So You Think You Know English - Idioms and Contemporary Expressions [1 ed.] 9780521184984

Citation preview

So You Think You

Know English Idioms and Contemporary Expressions

Clare West

BRIDGE EE CAM UNIVERSITY PRESS

SB

iniim

CAMBRIDGE

UNIVERSITY

PRESS

Cambridge, New York, Melbourne, Madrid, Cape Town,

Singapore, Sao Paulo, Delhi, Tokyo, Mexico City

Cambridge University Press The Edinburgh Building, Cambridge CB2 8RU, UK www.cambridge.org Information on this title: www.cambridge.org/9780521 184984 © Cambridge University Press 2011 This publication is in copyright. Subject to statutory exception and to the provisions of relevant collective licensing agreements, no reproduction of any part may take place without the written permission of Cambridge University Press. First published 2011 Printed in the United Kingdom at the University Press, Cambridge A catalogue record for this publication is available from the British Library

ISBN 978-0-521-18498-4 Paperback ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Cover image by Doug Stuart Illustrations by Mark Brierley/Beehive Illustration Cambridge University Press has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party internet websites referred to in this publication, and does not guarantee that any content on such websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.

NEWHAM LIBRARY LEISURE SERVICE

on 6Hou es Wari CS a

Introduction

Unit 1

Outside my comfort zone

Unit 2.

A no-brainer

Unit 3

Sour grapes

Unit 4 _ Living in la-la land

Unit 5

Chavs, hacks and WAGs

Unit 6

Taking cover

Unit 7

Pushing the envelope

Unit 8

Asleep at the wheel

Unit 9 Unit 10

Barefaced cheek Moving the goalposts

Unit 11 A stitch in time

Unit 12

Done and dusted

Unit 13

The real McCoy

Unit 14

Plain sailing

Unit 15

Dead ringer

Answer Key

Contents

iii

So You Think You Know English: Idioms and Contemporary Expressions is for students at upper intermediate to advanced level who want to improve their knowledge and understanding of idioms and other expressions in contemporary use.

What is an idiom? An idiom is an expression whose meaning can’t always be easily deduced just by looking at its component parts. Even advanced students have difficulty with idioms, because it is hard to get them right if they are unfamiliar.

What should we remember about idioms? e

The order of words in an idiom is usually fixed. You can’t say ‘the candle’s worth more than the game’ or ‘he flies by his pants’ seat’. (We say that the game’s not worth the candle, and he flies by the seat of his pants.) However, you can sometimes alter some of the elements of an idiom to make the expression funnier or more attention-grabbing, for example a recent online newspaper headline said: ‘Voters take poll positions. (The usual idiom is ‘in pole position’, used for the leading position in a cycle or car race.)

e

Even extremely articulate native speakers can confuse their idioms in the heat of discussion; this is called splicing idioms. You may hear someone say, ‘You just have to take it on the chest’ (a cross between taking it on the chin and getting it off your chest) or, ‘That'll fit the ticket’ (that fits the bill or that’s the ticket).

e

Particular idioms may reflect the cultural values and age group of the speaker, so care is needed when using them.

e

Mastering the appropriacy of use in the correct context is just as important as learning the idiom or expression itself.

How is the book organised? This book contains 15 units, in which idioms and colloquial expressions are presented in a variety of ways and then exploited through exercises.

Five units cover idioms in contemporary use. On the first page of these units, there is a workplace conversation — a ‘water cooler’ chat — which presents idioms in current use. The idioms and expressions in the other ten units are all linked to a particular theme, for example water, sports, people, food and business. There are between three and six exercises in each unit. In some units there is a section where

origins of idioms are explored, and most units have a context exercise where the most appropriate idiom must be matched to its context or situation.

There is a key at the end of the book, providing answers to exercises.

How should this book be used? The units can be studied in any order. It is advisable to complete a unit before moving on to another one. As there are a large number of idioms in each unit, it is sensible to take the

Introduction

Vv

exercises fairly slowly and review them as often as necessary. The context exercises at the end of most units provide a means of checking comprehension in class or at home, and can also be used later on for revision.

Finally... Over the years | have watched hundreds of students really struggle with colloquial English. It’s not easy, largely because it contains so many idioms. | felt they needed help, which is why | wrote this book. | had great fun doing the research — reading blogs and online articles, eavesdropping in the street and on buses, and getting friends and relatives to jot down new examples of contemporary language. It’s good to be able to understand what idioms mean, but the ultimate aim is to be able to use them appropriately, in the right situation.

Clare West

vi

Introduction

ercoolers in strategic areas

_ filtered water

ingabreak. ‘Water coo

place around a A

Read the ‘water cooler’ conversation between two colleagues.

CARRIE: RANJIT: CARRIE: RANJIT: CARRIE:

RANJIT: CARRIE:

|’m wondering whether to put in for Greg’s job. They’re advertising it already. You should. It’s got your name on it! You think so? Sure. If they have any sense, they’ll be crawling over broken glass to promote you. It'll stretch me — I'll be outside my comfort zone. That’s what worries me. Come on, Carrie, think big! You can do it! SOmetimes | wonder if I’ve reached my sell-by date.

RANJIT:

CARRIE: RANJIT: CARRIE:

RANJIT:

No way! You need to have more confidence in yourself. And blow your own trumpet more. You'll be great in that role. And anyway, look who you’re up against for the post. Greg’s sidekick, you mean? Yeah, Max. He hasn’t a chance. He’s not exactly the brightest button in the box. Well, no. Maybe | will apply. And tell you what, I’il buy myself a new suit for the interview. That’s it, push the boat out. I would.

B

Four of the idioms or expressions in the conversation take their origins from the following topics. Match the expressions to the topics. There is one extra topic.

C

Match the phrases in fe

from 1—10 with their meanings (a-—j).

She'll have kittens.

chose the best people for

2

He’s got the green light.

@—

b

get to the point

3

She’s feeling off colour.

c

c

be just what is needed

4

He does things by the book.

d

make an additional effort

5

Let’s cut tothe chase.

e€

permission to proceed

6

I’m ready to go the extra mile. ol

f

understand what | mean

h

©

7

He cherrypicked his team.

8

That'll fit the bill.

9

Do you get my drift?

10 D

a

g

decreased drastically

Cc

Q

h

according to the rules

ii

i

rather unwell

The profits went south. a

j

be very anxious

Read the sentences and choose the correct meaning from the brackets to replace the words in italics. 1

She’s on good form.

2

It’s a quantum leap for me.

(she’s cheerful and active / she has a healthy bank balance)

3

Wecan’t make ends meet.

4

It beggars belief.

(considerable problem / huge step up) (friends stop quarrelling / our money last)

(it’s really hard to believe / it’s important to help poor people)

Unit 1 Outside my comfort zone

i

5

You know what makes people tick. (have insight into people’s characters / can make people do what you want)

6

It’s asteep learning curve. on / there’s a lot to learn)

7

It’sa24/7 job. (it needs total commitment / you have to be in the workplace every minute of the day)

8

He’s off the leash. responsibilities)

9

It’s gone into a black hole. (completely disappeared / been protected for future generations)

10

E

(learning gets easier later

(feeling depressed / free from family

He’s bulked up a lot lately. aggressive)

(put on weight or muscle / been

He’s off the leash

Complete the conversation with the most appropriate expressions from the box. There is one extra.

fit thebill

sidekick

ends meet

_ beggars belief

JAKE: TRISH: JAKE: TRISH:

JAKE: TRISH: JAKE:

TRISH: JAKE: TRISH:

/

blow

my own trumpet

the extra mile

brightest button

went south

cut to the chase

push the boat by the book

How’s things, Trish? Not good, | have to say. Trying to make 1) takes up most of my time these days. Yes, | know. How do they think we can manage on frozen pay? It just 2) | thought Nick and | might be able to 3) out and have a decent holiday this year, but — fat chance! And | think profits 4) this quarter, so it looks like our end-of-year bonus Is no longer on the cards. Oh no! And we're all going 5) to help out. What more can we do? For starters, we could do with someone to replace Stella. | don’t want to 6) but / had to show her what was wrong with the figures this morning. And she’s supposed to be in charge! Not the 7) in the box, sad to say. Mike’s OK, though — you know, her 8) — at least he does things 9) so you know where you are with him. Well, I’m just hoping for a pay rise this time next year. That'll 10) nicely!

F What would you Say in these situations? Choose from the options a) or b). All the expressions come from this unit.

1

You think a post you have seen advertised would be perfect for you. a) It’s got my name on it. b) ’'m having kittens about it.

2

You want your friend to stop waffling and get to the point. a) Come on, cut to the chase.

b) You should blow your own trumpet more.

2

3

You are explaining that your project has been given the go-ahead. a) I’ve got the green light. b) It’s gone into a black hole.

4

You are impressed by your colleague’s understanding of human nature. a) You know what makes people tick. b) You like being outside your comfort zone.

Unit 1 Outside my comfort zone

You want to check that the person listening is following what you are saying. a) Why not go the extra mile? b) Do you get my drift? In answer to a friend’s enquiry, you say that your sister is not feeling well. a) She’s not the brightest button in the box. b) She’s a bit off colour. You are describing how the head of a department has selected only the very best people for his team. a) He’s cherrypicked them. b) He’s reached his sell-by date. You think something is almost unbelievable. a) It’s hard to make ends meet. b) It beggars belief. You agree that someone’s suggestion will solve the problem perfectly. a) He'll be crawling over broken glass. b) It'll fit the bill. You encourage someone to spend more than usual on a particular item. a) Why don’t you push the boat out? b) Go on, do things by the book.

Unit 1 Outside my comfort zone

3

rtomakea —

A

Read the sentences, which all contain a negative expression. They all have the same meaning. What is it?

She’s out to lunch. He’s one brick short of a load. The lift doesn’t go to the top floor. He’s not firing on all six cylinders. She’s not playing with a full deck. She’s a sandwich or two short of a picnic. He’s a few beers short of a six-pack. She’s not the sharpest knife in the drawer. The lights are AoA Oo DN W Yount B

on but there’s no one at home.

Match the words in italics (1-10) with the meaning (a-j).

It was not a pretty sight.

a_

easy to understand

It’s not set in stone.

exceedingly dissatisfied

She’s got a screw loose.

still in a dangerous or difficult situation

I’m not a happy bunny.

open to reinterpretation

He’s no oil painting.

a bad experience

She’s no spring chicken.

ugly-looking

We're not out of the woods yet.

a very easy decision to make

He’s not worth his salt.

definitely not young

It’s a no-brainer.

useless as an employee

—_ONAN DO BPW DOA oO —

C

I’m not a happy bunny

Choose the correct option (a, b or c) to complete the sentences, which all contain negative expressions or idioms.

1

Not being a) amusing

2

It’s not a million a) miles

b) yards

c) kilometres

3

There’s no such thing as a free a) breakfast

b) dinner

c) lunch

b) pencil

c) ruler

4

but can | phone you back later? b) funny

Cc) witty

from the truth.

We aren't beaten yet — not by a long a) chalk

4

Slightly crazy

It’s not rocket science.

Unit 2 A no-brainer

That’s not a a) motorway

| think we should go down. b) path

c) street

It’s a no-win a) location

b) reservation

c) situation

I can see you’re not just a pretty

|

a) face

b) worker

| don’t know that guy from a) Stuart

b) Adam

c) character

: c) Henry

She’s gorgeous, but she can’t hold a a) light b) torch

c) candle

| wouldn’t touch it with a a) bargepole

b) glove

c) spade

She wouldn’t lift a a) hand

to help. b) foot

c) finger

Las Vegas isn’t all it’s a) reputed

up to be. b) described

c) cracked

Do what you like, it’s no skin off my a) nose

b) elbow

| don't give a a) toot D

to you. :

; c) forehead

what you think. I’m going to do it anyway. b) hoot

c) boot

Read the conversations below, and complete each response with the most appropriate expression from this unit.

1

‘Look, we’re just talking basic common sense here. ‘| know, it’s not mISsiten

‘The first reviews of the product certainly aren’t favourable’ ‘Yeah, I’ve glanced at them. It’s not

’

‘It’s a tough world out there. I’m not sure she'll be able to hack it any more’ ‘| Know what you mean. She’s no ‘ ‘I’ve looked at it again and again, but | still don’t get it!’ ‘Not , but have you tried turning it the other way up?’ ‘| suppose we could always take on a new marketing manager. ‘That’s not . I'm against it in principle’

‘The pundits say the economy’s improving day by day. ‘They may say that, but we’re not

’

‘Can you believe it, | couldn’t have a swim because the pool’s closed!’ ‘Oh, bad luck! | can see you're not é ‘We'll just have to get better results next year, won't we?’ ‘Absolutely. We’re not finished yet, not

is

‘It was stupid of me to think | wouldn’t have to pay for any of it. ‘Yes, well, there’s no : ‘| can’t understand what makes him so attractive to women.

