in our plans.
- Don't let a spanner in the works ruin the event.
Not My Cup of Tea (UK) vs. Not My Thing (US)
Something one does not enjoy.
- Golf isn't really my cup of tea.
- Horror movies aren't my thing.
- Thanks, but opera isn't my cup of tea.
Have a Chinwag (UK) vs. Shoot the Breeze (US)
To have a casual conversation.
- Let's have a chinwag later.
- We sat on the porch shooting the breeze.
- I'm just having a chinwag with the neighbor.
Give Me a Bell (UK) vs. Give Me a Ring (US)
To call someone on the phone.
- Give me a bell when you get home.
- I'll give you a ring tomorrow.
- Don't forget to give me a bell!
Skint (UK) vs. Flat Broke (US)
Having absolutely no money.
- I can't go out, I'm skint.
- I'm flat broke until payday.
- After the vacation, we were completely skint.
Bits and Bobs (UK) vs. Odds and Ends (US)
Various miscellaneous items.
- I just need to buy some bits and bobs.
- We packed up the odds and ends.
- The drawer is full of bits and bobs.
Pop Your Clogs (UK) vs. Kick the Bucket (US)
To die.
- He'll pop his clogs soon if he doesn't rest.
- The old car finally kicked the bucket.
- I thought I was going to pop my clogs!
Chuffed to Bits (UK) vs. Tickled Pink (US)
Extremely pleased or happy.
- She was chuffed to bits with her gift.
- He was tickled pink by the compliment.
- I'm absolutely chuffed to bits!
Gobsmacked (UK) vs. Dumbfounded (US)
To be utterly astonished or shocked.
- I was gobsmacked by the news.
- The audience was completely dumbfounded.
- When I saw the bill, I was gobsmacked.
A Few Sandwiches Short of a Picnic (UK) vs. Not the Sharpest Tool in the Shed (US)
To be unintelligent or crazy.
- He's a few sandwiches short of a picnic.
- She's not the sharpest tool in the shed.
- Don't trust him, he's a sandwich short of a picnic.
Bagsy (UK) vs. Shotguns (US)
To claim a right to something first.
- Bagsy the front seat!
- I call shotguns!
- Bagsy the last slice of pizza!
Faffing About (UK) vs. Dilly-Dallying (US)
To waste time doing unproductive things.
- Stop faffing about and get to work.
- We missed the train because he was dilly-dallying.
- I spent the morning faffing about the house.
Having a Giraffe (UK) vs. Having a Laugh (US)
To joke or act ridiculously.
- You're having a giraffe!
- You've got to be having a laugh.
- Is he having a giraffe? That price is insane.
It's Brass Monkeys (UK) vs. It's Freezing Cold (US)
Extremely cold weather.
- It's brass monkeys out there today.
- It's freezing cold in this room.
- Put a coat on, it's brass monkeys outside!
Cost a Bomb (UK) vs. Cost an Arm and a Leg (US)
To be extremely expensive.
- That car must have cost a bomb.
- My new phone cost an arm and a leg.
- Fixing the roof will cost a bomb.
Gutted (UK) vs. Devastated (US)
To feel bitterly disappointed.
- He was gutted when he failed the test.
- She was devastated by the loss.
- I'm absolutely gutted we didn't win.
Taking the Mickey (UK) vs. Making Fun Of (US)
To tease or mock someone.
- Are you taking the Mickey?
- Stop making fun of my accent.
- They were taking the Mickey out of his hat.
Peckish (UK) vs. Have the Munchies (US)
To feel slightly hungry.
- I'm feeling a bit peckish.
- I've got the munchies, let's get chips.
- Are you peckish for a biscuit?
Keep Your Pecker Up (UK) vs. Keep Your Chin Up (US)
To remain cheerful in difficult times.
- Keep your pecker up, things will improve.
- Keep your chin up, you'll find a job.
- I told him to keep his pecker up.
