If you were stuck on a desert island and could bring three animals for company, which would you pick and in what order?

A natural way to answer

I'd put a dog first for companionship and protection, then a chicken for eggs, which is sensible, and a parrot third, so I'd at least have someone to talk to. It's a mix of comfort and usefulness.

Key phrases to use

• do my head in — annoy or frustrate you until you can't stand it“That noise is doing my head in.”
• let me down — disappoint you by failing to do what you hoped or expected“I knew he wouldn't let me down.”
• keep me grounded — help you stay calm, sensible and steady“My family keeps me grounded.”
• lose the plot — become confused, irrational or a bit crazy“By day three I was losing the plot.”