‘| can’t either. He’s certainly no

’

‘I’m really worried about this clause in my contract’ ‘Well, it’s not — we can redraft it if you like. ‘Should | take the job or not?’ ‘Look, you need the money! It’s a

I’

Unit 2 A no-brainer

Origins of idioms can’t hold a candle to Before the advent of electricity, an apprentice used to have to hold a candle while the master craftsman completed his work. The apprentice only had the basic skills, which is why he was only allowed to hold the candle, and wasn’t allowed to carry out any difficult work. These days the expression means that one person isn’t as good, attractive or talented as another person, reflecting the relative ability expressed in the original idiom.

not by a long chalk Chalk was traditionally used to mark the stages in a job, or the drinks taken and ‘put on the slate’ in a bar. Another important use of chalk was to mark the points scored in a game, which is still done by many darts teams in British pubs. In this case, a ‘long chalk’ was a big score, which might be difficult to beat. I wouldn’t touch it with a bargepole Bargepoles are long wooden poles that are used to push barges along. This expression was first written down in 1846, but there is an earlier American phrase: ‘wouldn't touch that with a ten-foot pole. Both expressions mean that something is so unpleasant or undesirable that we don’t want to have anything

to do with it. not worth your salt Before the introduction of money, soldiers and workers in Ancient Roman times used to have their wages paid in an important commodity, salt. So if you aren't ‘worth your salt’, it means that you aren't working hard enough or doing your job well enough.

there’s no such thing as a free lunch It was a common saloon tradition in parts of the USA, between, 1870 and 1920, to offer a free lunch, as long as at least one drink was paid for. The saloon-keepers hoped that customers would buy

considerably more than one drink, and also that they would return to patronise the establishment at other times of day. not firing on all six cylinders — The V6 engine, a V engine with six cylinders, i become widely adopted for node sized cars. So if a car is not firing on all cylinders, it is not working properly.

no spring chicken

.

A young chicken has tender meat. ‘Spring chicken ona eau slaughtered at the peak of perfection. _

menu tase mean that the bird was

not playing with a full deck In a British pack or deck of cards there are 52 cards, apie from the jokers. They are all used in games like whist or bridge. The four suits are spades, clubs, hearts and diamonds, with ten numbered cards

and three picture cards for each suit.

6

Unit 2 A no-brainer

Do you know what? He just blew a

at me! What a nerve!

This year we've got to stick to our budget like white on Suddenly it all went

-Shaped, and we lost the lot.

What she said really upset the Look, it’s a piece of

cart, | can tell you. , you'll be fine.

You see, acting in commercials is my

and

Really, it doesn’t amount to a hill of | think he’s going to

the company for all he can get.

Take no notice of him being so grumpy — it’s just sour LS) TENT Sr eal Kop SS] oo) Moy ie) —_ —

That shirt’s only seven euros — it’s cheap as

|

Sorry, no, the answer’s a

The new guy in admin is about as useful as a NHN WN

=

iS

teapot.

He’s doing pretty well for himself. He’s on the train all right, making loads of money with very little effort! She looks awful, doesn’t she? , I'd say. He’s as keen as

es

dressed as , isn’t he? He’s offered to

organise everything!

16

| wouldn't get involved if | were you. It’s rather a hot

U7

You’d better spread your investments and not put all your in one basket.

18

| tell you, that girl’s as nutty as a

19

That’s never going to work, it’s just the sky.

20

And then he did what? Oh, that really takes the |

in

It’s about as useful as a chocolate teapot

B Complete each sentence with the correct word or phrase from the brackets.

1

He just watches TV all day — he’s a real (couch potato / sofa sausage).

2

Get back to the point — that’s a (blue tuna / red herring)!

%

She’s hopeless at it — she just doesn’t cut the (mustard / bread).

Unit 3 Sour grapes

He’s a world expert, isn’t he? He really knows his (cabbage / onions). It’s a secret, so don’t spill the (beans / milk).

It’s definitely going to happen — as sure as (spice is spice / eggs is eggs). | feel at the moment the world’s my (oyster / lobster).

Don’t mention her to me — she’s not my (flavour / taste) of the month. It’s all very well — he wants to have his (meat / cake) and eat it! She often stirs up trouble. There’s always one (lame duck / rotten apple)!

She looked as if (butter / ice cream) wouldn’t melt in her mouth.

ae Oo Oo Om @On~ ©—

Nh

C

It’s not the same thing at all — it’s quite a different kettle of (tea / fish).

Match the two columns (1-12) and (a—I) to complete the expressions, which are all related to food.

IN (GN By Oi, Oy) CO

When we told Jim the truth,

turned to jelly.

Which approach will you use —

got the cream!

This is a great gadget — the best thing

like hot cakes.

| looked at it in horror and my knees

since sliced bread.

It’s not difficult — it’s

like as two peas in a pod.

That child’s very energetic —

the icing on the cake!

| don’t like modern art — it’s

she’s full of beans.

That makes it even better — it’s

(ley =r xl) fey (ey fel, SQ a

carrot or stick?

She looks like a cat who’s

easy as pie.

10

They’re not related, but they’re as

he went bananas.

11

She’s Dan’s arm candy, isn’t she —

not really my cup of tea.

12

Our new Fshirts are selling

his new girlfriend.

9

D Choose the most appropriate phrases from the box to replace the italics in each sentence. All the expressions come from this unit. There are two extra phrases.

It’s a sensitive issue that’s hard to handle.

You'd better reveal the secret. It’s very inexpensive. He’s totally crazy. She’s very enthusiastic and eager. It’s a plan which Is utterly impractical.

The answer's a definite no. Doing people’s cleaning is the way | earn a living.

We have to stick to the rules as closely as we possibly can.

My boss had a complete tantrum when | told him | was leaving.

—KRWHY WON OO OA —

E What would you Say in these situations? Decide which of the expressions in this unit would be most appropriate. There may be more than one. 1

You are describing elderly or middle-aged people wearing clothes that are too young for them.

2

You advise a friend not to risk everything all at once.

Unit 3 Sour grapes

You are describing someone who has a bad influence on people around him. You are talking about a colleague who fails to meet the required standard. You think someone has found an easy way of making a lot of money. You consider someone is very well-informed about a particular subject. Ol OO) —~] IN =

You are wondering whether to offer an incentive or use the fear of a possible punishment, in order to persuade your staff to implement a new initiative. You are describing a very idle person who spends a lot of time sitting on the sofa eating junk food and watching TV. You are encouraging a friend to do something, by telling her how easy it is. You are pointing out, sarcastically, how extremely useless something is.

Unit 3 Sour grapes

A

Read the ‘water cooler’ conversation between two colleagues who meet in a break at work. So how’s it going in sales, Mira? Not good, | have to say. Morale is low, and we’re not meeting our targets. MIRA: Well, my advice is take no prisoners! Tell the guys what’s what and get them out there, ROSS: bringing in the business. It’s not that easy. I’ve got a problem with one of the team, Ryan — MIRA: | know him. Bit disorganised, is he? ROSS: He’s all over the shop! His desk looks like a bomb’s hit it. Honestly, | think he’s living in MIRA: la-la land. He'll have to shape up and get real! We’ve got no room for people who don’t pull their ROSS: weight in this company. There'll be no raiding parties out for him, | promise you! MIRA: Chance’d be a fine thing! So you're stuck with him for a bit? ROSS: Yes. And there’s this really tight deadline coming up that | know he’s going to miss. MIRA: He’s gone right down to the wire on it, has he? ROSS: MIRA: That’s the way he operates!

ROSS:

ROSS:

Well, the writing’s on the wall for him, then.

MIRA:

You're right. He’s just not up to scratch. Next time he gives me good reason to feel hacked off with him, I'll give him a warning. You do that. And how’s things in PR? It’s just firefighting at the moment. We haven't had time to plan ahead for next year yet. It’s been pretty crazy lately. You're sounding a bit bruised! Just telling it like it is. See you in the gym later maybe? 7.30-ish? Whatever. Yeah, 7.30. I’m cool with that.

ROSS: MIRA: ROSS:

MIRA: ROSS: MIRA: ROSS:

B

Match the expressions (1—9) with their meanings (a—i).

firefighting

a_

infuriated

take no prisoners

b

out of touch with reality

all over the shop

Cc

performing at the right level

raiding parties

d_

only dealing with current crises

living in la-la land

e

stand very firm

the writing’s on the wall

f

job offers from rival firms

up to scratch

g

extremely disorganised

hacked off

h_ wait until the last minute

go down ODA — ON O KWH C

to the wire

Choose the best option (a, b or c) to complete the expressions. 1

2 3

She thinks she never gets things wrong. That’s not always the a) holdall b) trunk

c) case

Would | have succeeded? I’d have a) walked

c) marched

~—Unit 4 Living in la-la land

|

it!

b) danced

It’s really complicated, but we’ve got to get a

a) lever

10

disaster is imminent

b) handle

on it.

¢) knob

4

It used to be a great company, but now they’re falling apart at the a) joins b) hems

c) seams

5

Since | last emailed, | haven’t heard a a) dickybird b) pussycat

c) puppy dog

6

It leaves a nasty a) smell in your nose

7

, doesn’t it? b) pain in your back

c) taste in your mouth

A helping hand in business? That’s as rare as a) worm’s legs b) hen’s teeth

8

! c) Spider’s noses

Such a simple little job — it’s money for old a) rope

9

b) clothes

c) rubbish

I’m not sure it'll work. We'll just have to a) suck b) pull

it and see.

c) start

Complete the conversation between two young colleagues with the most appropriate options from the box. There are two extra phrases.

Bank of M

like SONYA: ROSE: SONYA: Rose: sonyA: Rose: sonYA:

RosE:

sonyA:

col

awinner

last year

spooky or what

go there

blown away—

Have you seen what Becky’s wearing today? Yeah. It’s so 1) ! I know. She was telling me, she’s got no money for clothes at all. Why’s that, then? Apparently she’s paying her parents back for her student loan. Ah, the 2) ! Now guess what, Karl’s invited me out tonight! What is he 3) ! He must have dated the whole office! That’s ancient history— let’s not even 4) ! You know, when he came into my office just now, | had this feeling he was going to ask me out — 5) ! | could have told you that weeks ago! All | can Say is, it’s been a 6) ! Still, he wants to date you, you want to date him, so everyone’s 7) !

It’s the Bank of Mum and Dad

Complete the sentences with the correct phrase from the brackets.

She can’t walk any distance in those (cab heels / taxi boots)! Brad wasn’t invited to the party, so he just (flagged / blagged) his way in. She’s had the odd (blip / flip) in training, but | still think she can win. Free healthcare? That’s not a (given / provided), you know.

| haven’t prepared a talk, so I’m just going to (multitask / freestyle) it. They’ve been (egging / bigging) up this new initiative of theirs. Look, don’t (knock / bump) it before you’ve tried it! It may well work. This pretty black top is this year’s (must-have / must-get). All oO oO GO & ® WI

the politicians need to come into the (marquee / big tent), otherwise what’s the point of these top-level discussions? Bankers need to cut their (cloth / material) to suit the economic situation.

—_ Oo -

NO

That’s a good idea, but it’s not a (gold / silver) bullet. It’s not going to solve all our problems. The government risks going off the (diving board / cliff) at the next election.

Unit 4 Living in la-la land

11

F What is the most appropriate thing to say in these situations? Choose from the options (a or b). All the expressions come from this unit.

1 You think a colleague should take a tough line with his team. a) Send no raiding parties!

b) Take no prisoners!

Someone you know has difficulty facing up to reality. a) He’s just firefighting. b) He’s living in la-la land.

You think a colleague is going to lose his job soon. a) It’s not a silver bullet. b) The writing’s on the wall. Someone is criticising a proposal you have put forward. a) Don’t knock it before you've tried it. b) You need to cut your cloth. There’s something in a deal to satisfy both sides in a negotiation. a) They’re bigging it up. b) Everyone’s a winner. Someone has offered you an easy job, paid at a generous rate. a) It’s money for old rope. b) I'll have to suck it and see.

A company is losing business and shedding jobs. a) They’re coming into the big tent. b) They’re falling apart at the seams. A friend raises a topic you don’t want to embark on. a) Spooky or what! b) Let’s not even go there! You're telling a friend how you reacted when you were asked to make an instant assessment at a meeting. a) | just blagged my way in. b) | had to freestyle it.