Tell Porkies (UK) vs. Tell White Lies (US)
To tell small, harmless lies.
- He's always telling porkies.
- I told a white lie about her dress.
- Don't tell porkies, where were you?
Suss Out (UK) vs. Figure Out (US)
To understand or investigate something.
- Give me a minute to suss it out.
- I can't figure out this math problem.
- We need to suss out the competition.
Throw a Wobbly (UK) vs. Throw a Fit (US)
To suddenly become very angry or upset.
- He threw a wobbly when he saw the bill.
- The toddler threw a fit in the store.
- Don't throw a wobbly, it's just a scratch.
Load of Tosh (UK) vs. Load of Baloney (US)
Nonsense or something untrue.
- That's a load of tosh!
- He's talking a load of baloney.
- Don't believe that load of tosh.
Go Pear-Shaped (UK) vs. Go South (US)
For a plan to fail or go wrong.
- The launch went completely pear-shaped.
- Our plans for the weekend went south.
- If things go pear-shaped, we have a backup.
Wind Someone Up (UK) vs. Egg Someone On (US)
To tease or encourage someone to do something foolish.
- He's just winding you up.
- His friends egged him on to jump.
- Don't let them wind you up.
Easy Peasy (UK) vs. Easy as Pie (US)
Very easy to do.
- The test was easy peasy.
- Fixing the sink was easy as pie.
- It's easy peasy, anyone can do it.
Throw a Sickie (UK) vs. Call in Sick (US)
To pretend to be ill to miss work.
- He threw a sickie to go to the beach.
- I had to call in sick today.
- She threw a sickie after the party.
Have a Butcher's (UK) vs. Take a Gander (US)
To take a look at something.
- Let me have a butcher's at that.
- Come over here and take a gander.
- I'm just having a butcher's around the shop.
Sod's Law (UK) vs. Murphy's Law (US)
The axiom that if something can go wrong, it will.
- It's Sod's Law that it rains on my day off.
- Murphy's Law says the toast lands butter-side down.
- By Sod's Law, I missed the bus.
Off One's Trolley (UK) vs. Out to Lunch (US)
To be crazy or out of touch with reality.
- You must be off your trolley!
- The boss is completely out to lunch on this.
- Is he off his trolley? That price is insane.
Like a Red Rag to a Bull (UK) vs. Like Waving a Red Flag (US)
Something guaranteed to make someone angry.
- Mentioning his ex is like a red rag to a bull.
- Bringing up taxes is like waving a red flag.
- That comment was a red rag to a bull.
Pissed (UK) vs. Wasted (US)
To be highly intoxicated.
- He was completely pissed last night.
- She got absolutely wasted at the party.
- Don't get too pissed, we have work tomorrow.
Up the Duff (UK) vs. Knocked Up (US)
To be pregnant.
- I heard she's up the duff.
- She got knocked up in college.
- Are they expecting? She looks up the duff.
A Fiver (UK) vs. A Five-Spot (US)
A five-dollar or five-pound note.
- Can you lend me a fiver?
- I only have a five-spot on me.
- It only cost a fiver.
Ten a Penny (UK) vs. A Dime a Dozen (US)
Very common and therefore of little value.
- Fake watches are ten a penny here.
- Generic lawyers are a dime a dozen.
- Bad actors are ten a penny in this town.
Budge Up (UK) vs. Scoot Over (US)
To move over and make space for someone else.
- Budge up, I want to sit down.
- Scoot over so he can fit on the sofa.
- Can you budge up a bit?
Get Your Knickers in a Twist (UK) vs. Get Your Panties in a Bunch (US)
To become overly upset or agitated about something minor.
- Don't get your knickers in a twist!
- She got her panties in a bunch over the typo.
- There's no need to get your knickers in a twist.
Put a Sock in It (UK) vs. Put a Lid on It (US)
To be quiet or stop talking.
- Put a sock in it, I'm trying to think!
- He needs to put a lid on it.
- Tell him to put a sock in it.
