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Reacting to Being Spilled On

Someone accidentally spills coffee on your clothes. You need to react kindly, perhaps reassure them, and discuss how to mitigate the damage.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
James (Male)
Oh no! I am so, so sorry! I've spilled coffee all over you!
2
Emily (Female)
Oh, a little bit! Don't worry, it's just coffee. Accidents happen!
3
James (Male)
Are you sure? Your shirt looks pretty soaked. I feel terrible.
4
Emily (Female)
Honestly, it's fine. It'll wash out. Do you have a napkin or something? We can blot it.
5
James (Male)
Yes, of course! Here, let me help you. I have some in my bag. And maybe some water to dab it with.
6
Emily (Female)
Thanks, James. That would be great. See? No harm done. Just a minor mishap.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

spilled

The past tense of 'spill,' meaning to accidentally pour liquid out of a container. Use it when describing an accident like dropping a drink.

soaked

Completely wet with liquid, like fabric after water or coffee gets on it. It's useful for describing wet clothes in everyday accidents.

blot

To gently press something absorbent, like a napkin, on a wet spot to soak up liquid without spreading it. Good for cleaning small spills kindly.

dab

To touch lightly with something moist to clean or remove a stain. Similar to blot, but often with water; use it in situations like this coffee spill.

mishap

A small accident or unlucky event that is not serious. It's a polite way to refer to minor mistakes, like spilling coffee, to keep things light.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Oh no! I am so, so sorry!

This is a strong way to apologize for an accident. 'So, so' adds emphasis to show deep regret. Use it immediately after making a mistake to sound sincere and natural.

Don't worry, it's just coffee. Accidents happen!

A reassuring response to calm someone who spilled something. 'Accidents happen' is an idiom meaning mistakes are normal. Use this to be kind and de-escalate the situation.

Honestly, it's fine. It'll wash out.

This downplays the problem politely. 'Honestly' adds sincerity, and 'it'll wash out' means the stain will come off in laundry. Useful for reassuring others in minor spill scenarios.

Do you have a napkin or something? We can blot it.

A practical suggestion to fix the issue together. 'Or something' is informal for 'or anything similar.' Use this to offer help collaboratively after an accident.

See? No harm done. Just a minor mishap.

This concludes positively, meaning no real damage occurred. 'No harm done' is a common idiom for harmless events. Say it to end on a good note and show forgiveness.