You are a bit shocked and amused at a friend’s cheekiness. a) What is he like! b) It’s been a long time coming! A student you know is receiving an allowance from her parents. a) It’s not a given, you know. b) Oh, the Bank of Mum and Dad!

You're trying to persuade a friend to buy a jacket. a) It’s so last year! b) It’s this year’s must-have!

12

Unit 4 Living in la-la land

used to describe peop re straight descriptions, som

A

nobbies, charactersor

element of humour, and some _

Match the expressions (1—10) with their meanings (a-j).

1 a twitcher

a_

ascruffy or dirty person

2

a role model

b

a famous sportsman’s wife / girlfriend

3

an ice queen

Cc

ayoung person who follows a particular fashion, often working class

Ve, a WAG 5 a soap dodger 6 a catalogue man

d

someone who is insane

e

someone for young people to emulate

f

an elderly person

x a wrinkly

g

acold, unsmiling woman

8 a trailblazer 9 a headcase

h

an unstylish dresser

i

apioneer

j

avery keen birdwatcher

10

a chav

B Choose the most appropriate words from the box to complete the sentences.

n counter

Tack hack

yo

tree hugger . |can write about pretty much anything!

What do | do? Oh, I’m just a

So, who’s the job?

round here? Who do | have to see to get a

| can’t believe you’re a accountant.

! You don’t seem at all like an

He’s a real , isn’t he? He’s got a BMW, a Ferrari and a Land Rover. Who needs that many cars? I think she’s a bit of a , always on about saving the planet, you know? Of course, she may have a point! Rick is Linda’s her! Tracy’s a criticise.

8 C

, isn’t he? He must be 20 years younger than all right — she always finds some tiny thing to

There’s no way he’s a real Cockney — more like a

She’s a tree hugger!

|

Complete each sentence with the correct word or phrase from the brackets.

1

My neighbour makes a huge fuss about everything. She’s a real (drama queen / trophy wife).

2

Toby complains an awful lot — | can’t stand (wingers / whingers) like him.

5

You see that man on the news? He swindled several people out of their life savings. He’s a convicted (con man / cheerleader).

Unit 5 Chavs, hacks and WAGs

13

4

They're lawyers who specialise in representing accident victims. We call them (ambulance chasers / warlords).

5

He was the film’s (saddo / baddie), wasn’t he? | do like to see a convincing screen villain!

6

My uncle was sacked for being a (lollipop man / whistleblower), but he still thinks he did the right thing.

7

He’s a (fashionista / paparazzo), isn’t he? Seems a strange way to earn your living — taking photos of celebrities when they’re not looking.

8

Eva’s such a (prima donna / soprano). She always has to stay in the best hotels when she’s away on business, or else there’s trouble!

D Match the expressions (1—8) with their meanings (a—h). Someone who is...

E

1

an anorak

a_

unreliable

2

3

aheart-throb

b

young and wears a hooded sweatshirt

abean pole

c_

single, not in a relationship

4

abimbo

d

completely crazy

5

asingleton

e

tall and thin

6

ahoodie

f

beautiful but stupid

7

anutter

g

very good-looking

8

a flake

h_

interested in things other people find boring

Choose the best phrases from the box to replace the italics in the sentences.

slightly crazy . _an expert on something boring

a -

spirit and energy

daydreame lost his temper

oo _

_wants everyone to look at her

Bae physically short got an ambition to be a

couples who look down on sing lepeople That bloke has certainly got va va voom! | think Holly’s gone off the rails since her mother died. Luke’s grouchy today. Must have got out of bed on the wrong side!

Don't pay her any attention — she is a show-off. of WN — Doug

is away with the fairies most of the time. He hasn’t a clue what’s happening around him.

6

| suppose you could say he’s vertically challenged.

7

Suddenly Jeff went ballistic and started throwing chairs around.

8

At the dinner party | got stuck with the smug marrieds.

9

She’s a wannabe rock star, but she’ll never make it!

0

He’s a bit of a trainspotter, so he hasn’t got many mates.

F Some of these expressions are mostly used negatively, some are used positively, and some are neutral, so they can be used either positively or negatively. Decide which category each expression belongs to, and put N (negative), P (positive) or E (either) in each box. All the expressions come from this unit.

[| whinger

con man

|_] soap dodger

heart-throb

a

twitcher

petrolhead

i

role model

catalogue man

[_] wrinkly

14

Unit 5 Chavs, hacks and WAGs

(Sha er)WAG

a trailblazer fal ambulance chaser

[| big cheese

LI a) [| LI = ia

headcase tree hugger ice queen

whistleblower

hack nitpicker

Unit 5 Chavs, hacks and WAGs

15

A Read these sentences, which all contain idioms or expressions using take. Then match the words in italics (1-14) with the meanings (a—n) below. She took great pains with that meal, but | don’t think anybody noticed! That took the wind out of his sails all right! Did you see his face?

You could see he was getting angry — then suddenly he took a swipe at Gerry. Watch out, take cover! | think someone’s shooting at us!

OK, OK, | take your point — no need to go on about it. | was really taken aback when | heard the news. Is it true?

He doesn’t seem to find any of this difficult — just takes it all in his stride. She really took it to heart, didn’t she? | saw her in tears later on.

I'll take soundings in the office and report back to you. oc NS) NE ads nl ony =) (ee) ey = Ss

You'll have to take pot luck, \’m afraid — we never plan meals in our house!

| took some stick, | can tell you. He was furious with me. Going to all these meetings takes it out of you — | feel exhausted. Look, don’t take it amiss. |’m sorry if | spoke out of turn.

ae NY You WN SS

ist} sex ole Lele Ka ah (icy

know, Hector takes a dim view of all this. He’ll be writing to you formally about it. understand your argument

h

came in for strong criticism

astonished

i

aimed a blow

got upset by it

j

is displeased by

does it effortlessly

k_

find a safe, sheltered place

accept whatever is available

|

ask people for their opinions

disconcerted him

m

puta

wears you out

n_

feel offended

lot of thought and work into

B Match these parts of conversations, which include expressions using take.

16

1

She's a real flirt, isn’t she?

2

It’s been amazingly tough at work recently.

5 4

Sharon got a massive divorce settlement, you know.

5

Don’t tell me they’ve spilt wine on the new carpet!

6

| think she needs taking down a peg or two.

| can’t stand the way Vaughan always ...

7

Which of them do you think is right this time?

8

No one appreciates the way | slave for them!

9

It was a bad piece of news, but he took it on the chin.

10

That kid always looks a mess, doesn’t she?

11

You know, | might take you at your word and ask you for that lift.

12

| must admit, | was rather taken with it.

13

What exactly do you think he was implying there?

14

Who’s going to make the complaint to the hotel manager?

Unit 6 Taking cover

Sure, my pleasure. Hop in. Yes, she’s a bit too big for her boots, isn’t she?

It takes one to know one! They take you for granted, do they? Well, you have to take the rough with the smooth, don’t you?

I'll take it up with him myself. She really needs to take more pride in her appearance. ac) Look, Oeaicm (Oe (CD) =P S00:

C

take what he said at face value. He didn’t mean anything by it.

i

Yeah, Hugo was really taken to the cleaners, wasn’t he?

j

Sorry, | just don’t like taking sides.

k

Hi guys, did | hear someone taking my name in vain?

|

Yes, I’m afraid so. Rather takes the shine off it, doesn’t it?

m

Yes, it was pretty brave of him, | thought.

n

That's why you bought it, presumably!

Complete the expressions with take by using one word for each space. All the expressions come from this unit. 1

Take

2

| expect she'll take her new responsibilities in her she does.

, everyone! He’s going to come out with all guns blazing!

3

We'll take you at your

, like everything else

, and drop in for a cup of coffee.

4

| wish they didn’t take her for

5

He'll take a

at you if you don’t get out of the way!

6

| take your

, but that doesn’t mean | agree with you.

7

so much — she works so hard for them.

Don't take it all to

so much — the results aren’t that

bad.

8

He got taken down a

9

You looked quite taken

10

You can tell he takes great

or two — I’m not surprised. — it was a bit of a shock, was it? in his appearance.

11.

You'll take some

12

We decided to take

when the boss finds out.

13

All this shopping takes it

14

We'll have to take fence for ever!

15

You can see he didn’t take any great

16

| didn’t realise I’d have to work weekends — that’s rather taken the

around the staffroom before making

any changes.

of you, doesn’t it! sooner or later — we can’t sit on the with this report.

She takes great pride in her appearance

off the new job. D Choose the correct words from the box to complete the seven sentences. All the expressions come from this unit. There are two extra words.

(police

up

= pains

~=—aamiss

sails

out

one

Just drop in on Sunday for lunch, as long as you don’t mind taking It’s not my pigeon, I’m afraid. You’d better take it know, | was so taken

_

cleaners

. We simply didn’t expect it.

They took the wind right out of our

Do you = RWYO

with

| with the authorities.

them that | bought three pairs on the spot!

Unit 6 Taking cover

il7/

5

| hope he didn’t take it

6 y

You think he’s a grumpy old man? Well, it takes

. | didn’t mean to be rude.

She’s well and truly been taken to the

to know one! . | don’t think she’s got a bean

left.

E What would you say in these situations? Decide which of the expressions in this unit would be most appropriate. There may be more than one.

1 You have just come into a room and heard people talking about you. You are pointing out that you strongly disapprove of something. You think something should be accepted just as it stands. You want to remain impartial in an argument between two of your friends. or NO & W

You are describing a friend’s behaviour — she was given some awful news and yet she accepted it without any fuss or panic.

You want to remind a friend of his promise to lend you his bike. You are a bit fed up with a relative who expounds the same theory again and again, and want him to stop. You feel that people around you should be more appreciative of your efforts. You are describing how surprised you were when something unusual happened the other day. You were very pleased to get an invitation to a supposedly exclusive party, but now a friend has told you that everybody you know is invited, so you don’t feel so excited about the invitation any more.

A colleague is complaining about her difficulties. You try to soothe her by reminding her that there are always ups and downs in life.

12

18

You offer to find out what the workforce thinks about a proposed change of location.

Unit 6 Taking cover

= 1s

ts ownjargon,whieh

y

not cl

A

phemism playsa large p

Choose the best option (a, b or c) to complete the sentences.

1

You’d better read the contract carefully — the devil’s in the a) data b) deskwork

c) detail

We need to be more ambitious. It’s a question of pushing the a) envelope b) trolley

c) pen

This network problem has got me wrapped round the a) gearstick b) wheel

c) axle

Too late to change anything — it’s a done a) bargain b) deal Why am | leaving? Because they’re paying me a) peanuts b) pennies

c) contract

! c) potatoes

| get the feeling I’ve been left out of the a) circle b) loop

¢) club

I've been left out of the loop

a) shoes

are off! Let battle commence! b) jackets

We need to get all our a) chickens

in arow, before we can make progress. b) geese c) ducks

You have to step up to the a) plate

b) dish

Right, that’s it — the

c) gloves

. Are you ready for the challenge? c) bowl

Unit 7 Pushing the envelope

19

10

We'll be

down new information to staff. b) cascading

a) skydiving

11

We'll be discussing the company’s a) strategic

12

Yes, that’s the

c) canyoning

staircase at the next meeting. c) diplomatic

b) tactical

of the problem. c) nub

b) nut

a) knot

B Find the correct expressions from exercise A to match the meanings (1-12).

1

take on a responsibility

7

management systems

2

introduce fresh, daring ideas

8

receive a low salary

3

the small print may cause problems later

9

the agreement has been made

4

nobody has kept me informed

10

it’s completely confused me

5

passing on new information

11.

the gist of the difficulty

6

have everything in good order

12

aserious dispute is about to start

Complete the conversation between two managers with the most appropriate expressions from the box. forward

_Qigvatiude _ baby sIMON: MARK: SIMON:

MARK: SIMON:

MARK: SIMON: MARK:

siIMON:

—

shedding

paradigm

= 8 = = = pinch

=mutsrel

bottom

granularity

_

leverage

110%

My door’s open on this one. We’re only grabbing the low-hanging fruit.

Let’s touch base about that offline. We wouldn't want to wrongside the demographic. Stakeholders must come to the party or be left out.

The stock market’s in negative territory. How can we help our customers in this space going forward? We'd better not let the grass grow too long on this one.