Take the Biscuit (UK) vs. Take the Cake (US)
To be the most extreme or outrageous example of something.
- His arrogance really takes the biscuit.
- That excuse takes the cake!
- I've heard bad excuses, but that takes the biscuit.
A Different Kettle of Fish (UK) vs. A Horse of a Different Color (US)
A completely different matter or issue.
- Talking about it is a different kettle of fish.
- You said you liked it? That's a horse of a different color.
- Paying for it is a different kettle of fish.
Drop a Clanger (UK) vs. Drop the Ball (US)
To make a noticeable mistake.
- I dropped a clanger in the meeting.
- He really dropped the ball on that project.
- Don't drop a clanger by forgetting her name.
Go Spare (UK) vs. Hit the Roof (US)
To become extremely angry.
- My mom will go spare when she sees this.
- He hit the roof when he saw the bill.
- Don't let the boss go spare over this.
Talk the Hind Legs Off a Donkey (UK) vs. Talk a Blue Streak (US)
To talk excessively and tirelessly.
- She could talk the hind legs off a donkey.
- The kid talked a blue streak all afternoon.
- He can talk the hind legs off a donkey about history.
See a Man About a Dog (UK) vs. Answer the Call of Nature (US)
A polite excuse to leave without specifying where you are going (often to the toilet).
- I'm off to see a man about a dog.
- I need to step out and answer the call of nature.
- Excuse me, I have to see a man about a dog.
Full of Beans (UK) vs. Full of Energy (US)
To be highly energetic and lively.
- The kids are full of beans today.
- I woke up full of energy this morning.
- He was full of beans after his coffee.
Barking (UK) vs. Crazy (US)
To be completely insane.
- You must be barking to pay that much!
- Are you crazy? It's too high!
- He's absolutely barking if he thinks that'll work.
Tickety-Boo (UK) vs. Hunky-Dory (US)
Everything is fine and proceeding well.
- Everything is tickety-boo on the project.
- Don't worry, everything is hunky-dory.
- We're all tickety-boo here.
50 Example Sentences
See how idioms function in original sentences across 5 contexts. The idiom is highlighted for easy learning.
Work & Office
- We had to throw a sickie because the project wasn't ready for the morning review.
- I need a moment to suss out the client's demands before we sign the contract.
- If the servers crash again, our launch will go pear-shaped.
- I really dropped a clanger when I called the CEO by the wrong name.
- Stop faffing about with the margins and just submit the report.
- I just need to sort out a few bits and bobs before I leave for the day.
- The deal is done; Bob's your uncle, we launch next week.
- We are completely skint on the marketing budget this quarter.
- I'll give you a bell once the numbers are finalized.
- The boss will go spare if he finds out we missed the deadline.
School & Learning
- The math exam was easy peasy; I finished in twenty minutes.
- By Sod's Law, the fire drill happened exactly during my final presentation.
- I bagsy the front row seat for the lecture!
- Excuses for late homework are ten a penny in this classroom.
- She was chuffed to bits when she got an A+ on her essay.
- He must be a few sandwiches short of a picnic to think he can skip the final.
- The professor was completely off his trolley during today's seminar.
- I need to suss out this physics formula before the test.
- Don't tell porkies about why you missed class; I know you overslept.
- It's tickety-boo; I got accepted into the exchange program.
Daily Life & Home
- I need to spend a penny before we get back on the highway.
- Put on a jumper, it's brass monkeys outside today!
- I'm feeling a bit peckish; do we have any biscuits?
- Stop getting your knickers in a twist over a broken vase.
- I spent the whole morning faffing about instead of cleaning.
- He is full of beans after his afternoon nap.
- Can you budge up so I can sit on the sofa?
- I was absolutely gobsmacked by the ending of that movie.
- I'm going to see a man about a dog and I'll be right back.
- Everything is tickety-boo with the new house arrangement.
Social & Relationships
- Are you taking the piss? That joke was highly offensive.
