William: Hello and [bad word] to The English we Speak, I'm William.

Feifei: And I'm Feifei. William, what are you doing with that suitcase and flowers and boxes of chocolates? 

William: Oh, well I'm spending the weekend with my wife's parents so I thought I'd better get something for my mother-in-law.

Feifei: Oh I see! weekend with the in-laws.

William: And I'm going to do a bit of decorating and gardening for them too.

Feifei: Wow, you really are trying to earn some brownie points, aren't you? William is trying to get praise and approval by doing something for them.

William: Yes, I'm trying to earn some brownie points. 

Feifei: To earn some brownie points. 'Brownie points' are badges young girls who are members of a youth organisation called 'The Brownies' earn for doing good things for others. Now we use that term generally to mean 'trying to get praise for our actions'.

William: Yes, you see I'm not sure if my mother-in-law really… likes me that much. So that's why I'm trying to earn some brownie points. Maybe she'll change her attitude towards me.

Feifei: Oh dear. Yes, maybe you'll get some approval from her.

Man: Look at Gary. He keeps offering to do extra work – even at weekends
Woman: Well he's hoping to earn a few brownie points with the bosses. There's a new position opening up and I reckon he'll apply for it.

Feifei: He's been offering to do extra work to impress his bosses. It's because there's an opportunity for a [bad word] up.

William: But to earn brownie points is more than just doing someone a favour. 

Feifei: Yes, the expression means you're trying to get approval from someone. It's also quite a light-hearted and informal expression.

William: When was the last time you earned brownie points from someone, Feifei?

Feifei: Oh I don't try to get other people's approval. 

William: Hmm, really? So you don't really care what people think about you?

Feifei: No, not at all. But William, you've got so much stuff with you. Are you taking the train to your in-laws' house? Can I give you a lift to the station?

William: Oh thanks! That's really kind of you, Feifei. I was beginning to think you were a bit selfish but now I can see you're quite generous. Ah, I understand!

Feifei: Yes, I'm trying to earn some brownie points!

William: Well, you succeeded! Goodbye!

Feifei: Bye!