20

dey

We've got a problem — no, let’s call it a 1) — with the workforce reductions we'll be making in the next few months. They'll be furious — we told them they’d be living the 2) and that we'd 3) their talents, remember! True, but at this moment in time we all need to take a 4) view. This is what’s best for the company and we have to bear that in mind. OK, | agree, it’s a 5) shift— You Can Say that again! But the whole industry’s feeling the 6) . The ri) line is, we have to cut our overheads drastically, and that means 8) jobs. I’m as sad about it as you are. Yeah, right. But it has to be done. Well, | think our staff are our greatest resource — we don’t want to throw the 9) out with the bathwater! And what about redundancy payments? Have you done any 10) planning for that? We'll be getting down to that level of 11) at our next meeting. So, ina 12) , are you with us, Mark? I’d hate you to feel you have to call it a 13) with us. We need you 14) onside.

Match the sentences (1—12) with the meanings (a-l).

ODO NHN ON We O FW

challenge

values

need 360-degree thinking from the get-go.

Unit 7 Pushing the envelope

10

We're suggesting a belt-and-braces approach.

11

They'll need to ring-fence some of the profits.

12

For us it’s a win-win situation. How can we help our customers in future?

We must take action soon. I’m prepared to hear people’s views. Share prices have collapsed. Shall we have a private chat?

We're just going for the easy gains. It’s important not to put off our customers.

E

(0) Koy (er lek ay ev (yo) =p

There’s no way we can lose.

i

People who want to be involved must agree to the policy.

j

Some of the gains must be isolated from possible risks.

k

From the start we must assess things properly, including all the ramifications.

|

We think a plan with several layers of backup would be sensible.

Choose the correct words from the box to complete the sentences. All the expressions come from this unit. There are two extra words.

maprpeTIOR _ plate

F

a

fruit

base

gloves

side

It's a paradigm _

2

The important thing is not to

3

Let’s not let the

4

Our competitors are just going for the low-hanging

5

If you’re not careful, you'll throw the baby out with the

6

There’s going to be trouble now that the

7

| expect all staff to be 110% Tell you what — shall we touch _

bathwater

but we've got to get used to it.

1

8

wrongs

grass

the demographic. grow too long this time.

! are off!

. It’s a question of loyalty. later on in the week?

What would someone using ‘business speak’ say in these situations? Decide which of the expressions in this unit would be most appropriate. There may be more than one correct answer.

1

You think that a colleague should take responsibility for something.

2

You think colleagues at a meeting should concentrate on the detail of a plan you are discussing.

%

You want to tell employees that you, the management, will be passing on new information to them very soon.

You are correcting someone who talks about a ‘problem’ in a meeting. You are asking for suggestions on the best ways to help your customers in future. You are complaining that an administrative mix-up has left you really confused. You want to say that it’s time to get tough. You are fed up that your salary is so low.

are explaining to new recruits that your company has well-organised management systems.

ts You Ona FO) COS OM

10

You suggest that some of the company’s assets should be protected.

Unit 7 Pushing the envelope

21

A

Read the ‘water cooler’ conversation between two colleagues. PAUL: How’s the report coming along, Michelle? MICHELLE: It feels like it’s taking a lifetime to put together. PAUL: Well, that’s the nature of the beast. There’s an awful lot to cover. Sarah emailed you her input, did she? MICHELLE:

Yeah. It was about as useful as a brick kite!

PAUL: MICHELLE: PAUL:

| see. You’re not a fan of hers, then? |Why would | be? She’s enjoyed wrong-footing me all the time I’ve been here. Oh, surely not. I’ve always got on well with Sarah myself. What you see is what you get with her. Just don’t let her get to you. Go with the flow. MICHELLE: |That’s something I’m simply incapable of. | mean, look at this report. It’s really going to rattle some cages. PAUL: Now is that wise? MICHELLE: _ | think it’s absolutely necessary. The management have been asleep at the wheel. It’s their fault we’re in this mess now. Why should we suffer for their mistakes? PAUL: Wow, you’re in a feisty mood. That report of yours is certainly going to make interesting reading! Find the seven idiomatic expressions in the conversation in exercise A which match the meanings (1-7). 1 no help at all 2 she’s a Straightforward person 3 provoke some reactions 4 failing to take account of a changing situation 5 making me appear incompetent 6 accept the way events turn out 7 what anyone would expect Choose the most appropriate expressions from the box to complete the two conversations between colleagues. There are two extra expressions.

atyourself up Idn’t refuse ard act to follow — BEN: KARINA: BEN: KARINA: BEN: KARINA: BEN:

22

So what happened when the boss called you in? He gave me the 1) | | thought so. We could hear the shouting down the corridor! Look, it was partly my fault. | should have warned you. Oh, don’t 2) over it. I’m leaving at the end of the week anyway, so who cares? You're leaving? You've only been here five minutes! Got something lined up? Yes, I’m off to Credit Suisse. They made me an offer | 3) | | see. Lucky you. Well, we'll miss you.

Unit 8 Asleep at the wheel

ANDY: VINCENT: ANDY:

VINCENT: ANDY: VINCENT:

ANDY: VINCENT:

I've had a great idea for marketing the new shampoo. I’m hoping the team’ll be impressed. — Well, | don’t want to rain 4) but they can be a bit critical, especially if you’re new. Make sure you’ve done your research, won’t you? So 5) then! You'll be fine. How are you settling in otherwise? | must admit I’m finding Stuart a 6) . He was really respected in the department, wasn’t he? Oh, | wouldn’t worry about that. Even he took a few 7) in his time, you know. His proposals often got turned down. Good thing he retired, really. | didn’t realise that. — Now this great idea of yours — why don't you 8) me and I'll tell you what | think of it.

Complete each sentence with the correct word or phrase from the brackets. We're only asking you to (eyeball / earmark) the report, not check the figures.

I’m not sure if any of these proposals have (arms / legs). It’s only when the tide goes out that you learn who’s been swimming (naked / strongly).

I’m sorry, that’s a (stride / step) too far for my organisation. You need to give the authorities more (giggle / wriggle) room, so they can back out with dignity if they wish. You can’t go outside now — you'll get soaked. It’s coming down in (stair rods / curtain poles)!

| think his name’s in the (frame / game) to become Prime Minister. I’m afraid the company’s in (burn-up / meltdown) and all our jobs are at risk.

| ran like the (hammers / clappers) and just managed to catch the train. Oh, it’ll all come out in the (wash / river). Don’t give it another moment’s thought. What a waste of time! Talk about (angels / ballerinas) dancing on the head of a pin!

Origins of idioms I'm going to make him an offer he can’t elu This is a famous quote from the 1972 film The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Itiis ue by Marlon Brandoin the role of Don Vito Corleone, the head of one Mafia family, and implies that a refusal would incur a violent response. -. it’s only when the

ti e goes out that you learn who's been sw

g naked

An American financier, Warren Buffett, said this recently, referringtothe 2009 credit crunch. He meant that when the money markets are doing well, nobody knows which institutions are taking excessive risks, but when banks collapse, it becomes easy to see which investors have failed to peed _ themselves or their clients. L to: give someone the hairdryer treatment |

Hot air’ is a way of describing an angry or opinionated exchange | of words. So ‘hairdryer treatment’ means a furious scolding. Sir ~Alex Ferguson, veteran manager of the Manchester United football team,is renowned for furiously lambasting underperforming players and this has become known as ‘giving them the hairdryer treatment’. On one occasion in the dressing room, he was so angry

that he kicked a boot which hit one of his star players, David

_ This question has be iil for hundreds of years to5 demic the

The coach gave him the hairdryer treatment

_ existence of angels. In modern times it is used as a metaphor for _ Henny time discussing subjects atlittle practical value, Unit 8 Asleep at the wheel

23

E What would you say in these situations? Decide which of the expressions in this unit would be most appropriate. There may be more than one.

24

1

You think that something is completely useless.

2

You point out that it’s difficult to do as good a job as your predecessor.

a 4

You want a friend to stop reproaching himself for a mistake he made.

5

You think a colleague should relax and accept the way things are going.

6

You plan to liven things up at work by attacking some people's prejudices.

You are going to try explaining something new to a friend, in order to get his feedback.

7

You are wondering if any of the ideas currently on the table are feasible.

8

You think the company you work for is about to collapse.

9

You'd like a friend just to have a quick look at something you’ve written.

10

You explain that you accepted a job because the conditions were so good.

11

You describe being severely ticked off by an older relative.

12

You realise that what you’re going to say may be discouraging.

13

You don't think there’s any need to worry about something, because it will all get resolved without any action being taken.

Unit 8 Asleep at the wheel

re based ‘on the length of an average thumb from the tipto the an average foot (a foot), and the distance between a person’s outstretched arm {a yard). We use thepartsofthe body in many

cheek

har

ears |

shed

‘nose

shoulder

_

She’s been giving me the cold

all week.

Don’t you think his remarks were He has a

in cheek?

in lots of pies.

They welcomed us with open | think we've discovered his Achilles

I just can’t make

or tail of it.

She said she had butterflies in her

before the wedding.

Can you believe it? The barefaced

of it!

Have a go at it! More power to your

, mate!

| suppose we'll just have to

under and obey orders. in the final straight ...

And now the horses are neck and

They'll have to own up and

It makes your

Oh dear, I’ve put my Is he pulling my

the music.

stand on end, just thinking about it. ___ in it again.

or what?

today.

She’s looking rather down in the He’s up to his We'll be fighting

in debt, I’ve heard.

and nail to keep the company going.

to the demonstrations.

(0h So NS, es fori ey A) “em ©OG SN OwThe police turned a blind NS

Don’t turn up your

at it — it’s perfectly good to eat.

The thought made his hair stand on end

B Choose the correct option (a, b or c) to complete the sentences.

1

He really went out ona a) limb

b) leg

Then she gave him the hairy a) arm

b) chest

Do you know, he had the brass a) neck

b) head

— he was the only one to speak out. c) hip ! He didn’t like that! c) eyeball to talk back! c) skull

Unit 9 Barefaced cheek

25

| know I’m always shooting my

off.

a) teeth

b) mouth

He’s got a bit of a chip on his a) wrist

b) hip

c) lips

f

You've got to

c) shoulder

it to him — he knows his stuff. b) hand

a) eye

c) face

about lending him all that money. c) hands b) cheeks

I’ve suddenly got cold a) feet

and a leg to insure!

It cost an a) eye

b) ear

c) arm

I’ve really got my a) feet

into the project now. b) teeth

c) elbows

She’s had the wool pulled over her a) head

b) face

Good luck with everything — a) fingers

b) knees

before. c) eyes

crossed! c) thumbs

It’s a question of pride — it’s all about not losing a) nose b) face

c) waist

He’s certainly head and a) toes

above the other candidates. b) shoulders

c) chest

Have you given him the a) knee

b) foot

yet, or are you still together? c) elbow

Origins of idioms the boot’s on the other foot — Originally, boots and shoes were made to fit either foot. It wasn

ancl the end of the sehteone

century that they were made specifically for Og and left feet. From that time this expression was used to mean the situation aa ecome reversed. put your at in it It is important to watch your step when you are wine ‘otherwise you might tread in something unpleasant, or fall into a hole, or trip over an obstacle. The expression ‘putting your foot"in it’ has

~come to mean saying something tactless 0 embarrassing. knuckle under

This expression comes from the Middle High German. word for bone, and used to simply mean an angle joint. We still talk about a knuckle of veal (a cut of meat below the knee joint). So this Sel contains the idea of kneeling, in| PoE Cenre to a higher authority. an Achilles heel—

‘In Ancient Greek my a

Achilles was dipped into the River Styx by his mother, when he was a child. — Immersion in this river was supposed to give him total protection from attack or injury. However, she had to hold him by his heel, so this part of his body did not get immersed, and in the end Achilles was, in fact, killed by an arrow whiehpierced his heel. So ann ‘Achilles heel’ has come to mean a vuneigns spot.

_fingers crossed! :_There are many superstitions which some people still believe in, like touching wood or crossing fingers. Someone who crosses his or her fingers hopes that this action will bring good luck and success, perhaps in an examination

26

Unit 9 Barefaced cheek

or an interview.

_

C

Look at these eight sets of expressions and find the correct part of the body to complete each set. 1

2

3

4

Let’s it, he’s right! We must the music. | tried to keep a straight ‘ Off the top of my (E25: Try and keep your : She's over heels in love. Turn the other : The barefaced of it! He said it tongue in Givemea | need to keep my You have to

: , would you? in. it to him!

5

6

7

8

The boot’s on the other She put her in it. He'll the bill. You look down in the Don’t shoot off your : Put your money where your It’s the long of the law. Keep them at ’s length. It cost an and a leg. She got her badly burnt. I’m all and thumbs today. He slipped through our

iS.