- We stayed up late having a chinwag about our college days.
- I heard she is up the duff and moving back to London.
- She can talk the hind legs off a donkey when she starts gossiping.
- Comparing my job to yours is a different kettle of fish.
- You must be having a giraffe if you think I'll lend you my car.
- He was absolutely gutted when she broke up with him.
- Bringing up his bankruptcy was like a red rag to a bull.
- I'm just going to give him a bell to see if he's coming tonight.
- My mother will throw a wobbly if we track mud in the house.
Travel & Outdoors
- The sudden snowstorm really put a spanner in the works for our drive.
- I only have a fiver left for the toll booth.
- Camping in this weather is a load of tosh; let's get a hotel.
- I need to spend a penny before we hit the road again.
- It's brass monkeys out here; I can't feel my fingers!
- I'm too skint to afford a flight right now.
- He just popped his clogs on the trail; we need to call for help!
- Let's sit in the pub and have a chinwag until the rain stops.
- She packed all her bits and bobs into a tiny backpack.
- It's Sod's Law that my car breaks down in the middle of nowhere.
Everyday Usage
How native speakers use regional idioms in casual, daily life.
In daily conversation, regional idioms establish cultural identity. An American might say 'I'm flat broke,' while a Brit says 'I'm skint.' Using the local idiom makes speakers sound native and helps them blend into the local culture.
- "I can't come out tonight, I'm absolutely skint." (UK)
- "That movie was for the birds." (US)
- "We just sat around shooting the breeze." (US)
- "He's always taking the piss out of his mates." (UK)
- "I'm peckish, let's grab a packet of crisps." (UK)
Academic Usage
How to use regional idioms in essays and research.
In strict academic writing, regional idioms are generally avoided to ensure global clarity. However, they are highly relevant in sociolinguistic studies analyzing cultural differences and the evolution of the English language across the Atlantic.
- "The study examines how 'taking the piss' functions in British workplace humor."
- "American political rhetoric frequently employs 'throwing a wrench' metaphors."
- "The divergence of 'spanner' and 'wrench' highlights post-colonial linguistic shifts."
- "The phrase 'Bob's your uncle' reflects 19th-century British nepotism."
- "Transatlantic communication often fails when idioms are translated literally."
Professional Usage
How to use regional idioms in business and corporate settings.
In international business, it's crucial to know your audience. A Brit might say 'I'll give you a bell,' which could confuse an American who expects an email. Adapting your idioms prevents costly miscommunications.
- "Let's table this discussion for the next meeting." (Ambiguous: US = discuss now, UK = postpone)
- "I need to suss out the vendor's reliability." (UK)
- "We dropped the ball on that delivery." (US)
- "The new policy threw a spanner in the works." (UK)
- "Let's touch base and shoot the breeze about the Q4 targets." (US)
Real-Life Conversations
How native speakers use British and American idioms in common scenarios.
🏫 School
Student: I bagsy the seat by the window!
Teacher: In this classroom, we don't call shotgun. Sit where you are assigned.
🎓 College
Roommate 1: I'm absolutely gutted about failing the exam.
Roommate 2: Don't worry, the curve might save you. Don't kick the bucket just yet.
🏢 Office
Colleague 1: Did you suss out the new software?
Colleague 2: Yeah, but I dropped the ball and deleted the database by mistake.
💼 Business Meeting
Manager: We can't let this audit go pear-shaped.
Employee: Agreed. If we throw a wrench in the timeline now, we'll miss the deadline.
🤝 Job Interview
Candidate: I'm chuffed to bits to be here today.
Interviewer: We're tickled pink to have you. Let's review your resume.
🍽️ Restaurant
Friend 1: This bill is a load of tosh, we didn't order dessert!
Friend 2: I know, it's daylight robbery. Let's talk to the waiter.
🛍️ Shopping
Shopper: Can I just have a butcher's at that ring?
Cashier: Sure, take a gander. It's on sale today.
✈️ Travel
Traveler: I need to spend a penny before the flight boards.
Agent: The restrooms are just down the hall to your left.
🚗 Driving
Driver: The traffic jam is a spanner in the works.
Passenger: Yeah, it really threw a wrench in our schedule.
👨👩👧👦 Family
Mom: The kids are full of beans tonight!
Dad: They're just bouncing off the walls because of the candy.
🎉 Friends
Friend 1: Let's have a chinwag and catch up.
Friend 2: I'd love to shoot the breeze. Coffee at 4?
💌 Dating
Guy: Are you taking the piss? You stood me up!
Friend: Relax, she's not pulling your leg. She actually got stuck at work.
🏥 Healthcare
Patient: I feel like I'm going to pop my clogs.
Doctor: You just have a cold. You're not going to kick the bucket today.
🏠 Home
Wife: Don't get your knickers in a twist, the plumber is coming.
Husband: I wouldn't get my panties in a bunch if you hadn't flooded the bathroom!
Common Mistakes
Avoid these frequent cross-cultural idiom pitfalls.
Using 'pissed' to mean angry in the UK.
✓ Use 'pissed off' for angry in the UK.
Explanation: In the UK, 'pissed' means drunk. If you say 'I'm pissed' in London, they think you need a taxi, not a therapist. In the US, 'pissed' means angry.
Tip: If in the UK and angry, add 'off'. If in the US, 'pissed' works for anger.
Saying 'knock someone up' in a professional US setting.
✓ Say 'wake someone up' or 'impregnate' depending on context.
Explanation: In the UK, 'knock up' means to knock on a door to wake someone. In the US, it means to get someone pregnant. This is a massive cross-cultural faux pas.
Tip: Avoid 'knock up' entirely in the US unless discussing pregnancy.
Using 'rubber' to mean eraser in the US.
✓ Say 'eraser' in the US.
Explanation: In the UK, a 'rubber' is a stationery item used to erase pencil. In the US, 'rubber' is slang for a condom. Asking a colleague for a rubber in New York will cause awkward silence.
Tip: Always use 'eraser' when in America.
Saying 'fanny pack' in the UK.
✓ Say 'bum bag' in the UK.
Explanation: 'Fanny' is a vulgar slang term for female genitalia in the UK. In the US, it's a mild term for buttocks. 'Fanny pack' is highly offensive in Britain.
Tip: Stick to 'bum bag' when traveling in the UK.
Using 'table a motion' interchangeably.
✓ Know your audience.
Explanation: In the US, to 'table' a motion means to postpone it. In the UK, it means to put it forward for discussion immediately. This causes huge confusion in international meetings.
Tip: Avoid 'table' and explicitly say 'postpone' or 'discuss now'.
Confusing 'pants' with 'trousers'.
✓ Use 'trousers' in the UK.
Explanation: In the UK, 'pants' refers to underwear. In the US, it refers to outerwear (trousers). Complimenting a Brit's 'pants' might earn you a slap.
Tip: If it's outerwear, call them trousers in the UK.
Translating 'taking the piss' literally.
✓ Understand it means to mock or tease.
Explanation: Non-native speakers might think this is a bathroom reference. It actually means making fun of someone or taking advantage. It's a staple of British banter.
Tip: Remember it's about humor, not urination.
Using 'shots' to mean small drinks in the UK without clarifying.
✓ Use 'shorts' or specify the drink in the UK.
Explanation: While 'shots' is understood in the UK due to globalization, 'shorts' is the traditional term for a small measure of spirits. 'Shots' can also mean injections or gunfire, causing momentary confusion in a sentence.
Tip: Order a 'short' or just name the spirit for clarity.
Confusing 'biscuit' (UK) with 'biscuit' (US).
✓ Remember UK biscuit = US cookie; US biscuit = UK scone.
Explanation: A UK biscuit is a sweet, hard baked good (like a cookie). A US biscuit is a savory, flaky bread roll similar to a British scone. Ordering gravy on a UK biscuit would be disgusting.