D What would you Say in these situations? Decide which of the expressions in this unit would be most appropriate. There may be more than one.

1

You think a friend should offer some financial support to a campaign she has been talking about a lot recently.

2

You are describing a couple who have just met and are crazy about each other.

5 4

You are explaining how hard it was not to laugh when something amusing happened.

5

You realise that you have just said something embarrassing.

6

You are describing a weakness in a friend’s character.

You are offering to pay for a meal out with friends.

7

You tell a colleague that another colleague has been ignoring you.

8

You think that someone who is being verbally attacked should not fight back.

9

You admit that you find something too complicated to understand.

10

You are telling a friend about a hugely expensive item you have bought.

11

You want to wish someone lots of luck in her driving test.

12

You think that a friend is having a joke with you.

13

You are making a quick calculation without referring to any files or data.

14

One of the applicants for a post in your company is far better than the others.

15

You think a friend has been deceived by someone she trusted.

16

You are describing a colleague who has an inferiority complex.

Unit 9 Barefaced cheek

27

A

In the exercise below, the expressions in each set come from the same sport or game. Choose an option from the box for each set. Three of the options are used more than once.

to miss a trick / to win hands down / it’s on the cards to keep a straight bat / to be bowled over / it’s a sticky wicket

to move the goalposts / to kick-start the project / to be on the ball to jockey for position / a photo finish / horses for courses

three strikes and you're out / to take a rain check / on the home stretch saved by the bell / to pull no punches / below the belt to jump the gun / a dead heat / to start from scratch DYN DPW oOo on — the

ball’s in your court / a backhanded compliment / take your eye off the ball

to play your cards right / to turn up trumps / to do it in spades no holds barred / on the ropes / to roll with the punches it’s a game of two halves / to fall foul of/ it’s not a level playing field a pawn in the game / the clock’s ticking / to reach stalemate it’s a long shot / to bark up the wrong tree / a shot in the dark

below par / to get a hole in one / to get into the swing the luck of the draw / the buck stops here / the game’s not worth the candle to go for an early bath / to hang up your boots / to kick off B Choose the best option (a, b or c) to complete the sentences, which contain idiomatic expressions derived from sports, games or outdoor pursuits.

1

| don’t think he’ll be able to go the a) length Itsa a) throw

b) distance

-up, | suppose. We just don’t know what'll happen. b) kick

How amazing! That’s a turn-up for the a) books

| wouldn’t a) jockey In the end | played my a) suit

She’s regarded as a big a) hitter

28

Unit 10 Moving the goalposts

c) mile c) toss

! b) lottery

words with him if | were you. b) bandy card. That persuaded them! b) trump

c) cards

c) sticky

c) spade

in her field.

b) boxer

c) puncher

7

I’m not surprised — it’s par for the a) links

8

He’s won two — let’s see if he can get a a) triple b) hat

9

The secret is to try to a) reveal

10 11.

b) club

c) major all bases.

b) play

c) cover

He realised he was beaten and had to throw in the a) towel b) medal I haven’t got time to

b) quarrel

12

My goodness, he’s on the ground and out for the a) match b) count

13

The police suspect a) criminal c) foul

14

He’s given us a blow by a) strike c) blow

15

c) sponge

the toss with you all day.

a) argue

c) dispute

! c) referee

play, I’m told. b) evil

account of the incident. b) punch

She fell for him hook,

and sinker.

a) line c) net

C

c) course

trick.

b) rod

Choose the most appropriate words from the box to complete the sentences. There are two extra words.

He played a

eS

, didn’t he? All very unexpected, and impressive. ! | won’t allow it.

I’m sorry, but that’s just not

You must admit, he had a pretty good

before he was found out.

, has she? No problem, then.

She’s managed to get you off the

start — | think that’s why |

Knowing = & Q WN

the interview panel gave mea got the job.

D

Match the words in italics (1-9) with the meanings (a-—i). All the expressions come from

this unit. It’s a sticky wicket all right.

a

was unexpectedly helpful

She turned up trumps in the end.

b

the right person for the job

We seem to have reached stalemate.

@

have the stamina to continue

We'll just have to start from scratch.

d

a difficult situation

It’s horses for courses, |'m afraid.

eS

an important person, an expert

What a turn-up for the books!

f

an unexpected outcome

I’m sure he'll go the distance.

g h

an impasse

Don’t take your eye off the ball. He’s a big hitter in medical = WN at O©woytToa E

research.

begin afresh stop focusing on the main thing

Do the same as in exercise D.

1

| think it’s a game of two halves.

hugely impressed

2

He is out in left field as usual.

changing the rules

Unit 10 Moving the goalposts

29

You look a bit below par today.

c

Time to hang up my boots!

d

unwell, unfit

She’s moving the goalposts again.

e

doesn’t know what’s going on

He was bowled over by her charm.

f

it’s your responsibility

You missed a trick there!

g

didn’t spot an opportunity

The buck stops with you, | think.

Don’t bandy words with me! oD oawnxz oO HW A

talk back at me

h

fortunes can change rapidly

i

take retirement

Origins of idioms to bandy words Bandy is the name of a team winter sport similar to ice hockey. There are records of games similar to bandy dating back to the tenth century. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries the term ‘bandying’ came to mean ‘throwing to and fro’, so now the expression ‘to bandy’ is used to mean ‘to argue persistently’

the buck stops here This expression was made popular by US President Hany S. Truman, ine had a sign saying ‘The buck stops here’ on his Oval Office desk. It is thought to derive from the game of poker. In the early frontier days in the US, a knife with a buckhorn handle was often placed in front of the person whose turn it was to deal. He could then ‘pass the buck’ to the next player. So where the buck stops is where the final responsibility lies.

start from scratch Scratch has been used since the eighteenth century to describe a sporting boundary which was scratched on the ground, on sand, grass or bare earth. It soon came to be used as the starting point for a race, especially in handicap races where less able competitors were allowed to start ahead of the line. out in left field

This phrase comes from baceball and was first recorded in the 1930s. It can mean nonsensical, absurd, clueless, perhaps because a throw from left field to first base is very difficult. Another theory is that in the days of the great baseball player Babe Ruth, no one wanted left-field seats in the stadium, because he was a right-fielder and everyone wanted to see him in action. If you say ‘someone is out in left field’ it usually means that they don’ tknow what's ae on.

the game’s not worth the candle Candles were very expensive in the seventeenth century, when this expression originated. Card and gambling games were illuminated by candlelight, and players had to decide whether it was worth the expense of extra Fandles to continue their game.

horses for courses It is a well-known fact in horse-racing and horse-breeding circles that most horses favour a particular side of the course, running better on a left-hand circuit, for example, than a right-hand one. So this expression has come to mean that different people are suited to different roles, or what is suitable for one person or situation might not be suitable for another. turn up trumps Trump is a corruption of triumph, a card game that was played in the seventeenth century. In triumph, as in whist, the cards were shuffled and the deck was ‘cut’ to select the trump suit at random. The trump suit outranked other suits for the duration of the game. So to ‘turn up trumps’ means to do extremely well.

30

Unit 10 Moving the goalposts

A

Match the two halves of the sayings (1—10 and a-j).

1

A stitch in time

a_ less speed.

2

Marry in haste,

b spoil the broth.

5 &

When the cat’s away,

Cc saves nine.

A moment on the lips,

d nothing gain.

5

An apple a day

e

but you can’t make it drink.

6

You can lead a horse to water,

f

shepherd’s warning.

ei

Nothing venture,

g the mice will play.

8

Red sky in the morning,

h repent at leisure.

9

More haste,

i

0

Too many cooks

j a lifetime on the hips.

ooh

B

keeps the doctor away.

Match the sayings in exercise A to their meanings.

1

There'll be bad weather tomorrow if there’s a red sky early In the day.

Eating fruit regularly is a good way of staying healthy. If you take action early, you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble later on.

You need to be daring in order to achieve anything. If you rush into marriage, you may be sorry later.

If the boss is absent, the staff don’t do much work. If you do things too fast, it may actually take you longer in the end. You can’t force someone to do something they don’t want to do, even if it’s an excellent OnrN ft oa N W opportunity which you yourself have presented to them. Giving way to the urge to eat sweet or fatty foods means that you'll put on weight, which will be difficult to lose.

10 C

Only a few people are needed for this particular job.

Choose the correct option (a, b or c) to complete the proverbs.

1

Red sky at night, shepherd’s a) right Nothing succeeds like a) success Money is the a) root

b) light

c) delight

' b) wealth

c) intelligence

of all evil. b) foundation

c) source

Unit 11 A stitch in time

31

4

Every a) cloak

5

A a) holiday

6

has a silver lining. b) cloud

C) cliff

is as good as a rest. b) recreation

c) change

Beauty is in the a) eye

of the beholder. b) heart

c) soul

7

Discretion is the better part of a) courage

b) valour

c) bravery

8

There’s no fool like an a) elderly lady

b) old fool

c) aged parent

Least said, soonest a) repaired

: b) pardoned

c) mended

One man’s meat is another man’s a) medicine

b) poison

9 10

F

:

c) potatoes

D Choose the correct words from the box to complete these sayings, which are all related to the animal world. There are two extra words.

“leopard swallow . chickens 1

giraffe. _ worm fish”

Don’t count your

2)

cats . horse 7

camel

dogs

birds

before they’re hatched. of a feather flock together.

3

Let sleeping

4

There are plenty more

5

.One

6

Don’t look a gift

eA

lie. in the sea.

doesn’t make a summer. in the mouth. never changes his spots.

8

It’s the last straw that breaks the

9

The early bird catches the

’s back.

E There is one mistake in each of these proverbs. Underline the mistake and write in the correct word. He who pays the piper plays the tune.

F

2

Neither a banker nor a lender be.

5 4

A fool and his wife are soon parted.

5

You can’t judge a bed by its cover.

6

A bird in the hand is worth two in the cage.

7

It never rains but it drizzles.

8

Waste not, starve not.

9

The more the jollier.

10

A rolling stone gathers no friends.

11

Rome wasn’t destroyed in a day.

12

You can’t teach an old lion new tricks.

Match these proverbs (1—8) with their meanings (a—h).

1

32

Make tea while the sun shines.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

2

People who live in glasshouses shouldn’t throw stones.

3

There’s no smoke without fire.

Unit 11 A stitch in time

There’s many a slip ’twixt cup and lip. It’s no use crying over spilt milk. A little learning is a dangerous thing.

Blood is thicker than water. BS OF © con Don’t teach

your granny to suck eggs.

There’s no point in getting upset after something has gone wrong. Don't offer advice to someone more experienced than yourself. Children often grow up to be similar to their parents. Family ties are stronger than relationships with friends.

Don’t criticise others for faults that you yourself have. A lot of things can go wrong before something is completed.

A small amount of eS) eC Oe (ON COmmeeD.

knowledge can make people think they are

experts. h

There may be some truth in a rumour.

Don't teach your granny to suck eggs

What would you say in these situations? Decide which of the sayings in this unit would be most appropriate. There may be more than one answer. 1 A friend is apologising in great detail for accidentally breaking one of your large plant pots. You want to forget about the whole thing. What do you say?

2

A colleague has wolfed down a cream bun. You and she are both laughing about the diet she’s supposed to be on. What do you tell her, mock-accusingly?

3

Acouple you know are talking about their imminent move to another country, and how different life will be there. What do you say, encouragingly?

4 A junior colleague has decided she hasn't got the nerve to ask the boss outright for a salary rise. You think that’s a sensible decision. What do you say? 5

Your sister tripped and fell while running for a bus, and missed it. As you help her up, what do you say?

6

You hear about an 80-year-old man who’s just been swindled out of his fortune by a younger woman he had a relationship with. What do you say to yourself?

7

You offered to help your neighbour move some furniture, but when you arrive at his house, a dozen volunteers are already there. As you leave, what do you say?

8 A friend keeps telling you how good-looking her new boyfriend is. You’ve met him and don’t see the attraction. What do you say to yourself? 9

You read that a millionaire (who is a well-known donor to charity) has become even wealthier this year. What do you Say to yourself?

10

A young relative of yours is madly in love and wants to tie the knot as soon as possible. You think a little mature consideration is in order. What do you tell him/her?

11.

A neighbour has a small leak in her roof. You think she should get it seen to, before it gets worse and needs a more expensive repair. What do you tell her?

12

Your nephew thinks it’s all right to lend money to all his friends, any time they ask him. You want to discourage this practice. What do you tell him?