Tip: Think sweet (UK) vs. savory bread (US).
Using 'fag' as a derogatory term in the UK.
✓ Know that 'fag' means cigarette in the UK.
Explanation: While the slur exists everywhere, in the UK, 'fag' traditionally means a cigarette. A Brit saying 'I'm going out for a fag' is just taking a smoke break. However, due to the offensive nature of the word in the US, it's best to avoid it altogether.
Tip: Use 'cigarette' or 'smoke' to be safe and clear.
Correct vs. Incorrect Examples
Contextual usage comparisons.
Incorrect
I was so angry I threw a sickie.
Correct
I was so angry I threw a wobbly.
Incorrect
He popped his clogs and moved to Florida.
Correct
He retired and moved to Florida.
Incorrect
The test was a piece of cake, it was easy peasy.
Correct
The test was a piece of cake; it was easy.
Incorrect
Don't get your knickers in a twist, it's just a pants issue.
Correct
Don't get your knickers in a twist, it's just a minor issue.
Incorrect
I'm going to spend a penny on the new car.
Correct
I'm going to spend a pretty penny on the new car.
Incorrect
He is as thick as two short planks, he's not the sharpest tool in the shed.
Correct
He is not the sharpest tool in the shed.
Incorrect
It's brass monkeys, let's shoot the breeze.
Correct
It's brass monkeys, let's have a chinwag.
Incorrect
I need to suss out the restroom to spend a penny.
Correct
I need to find the restroom to spend a penny.
Incorrect
She was chuffed to bits that she kicked the bucket.
Correct
She was chuffed to bits that she won the lottery.
Incorrect
Bob's your uncle, let's hit the sack.
Correct
Bob's your uncle, the project is finished.
🎮 Mini Quiz
Test your knowledge with these interactive questions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions.
Why do British and American idioms differ so much?
The English language evolved separately after American independence. Different cultural influences, geographies, and historical events shaped distinct slang and idiomatic expressions on each side of the Atlantic.
Can Americans understand British idioms?
Many common British idioms (like 'cup of tea') are understood in the US due to media. However, slang terms like 'taking the piss' or 'gobsmacked' often require explanation for Americans.
Is it rude to use British idioms in America?
No, it's not rude, but it can cause confusion. It's best to adapt your language to your audience to ensure clear communication, especially in professional settings.
What is the most confusing idiom difference?
'To table a motion' is notoriously confusing. In the US, it means to postpone a discussion. In the UK, it means to bring it forward for immediate discussion, leading to opposite meanings.
Are Cockney rhyming idioms still used in Britain?
Yes, phrases like 'have a butcher's' (look) or 'tell porkies' (lies) are still used, though mostly by older generations or in specific regions of London. Many have entered general British vocabulary.
Do British people use American idioms?
Yes, due to the influence of Hollywood movies and US television, many British people use American idioms like 'piece of cake' or 'hit the sack' interchangeably with their own.
What does 'knock up' mean in the UK?
In the UK, to 'knock someone up' traditionally means to knock on their door to wake them up in the morning. In the US, it means to impregnate someone. This is a vital difference to know!
Is 'bloody' considered a swear word in the UK?
It is a mild swear word. While not highly offensive, it is considered informal and shouldn't be used in polite or professional British company.
Where did 'Bob's your uncle' come from?
It dates back to the 19th century when British Prime Minister Robert Lord Salisbury appointed his nephew, Arthur Balfour, to a powerful post. People said 'Bob's your uncle' to imply that success is easy when you have connections.
How can I learn both versions easily?
Watch media from both regions. British panel shows and American sitcoms are great resources. Pair the idioms together (e.g., spanner/wrench) to memorize the equivalents.
Quick Reference
A cheat sheet for fast recall.
Rule of Thumb: 'To table a motion' means to discuss it now in the US, but to postpone it in the UK.
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