Unit 11 A stitch in time

33

A

Read the ‘water cooler’ conversation between two employees who meet in a break.

matt: Lucy:

matt:

Lucy: matt: Lucy:

Hi Lucy, what do you think about the latest edict from Marketing? It’s a big ask. | mean, it’s basically a uniform they’re telling us to wear. | don’t do formal. | like my jeans! Yeah, they’ve really gone to town on the whole formal thing. | think it’s a bit of a slippery slope. Next thing you know, they'll be wanting us to attend all the weekend corporate events as well! The new guy heading up the department is behind all this. He has some major chutzpah! Yeah, he’s got that in spades! Same thing happened at my last job. We got our arms twisted by management to do stuff we didn’t want to do. So I’ve been there, done that and got the T-shirt, thanks very much!

MATT:

So, are you...?

Lucy: MATT: Lucy:

| sent JC an email this morning refusing to comply. It’s done and dusted. Ooh, that’s brave. He'll go ape! Yeah, well, too bad. | don’t know what action they can take. | don’t expect to get off scot-free. Well, I'll back you up. That’s great! Shall we talk a bit more about it later on? Right you are.

matt: Lucy: matt:

Been there, done that, got the T-shirt

B Underline the idiomatic expressions in the conversation above, and rewrite them in your own words. C

Complete each sentence with the correct word or phrase from the brackets.

We're in a really tricky situation here — up a creek without a (boat / paddle). The accountant’s predictions were (spot / target) on — I’m impressed! Look, we’re not getting anywhere at all — we’re dead in the (water / sea).

They need to understand where we’re coming (to / from). So they handed over the company lock, stock and (barrel / clock). He obviously fancied her — he was all over her like (a rash / the plague)! It’s nice (job / work) if you can get it.

| might resign, or | might not. Watch this (space / gap)! Let’s face it, work’s a complete (casino / lottery) at the moment.

Her people skills? That’s a (standing / sitting) joke round here! | read through the contract and it scared the (shirt / pants) off me!

—ste) LS) (OR IS ah py SS] (oo) Xi)

Well, OK, buying us out is a great idea, but who’d (cough / sneeze) up?

A pay rise? I'll believe it when | (get / see) it. That girl spends a fortune. She’s really high (support / maintenance)! He’s been blowing (hot and cold / warm and dry) on the project for months.

What | can’t stand about Kevin is— Oh hi Kevin! Talk of the (prince / devil)! DN Of NO W | lost

34

my job and then they repossessed my house — it was a double (whammy / jemmy).

Unit 12 Done and dusted

18

That’s a great one — it knocks most websites into a (cocked hat / baseball cap).

19

There isn’t an original idea among them — they've got a real (flock / herd) mentality.

20

John from Admin? He’s drop-dead (good-looking / gorgeous), isn’t he?

D Complete the conversation with the most appropriate expressions from the box.

‘the plot : before bedti FATIMA:

/

Hi Steve. throw 2) Yeah, she her when | can’t do

a hissy fit — arun-in

her weight brownie points

a strop =——_—rnumber one

with Heather. She’s got no right to around like that! threw 3) after you left. | think you should just ignore she has 4) ’ that. She really gets to me. She’s so busy trying to earn 5) all the time. Yeah, she knows how to look after 6) all right! I’ve completely lost 7) with her. Look, you've got to sort it out with her. | know — or it'll end in tears 8) |

STEVE: FATIMA: STEVE: FATIMA: steve: FATIMA:

Just had a bit of 1)

Do the same as in exercise D.

toe-curling — ALEX: uz: ALEX: LIZ: ALEX: LIZ:

the wall

scrubs up

aniten

-—S—the hip

| think Gracie and Leo are 1) now, aren’t they? You never see them apart — they’re joined at 2) ! That was a 3) speech he gave about her at the staff bash. Well, | have to admit, she 4) well. She looked fantastic, didn’t she? But she’s off 5) , totally crazy! Did you hear what she did yesterday? No! Tell me, | need to know!

Do the same as in exercise D.

the tin susiE: KATy:

susie: KATY: susié: KATY:

swings and roundabouts

a hiding

my mitts

Love your new phone. Great, isn’t it? It’s got all the features | wanted, and it’s easy to use. It does exactly what it says on 1) ; Ooh, I’d like to get 2) on one like that. Pricey, though, was it? Well, you know, it’s 3) . If you get a cheap one, it only works for five minutes. You know, Joe asked me for your phone number this morning. Joe! No chance! He’s on 4) to nothing!

Match the expressions in italics (1—6) with their meanings (a—f). All the expressions come from this unit. 1

She has major chutzpah, doesn't she!

reward and recognition

He went ape! We had to hold him down!

pros and cons

The sales project’s dead in the water.

completed

She’s trying to win brownie points.

incredible arrogance

There are swings and roundabouts.

became hysterical

The whole HD DN W OB

project’s done and dusted.

Cy):making ONE el CD) pee

no progress

Unit 12 Done and dusted

35

H What would you say in these situations? Decide which of the expressions in this unit would be most appropriate. There may be more than one. 1

While chatting to a friend, you are in the middle of criticising someone, when suddenly that person walks in.

You recommend a certain café as the best one in the area. You warn that there will be serious repercussions to a particular course of events. You explain that someone has absolutely no chance of succeeding.

You think that two friends of yours are going out together. You envy someone's else’s job. You are in a difficult situation, with no way of getting out of it.

You had two strokes of bad luck recently, at more or less the same time. You point out that you’ve already had this experience in the past. A potential investor has been dithering for weeks about whether to buy shares in your company.

—=| INS: CN es Ole Oy ORKOmICO

36

11

You had to agree to a course of action because your office manager gave you no choice.

12

You want to say that a friend of yours has an amazing amount of charm.

Unit 12 Done and dusted

A

Choose the correct option (a, b or c) to complete the sentences.

1

Oh dear, that looks like a

kiss on the wing of your car! c) Tesco

a) Sainsbury’s

b) Waitrose

Watch out, the old a) Bill

’s coming round the corner! b) Fred

Of course it cost a fortune — it’s the real a) Macduff b) McVitie

c) Jim

|

c) McCoy

That girl can talk for a) Italy

| b) England

c) Venezuela

It’s like painting the a) Forth

Bridge. b) Golden Gate

c) Tower

They say Cliff Richard is the a) Harry Potter

b) Peter Pan

Who’s your new girl a) Monday

of pop. c) Robbie Williams

? b) Wednesday

c) Friday

He’s feeling miserable because his mates have sent him to a) Coventry b) Plymouth

C) inches

I’m not going to agree — no way, a) Stéphane

b) José

c) Luigi

| can’t stand him — he’s a a) Roaring Richard

b) Hooray Henry

c) Boohoo Brett

It’s like the sword of a) Achilles

hanging over me. b) Ulysses

c) Damocles

He’s mad as a a) March

hare.

b) May

c) February

B Match the two halves of the sentences, which contain idiomatic expressions using proper nouns.

It’s like the Mary Celeste in here —

a

like cutting the Gordian knot.

They call him the Teflon president,

b

in Davy Jones’s locker.

Don’t mention Joe round here —

Cc

everybody has disappeared.

I’m having the full monty —

d_

it’s Hobson’s choice.

This place is like Fort Knox,

e

aheadbutt.

The ship’s on the seabed now,

f

with two sides to his character.

That’s known as a Glasgow kiss —

g

his name’s mud!

He’s always had a great time,

h_

has gone for a Burton.

It’s bedlam at work just now —

i

cereals, eggs, toast, the lot.

It’s a catch-22 situation,

j

because no dirt sticks to him!

—KRWYN WAN OO OA —

Unit 13 The real McCoy

37

What a smile! She was

k

so what can you do?

12

My chance of winning the lottery

|

taking coals to Newcastle!

13.

Giving the Swiss some chocolates is like

m

living the life of Riley.

14

We've got no alternative —

n

we’re all doing overtime.

15

I'll be back here before

o

with all these locks and bolts.

16

It was such a simple solution,

p

you can say Jack Robinson.

17

He’s a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde,

all fake tan and white stilettos.

138

She’s a real Essex girl —

q r

1]

C

grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Match the expressions from this unit (1—20) with their meanings (a-—t).

1a Tesco kiss

a

leading a wonderfully enjoyable life

2

aPeter Pan

b

absolutely genuine

4

aman/

c

the police

4

a Hooray Henry

d_

stopped functioning, disappeared

5

the real McCoy

e

the complete version

6

living the life of Riley

f

locked up very securely

7

acatch-22 situation

g

anever-ending task

8

gone for a Burton

h

damage to a car while parked

9

the sword of Damocles

i

it’s crazy, hectic, noisy

10

the old Bill

j

finding an extremely simple solution

11

being sent to Coventry

k_

there’s only one option

12

painting the Forth Bridge

|

at the bottom of the sea

13

the full monty

m_

being ignored, not spoken to

14

like Fort Knox

n

a deserted, strangely quiet place

girl Friday

15

aJekyll and Hyde

O

apersonal assistant

16

Davy Jones’s locker

p

someone who always appears youthful

17

like the Mary Celeste

q

ano-win situation

18

cutting the Gordian knot

r

knowing something bad is going to happen

19

it’s bedlam

Ss

abrainless upper class male

t

a split personality

20 _ it’s Hobson’s choice

.. grinning like a Cheshire cat

Origins of idioms the real McCoy _ There are several theories attempting to explain the origin of this expression, butthe most commonly _accepted one is that it is a corruption of the Scottish phrase ‘the real McKay’ and that it refers to a whisky produced byG. MacKay & Co. Ltd. The opiate) means the real thing, something genuine.

his name’s mud Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth President of the USA, was assassinated in 1865 by JohnWilkes Booth, _who broke a leg during his escape. A doctor called Samuel Mudd, unaware of the crime, treated hie _ and although he notified the authorities as soon as he discovered what his patient had done, he was __ arrested as an accomplice and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was later pardoned and released. So the expression has come to mean someone who is in disgrace.

sent to Coventry Coventry is an industrial cityin England, but in i the seventeenth cay it was oy a small town. During the English Civil War, a group of Royalists were captured at the battle of Preston in 1648. _ They were sent to be imprisoned in St John’s Churchi inCoventry. Local people, who supporter | the Parliamentarians and opposed the Royalists, refused to speak to the prisoners or have. anyt ing to _ with ae So the ore) has come to mean someone who no one will ae ee .

38

Unit 13 The real McCoy

:esets choice

‘s bedlam oe or Bedlam was founded in| London in it 1247 as a hon for the Oder of the Star of Bethisten: _ It became a hospital in 1330. It is the world’s first and oldest institution for the care of the mentally — ill, and is still a psychiatric ees although it has moved to a new egnon. Bedlam came to mean chaos. painting the Forth h Bridge __The Forth Bridge is a cantilever railway bridge over the Firth of Forth in the east of Scotland. It was _ popularly thought that it would take so long to paint that painting would have to start all over again as soon as it was finished.

catch-22 _ This is a term coined by Joseph Heller in his 1961 novel Catch-22. John Yossarian, in the US Army Air Force, wants to be removed from combat flight duty. To be grounded, he needs to be considered medically unfit to fly. Any willing pilot must be regarded as insane, because only a madman would agree to fly such dangerous missions. However, in order to get the medical diagnosis of ee.

~ Yossarian has to ask for it,which proves he is sane enough to wantay stay alive. live the life of Riley The O'Reilly clan controlled County Cavan in Ireland even after the Normans arrived in i 1169, and they maintained their independence until the early 1600s. They even minted their own money, and these

_ coins were called Reillys, so anyone with money was ‘living on his Reillys. The Life of Riley was a - popular 1940s American radio sitcom, which developed into a feature film and a long: 7s TV series.

_ _ gone for a Burton ¢ toStay a beer, a eipnetict This is RAF World War II on ait the avantmeaning of stepping out __way of saying that someone was missing or lost in battle. The Bass brewery in Burton-on-Trent_ sponsored a series of pre-war oe person had ‘gone for a Burton’

stewie © onePee ee _

:

fom.each sscene - this. .

Unit 13 The real McCoy

39

iT

niles frorn the se:

ct

OF

ioned by it, and we are proudof our maritime heritage.

A

Read these sentences, which all contain nautical idioms. Then match the words in italics (1-15) with the meanings (a—o).

1

We're really making headway now!

a

very easy

2

By and large, | think you’re right.

b

no matter what happens

3

She’s rather broad in the beam, isn’t she?

Cc

progress

4

| promise you, it’s plain sailing from here.

d_ in first-class order

5

My goodness, what a cock-up!

e_

likely to happen soon

6

There are problems in the offing.

f

was jettisoned wide-hipped

7

He left us high and dry, with no money.

g

8

Wewere ai// at sea for a while.

h_ generally speaking

9

They'll have to batten down the hatches.

i

10

That new policy went by the board.

jin confusion and disorder

11

The shop was chock-a-block with toys.

k

disaster

12

I’m afraid he’s reached rock bottom.

|

genuine, reliable

13

It looks like a copper-bottomed scheme.

m

abandoned, stranded

14

It’s all shipshape now, isn’t it?

nthe lowest possible point

15

I'll be there, come hell or high water!

oO prepare for trouble

stuffed full

They were left high and dry

B Complete each sentence with the correct word or phrase from the brackets.

40

1

| hope my salary will (tide me over / sail me through) till the end of the month.

2

It was a shot across the (stern / bows) — | was grateful for the warning.

3

He drinks a lot — he’s often three (sails / sheets) to the wind these days.

4

You need to know the (oars / ropes) if you want to work here.

5

If | were you, I’d give her a wide (mooring / berth). She talks all the time!

6

I’m between the (devil / docks) and the deep blue sea — | just don’t know which way to turn.

7

Oh, that’s nonsense! Tell that to the (marines / sailors)!

8

I like the cut of your (jib / mainsail), young man. | think you'll fit into the team pretty well.

9

Right, let’s get this project (overboard / under way), shall we?

10

You know, he’s making money hand over (thumb / fist), and he’s already a millionaire!

11

If anyone finds out, we’ll have no alternative but to (cut and run / dart and dive).

12

I must say, some animals are rather smelly at close (quarters / hand).

13

It’s about time you nailed your colours to the (mast / deck) — tell us what you believe in.

14

I’m freezing! It’s brass (donkey / monkey) weather!

Unit 14 Plain sailing

C

Choose the most appropriate words from the box to complete the sentences. All the expressions come from this unit. There are two extra words.

He’s always been broad in the I suppose.

. Too much sitting in front of a computer,

I think she reached It seems that,

bottom when her fiancé was sent to prison. and large, the committee members were all in

agreement. | was just left

and dry, with no support from anyone.

They're determined to go ahead, come hell or high

That letter was a

:

across the bows. You’d better sit up and take notice!

D What would you Say in these situations? Decide which of the expressions in this unit would be most appropriate. You feel extremely confused. Your bright idea has been rejected.

You think it’s going to be easy from now on. You're hoping to get by until next payday. You simply don’t believe your friend’s story. You think the new guy at work should have found out how things are done there by now. You want to persuade a friend to stay away from someone you both know.

You're in a real quandary and don’t know what to do. You’re surprised at how badly a conference was organised. You think there are job cuts on the way. You think your company will have to prepare for difficult times. You’re delighted with the progress your firm is making.

You’re keen to get your new project started. You’re sure that your accounts are in excellent order.

Unit 14 Plain sailing

41

all shipshape and Bristol fashion Bristol was an important seaport for many years. However, its variable tide flow meant that ships were beached at low tide, and therefore had to have their cargo securely packed in their holds to avoid © spillage or damage.

Tell that to the marines! The first English marines were formed in 1664, in the reign of Charles II. They were considered novices at sea, not as experienced as hardened sailors. So they might believe a ridiculous story, but sailors wouldn't. in the offing The part of the sea that can be seen from land is called the offing, so from the shore a ship would be spotted there, and would dock soon afterwards. by and large The wind is described as ‘large’ when it blows favourably from behind a ship, whereas ‘by the wind’ means facing into it. / cock-up The spars or masts are normally kept straight, but they could be left tilted or ‘cocked’ by accident, which would give the impression of a poole run ship.

copper-bottomed The British Navy first used copper plating in the early eighteenth century to protect its ships from the sea creatures, like barnacles, which lived on the wooden hulls and damaged them. The process was successful and became widespread. chock-a-block

A block and tackle is a system used on sailing ships to raise che rigging (ropes or cables supporting masts and sails). Chock-a-block describes the situation me sae is no more cable or dips available

and the blocks are ee Hightly together. go by the board The board is the side or decking of a ship, §sO ‘gone aethe penta Sriginally meaty either ‘fallen on to _ the deck’ or ‘gone over the side’.

42

Unit 14 Plain sailing

Hi Neil. What do you think of the new boss, then? She’s a dead

JUDY:

NEIL:

JUDY: NEIL: JUDY:

NEIL: JUDY: NEIL: JUDY:

NEIL:

1)

for Angela Merkel, isn’t she? She looks exactly

like her! Hmm, you think so? She’s certainly ripped up the 2) ! Well, you don’t get to be the head 3) without colouring outside the 4) occasionally. | like her style — she’s a woman with 3) , Well, personally | feel sorry for Chris. | mean, he’s been hung out to 6) ! The management just rode 7) over him! But he should have put more effort in. What 8) around comes around. Maybe. So, Neil, got any plans for this evening? No, staying in is the new 9) out! !’ve run out of money till payday. Join the 10) ! You have to 11) , don’t you? If you didn’t laugh, you’d 12) , as they Say. Wish me luck — I’m giving a presentation at 2 o’clock. Are you OK about it? | haven’t had time to think about it much, so I’m just going to 13) it. Better have a 14) ___ nap first!

Choose the best option (a, b or c) to complete the sentences.

1

Watch out for the a) buffalo

2

The bosses are throwing their toys out of the a) pram b) cot

3

She’s caught between a rock anda a) hard place

b) big boulder

Why don’t you make like a a) bush

b) tree

He’s flying by the seat of his a) plane

b) saddle

c) pants

You've bitten off more than you can a) eat

b) chew

c) swallow

The girls are really putting on the a) bling

b) cling

I’m not ina team, I’m doing my own a) thing

b) plan

4 5 6 7

8 9

The movie a) seizes

in the room. b) lion

c) elephant

: c) playpen . c) steep cliff

and leave! c) flower

;

There’s an elephant in the room

l c) fling

f

the zeitgeist well. b) grabs

c) idea c) captures

Unit 15 Dead ringer

43

10

It’s like pushing a) snowballs

uphill! b) water

c) cars

11

That guy’s acting his a) shirt

off! b) socks

c) belt

12

C

D

Wewere at the back of the plane, in a) working b) army

class.

c) cattle

Match the idiomatic expressions (1—14) with the meanings (a—n). 1

Don’t hold your breath!

a_

|’m not joking.

2

Over my dead body!

b

He’s a damaged person.

3

It went belly up.

c

You're likely to succeed.

4

Keep me posted.

d_

I’m unable to help.

5

| kid you not.

e

There’s nothing to object to.

6

He’s a train wreck.

f

[won't allow it.

7

He’s having a bad hair day.

g

Try not to harbour a grudge.

8

You're in there!

h_

It failed.

9

Sorry, no can do.

i

We'll have to start again.

10

It’s just a blip.

j

It may never happen / It’s not likely to happen.

11

What’s not to like?

k

| think you tricked us.

12

Back to the drawing board!

|

I'd like to know what happens.

13

Don’t be bitter and twisted!

m_ Things are going wrong for him.

14

You pulled a fast one there.

n_

It’s only a temporary hitch.

Read the sentences (a). Are the meanings (b) true or false (T/F)? T/F 1a He’s upping the ante, isn’t he?

1b He’s climbing pretty high, isn’t he?

2a I like a little retail therapy.

2b I’m keen on shopping.

3a He's got a hidden agenda.

3b He’s hidden a document in his briefcase.

4a Don’t get your knickers in a twist.

4b Don’t get upset and angry.

5a They broke the mould with Lorna.

5b Lorna’s quite different from everyone else.

6a Between you and me and the bedpost, he’s been sacked. 7a It’s like shooting fish in a barrel.

6b He’s been sacked, but keep it confidential.

8a She made it on a wing and a prayer.

8b She managed it, but only just.

7b It’s a surprisingly difficult task.

E Complete the sentences with the most appropriate words from the box. The expressions all come from this unit. There are two extra words.

Oe uphill

a seat

dead rock |

head

|

fast

in |

The president’s caught between a

cloth

and a hard place on this issue.

That wasn’t fair — you pulled a

one there.

You know, | think he’s a

ringer for Nelson Mandela.

Honestly, trying to persuade Sam is like pushing water He never prepares a thing. He just flies by the She ranted and raved — threw her | get the feeling the boss likes you — you’re — WD onooat On So who’s the

44

Unit 15 Dead ringer

of his pants. out of the pram!

honcho round here?

there!

F What would you Say in these situations? Decide which of the expressions in this unit would be most appropriate. There may be more than one. A friend is moving to another town. You want her to keep in touch. You tell someone something, but you want it to remain secret. You are describing someone who wears a lot of flashy jewellery.

You think a friend has taken on a much bigger project than he can deal with. You want someone to get out of your Office. You are describing someone who has been made a scapegoat. You want to point out that people have to put up with the consequences of their actions. You suggest thinking of a new plan, as the first one didn’t work. You warn that there may be a difficult issue which people are avoiding. You advise a colleague not to expect an answer soon. You explain that a company you know went out of business.

A colleague is putting in a request for a surprisingly high salary increase.

Unit 15 Dead ringer

45

-—

ey

ae own wa

ee

S 7

wrassesr

os

Ee

OE

eae. ETM

:

z

.

Unit 1 Outside my comfort zone Bs

E

sailing: push the boat out music: blow your own trumpet

F

shopping: reached my sell-by date sewing: not exactly the brightest button in the box

C D

E

1j 2e 3g 4b 5a 6h 7f 8i 9d

B

1 hack 2 big cheese 3 bean counter 4 petrolhead 5 tree hugger 6 toyboy 7 nitpicker 8 mockney

C

1 drama queen 2 whingers 3 con man 4 ambulance chasers 5 baddie 6 whistleblower 7 paparazzo 8 prima donna

1 ends meet 2 beggars belief 3 push the boat 4 went south 5 the extra mile 6 blow my own trumpet 7 brightest button 8 sidekick 9 by the book 10 fit the bill

la 2a 3a 4a 5b 6b 7a 8b 9b

S/he lacks intelligence. lf 2b 3e 4a 5c 6g 7i 8d 9j 10h

C

1b 2a 3c 4a 5b 6c 7a 8b 9c 12c 13a 14b

lh 2g 3e 4f 5c 6b

1 spirit and energy 2 slightly crazy 3 irritable 4 wants everyone to look at her 5 a daydreamer 6 physically short 7 lost his temper 8 couples who look down on single people 9 got an ambition to bea 10 an expert on something boring

lic

D 1 rocket science 2 a pretty sight 3 spring chicken 4 being funny 5 a path | think we should go down 6 out of the wocds yet 7 ahappy bunny 8 by along chalk 9 such thing as a free lunch 10 oil painting 11 set in stone 12 no-brainer

1 couch potato 2 red herring 3 mustard 4 onions 5 beans 6 eggs is eggs 7 oyster 8 flavour 9 cake 10 rotten apple 11 butter 12 fish

Sesk

si 9b:

10e

11)

12¢

E

1 hot potato 2 spill the beans 3 cheap as chips 4 as nutty as a fruitcake 5 as keen as mustard 6 pie in the sky 7 lemon 8 my bread and butter 9 like white on rice 10 went bananas 1 They’re mutton dressed as lamb. 2 Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. 3 He’s a rotten apple. 4 She just doesn’t cut the mustard. 5 He’s on the gravy train. 6 He really knows his onions. 7 Should we use the carrot or the stick? 8 He’s a couch potato. 9 It’s easy as pie/It’s a piece of cake. 10 It’s about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

C ic 2a 3b 4c 5a 6c 7b 8a Ya D 1 last year 2 Bank of Mum and Dad 3 like 4 go there 5 spooky or what 6 long time 7 a winner

le Diesea4eus 12h

Sd /arsba

lke TOl

gi)

our assets.

Other expressions from this unit: Negative: mockney, drama queen, smug marrieds, nutter, flake, trophy wife

Unit 8 Asleep at the wheel B

Neutral/either: bean counter, toyboy, paparazzo, prima donna, singleton, hoodie, trainspotter

im 2f 3i 4k 5a 6b 7d 8c QI 10e 12g 13n 14j

1th

B

ic 2e 3i 4k 5I 6b 7j 8d 9m 12n 15h 14f

lla

C

1 cover 2 stride 3 word 4 granted 5 swipe 6 point 7 heart 8 peg 9 aback 10 pride 11 stick 12 soundings 13 out 14 sides 15 pains 16 shine

D

1 sails 2 potluck 6 one 7 cleaners

E

1 Did | hear someone taking my name in vain?

1 eyeball 2 legs 3 naked 4 step 6 stair rods 7 frame 8 meltdown 9 clappers 10 wash 11 angels

2 | take a dim view of it. 3 It should be taken at face value. 4 | don’t want to take sides. 6 I'd like to take you at your word and borrow your bike,

5 wriggle

1 It’s about as useful as a brick kite. 2 He’s a hard act to follow. 3 I'll run it past you, shall 1? 4 Don’t beat yourself up over it! 5 Just go with the flow! 6 I’m going to rattle some cages. 7 Do any of these ideas have legs? 8 The company’s in meltdown. 9 Just eyeball it for me, would you? 10 They made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. 11 She gave me the hairdryer treatment. 12 | don’t want to rain on your parade, but... 13 It'll all come out in the wash.

5 amiss

5 She took it on the chin.

1 about as useful as a brick kite 2 what you see is what you get with her 3 rattle some cages 4 asleep at the wheel 5 wrong-footing me 6 go with the flow 7 that’s the nature of the beast 1 hairdryer treatment 2 beat yourself up 3 couldn’t refuse 4 on your parade 5 no pressure 6 hard act to follow 7 hard knocks 8 run it past

Unit 6 Taking cover A

3 up 4 with

lla

1 He should step up to the plate. 2 The devil’s in the detail. 3 We'll be cascading down new information very soon. 4 Let’s call it a challenge. 5 How can we help our customers in this space going forward? 6 It’s got me wrapped round the axle. 7 The gloves are off now! 8 They’re paying me peanuts! 9 Our company has a strategic staircase. 10 We should ring-fence some of

Neutral/Either: twitcher, big cheese, petrolhead, WAG, tree hugger, whistleblower, hack

10g

10b

1 shift 2 wrongside 4 grass 4 fruit 5 bathwater 6 gloves 7 onside 8 base

Negative: whinger, soap dodger, wrinkly, ambulance chaser, anorak, saddo, bimbo, con man, catalogue man, headcase, ice queen, nitpicker

Unit 9 Barefaced cheek A

9 | was really taken aback the other day.

1 shoulder 2 tongue 3 finger 4 arms 5 heel 6 head 7 stomach 8 cheek 9 elbow 10 knuckle 11 neck 12 face 13 hair 14 foot 15 leg 16 mouth 17 ears 18 tooth 19 eye 20 nose

10 It’s taken the shine off the invitation somehow.

la 2c 3a 4b 5c 6b 7a 8c 9b 12b 13b 14c¢

11 You have to take the rough with the smooth.

1 face 2 head 3 cheek 4 hand 5 foot 6 mouth 7 arm 8 fingers

7 | take your point — no need to go on.

Unit 4 Living in la-la land B id 2e 3g 4f 5b 6i 7c 8a Oh

coming

7d 8a

Usually negative: chav, bean pole

1 raspberry 2 rice 3 pear 4 apple 5 cake 6 bread, butter 7 beans 8 milk 9 grapes 10 chips 11 lemon 12 chocolate 13 gravy 14 Mutton, lamb 15 mustard 16 potato 17 eggs 18 fruitcake 19 pie 20 biscuit

2h sd4ans

1 step up to the plate 2 push the envelope 3 the devil’s in the detail 4 I’ve been left out of the loop 5 cascading down new information 6 get all our ducks in a row 7 strategic staircase 8 get paid peanuts 9 it’s adone deal 10 it’s got me wrapped round the axle 11 the nub of the problem 12 the gloves are off

Positive: role model, trailblazer, heart-throb

Unit 3 Sour grapes

Ci

B

5a 6b 7c 8c Ya

1 challenge 2 values 4 leverage 4 highaltitude 5 paradigm 6 pinch 7 bottom 8 shedding 9 baby 10 forward 11 granularity 12 nutshell 13 day 14 110%

E

F

10a

lc 2a 3c 4b 12c

10c

i]

10a

B

Unit 7 Pushing the envelope A

Unit 5 Chavs, hacks and WAGs

up 3 our money last 4 It’s really hard to believe 5 have insight into people’s characters 6 There’s a lot to learn 7 It needs total commitment 8 free from family responsibilities 9 completely disappeared 10 put on weight or muscle

A

D

10a

A

Unit 2 A no-brainer

B_

1b 2b 3b 4a 5b 6a 7b 8b 9b ion Wo)

1j 2e 3i 4h Sb 6d 7a 8c Of 10g 1 She's cheerful and active 2 huge step

F

A

1 cab heels 2 blagged 3 blip 4 given 5 freestyle 6 bigging 7 knock 8 must-have 9 big tent 10 cloth 11 silver 12 cliff

8 People take me for granted.

12 I'll take soundings among the workforce.

10c

lla

1 Put your money where your mouth is!

2 They’re head over heels in love. (Continued)

Answer Key

47

8 Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

4 | could foot the bill if you like.

9 Nothing succeeds like success.

5 Sorry, I’ve put my foot in it. 6 It’s her Achilles heel.

10 Marry in haste, repent at leisure. Take your time over the decision.

7 She’s been giving me the cold shoulder.

11 A stitch in time saves nine.

8 You should turn the other cheek.

12 Neither a borrower, nor a lender be. You may not get the money back!

9 | just can’t make head or tail of it.

B

12 Are you pulling my leg? 13 Off the top of my head... 15 She’s had the wool pulled over her eyes.

Unit 10 Moving the goalposts 1 card-playing 2 cricket 3 football 4 horse-racing 5 baseball 6 boxing 7 competitive running 8 tennis 9 cardplaying 10 boxing 11 football 12 chess 13 hunting 14 golf 15 card-playing 16 football 1b 2c 3a 4b 12b 13c 14c 1 blinder head

D E

5b 6a 7c 8b 15a

2 cricket

ld 2a 3g 4h

3 innings

Qc

10a

4 hook

lla 5

5b 6f 7c 8i Ye

lh 2e 3d 4i 5b 6a

7g 8f 9c

A B

10b

1 Red sky in the morning, shepherd’s

2 An apple a day keeps the doctor away. 4 Nothing venture, nothing gain.

5 Marry in haste, repent at leisure. 7 More haste, less speed.

8 You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.

10 Too many cooks spoil the broth.

lc 2a 3a 4b 5c 6a 7b 8b 9c 10b

a

1 chickens 2 birds 3 dogs 4 fish 5 swallow 6 horse 7 leopard 8 camel

9 worm 1 plays calls 2 banker borrower

gold 4 tea hay 5 bed book

has some (major) chutzpah

= is very

5 Tell that to the marines! 7 Give him a wide berth. 8 I'm between the devil and the deep blue

he’s got that in spades = he’s got a large amount of that

sea.

We got our arms twisted = Undue pressure was exerted on us

it.

I’ve been there, done that and got the Tshirt = the experience is boringly familiar

11 We'll have to batten down the hatches.

It’s done and dusted finished with

13 | want to get the project under way.

9 What a cock-up it was! | couldn’t believe 10 There are job cuts in the offing, | think. 12 We're really making headway now.

= It’s completely

14 | know the accounts are all shipshape.

6 eage bush

Unit 15 Dead ringer A

1 ringer 2 rulebook 3 honcho 4 box 5 attitude 6 dry 7 roughshod 8 goes 9 going 10 club 11 laugh 12 cry 13 wing 14 power

lc 2a 3a 4b

5c 6b

7a 8a 9c

10b

11b

12c

1j 2f 3h 41 5a 6b 7m 8c 9d 10n Ile 12i 13g 14k 1F He’s raising the stakes.

4 scrubs

FAL 3F He has his own secret objectives.

1 the tin 2 my mitts 3 swings and roundabouts 4 a hiding

4T

ld 2e 3f 4a 5b 6c

6T

Sil

1 Talk of the devil!

7F It’s an easy task.

2 It knocks all the others into a cocked hat.

8T

3 There'll be tears before bedtime.

1 rock 2 fast 3 dead toys 7 in 8 head

4 uphill 5 seat 6

5 | think those two are an item.

1 Keep me posted.

6 I'd like to get my mitts on that job.

2 Between you and me and the bedpost ...

7 I'm up a creek without a paddle.

3 She wears an awful lot of bling.

8 It was a double whammy.

4 He's bitten off more than he can chew.

7 drizztes pours 8 starve want 9 jetier merrier 10 friends moss 11 destreyed built 12 ten dog

lc 2e 3h 4f 5a 6g 7d 8b 1 Least said, soonest mended. Don’t worry

9 I’ve been there, done that and got the Tshirt.

5 Why don’t you make like a tree and leave!

about it. 2 A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips, remember!

3 A change is as good as a rest. You'll love it. 4 Discretion is the better part of valour. 5 More haste, less speed. What’s the hurry?

6 There’s no fool like an old fool. 7 Too many cooks spoil the broth. | don’t think I’m needed!

48

1 I’m all at sea.

2 It went by the board. 3 It’s going to be plain sailing from now on.

arrogant

4 He’s on a hiding to nothing.

3 wife

10 fist 11 cut and run

6 He should know the ropes by now.

l anitem 2 the hip 3 toe-curling up 5 the wall

9 A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips.

5k 6e 7m 8j Yo 10f 11i 15b 2 bows 3 sheets 4 ropes 7 marines 8jib

= in charge of

l arun-in 2 her weight 3 a hissy fit 4a strop 5 brownie points 6 number one 7 the plot 8 before bedtime

6 When the cat’s away, the mice will play.

1c 2h 3g 4a 12n 131 14d 1 tide me over 5 berth 6 devil

heading up the department the department

1 paddle 2 spot 3 water 4 from 5 barrel 6 arash 7 work 8 space 9 lottery 10 standing 11 pants 12 cough 13 see 14 maintenance 15 hot and cold 16 devil 17 whammy 18 cocked hat 19 herd 20 gorgeous

3 A stitch in time saves nine.

18) 19%

4 I’m hoping to tide things over till payday.

lll back you up = I'll give you some support

warning.

10c

17n

It’s a slippery slope = If we accept this, they may demand more of the same in future

to get off scot-free = to escape unscathed

lc 2h 3g 4j 5i 6e 7d 8f 9a

161

6 shot

He'll go ape = He'll be furious

Unit 11 A stitch in time

14f 15t

12 quarters 13 mast 14 monkey 1 beam 2 rock 3 by 4 high 5 water

They've gone to town on = they’ve focused excessively on

16 He’s got a chip on his shoulder.

13e

9 under way

It's a big ask = They’re demanding a lot from us | don’t do (formal) = (Formal) is not my style/not something I’m happy with

14 He’s head and shoulders above the rest.

12g

Unit 14 Plain sailing A

Unit 12 Done and dusted

11 Fingers crossed — hope you pass!

1h 2p 30 4s 5b 6a 7q 8d 9r

11m 20k

B

10 It cost an arm and a leg!

A

Cc

3 It was hard to keep a straight face.

Answer Key

6 She's been hung out to dry.

10 He's been blowing hot and cold for weeks,

8 Back to the drawing board, then.

11 He twisted my arm, so | had to do it.

9 Watch out for the elephant in the room.

12 Charm? Yes, she’s got that in spades.

10 Don’t hold your breath!

7 What goes around, comes around.

11 That company went belly up.

Unit 13 The real McCoy A

lc 2a 3c 4b 5a 6b 7c 8a 9b

12 She’s really upping the ante! 10b

11c

j2a

B

lc 2} 3g 41 50 6b 7e 8m 9n 10k 12h 131 14d 15p 16a 17f 18q

Ir

SUR

Pepe DPC Re, rok tiene ake PO a

OG

“So You Think

am

h s i l g n E w o n K u o Y Clare a

po

=

English is a difficult idnauage to fully master because it contains somany

idioms - expressions whose meaning isn’t literal or obvious. Have you ever been asked if something is ‘your cup of tea’ or been told that you have ‘put your foot in it’? These expressions seem meaningless if you do not know how they are used.

~ So You Think You Know English is for students es at to advanced level who want to improve their knowledge and understanding of English idioms and ather expressions in contemporary use. Even advanced students have difficulty with idioms, as there are two stages to learning them: understanding what they mean, and using them appropriately, in the right situation. a working through the exercises in this book, you will: e

learn the meaning of a wide range of idioms and expressions .

°

learn how and when it is appropriate to use particular expressions.

e

discover the origins of many English idioms

e

have fun learning new expressions to use in conversation.

|

The book contains fifteen units, each including up to six lively exercises for exploring and practising idioms and colloquial expressions. Five units cover contemporary idioms in general use, and ten units are linked to a particular theme, such as water, food, people, sports or business. A key

_is provided to check your answers to the exercises. Clare West is an experienced English teacher and author of a range of books for international English students at all levels.

Idioms and -— Contem

:

DOFralry

INC

EX Press |ONS

: