extracted_text:
CHECK YOUR ENGLISH VOCABULARY FOR

PHRASAL VERBS
AND
IDIOMS
Rawdon Wyatt

A & C Black  London
www.acblack.com
First
published in Great Britain 2006
A & C Black Publishers Ltd
38 Soho
Square, London W1D 3HB
© Rawdon
Wyatt 2006
All rights reserved.
No part of
this publication may be reproduced in any form without the permission of the
publishers.
A CIP entry for this book is available from the British Library
ISBN-10: 0 7136 7805 4 ISBN-13: 978 0 7136 7805 5
 eISBN-13:
978-1-4081-0158-2
Text typeset by A & C Black
Printed in
Great Britain at Caligraving Ltd, Thetford, Norfolk
This book is
produced using paper that is made from wood grown in managed, sustainable
forests. It is natural, renewable and recyclable. The logging and manufacturing
processes conform to the environmental regulations of the country of origin.
Introduction
If you
want to practise and develop your knowledge of phrasal verbs and idioms, you
will find this book very useful. The various exercises contain many of the most
common phrasal verbs and idioms, together with some useful spoken expressions
that you might expect to hear or use in an English-speaking environment.
You
should not go through this book mechanically from beginning to end. It is
better to choose one particular verb or topic, do the exercise(s), make a
record of any new words and expressions that you learn, then practise using
these in sentences or situations of your own. When you feel you have a good
command of these, move to another verb or topic and do the same. You should
also review the things you have learned on a regular basis, so that they remain
'fresh' in your mind and become part of your 'active' vocabulary.
The
meanings of most of the phrasal verbs and idioms are explained in the book,
either in the exercises themselves, or in the answer key at the back.
This key also provides you with lots of similar or alternative expressions,
together with examples of how they are used. However, we recommend that you
keep a good dictionary with you, and refer to it when necessary. In particular,
we recommend the A & C Black Easier English Intermediate Dictionary (ISBN
0-7475-6989-4) or the Macmillan English Dictionary (ISBN 0-33396482-9),
from which many of the definitions and sample sentences in this book have been
taken.
No
vocabulary book can possibly contain all of the thousands of English phrasal
verbs and idioms that you are likely to come across or need, so it is important
to acquire new ones from other sources. If you have access to English-language
newspapers, popular magazines, television and radio programmes, films and
albums of popular music, you will find that these are excellent resources.
We hope
that you enjoy doing the exercises in this book. Before you begin, we suggest
that you read this important information about phrasal verbs and idioms.
What is a phrasal verb?
A
phrasal verb is a verb formed from two (or sometimes three) parts: a verb and
an adverb or preposition. These adverbs and prepositions are
often called particles when they are used in a phrasal verb.
Most
phrasal verbs are formed from a small number of verbs (for example, get,
go, come, put and set) and a small number of
particles (for example, away, out, off, up and in).
Phrasal
verbs sometimes have meanings that you can easily guess (for example, sit
down or look for). However, in most cases their meanings are quite
different from the meanings of the verb they are formed from. For example, hold
up can mean 'to cause a delay' or 'to try to rob someone'. The original
meaning of hold (for example, to hold something in your hands) no
longer applies.
There
are five main types of phrasal verb. These are:
1.
Intransitive
phrasal verbs (= phrasal verbs which do not need an object). For example: You're
driving too fast. You ought to slow down.
2.
Transitive
phrasal verbs (= phrasal verbs which must have an object) where the object can
come in one of two positions:
(1)  Between the verb and the particle(s).
For example: I think I'll put my jacket on.
or
(2)  After the particle.
For example: I think I'll put on my
jacket.

However,
if the object is a pronoun (he, she, it, etc), it must
usually come between the verb and the particle.
For example: I think I'll put it on.
(NOT I think I'll put on it.)
3.
Transitive
phrasal verbs where the object must come between the verb and the particle. For
example: Our latest designs set our company apart from
our rivals.
4.
Transitive
phrasal verbs where the object must come after the particle.     For example: John
takes after his mother.
Why do you put up with the
way he treats you?
5.
Transitive
phrasal verbs with two objects, one after the verb and one after the particle.
For example: They put their success down to good
planning.
Some
transitive phrasal verbs can be used in the passive, but the object cannot come
between the verb and the particle.
For
example:
Active: The soldiers blew
up the bridge / The soldiers blew the bridge up.
Passive: The bridge was blown up by the soldiers.
Active: Switch the
lights off before you leave / Switch off the
lights before you leave. Passive: The lights must be switched
off before you leave.
Active: It's time they did
away with these silly rules.
Passive:
It's time these silly rules were done away with. (where
the subject is either not known or not needed).
A
dictionary such as the Bloomsbury Easier English Intermediate Dictionary or
the Macmillan English Dictionary will clearly show you the way you
should use each phrasal verb.
What is an idiom?
An idiom
is an expression where the meaning is different from the meaning of the
individual words.
For
example, to have your feet on the ground is an idiom meaning 'to be
sensible': "Tara is an intelligent girl who has both her feet
firmly on the ground." A lot of idioms are formed using
phrasal verbs.
For
example: After he left me, it took me a long time to pick up the
pieces (= It took me a long time to return to a normal life).
Many
idioms are colloquial, which means that they are used in informal
conversation rather than in writing or formal language.
For example: "I won't tell anyone your secret.
My lips are sealed."
In this
book, you will find a lot of colloquial idioms, together with some examples of slang
(very informal words and expressions that are often used by particular
groups of people, such as teenagers). If an idiom that is being practised is
informal or very informal, the book will tell you this.
Contents
Page:               Title:
6 – 7                  Idioms and
other expressions using animals
8 – 9                   Idioms and
other expressions for describing character and personality
10
Idioms and other
expressions using clothes
11
– 12    Idioms
and other expressions using colours
13 – 14              Phrasal verbs,
idioms and other expressions using 'come'
15 – 16              Phrasal verbs,
idioms and other expressions using 'cut'
17 – 18              Phrasal verbs,
idioms and other expressions using 'do'
19 – 20             Idiomatic emphasis
21 – 22              Idioms and other
expressions using food and drink
23 – 24              Phrasal verbs,
idioms and other expressions using 'get'
25
Phrasal verbs,
idioms and other expressions using 'give'
26
– 27    Phrasal
verbs, idioms and other expressions using 'go'
28
Idioms and other
expressions to talk about health, feelings and emotions
29
– 30    Informal
phrasal verbs
31 – 32              Phrasal verbs,
idioms and other expressions using 'look'
33 – 34              Phrasal verbs,
idioms and other expressions using 'make'
35 – 36              Mixed idioms and
other expressions
37 – 38             Mixed phrasal
verbs
39
Mixed phrasal
verbs and idioms
40
Idioms and other
expressions used for talking about money
41
– 42    Idioms
and other expressions that use numbers
43
Idiomatic pairs
44
– 45    Idioms
and other expressions using parts of the body
46
Phrasal verbs,
idioms and other expressions using 'pick'
47
Phrasal verbs,
idioms and other expressions using 'put'
48
– 49    Idiomatic
and colloquial responses
50 – 51             Idioms and other
expressions that rhyme or alliterate
52 – 53              Phrasal verbs,
idioms and other expressions using 'run'
54
Phrasal verbs,
idioms and other expressions using 'set'
55
– 56    Phrasal
verbs, idioms and other expressions using 'take'
57
Idioms and other
expressions using 'time'
58
– 59    Idioms
and other expressions used for talking about travel and holidays
60 – 61              Phrasal verbs,
idioms and other expressions using 'turn'
62
Idioms and other
expressions that use words connected with the weather
63
– 64    Idioms
and other expressions used for talking about work
65
Phrasal verbs,
idioms and other expressions using 'work'
66
– 80    Answer
key
Idioms and other expressions using animals

Complete the idioms and other expressions in bold with an animal, insect,
etc, from the box. Many of the animals must be used more than once. The meaning
of each idiom / expression is explained in italics at the end of each
sentence.

bee     bird     cat     chicken     dog     donkey
duck     fish     fly     goat goose     hen     horse     monkey     pig
rat     shark     whale

1.
I always thought
Laurence was rather shallow and superficial, but yesterday I saw him reading a
book of Renaissance poetry. He's a bit of a dark _____, isn't he? (someone with a secret, especially a
secret ability, skill or achievement that surprises you when you discover it)
2.
I'm not going out
with you looking like that. You look like something that the _____ dragged
in! Brush your hair and put on some clean clothes! (to have a very dirty or untidy
appearance)
3.
I live on the
14th floor of a tower block, so I have a wonderful _____'s-eye view of
the town. (a good view
of something from a high position)
4.
How did I know
that you were going out with Lucy? Aha! A little _____ told me! (an expression used for saying that you
are not going to say who told you something)
5.
It really gets
my _____, the way she keeps interrupting all the time. (to annoy someone)
6.
William didn't
get the promotion he wanted last year, and he's had a _____ in his bonnet about
it ever since. (to be
very involved in something that you think is important, in a way that other
people find annoying)
7.
You really let
the _____ out of the bag when you asked Louise what time her party started.
She didn't know anything about it. It was supposed to be a surprise. (to tell someone something that was
supposed to be a secret)
8.
Where have you
been? You're soaking wet! You look like a drowned _____! (looking very wet and cold)
9.
Tony! What a
surprise! It's wonderful to see you again. I haven't seen you for _____'s
years! (an
extremely long time)
10.
The hotel used to
be the best in town, but since the new manager took over it's really gone to
the _____s. (not
as good at it was in the past)
11.
I don't trust
Eric when he says he's working late at the office. To be honest, I smell a
_____. (to be
suspicious, or to think that someone is trying to trick you)
12.
That's the third
burger you've eaten. I wish you'd stop making such a _____ of yourself.
(to eat a lot of food)
13.
"Do you
think I'll pass my driving test tomorrow, Julie?" "Sorry, Mark, I
don't think you have a
_____ in hell's chance." (to have no chance at all of doing
something)
14.
I only started my
new job last week, and I still feel like a _____ out of water. (to be in a situation that you know
nothing about or are not used to)
15.
"How did you
know that Mr Roberts is going to resign?" "I got it straight from
the _____'s
mouth." (information that comes from someone
who is directly involved – in this case, from Mr Roberts)
16.
Have you met our
new manager? He really thinks he's the _____'s knees! (to think you are very clever and
important)

17.
What do you think
of our new English teacher? Personally I think she's a bit of a cold _____.
(someone who is not
very friendly)
18.
Antonia is very
timid: she wouldn't say boo to a _____. (an expression used to describe someone
who is very quiet and shy)
19.
Why do I always
have to do the _____ work? (boring work that needs a lot of effort but has to be done as
part of a job)
20.
I'd love to be a
_____ on the wall when Debbie tells Mr Roberts what she thinks of him! (to be able to see what people are doing
without them noticing you)
21.
Two weeks before
her wedding, Jane went to a nightclub for her _____ night. (a celebration for a woman who is about
to get married, in which only her women friends take part)
22.
I'm so hungry, I
could eat a _____! (an expression used for saying that you are very hungry)
23.
The bank wouldn't
lend me the money, so I had to go to a loan _____. (someone who lends money to people and
charges them a very high rate of interest)
24.
My boss is such a
_____bag. I don't think I can go on working for her much longer. (somebody who is unpleasant with other
people)
25.
I feel really
sorry for poor old Steven: he's so _____pecked. (criticised and given orders all the
time by a wife or female partner)
26.
It was a very
simple job, but I made a _____'s ear of it. (do something very badly)
27.
I wanted to go to
Spain for my holiday, but just before I left for the airport I lost my
passport. As you can imagine, that really cooked my _____. (to cause a lot of problems for
someone, or spoil their plans)
28.
I can't help you
at the moment, I'm afraid. I've got bigger _____ to fry. (to have more important things to do or
think about)
29.
The party was
wonderful. We had a _____ of a time. (to have a lot of fun)
30.
You can tell John
that he's a stupid boring idiot if you like, but I'm afraid it will just be water
off a _____'s back. (an expression used for saying that advice, warnings or insults do not
affect someone)
31.
I've got so many
things to do today. I'm running around like a headless _____! (trying to do a lot of things quickly
without being sensible or calm about it)
32.
He thinks he's
better than us. I wish he would get off his high _____. (stop behaving as if he knows more or
is better than anyone else)
33.
Corporate fat
_____s have once again been accused of putting profits before people. (people who receive too much money for
the job they do)
34.
I don't like him,
I don't respect him, and I don't give a _____'s what he thinks. (to not care about something at all)
35.
While we're in
town doing our shopping, let's go and see my mother. That way, we can kill
two _____s with one stone. (to achieve two aims with one action)
36.
I've never seen
Arnie looking so happy. He's like a _____ with two tails. (to be very happy because something
good has happened)
Note that most of the
expressions in this exercise are informal or very informal.
Idioms and other expressions for describing character
and personality

The words and expressions in the box can all be used informally to
describe different kinds of people. Use them to complete sentences 1 – 35. Note
that many of the words / expressions have a negative connotation and are not
very polite, so you should be careful how you use them!

anorak        bigmouth        bunny boiler
busybody        chatterbox        chinless wonder clock-watcher        couch
potato        crank        creep        daydreamer        Don Juan
eager beaver        early bird        golden boy        happy
camper        life and soul of the party
moaning Minnie        pain in the neck        rolling
stone        rough diamond        salt of the earth
Scrooge        scrounger        skiver        slave
driver     smart Alec        smart cookie        stuffed shirt tearaway
troublemaker        wallflower        wet blanket        wimp        wolf in
sheep's clothing

1.
Nobody likes
Peter very much because he's so annoying. He's a right __________!
2.
Andy is so
boring. Did you know that his idea of a perfect day is going to the station to
collect train registration numbers? What a / an __________!
3.
I know that you
don't like your job very much, but I wish you would stop complaining about it
all the time. Don't be such a / an __________!
4.
Imelda loves
working here: she's a real __________.
5.
Alan is an
excellent and intelligent manager who runs the department well and deals
effectively with any problems that come up. Everyone agrees that he's a / an
__________.
6.
You've been
sitting in front of the television for almost four hours. Why don't you turn it
off and go for a walk? You're turning into a / an __________.
7.
We were having a
wonderful evening until Anne joined us. Why does she have to be so negative
about everything all the time? She's such a / an __________!
8.
Don't be such a
/an __________! If you concentrated instead of speaking all the time, you would
get more work done.
9.
If you want some
help, ask Imelda. She's always happy and willing to help out: she's a real
__________!
10.
I hope Rick comes
out with us tonight. He's such good fun, always the __________.
11.
Poor Samantha is
a bit of a / an __________. She would have much more fun and would get to know
more people if she had more confidence.
12.
Don is a bit of a
/ an __________. He never eats vegetables because he thinks they slow down your
brain!
13.
Don't be such a /
an __________! You've only got a small cut on your hand; you haven't lost a
whole arm!
14.
All the
newspapers are writing about Gordon Stapleton. He's the new __________ of
English football.
15.
When Laurence
ended his relationship with Mandy, she refused to accept it and started sending
him insulting letters. Then one day she went to his house and threw a brick
through his window! I never realised she was such a __________!
16.
My line manager
Mr Burton is a real __________. Yesterday he made us work for six hours without
a break, and wouldn't let us leave until 7 o'clock.
17.
Maureen is the
__________ in this company. She starts work at 7 o'clock, two hours before
anyone else arrives.
18.
I'm afraid my son
has become a bit of a / an __________. He stays out all night with his friends
and he never listens to a word I say.
19.
All the girls in
the office love Daniel, and he loves them right back! He's a regular
__________.
20.
Mrs Ranscombe is
such a /an __________. I wish she would stop interfering in my private life!
21.
My boss is a real
__________: he pays us peanuts and hasn't given us a pay rise for two years.
22.
James is a bit of
a / an __________. He never seems to pay attention during his lessons, and
doesn't appear to take in anything I say.
23.
Martin isn't ill!
He's not at work today because he's too lazy to come in, the __________!
24.
Michelle never
pays for anything when we go out, and just relies on other people. She's such a
/ an __________.
25.
Mike has always
been a / an __________. He can never stay in the same place for very long, and
he rarely keeps the same job for more than six months.
26.
Our new secretary
is a / an __________. She doesn't work very hard, and she can't wait for the
working day to end.
27.
Everyone respects
Arthur. He's the __________.
28.
I would avoid
Christine, if I were you. She's a real __________, and loves to start arguments.
29.
When I ask you a
question, I want you to give me a short, sensible answer. Don't be a / an
__________!
30.
Come on, Bill.
Relax and enjoy yourself! Don't be such a / an __________.
31.
Anthony is always
following the boss around, carrying his briefcase and papers, opening doors for
him and bringing him cups of coffee. What a __________!
32.
Don't ask Tina to
keep a secret: she's a real __________.
33.
I know that Mr
Connor isn't very well spoken and doesn't behave very politely, but he's a
pleasant and kind man, a real __________.
34.
Mr Kelly seems
nice and kind when you first start working for him, but in fact he's a ruthless
businessman who will fire you the first time you make a mistake. He's a real
__________.
35.
Tarquin is a bit
of a __________. He has lots of money, but everyone thinks he's weak and
stupid.
Idioms and other expressions using clothes

There are several items of clothing hidden in the box below. You will
find these by reading from left to right and from top to bottom. Use these
items of clothing to complete the idioms and other expressions in bold in
sentences 1 – 20. You will need to use some of the items more than once, and
you may need to change the form from singular to plural or vice versa.

O

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1.
Kerry and Charlie
work together well. In fact, they've always been hand in _____.
2.
"I can't
help you carry these boxes. I've got a bad back." "Oh don't be such a
big girl's _____!"
3.
Look, I'm sorry I
lost your camera. Keep your _____ on. I'll buy you a new one, I promise.
4.
Have you read
Geoff Bowman's latest book? It's complete _____!
5.
You've done
really well. I take my _____ off to you.
6.
Up until now the
game has been quite friendly, but now the _____ are off!
7.
My boyfriend would
rather sit at home in front of the television than go to a pub or nightclub. I
wish he wasn't such a / an _____!
8.
Poor old Bob was given
the _____ last week.
9.
She told me that
I was stupid and ugly, which I felt was a bit below the _____.
10.
My teacher told me
that unless I pulled my _____ up, he would have to move me down to a
lower class.
11.
I saw a film last
night that scared the _____ off me!
12.
Andy is so boring.
Did you know that his idea of a perfect day is going to the station to collect
train registration numbers? What a / an _____!
13.
Clarice is 25
years old, but she's still tied to her mother's _____ strings.
14.
My uncle works
for a _____-and-dagger department in the government.
15.
You're always
complaining. Put a _____ in it!
16.
I've heard a
rumour that Andrew is going to leave the company and go to work for one of our
competitors, but keep it under your _____.
17.
My father used to
pretend that he made all the major decisions in our family, but it was really
my mother who wore the _____.
18.
He's really
generous. He would give you the _____ off his back.
19.
I can't decide
whether or not to resign. What would you do if you were in my _____?
20.
Ever since his
promotion, he's become too big for his _____.

Idioms and other
expressions using colours

Complete sentences 1 – 34 with one of the colours from the box. Each
colour can be used to complete or make an idiom or other expression (in bold).
Some of the colours have to be used more than once. Each idiom is explained in
the answer key at the back of the book.

black     blue
brown     green     grey     pink     red     white     yellow

1.
Elsa
congratulated me on getting the job, but I could tell that secretly she was _____
with envy.
2.
Generally I'm a
very calm, relaxed person. But when people are rude to me, I start to see
_____.
3.
I very rarely see
my parents these days. They only come to visit once in a _____ moon.
4.
Everyone in my
family is a teacher, but I decided from a young age that I wanted to be an
actor. I guess I've always been the _____ sheep.
5.
My wife asked me
if I liked her new dress. Well, I thought it was horrible, but of course I told
her it looked wonderful. You have to tell a little _____ lie from time
to time, don't you?
6.
I hate applying
for a new passport. There's so much _____ tape involved.
7.
You can ask me to
lend you money until you're _____ in the face, but my answer is still
'No'.
8.
When Maria was
attacked in the street, instead of running away she started screaming _____
murder until someone came to her help.
9.
The best way to
stay in the _____ is to eat sensibly, take regular exercise, drink in
moderation and not smoke.
10.
I think the new
underground railway is a _____ elephant. The city already has a very
efficient bus and tram system.
11.
Everyone in my
department is very happy because the project we've been working on for six
months has finally been given the _____ light.
12.
There were 200
people in a room designed for only 75. It was like the _____ Hole of
Calcutta in there.
13.
Your report is
full of errors and spelling mistakes. I don't think you were using your _____
matter when you wrote it.
14.
You must hear the
new album by the American rock group Nuclear Puppy: it's _____-hot!
15.
I had a real _____-letter
day yesterday: my boss gave me a pay rise, I won £60 on the lottery,
and my boyfriend took me to my favourite restaurant for dinner.
16.
Most of the
people in my town are _____-collar workers. There are very few people
working in factories.
17.
The company has
been doing badly for over two years, and now everyone agrees that it's a
financial _____ hole.
18.
Nobody in the
office likes him very much: he's always _____-nosing the boss.
19.
Your garden looks
wonderful. What lovely, healthy plants. You must have _____ fingers!
20.
I hadn't heard
from Jo for almost ten years, so when a letter from her came out of the
_____, I was naturally very surprised.
21.
He would never
argue with or contradict his boss. He's far too _____.
22.
Yesterday I had
an overdraft of almost £300, but I got paid today, so my bank account is in
the _____ again. Unfortunately I don't think it will stay like that for
long!
23.
Nobody knew who
had been stealing money from the office, until the new salesman was caught
_____-handed opening the safe.
24.
I feel terrible
this morning because I was out painting the town _____ last night, and
didn't go to bed until 3 o'clock.
25.
If I were you, I
would avoid the boss today. You're in his _____ books after that rude
comment you made about his wife.
26.
I know he was
angry, but I was still shocked at the terrible language he was using. The air
was turning _____!
27.
(At a party):
Hello, Anthea. Thanks for coming. Lovely to see you again. Let me get you a
drink. Glass of _____?
28.
I wouldn't
recommend him for a senior position in management: he's still a bit _____.
29.
When I told Sara
that I wanted to go out for a drink with my ex-girlfriend, she didn't say
anything, but she gave me a really _____ look.
30.
There wasn't much
we could do when we discovered that the office had been robbed except call the
police station and wait for the boys in _____ to arrive.
31.
What's the matter
with you? You've been in a _____ mood all evening.
32.
It's only my
parents who are coming to dinner tonight, not the Queen of England! There's no
need to roll out the _____ carpet.
33.
(Complete this
sentence with two different colours): I was told that I had got the job at the
interview, but I won't be happy until I see it in _____ and _____.
34.
(Complete this
sentence with two different colours): After falling off his bicycle, he was _____
and _____ all over.
Phrasal verbs, idioms and other expressions using 'come'

Exercise 1: Complete the phrasal verbs in sentences 1 – 14 with an
appropriate particle or particles, and write these in the grid at the bottom of
the page. If you do this correctly, you will reveal a phrasal verb in the
shaded vertical column that can be used to complete sentence 15. The meaning of
each phrasal verb in its context is explained in italics at the end of
each sentence.
1.
Have you ever
come _____ such a horrible person in all your life? (to meet someone or find something by
chance)
2.
How is Sarah
coming _____  _____ her photography course? (to make progress or get better in quality,
skill or health)
3.
I'm British, but
my parents come _____ India. (to have your home in a particular place)
4.
Fast food has
come _____  _____ more criticism from the press. (to receive something such as criticism)
5.
I don't want the
problem of money coming _____ us. (to cause an argument or disagreement between two people)
6.
I've been writing
this book for six months, and it's finally coming _____. (to finally start to work successfully)
7.
As I get older, I
find that my birthdays seem to come _____ more frequently. (to happen regularly)
8.
She came _____ a
lot of money when her grandfather died. (to receive something – usually money – when someone dies)
9.
We need to come
_____  _____ a plan that will make us a lot of money. (to think of something such as an idea
or plan)
10.
In the first week
of my new job, I came _____  _____ several problems that had been left by the
person who had my job previously. (to have to deal with something difficult or unpleasant)
11.
The National
Blood Service is asking for more people to come _____ and donate blood. (to offer help or information)
12.
You never know
what children are going to come _____  _____. (to say something suddenly, usually
something that surprises or shocks people)
13.
The first time I
tried using my new camera, it came _____ in my hands. (to separate into pieces, sometimes
because the object – in this case a camera – has been badly made)
14.
We've had a
difficult few weeks, but I'm glad to see we've managed to come _____ together.
(to be still alive,
working or making progress after a difficult or dangerous experience)
15.
I don't feel very
good. I think I'm _____  _____  _____ something. (to become ill with a particular

Exercise 2: Complete these two conversations with the expressions from
the box.

as rich as they come

come a long way

come again

come clean

come in handy

come off it

come to think about it

come up in the world

coming right up

don't come cheap

for years to come

you'll get what's coming

when it comes to making

how come

taking each day as it comes

I don't know where you're coming
  from

don't come the innocent with me

I don't know if I'm coming or going

Julie:

I had gone into town to do some
  shopping and saw the two of you. Who is she? And don't lie, or ____________,
  believe me.

Rick:

Well, I suppose I'll have to
  ____________, won't I?

Julie:

You certainly will.

Rick:

You saw us from behind, right?

Julie:

Uh, right.

Rick:

Yes, well, ____________ false
  assumptions, you win. That was Alan, my new boss.

Julie:               You two-timing, double-crossing cheat!
Rick:       ____________?
Julie:       You
heard me. I saw you leaving a restaurant with a strange woman today.
Rick:         ____________! What woman?
Julie:       ____________!
Rick:        Look, I'm sorry, but ____________.
Julie:       The
long-haired brunette in the jeans and leather jacket.
Rick:          Ah, right. ____________ you saw us?

Tim:

Oh, there's so much to do
  and so much to learn that most of the time ____________.
I'm just ____________. How's work for you?

Andy:

Oh, so so, you know. I
  was hoping to look for something else more interesting, but there aren't many
  jobs out there. I guess I'll be with the same company ____________.
What I need is a big win on the
  lottery.

Tim:

Yes, that would ____________! In
  the meantime, how about buying me another drink?

Andy:

Same again?

Tim:

Yes please.

Andy:

OK, ____________!

Tim:        I haven't seen John this
week. ____________, I haven't seen him for a few weeks.
Andy:     Oh,
he's busy moving into his new house. He's bought a place in Hampstead.
Tim:        In
Hampstead? How did he afford that? Houses in Hampstead ____________.
Andy:     Well, he's ____________
since he worked as a salesman for PTG. He owns his own company now, and is
making a fortune. Apparently he's now ____________.
Tim:        He
kept that quiet. I didn't know how much he had ____________.
Andy:     Well, he doesn't like to
boast about it. How are you getting on in your new job, by the way?
Phrasal verbs,
idioms and other expressions using 'cut'

Exercise 1: Replace the words and expressions in bold with a
phrasal verb from the box. You will need to use some of the phrasal verbs more
than once.

cut across     cut back on     cut down on     cut in     cut
off     cut out     cut out of     cut through

1.
I was cutting the
grass when the lawnmower suddenly stopped working.
2.
Did you see how
that Mazda suddenly drove in front of the Audi?
3.
We will have to reduce
staff costs at work if we want to continue operating as normal.
4.
We were in the
middle of a telephone conversation when we were suddenly disconnected.
5.
I don't
understand why all my friends have suddenly started ignoring me. (You
will need to put the phrasal verb on either side of me: "…my
friends have _____ me _____.")
6.
I wish you
wouldn't interrupt me while I'm talking.
7.
The traffic noise
is terrible, and even closing the windows doesn't remove it. (You will
need to put the phrasal verb on either side of it: "…closing the
windows doesn't  _____ it _____.")
8.
She decided to stop
eating sweet things so as to lose weight.
9.
He didn't pay his
bill, so the power company stopped his electricity.
10.
To save time, we
decided to go over the field instead of walking around it.
11.
To save time, we
decided to go through the shopping centre instead of walking around it.
12.
The air
conditioning will automatically start working when the room gets too
warm.
13.
Our house is isolated
from the rest of the town.
14.
My father didn't
include us in his plans. (You will need to put the phrasal verb on either
side of us: "My father _____ us _____ his plans.")
Exercise 2: Decide if the definitions given for the idioms and other
expressions in bold are true or false.

1. 2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Someone or something that is a cut above other
  people or things is much better than those people or things.
If you are having a conversation with someone and you cut
  them short, you stop talking so that they can say something.
If
  you are cut up about something (for example, you are cut up about
  the way you are treated by someone), you are very happy and surprised.
If somebody cuts you dead, they shout at you because
  they are very angry.
A new employee in your company doesn't cut the mustard.
  In other words, he / she is not good enough.
Something in a shop that is described as cut-price is
  more expensive than it should be.

TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /  FALSE

7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.

If your
  friend has a plan, and you cut the ground out from under his feet, you
  offer to support him, usually by lending him money.
A business that is described as cutthroat is a one
  that has a disadvantage because it is smaller than other businesses making
  the same product or offering the same service.
When someone cuts loose (for example, they cut
  loose from their family), they stop being influenced or controlled by
  them.
If you cut off your nose to spite your face, you work
  so hard and for so long that you become ill.
You have a train to catch and you are cutting it fine.
  This means that you have arrived at the station very early and have plenty of
  time before the train leaves.
If something
  is described as cut and dried (for example, "The issue of pay
  rises is cut and dried."), it is being talked about very carefully.
If something is described as cutting-edge (for
  example, cutting edge technology), it is very dangerous.
If you say to someone "Cut it out!", you
  are telling them to stop doing something that you do not like.
If, in a meeting, you cut to the chase, you waste
  time by talking about small, unimportant issues rather than issues which are
  more urgent.
A cutting remark is a remark that is cruel and
  intended to upset someone.
If you are in a difficult or unpleasant situation and you
  decide to cut and run, you pretend that the situation is not so
  difficult or unpleasant and continue behaving as normal.
If somebody tells you something important or impressive, and
  you say "That doesn't cut any ice with me", you are telling
  them that you have had the same experience yourself.
If you are doing a job and you cut corners, you do
  not do the job as thoroughly as you should, especially because you want to
  finish it as quickly as possible.
If you cut somebody down to size, you talk kindly to
  them and help them because they are very upset.
If somebody says something to you that cuts you to the
  quick, they offer you a suggestion or an idea which would help you a lot.

Somebody cuts a dash in the new clothes they are
  wearing. In other words, the clothes make them look stupid.
If you cut
  something short (for example, you cut a visit short), you
  arrive early.
If something cuts both ways, it has both good and
  bad aspects.
You and your friend own a car together, and your friend
  wants to sell it. You tell him that you want your cut. This means that
  you want to decide whether or not the car is sold.

TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /
  FALSE
TRUE  /  FALSE

Phrasal verbs,
idioms and other expressions using 'do'

Exercise 1: Each of the sentences in the following sentence pairs can
be completed with the same phrasal verb using do. The meaning of the
phrasal verb in its context is explained in italics at the end of each
sentence. Note that in some cases, you will need to change the form of the verb
(for example, to a past participle).
1.
(a) _____  _____
your shoelaces, or you'll fall over. (to fasten)
(b)  Our new house is wonderful, but it
needs _____  _____. (to
repair, paint and improve an old building, car, boat, etc)
2.
(a) As soon as I
opened the door, I could see that my house had been _____  _____. (informal: to be
burgled; to have things
stolen from your house)
(b)  While I was walking back from the
cinema, I was _____  _____ by a gang of teenagers. (to attack someone and hit and kick
them)
3.
(a) While we're
cleaning the room, let's _____  _____ the cupboards. (informal: to make a room,
cupboard, etc, very
tidy and clean)
(b)  We've had the kitchen _____  _____
with aluminium units and light blue tiles. (to decorate)
4.
(a) What you
_____  _____ yourself in your free time is your business. (used for saying how someone
spends their time)
(b)  I could really _____  _____ a nice
cup of tea. (used for
saying that you want or need something)
5.
(a) We need to
get a new photocopier. This one's _____  _____. (informal: in such bad condition or so
badly damaged that it
cannot be used)
(b)  If the police see us, we're _____
_____. (informal: to
be likely to be punished)
6.
(a) A lot of the
restrictions on imports have been _____  _____  _____. (to get rid of something)
(b)  There were rumours that Doug had
_____  _____  _____  his wife. (informal: to murder someone)
7.
(a) He gave me a
small parcel _____  _____ in silver paper. (to wrap something in paper or cloth in an
attractive way)
(b)  Before the party she spent hours
_____  herself _____. (to
dress in special clothes, make-up, etc)
8.
(a) I think that
someone _____  him _____ to get his money. (informal: to murder someone)
(b)  I'm completely _____  _____ after all
that running around. (very
tired)
9.
(a) Joe had been
_____  _____ by his teacher so often that he had lost all confidence. (to criticise
someone in a way that
makes them seem stupid or unsuccessful)
(b)  You mustn't _____  yourself _____ –
you have a lot of ability. (as above, used as a reflexive verb)
10.
(a) Most of the
articles in today's paper are to _____  _____ America's foreign policy. (to be connected
with someone or
something)
(b)  My resignation has nothing to _____
_____ my argument with the manager. (as above, but negative)
Exercise 2: Complete sentences 1 – 18 with idioms and other expressions
from the box. Each idiom is explained in italics at the end of each
sentence. When 'do' is used as a verb, you may need to change its form (for
example, by changing it to its past simple form).

a bit of a do       do as you're told       do me a good
turn       do the sights       do the trick
do to a turn       do me a favour       do's and don'ts
do the dirty       do you a world of good
do you justice       do your dirty work       make do
with       take some doing       that does it that's done it       the done
thing       you were done

1.
This steak is
delicious. It's __________. (cooked perfectly)
2.
We haven't got
any coffee, I'm afraid. We'll have to __________ tea. (to deal with a situation by using what
is available rather than using what you want)
3.
The boss spent
all morning writing out a list of __________ for the office. (rules)
4.
__________,
Harriet! One more word from you, and you can leave the room immediately! (a spoken expression used for saying
that someone or something that has been annoying you has finally made you so
angry that you will do something)
5.
We've missed our
train. __________! Now we'll never get to London in time for the show. (a spoken expression used for when
something goes wrong and as a result you will be in trouble)
6.
You need a
holiday. A break would __________. (to make you feel happy or healthy)
7.
That's a nice
dress you're wearing, but it doesn't really __________. (to show or emphasise all the good
qualities of someone or something)
8.
You paid
£200 for that old television? __________! (a very informal spoken expression
which is used for saying that someone has paid too much for something)
9.
We're having
__________ this Saturday to celebrate our anniversary. (a party)
10.
If the printer
doesn't work, hit it gently: that usually __________. (something that is needed in order to
achieve something, in this case to get the printer to start working)
11.
We spent a week
in Paris, and __________. (to visit all the most important and famous places)
12.
I don't believe
that you sold your computer to Paul when you knew it was broken. How could you
__________ on one of your friends like that? (informal, to treat someone very badly
and unfairly)
13.
I'm fed up
__________! (to do an
unpleasant or dishonest job for someone so that they do not have to do it
themselves)
14.
I was wondering
if you could __________. I need to borrow £20. (to help someone)
15.
__________,
Alison, or I'll send you to your room. (a spoken expression used for telling a child to obey you)
16.
It will
__________ to get all this work finished by five o'clock. (an expression used for saying that
something will be very difficult to do)
17.
Jane __________
last week, and I would really like to return the favour. (to help someone)
18.
You shouldn't
argue with your teacher. It's not __________. (to be the correct or suitable thing to
do)
Idiomatic emphasis

A lot of adjectives can be made 'stronger' by the addition of another
word or words. In most cases, these words are used as a substitute for very or extremely
(sometimes because very and extremely do not collocate (= work)
with the adjectives that are being used).
For example: I'm awake = I'm wide awake   /   I'm warm = I'm as
warm as toast
Complete the sentences with a word that emphasises the adjective /
adjective phrase in bold, and write your answers in the crossword grid
on the next page. Some of the letters are already in the grid. Note that in
some sentences more than one answer may be possible, but only one will fit in
the crossword grid.
Across (  )
2.
I don't think
it's safe to play football. The ground is _____ hard.
3.
The party began
at eight o'clock, and by midnight Jim was _____ drunk.
4.
He never listens
to my advice. He's as stubborn as a _____!
6.
He's as thick
as a _____. I don't know how anyone can be so stupid!
7.
She can't hear a
word you're saying. She's _____ deaf.
8.
I know I'm not the
most handsome man in the world, but I think it's a bit unfair to say that I'm as
ugly as _____.
9.
I'm bored _____
sitting here. Let's go out and do something.
12.              She goes to the fitness centre every day, so as you can
imagine she's _____ fit.
14.
Our holiday was
_____ cheap: we only paid £150 for the flights and two weeks in a
four-star hotel.
15.
It was a lovely
day and the sea was _____ calm, so we decided to go for a swim.
16.
I can't see a
thing in here. It's _____ black.
18.              It's raining heavily. Take an umbrella or you'll get
_____ wet.
20.              Alison is _____ mad: someone borrowed her
dictionary and didn't return it.
23.              I'm not surprised the room is cold. Someone's left the
door _____ open.
25.
I can't afford to
come out tonight. I'm _____ broke again.
26.
The children have
been as good as _____ all morning.
28.              You'll freeze to death in that jacket: it's _____ thin.
30.
Everyone at the
party was drunk except for Bob, who was stone _____ sober.
31.
Don't touch the
plate: it's just come out of the oven and it's _____ hot!
32.
I usually buy my
cars second-hand, but this time I'm going to buy a _____ new one.
Down (  )
1.                What a lovely dress. You look _____-perfect in
it.
3.                  He went out in the snow wearing just a pair of shorts
and a T-shirt.  He must be _____ mad!
5.                He sat in the corner as quiet as a _____.
7.                 Uurrgghhh! This cake is _____ sweet. I can't
possibly eat it.
10.
I was so tired
that I went to bed at eight, and within seconds I was _____ asleep.
11.
Mike has got
loads of money. He's _____ rich.
12.
Can I put the
heating on? It's _____ cold in here.
13.
I've heard that
joke before. It's as old as the _____!
       17.            His explanation was _____ clear. I
understood everything perfectly.
       19.            There's a _____ big rat in the kitchen.
21.
The exam wasn't
difficult. It was as easy as _____.
22.
I must go to bed.
It's been a busy day and I'm _____ tired.
       24.              Mr Grant is _____ dull. In fact, he's
the most boring man I've ever met.
       27.            I'm _____ beat. I really need to get
some sleep.
29.
Be careful with
that knife. It's _____ sharp.
30.
Everyone was
panicking, but Sarah remained as cool as a _____.

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2

C

3

L

N

4

U

E

5

6

R

K

7

O

E

8

I

C

9

T

10

F

11

K

E

12

G

T

G

13

14

I

T

E

15

E

L

16

I

17

H

18

I

19

G

Y

20

21

P

N

I

22

23

I

24

25

T

O

26

L

27

28

A

E

29

E

30

O

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U

Y

31

E

32

R

D

Idioms and other
expressions using food and drink

Complete these sentences with items of food or drink, and write your
answers in the crossword grid on the next page.
Across (  )
3.
Mr Taylor is the
best computer programmer I've ever met. He certainly knows his _____!
4.
Don't _____ me
with so many questions at once. I can only give you one answer at a time.
5.
Was the exam
difficult? No! It was a piece of _____!
6.
Liverpool are
playing Arsenal in the Cup Final. Liverpool are certain to win: Arsenal are
easy _____!
7.
You're such a
couch _____. Why don't you turn off the television, throw away those empty
pizza boxes and go for a walk?
10.
When the police
asked him if he had robbed the shop, he spilled the _____ and told them
everything.
11.
Maggie was a bit
rude to me when I was offered the job that she had applied for. It was probably
just sour _____.
12.
I don't get paid
much for the work I do. My boss pays me _____.
13.
I'm not surprised
you never have any money left by the middle of the month. You spend it like
_____!
16.               You're such a _____ fingers: you're always dropping
things and breaking them.
18.
Sarah's new
boyfriend is more than twice her age, but he's very rich. Perhaps I should look
for a _____ daddy as well!
19.
What are you
smiling about? You look like the cat who got the _____.
21.              You look really embarrassed. You've gone as red as a
_____!
24.
I stay at home and
look after the children, and my wife goes out to work. Well, one of us has to
bring home the _____.
25.
It only takes one
bad _____ to give a company a bad reputation.
26.
I hate flying.
Whenever I have to get on a plane, I go cold all over and my legs turn to
_____.
Down (  )
1.
I'm not the boss
of the company. Mrs Manser is the big _____ here.
2.
Your latest
excuse for being late is pathetic! It really takes the _____!
4.                  Manchester United just scored again. You should have
seen it: it was a _____ of a goal!
6.                Our new manager is very enthusiastic. Everyone agrees
that he's as keen as _____.
8.
Are you cold?
I'll turn the heating on. Before you know it, you'll be as warm as _____!
9.
I told him to sit
down and behave, and he just blew a _____ at me!
10.
You're mad,
crazy, deranged, completely _____!
14.
Mr Lewis is the
_____ of the earth: he's a good, honest man and everyone respects him.
15.
What on earth are
you wearing? You look a right _____!
17.             I really don't like horror films. They're not my cup of
_____.
19.
Andy is always
calm and relaxed. He never panics or loses his temper. He's as cool as a _____.
20.
When the United
Nations decided that the war was illegal, the President was left with _____ on
his face.
21.
If you are
unhappy about your job, do something. Don't just _____ about it.
22.
Toby Morrison
would be ideal for the job. He works hard and he's a really smart _____.
23.
Brenda's new
boyfriend is very good looking, but he's not very intelligent or interesting.
He's just a bit of eye _____.

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Phrasal verbs, idioms and other expressions
using 'Unit 0000get'

Exercise 1: Choose the correct particle or particles (in, on,
at, etc) to make phrasal verbs. An explanation or meaning of each phrasal
verb in the sentence is in italics at the end of the sentence.
1.
He was very rude
to the teacher, but got down to / off with / away with it.
(He managed to do
something bad without being punished.)
2.
What did you get
up to / through to / on to last night? (What did you do last night?)
3.
How's your son getting
on / into / over at University? (How well is your son doing at
University?)
4.
Karen was ill for
a few weeks, but she's got under / about / over it
now. (Karen has
recovered from her illness.)
5.
I don't really
want to see her tonight. How can I get over with / in on / out
of it? (How
can I avoid seeing her?)
6.
After lunch we got
down to / off with / away from discussing future plans
for the company.
(We started doing something seriously /
with effort.)
7.
I just need to get
by / through / over this week, then I can take a break
for a few days. (I
need to
deal with a difficult
situation until it's over.)
8.
I don't earn much
money, but I manage to get down / off / by. (I have just enough money to do what I
need to do, such as buy food, pay my rent, etc.)
9.
Although they are
very different, Toby and Andrea get on / by / around together.
(They like each other
and are friendly to each other.)
10.
My boss is always
getting over / at / to me. (My boss is always criticising me.)
11.
I tried to call
the complaints department, but I couldn't get over / around / through.
(It was not possible
for me to be connected to the complaints department by telephone.)
12.
I sometimes have
problems getting my meaning through / across / over
in English. (I
have problems making people understand my meaning.)
13.
Everyone told me
that it was a really good film, but I just couldn't get into / onto
/ over it. (I couldn't begin to enjoy it.)
14.
Mr Johnson must
be getting on for / in to / off with 80. (Mr Johnson must be almost 80 years old.)
15.
The goods we
ordered last week haven't arrived yet. I'll get away with / out of
/ on to the supplier this afternoon. (I'll write or speak to the supplier
(in this case, to find out what has happened).)
16.
I'm not enjoying
my computer classes. I don't get much round to / out
of / on to them. (I don't get much pleasure or benefit from them.)
17.
I'm sorry I don't
have the information you need at the moment. Leave me your phone number and
I'll get off with / up to / back to you this
afternoon. (I'll speak
to you again later.)
18.
I finally got through
to / round to / away from reading that book you lent me.
(I had intended to
read the book for a long time, and eventually I did it.)

Remember that many phrasal verbs have more than
one meaning. This applies to most of those in this exercise. Use your
dictionary to find the other meanings.

Exercise 2: Look at the idioms and other expressions in bold in
sentences 1 – 25, and choose a suitable definition or expression with a similar
meaning from the box at the bottom of the page.
1.
If you want to
become rich, you have to work hard. There are no real get-rich-quick plans.
2.
Come on! Get a
move on!
3.
When she asked
for help, he told her to get lost.
4.
You'll get the
sack if you continue coming in late.
5.
Where was I last
night? Well, officer, you've got me there.
6.
I think Helen got
out of bed on the wrong side this morning.
7.
My neighbour is
so noisy. He's really getting on my nerves.
8.
Gordon's having a
little get together at his place tonight.
9.
You've got a
nerve asking me to lend you more money!
10.
What are you
wearing that get-up for? You look like a drug dealer!
11.
OK everyone,
let's get down to brass tacks and look at the sales figures.
12.
Gary and I get
on like a house on fire.
13.
I don't know
what's wrong with me. I don't seem to have any get-up-and-go.
14.
If I don't get
a rise soon, I'll start looking for another job.
15.
This is
ridiculous: we're getting nowhere.
16.
You're always
watching television. Get a life!
17.
My job drives me
crazy, but I like it, if you get my meaning.
18.
Get a grip on
yourself – you've
got an interview in half an hour.
19.
I can't get to
grips with my new computer.
20.
You need to get
your act together if you want to succeed.
21.
I've got
absolutely no money, and it's really getting me down.
22.
It's almost eight
o'clock. Let's get going, or we'll be late.
23.
He was so rude to
me. Just wait until I get my own back.
24.
Our teacher lets
us get away with murder!
25.
I need a break,
so I've decided to get away from it all for a few weeks.

(A)
  Energy;
  enthusiasm.
(B)
  To hurry up; to
  do something morequickly.
(C)
  To receive more
  money for doing yourwork.
(D)
  To understand
  what someone is trying tosay.
(E)
  To make someone
  feel unhappy.(F) To be unsuccessful; to not make any progress.
(G)
  To be
  over-confident or rude.
(H)
  To take a
  holiday.
(I)
  Something that
  will make you a lot ofmoney in a short space of time.
(J)
  To organise
  yourself.
(K)
  Clothes.
(L)
  To start doing
  something; to begin ajourney.

(M)
  To be unable to
  do or use something.
(N)
  To do something
  more interesting.
(O)
  To control your
  emotions and behaviour.
(P)
  To be very
  friendly with each other.
(Q)
  To be dismissed
  from a job.(R) To take revenge on someone for something they have done.
(S)
  A party or
  social event with friends.
(T)
  To go away; to
  leave someone alone.
(U)
  To annoy
  someone
(V)
  To not punish
  someone for doingsomething wrong.
(W)
  To start the
  day badly; to be in a badmood.
(X)
  To start
  discussing small but importantdetails.
(Y)
  To be unable to
  answer.

Phrasal verbs, idioms and other expressions
using 'give'

Choose the word or words in bold to complete the phrasal verbs,
idioms and other expressions in italics in these sentences. In one case, all
options are possible. The meaning of each phrasal verb, idiom, etc, in its
given context is in italics at the end of each sentence.
1.
I've finally managed
to give off / out / up / in smoking. (to stop doing something you do
regularly)
2.
Ten thousand
copies of the latest software package are being given away / over /
in / back. (to let someone have something without paying for it)
3.
Have I done
something to upset Anne? She's been giving me the cold face / shoulder
/ elbow / finger all morning. (to be unfriendly towards someone you
know)
4.
She's been
looking for me all morning, but I've managed to give her the trip / slip
/ slide / skid. (to escape from someone who is looking for you)
5.
Most of Janet's
teachers have given up on / in to / over to / back
to her. (to
stop hoping that someone will improve and to stop trying to help or change them)
6.
"You're one
of the most beautiful girls I've ever met!" "Oh, give off /
over / out / away!" (an informal spoken expression used for
telling someone to stop doing something. In this case, the second speaker wants
the first speaker to stop flattering her)
7.
You promised not
to give up / in / off / away my secret! (to tell information or facts that you
should keep secret)
8.
I knew she was
lying. Her face was a dead giveback / giveoff / giveaway /
giveout! (a
movement, action or expression on someone's face that shows the truth about
something)
9.
The photocopier
is giving away / off / over / up a funny
smell. (to produce
something such as heat or a smell)
10.
If the boss
shouts at me again in front of a customer, I'm going to give him a piece of
my mouth / mind / brain / heart. (to tell someone exactly what you
think, especially when you are angry with them)
11.
I would give my
right arm / the world / my eye teeth / anything to
see his face right now! (a spoken expression used for saying that you would very much like to have
something)
12.
I wouldn't argue
with Robin, if I were you. He gives as much / good / well /
hard as he gets. (informal: to compete or fight as hard as your opponent)
13.
"Have you
finished yet?" "Give me a hope / an opportunity / a
try / a chance: I've only just started!" (an informal spoken expression used for
telling someone not to hurry you or expect something immediately)
14.
Each talk lasts
for half an hour, give or remove / deduct / take / extract
five minutes. (used
for talking about numbers or quantities that are not exact)
15.
Are you seeing
another man? Give it to me straight / hard / direct / fast,
Helga. I promise I won't be angry. (an informal spoken expression used for telling someone not to
hide unpleasant facts from you)
16.
If you are rude
to me again, I'll give you when to / what for / why do /
how far. (an
informal spoken expression which means that you will punish someone or speak to
them severely because they have done something wrong)

Phrasal verbs, idioms and other expressions
using 'go'

Exercise 1:  Half of the phrasal verbs in the following
sentences use the wrong particle or particles (in, on, about,
etc). Decide which ones are wrong and replace them with a correct particle(s).
Each phrasal verb in its context is explained in italics at the end of
each sentence.
1.
I overslept
because my alarm clock didn't go off. (to start ringing)
2.
When they decided
to get married, they went against the wishes of their parents. (to oppose someone or something)
3.
I don't think we
should eat this fish. It smells like it's gone out. (of food, to go bad, so that you cannot
eat it)
4.
The price of gas
has gone out again. (to increase)
5.
What has been going
on in here? The room looks like a bomb's hit it! (to happen)
6.
We thought the
presentation had finished, but the director went on speaking for another
hour. (to continue as
before)
7.
Before you sign
the contract I suggest you go round it carefully with your solicitor. (to check something carefully)
8.
James and Annette
have been going out with each other for over a year. (to have a romantic relationship with
someone, and spend a lot of time with them)
9.
At first she
thought her new boss was wonderful, but she went about him when he
continually criticised her work. (to stop liking someone or something)
10.
There wasn't
enough work to go through, so we had to make some of our staff
redundant. (to be
enough so that everyone can have one or some)
11.
Your plans are
excellent, but do you think you'll be able to go through with them? (to do something you have planned or
agreed to do, and to finish it)
12.
I go in for what
you're saying. (to
agree with someone or something)
13.
There were 200
people going towards just three jobs. (to try to get something that you have to compete for)
14.
He promised to
help us, but at the last moment he went down with his word. (to fail to do something that you have
agreed to do)
15.
Alex has decided
to go into teaching when he leaves university. (to start working in a particular type
of job or business)
16.
I've still got a
few things to do. You go ahead and I'll meet you outside the cinema in
half an hour. (to go
to a place before someone else you are with)
17.
Several guests in
the hotel have gone in for food poisoning. (to become ill with a particular
illness)
18.
After two years
of rapidly falling sales, the business finally went under. (of a business, to fail completely and
stop operating)
Exercise 2: The idioms and other expressions in sentences 1 – 20 have
had some letters removed. Replace the letters in the idioms. These letters,
when used in the same order as they appear in the sentences, can be used to
make an informal spoken expression which is used for saying that in difficult
situations, the best people will work harder to succeed, and will not stop
trying. Write this expression in the box at the bottom of the next page.
1.
Originally we
were going to have a private marriage ceremony, but in the end we went the
_ _ol_ hog and had a big lavish wedding. (to do something in a very thorough or enthusiastic way)

2.
After fifteen
years with the company, Michael decided it was time to go it alo_e. (to work for yourself and by yourself)
3.
The bill comes to
£66. Shall we go Du_c_? (when eating out with a friend or friends, each person pays
for what they have eaten and drunk)
4.
Hi, Charlotte.
How ar_  thin_s  g_ing? (an informal spoken expression that you use when you want to
know how someone is)
5.
It's going to
rain later. Let's leave now wh_le  the  goi_g  is  _ood. (an informal expression meaning to do
something before any problems happen that will prevent you from doing it)
6.
My fiancée
wants to hire a limousine for our wedding day, but I'm going to _o  one
b_t_er and hire a Rolls Royce. (to do something in a bigger and more impressive way)
7.
Gas prices are
very expensive. It goe_  wi_h_ut saying that customers would prefer them
to be cheaper. (an
expression that is used when you think that someone will already know what you
are going to tell them)
8.
Because of the
current government, our country is going to rack and r_in. (to become less successful)
9.
There are so many
hooligans and lager louts in our town that at night it becomes a no-_o area.
(an area of a town
that is not considered safe because there are high levels of crime and violence
there)
10.
If you're angry,
go for a long walk or something. Just don't _ave a go a_ me! (to criticise someone strongly or shout
at them because you are angry)
11.
Our plans went
well at first, but suddenly everything went  _aywir_. (to stop working or behaving correctly)
12.
Amy and Carol
really went to  _ _ wn on the party decorations. (to do something very well or make
something look very good by spending a lot of money on it)
13.
I really want the
job, and I'm going to go all o_t to get it. (to try as hard as you can to achieve
something)
14.
I've told my boss
that he's stupid, rude and arrogant. Oh well, ban_  goes my c_ance of promotion.
(an informal spoken
expression that you use when you have ruined the possibility of achieving
something)
15.
This restaurant
used to be the best in town, but since it was taken over by a new manager, it's
really gone to the do_s. (of a place, not as good as it was in the past)
16.
"Ian is so
ugly! Can you imagine kissing him?" "Yuck! Don't  _ven go  _here!"
(an informal spoken
expression that you use when you do not want someone to say something)
17.
I bought this
television in the sales. It was going for a son_. (very cheap)
18.
I can't work
properly with all this c_m_ng and going. (noise and disturbance caused by people
moving around a lot)
19.
"I've made
some tea. Would you like a little cup? Oh, go o_, of course you
do!" (a spoken
expression used for encouraging someone to do something)
20.
After several
meetings with the Directors, he _ot the go-ahead to open a new office in
Manchester. (to
receive permission to do something) Write the expression here:
_ _ _ _  _ _ _  _ _ _ _ _  _ _ _ _  _ _ _ _ _ ,  _ _ _  _ _ _
_ _  _ _ _  _ _ _ _ _!

Idioms and other expressions to talk about health, feelings and emotions

How would the people in sentences 1 – 35 feel, happy (☺) or unhappy ( ), if they were
experiencing the feelings, emotions, etc, highlighted in bold?

1.                Amanda is at
  her wits' end.

☺
  /

2.              Ian is in a
  state.

☺
  /

3.               Amelia is at
  death's door.

☺
  /

4.                Nigella is not
  feeling herself.

☺
  /

5.               Imogen is in good
  shape.

☺
  /

6.                Tom's condition
  is touch-and-go.

☺
  /

7.               Felicity is feeling
  blue.

☺
  /

8.                Orville is on
  top of the world.

☺
  /

9.               Oliver is on
  the warpath.

☺
  /

10.             William looks washed
  out.

☺
  /

11.            Paul is feeling pooped.

☺
  /

12.             Priscilla is a picture
  of health.

☺
  /

13.             Frank is as fit
  as a fiddle.

☺
  /

14.             Claudia is on
  cloud nine.

☺
  /

15.              Dave is down in
  the dumps.

☺
  /

16.             Olivia is over
  the moon.

☺
  /

17.            Regan is run down.

☺
  /

18.               Henrietta hasn't
  got a care in the world.

☺
  /

19.             Samantha is seeing
  red.

☺
  /

20.             Pamela is in the
  pink.

☺
  /

21.             Olga is on a
  high.

☺
  /

22.             Fernando feels
  lousy.

☺
  /

23.                Charles is chucking
  his toys out of the pram.

☺
  /

24.            Justin is just
  peachy.

☺
  /

25.            Sean looks shattered.

☺
  /

26.             Henry is hopping
  mad.

☺
  /

27.             Freddy feels
  really rough.

☺
  /

28.              Teresa has taken
  a turn for the worse.

☺
  /

29.               Camilla has come
  down with something.

☺
  /

30.             Davina is dead
  on her feet.

☺
  /

31.            Harry is het up.

☺
  /

32.              Lucy looks like
  death warmed up.

☺
  /

33.             Ursula is under
  the weather.

☺
  /

34.             Belinda is in a
  black mood.

☺
  /

35.               Larry is like
  a dog with two tails.

☺
  /

Informal phrasal
verbs

The phrasal verbs in this exercise have all been taken from British
television and radio programmes (news reports, soap operas, quizzes, films,
chat shows, etc) over a 3-month period. They are all very informal, and many of
them are relatively recent additions to our common vocabulary.
Look at sentence (a) in each pair, then decide if sentence (b) provides a
correct explanation of the phrasal verb in bold. Write 'Yes' if you
think it does, and 'No' if you think it doesn't.
1.
(a) The Prime
Minister has told his government to stop faffing about.
(b)  The Prime Minister has told his
government to stop wasting time doing unnecessary andunimportant things.
2.
(a) I had to stump
up almost £2000 for repairs to my car. (b) I had to borrow almost
£2000 for repairs to my car.
3.
(a) All this talk
about the war is really hacking me off. (b) All this talk about
the war is getting me excited.
4.
(a) I don't want
to go out with a man who bottles out at the first sign of trouble.
(b)  I don't want to go out with a man who
starts a fight at the first sign of trouble.
5.
(a) When we heard
the news, we freaked out.
(b)  When we heard the news, we became so
frightened we couldn't control ourselves.
6.
(a) The
government has been accused of sexing up the facts.
(b)  The government has been accused of
making the facts too difficult for people to understand.
7.
(a) She breezed
through the final exam.
(b)  She failed the final exam.
8.
(a) When the
minister was asked about pensions, he clammed up.
(b)  When the minister was asked about
pensions, he started telling lies.
9.
(a) I wish my
neighbour would stop banging on all the time.
(b)  I wish my neighbour would stop making
changes to his house all the time.
10.
(a) It's time
everyone wised up to the illegal acts the government is committing.
(b)  It's time everyone became aware of
the illegal acts the government is committing.
11.
(a) The President
has finally lucked out over world trade.
(b)  The President has finally lost an
argument over world trade.
12.
(a) Lorraine
never mucks in with any of us.
(b)  Lorraine never goes out to bars,
clubs, etc, with any of us.
13.
(a) If anyone
wants to wimp out, now is the time.
(b)  If anyone wants to decide not to do
something because they're too frightened, now is the time.
14.
(a) Ever since he
started his new company, he's been raking it in.
(b)  Ever since he started his new
company, he's been so busy he can't do anything else.
15.
(a) Television
bosses deny that programmes are being dumbed down.
(b)  Television bosses deny that
television programmes are becoming shorter, with longer commercialbreaks.
16.
(a) Why do you
always suck up to your boss? (b) Why are you always so rude to your
boss?

17.
(a) You'll be OK
in the exam if you mug up before.
(b)  You'll be OK in the exam if you have
a drink before you do it.
18.
(a) If you're
going to chuck up, go outside.
(b)  If you're going to be in a bad mood,
go outside.
19.
(a) The
air-conditioning has conked out again.
(b)  The air-conditioning has stopped
working again.
20.
(a) The Council
will prosecute parents whose children bunk off school.
(b)  The Council will prosecute parents
whose children stay away from school without a good reason.
21.
(a) The latest
opinion poll suggests that in the next election, the current government is
going to romp in.
(b)  The latest opinion poll suggests that
in the next election, the current government is going to lose.
22.
(a) When we asked
him if he had taken the money, he fessed up. (b) When we asked him if he
had taken the money, he denied it.
23.
(a) The public
are lapping up the latest news about football's most famous player.
(b)  The public are not interested in the
latest news about football's most famous player.
24.
(a) I really wish
that Fiona would lighten up a bit.
(b)  I really wish that Fiona would be
more serious about things.
25.
(a) We spent all
of Sunday vegging out. (b) We spent all of Sunday relaxing.
26.
(a) By half past
eleven, half of us had zonked out. (b) By half past eleven, half of us
had gone home.
27.
(a) I'm gagging
for a cup of tea.
(b)  I really want a cup of tea.
28.
(a) The rail
company flogged off half its stock to overseas companies.
(b)  The rail company let overseas
companies maintain its stock to keep it in good working order.
29.
(a) Please don't monkey
around in here.
(b)  Please don't lose your temper in
here.
30.
(a) If you goof
up again, you'll lose your job.
(b)  If you make a big mistake again, you'll
lose your job.
31.
(a) Yolanda has
been prattling on for almost an hour without stopping. (b) Yolanda has
been crying for almost half an hour without stopping.
32.
(a) You shouldn't
mouth off to him like that.
(b)  You shouldn't laugh at his ideas and
opinions like that.
33.
(a) I've had
enough of you. Shove off! (b) I've had enough of you. Be quiet!
34.
(a) Don't ask him
for advice on buying a computer: he'll only geek you out.
(b)  Don't ask him for advice on buying a
computer: he'll give you basic and useless information.
35.
(a) She never
goes out without blinging up first.
(b)  She never goes out without phoning
her friends first.
Phrasal verbs, idioms and other expressions
using 'look'

Exercise 1: Complete these phrasal verbs with an appropriate particle (in,
to, of, etc) or particles. The particles you need are in alphabetical
order, and you need to use each particle or particle pair once only.
The meaning of each phrasal verb in its context is explained in italics at
the end of each sentence.
1.
It can be very
hard looking _____ three children all day. (to take care of someone or something
and make certain they have everything they need)
2.
Looking _____, I think that the company needs
to develop some new services. (to think about what is likely to happen, or plan what you are
going to do in the future)
3.
We're looking carefully
_____ all the options that are open to us. (to think about a situation or subject carefully,
especially in order to make a decision)
4.
Most people look
_____  _____ their schooldays with mixed feelings. (to think about a time or event in the
past)
5.
Jane looks _____
_____ people who haven't been to university. (to think you are better or more important than someone
else)
6.
Maureen is really
looking _____  _____ her holiday next week. (to feel happy and excited about
something that is going to happen)
7.
Can you look _____
_____ Eileen on your way to work, and see if she needs anything? (to visit someone for a short time on
your way to another place, especially if they are ill or may need help)
8.
I wrote a letter
of complaint to the airline, and they've promised to look _____ the
matter for me.
(to try to discover the facts about
something such as a problem or a crime)
9.
Steve isn't
related to me, but I look _____ him as a brother. (to think of someone or something in a
particular way)
10.
The restaurant is
small but it's easy to find. Look _____  _____ the post office, and it's
almost directly opposite. (to look carefully at people or things around you in order to find a
particular person or thing)
11.
The Health and
Safety officer has been looking _____ the factory. (to visit a place in order to examine
it)
12.
I can't decide
what to cook for the dinner party, so I've been looking _____ your
cookery books for inspiration. (to read something quickly, especially to find the information
you need)
13.
When I was young,
I always looked _____ my grandparents for advice. (to hope or expect to get help, advice,
etc, from someone)
14.
If you don't know
what 'loquacious' means, look it _____ in the dictionary. (to try to find a particular piece of
information by looking in a book or on a list, or by using a computer)
15.
Liz Watkins is
the best manager we've ever had, and everyone looks _____  _____ her. (to admire
and respect someone)
Exercise 2: Match the first part of each sentence on the left with the
second part on the right, using the idioms and other expressions in bold to
help you. Try to decide what each one means, then check your answers in the
back of the book.

(1)
  Mark isn't very
  attractive. Most women wouldn't look…
(2)
  Sue's a really
  nice person, but she's not much to look…
(3)
  The computer he
  gave you isn't the best one in the world,but you shouldn't look a gift
  horse…
(4)
  I told you to
  be careful with that. Now look…
(5)
  We know that Bob
  is stealing from the office. We need todo something. We can't just look…
(6)
  Liverpool
  dominated the game from the beginning, andChelsea hardly even got a look-…
(7)
  When Mike asked
  me why I had taken his money withoutasking, I couldn't look him…
(8)
  You're such a
  snob! You always look down…
(9)
  I started my own
  Internet company when I was sixteen, andI've never looked…
(10)
  This is the
  third time this week that you've been late. Youmust be looking for…
(11)
  Be careful! Look
  where...
(12)
  Anyone who
  needs a job need look…
(13)
  Goodbye. Look
  after…
(14)
  You think
  you're so perfect and wonderful, don't you?
Well, you're wrong. It's time you took a long hard look…

(15)
  What are you
  wearing? You look like something that…
(16)
  What have you
  done? I don't like that look…
(17)
  I've just moved
  to London and am on the lookout…
(18)
  You always make
  decisions without thinking properly. Youreally need to look before you…
(19)
  Everyone says
  that the new art gallery is really good. Let'sgo and have a look-…
(20)
  We were going
  to eat in the hotel restaurant, but we took one look…

(a)
  …what you've
  done!
(b)
  …in the
  mirror.
(c)
  …in the eye.
(d)
  …trouble.
(e)
  …no further than
  our website.
(f)
  …the cat
  dragged in!
(g)
  …at.
(h)
  …yourself and
  keep in touch.
(i)
  …for a
  cheap apartment.
(j)
  …at the
  kitchen and went somewhere else.
(k)
  …in.
(l)
  …see.
(m)
  …twice at
  someone like him.
(n)
  …leap.
(o)
  … your nose
  at people.
(p)
  …on your
  face.
(q)
  …back.
(r)
  …in the
  mouth.
(s)
  …you're going
  or you'll have an accident.
(t)
  …the other
  way.

Phrasal verbs, idioms and other expressions
using 'make'

Exercise 1: Complete the phrasal verbs in bold with an
appropriate particle or particles (in, up, out, etc). The
situation is explained in italics at the end of each sentence.
1.
It's getting
late. Why don't you stay? I'll make _____ a bed for you. (The speaker is offering to prepare
something – in this case a bed – for a friend)
2.
Oh no! Someone
has made _____  _____ my mobile phone. (Someone has stolen the speaker's
mobile phone)
3.
You haven't
spoken to each other for days. I think it's time you both made _____. (The speaker thinks that two people
should become friendly with each other again after an argument)
4.
Can you make _____
the house in the dark? (Two people are trying to find their way to a friend's house in the
countryside at night. Because it is dark, they are finding it difficult to see
the house)
5.
The car costs
£2000. I'm paying £1500, and Sally is making _____ the rest.
(Sally is making
something – in this case a payment – complete: she is paying the other
£500)
6.
He made _____
that he had won the lottery. (Someone pretended that something was true when it wasn't)
7.
I can't make _____
why he didn't come to the party. (The speaker is puzzled about a friend's absence from a party)
8.
He made _____
some excuse about the dog eating his homework. (Someone has invented an explanation
for something, probably to avoid being punished or embarrassed)
9.
He made _____
the property to his daughter last week. (Someone has officially made someone else the owner of a
building or piece of land)
10.
It's getting
late. I should make _____ home. (The speaker thinks she should move towards a place, in this
case her home)
11.
When he saw the
police coming, he made _____ as quickly as possible. (Someone saw the police coming and left
quickly)
12.
Before I begin
work, I should make _____ a list of all the things I need to do. (The speaker is going to write a list
of things he needs to do)
13.
What do you make
_____ our new teacher? (The speaker is asking for someone's opinion about their teacher)
14.
The wonderful
hotel we stayed at made _____  _____ the terrible weather we had all
through the holiday. (The
speaker's hotel was so good that the terrible weather didn't matter so much)
15.
I'm sorry I
forgot your birthday. I'll make it _____  _____ you, I promise. (After doing something bad, the speaker
promises to do something good in order to make someone feel better)
Exercise 2: Some of the words in the following expressions that use make
have been replaced with symbols. Each symbol represents a letter of the
alphabet. Change these symbols back into letters to make words. The first two
have been done for you.
1.
Today is make ☺ day for the company. (Very important, resulting in success or
failure)
Answer:  ☺ = or
break: Today is make or break day for the company.
2.
Everyone wants to
make  in Hollywood these days. (To be very successful)
                  Answer:                                   =
it big: Everyone wants to make it big in Hollywood these days.
3.
He's only one of
our salesmen, but he makes ☺
he's the managing
director of the
company. (To pretend to be something that you
are not)
4.
Are you going to
accept the job? I think that you need to make as soon as possible. (Make a decision)
5.
The children made
☺ the chocolate and cakes. (To deal with something
quickly and easily. In
this case, the children ate the chocolate and cakes very quickly)
6.
Paul thinks he
can become rich by writing a book. He's living in a world of make- ! (The activity of pretending that
something is real, or that a situation is better than it is)
7.
You ate all the
pizza! I can't believe you made           like that!
(To eat far too much food at one time)
8.
It's a beautiful
day. Let's make        it. (To use a good situation to get the best
possible result)
9.
As soon as we got
to the party, we made     the food. (To go
towards someone or
something in the quickest possible way)
10.
I'm really
pleased for Anne. She's really made            .  (To
become well-known or
famous)
11.
What is this a
picture of? A man? A dog? A bunch of flowers? I can't make
of it. (To be unable to understand something)
12.
I don't earn much
money, and I often have problems making                . (To have
enough money to pay for
important things such as accommodation, food, clothing etc)
13.
The job was
really quite simple, but he was making  it.
(To make a situation or job much more
difficult than it really is)
14.
He makes             the
fact that he wants my job. (To talk about or do
something in a very
open way without feeling ashamed or embarrassed)
15.
I tried to hang
up some pictures in the living room, but I made              ’
it. (Something that is very untidy or badly
done)
16.
She was seriously
ill, but she managed to make         it. (To treat something as not very serious)
17.
People often
think that she's very quiet and shy, but when you know her better you realise
that she's
                  made                                                                                . (To be stronger in your character than people expect)
18.
It was a very
small incident. You didn't need to make
. (To treat a minor problem as if it were
a very serious problem)
Mixed idioms and
other expressions

This section looks at some common idioms and other expressions that are
not included in the main exercises elsewhere in this book.
Each of the three idioms and other expressions in bold in the
following sentence groups can be completed with the same verb. Decide
what that verb is in each case, and write it in the sentence. Make sure that
you use it in its correct form. The meaning of each idiom is explained in italics
at the end of each sentence.
1.
(a) I've made a
terrible mistake at work, and now my career is ________ by a thread. (to be very
likely to
fail)
(b)
I know things are
difficult for you at the moment, but ________ in there, OK? (an informal spoken
expression
used for telling someone to continue doing something in a determined way)
(c)
How could you
treat your best friend like that? ________ your head in shame! (a spoken expression used in a humorous
way to tell someone that they have behaved badly)
2.
(a) I'm afraid
that your argument in favour of moving to a new office doesn't ________ much
conviction. (to be
capable of persuading someone that something is true, real or practical)
(b)
Laura's been
________ a torch for Martin for years. (to be in love with someone, usually
without them realising this)
(c)
Dr Watson's
opinions have always ________ great weight in this town. (to be respected and have influence)
3.
(a) I think I've
________ foul of the boss again. (to get into trouble with someone or something) (b) You certainly ________ on
your feet when you got that job. (to be lucky and get into a good situation after being in a
difficult one)
(c)
Nobody ever laughs at my jokes. They always ________ flat. (to not succeed in entertaining someone
or making them laugh)
4.
(a) Let's go out
for dinner. I know somewhere that won't ________ the bank. (an expression used for saying that
something does not cost very much money)
(b)
Our company has
________ new ground with its latest range of laptop computer. (to do something completely different
from what has been done before)
(c)
Everyone was a
bit quiet until Ronnie ________ the ice by telling a joke. (to make people feel more relaxed and
ready to talk, for example at the beginning of a party)
5.
(a) I think it's
time that you and Lisa ________ bygones be bygones. (to decide to forget about a
disagreement or something unpleasant that has happened in the past)
(b)
She promised to
keep my news a secret, but she ________ it slip at the party. (to reveal a secret either by accident,
or by making it seem like an accident)
(c)
I originally
wanted £2500 for my car, but I ________ it go for £2000. (to sell something, usually for a
cheaper price than you originally wanted)
6.
(a) Mr Gomm is
the person who ________ the shots in this company. (to be in a position of control or
authority)
(b)
I think we've
done everything we can with this report. Let's ________ it a day. (to decide that you have finished doing
something)
(c)
Have you ever
seen 'The Godfather'? Now that's what I ________ a good film! (an informal spoken expression used for
emphasising that something is a very good example of what you are talking about)
7.
(a) I'm going to
tell you something important, but I want you to ________ it to yourself.
(to not tell anyone
else about something)
(b)
Trudi is a very
private person. She likes to ________ herself to herself. (to stay alone or with your family
rather than spend time with other people)
(c)
I don't earn much
money, but it ________ the wolf from the door. (to have enough money to pay for
important things, like food, rent, bills, etc)
8.
(a) Louise is
always able to ________ her own in an argument. (to be as good as other more
experienced or stronger people, for example in an argument)
(b)
I wanted to
speak, but I was told to ________ my tongue. (to not say anything)
(c)
________ it!
Where do you think you're going? (a spoken expression used for telling someone not to move)
9.
(a) ________ how
you go. (an
informal spoken expression used for saying goodbye to someone you know well)
(b)
What did Peter
and I talk about? Never you ________! (an informal spoken expression used for refusing to tell
someone something)
(c)
"Would you
like one of these cakes?" "Thanks, I don't ________ if I do."
(a spoken expression
used in a polite and humorous way to accept something that someone has offered
you)
10.
(a) Why are you
so unhappy? You have a wonderful family, a good job and a lovely house. You
should ________ your blessings. (to tell someone that they should realize there are good
things in their life and that they should appreciate them)
(b)
You haven't got
the job yet. Don't ________ your chickens (before they've hatched).
(an expression used
for telling someone not to make plans that depend on the success of something
until they are certain that it is successful)
(c)
The whole town is
________ the cost of today's terrorist attack. (to realise what has been lost or
damaged as a result of something)
11.
(a) I wish Toby
would ________ his weight a bit. (to work as hard as the other people who are doing an activity
or job)
(b)
I want this
project to be successful. Let's ________ out all the stops. (to make a big effort so that something
happens or is successful)
(c)
Susan phoned in
to say she's sick, but I think she's ________ a fast one. (to trick someone or say something that
isn't true)
12.
(a) If you
________ your cards right, you can come over for dinner tonight. (informal – used for saying that if
someone behaves in the right way, they might be successful)
(b)
You're ________ with
fire, talking to her like that. (to do something dangerous or risky that could cause problems
for you)
(c)
I think we can
eat these pies cold, but let's ________ it safe and heat them in the
microwave. (to avoid
taking any risks)
13.
(a) I don't know
how you can ________ your face in here. (informal – to go somewhere where other
people will see you, especially when they might not want you to be there)
(b)
Right, I'm going
to ________ everyone in this office who's boss. (informal – to make people aware that
you have more power or authority than them)
(c)
I've spent a lot
of money, and have nothing to ________ for it. (to have achieved nothing as a result
of something you have done)
14.
(a) I'm half ________
that Mark won't come to the party. (a spoken expression used about your feelings when you
are not sure whether you want something or not)
(b)
I ________ to God it doesn't
rain in the next hour. (a spoken expression used for emphasising that you do or don't want
something to happen)
(c)
"Thanks for
lending me the money. I'll pay it back tomorrow." "I should ________
so." (an
informal spoken expression used for emphasising that you feel it is important
that something will happen)
15.
(a) You paid
£200 for that old computer? Somebody ________ you coming. (to realise that someone
is easy to
trick or cheat)
(b)
According to this
story in the paper, a child in the USA is divorcing his parents. Huh! Now
I've
________ everything!
(a spoken expression
used for saying that you find something very shocking or surprising)
(c)
My father has
finally ________ the light and bought a computer. (to suddenly realise or understand
something, usually in a way that improves your life)
Mixed phrasal
verbs

This section looks at some common phrasal verbs that are not included in
the main exercises elsewhere in this book.
Complete the second sentence of each pair with a phrasal verb so that the
meaning of the sentence is the same as, or very similar to, the first sentence.
The phrasal verbs should replace the words and expressions in bold.
Choose your verb from the first box, and your particle from the second box.
Some of the verbs, and most of the particles, must be used more than once. In
some cases you will need to change the form of the verb. Also remember that
some phrasal verbs need more than one particle.

Verbs

Particles

break     bring     call
  carry     catch
count
  die     drop     end     face     find fall     fill     hand     hold
  keep     leave let     point     pull     put     show     wear

behind     down     in     of
  off    on out     through     to     up     with

1.
Can I rely on you
for your support?
Can I
_______________ you for your support?
2.
If you continue
trying, you are bound to succeed.
If you
_______________ trying, you are bound to succeed.
3.
A large number of
students leave university before they finish their course. A
large number of students _______________ university.
4.
You must obey my
instructions carefully.
You
must _______________ my instructions carefully.
5.
I will let you
stay with me if you ever come to Oxford.
I  will _______ you ________ if you ever
come to Oxford.
6.
You must complete
this form before we can let you in.
You
must _______________  this form before we let you in.
7.
I think that
learning English is quite difficult, and I often have problems working at
the same speed as the other students in my class.
I  think that learning English is quite
difficult, and I often have problems _______________ the otherstudents in my
class.
8.
My teacher showed
me all the mistakes I had made in my essay.
My
teacher _______________ all the mistakes I had made in my essay.
9.
If you are
late with your mortgage repayments, the bank can impose financial
penalties.
If you
_______________ your mortgage repayments, the bank can impose financial
penalties.
10.
People celebrate
the Chinese New Year by exploding fireworks in the street.
People
celebrate the Chinese New Year by _______________ fireworks in the street.
11.
At the meeting,
Laura raised the question of overtime pay.
At the
meeting, Laura _______________ the question of overtime pay.
12.
A lot of parents
are criticised for the way they raise their children.
A lot
of parents are criticised for the way they _______________ their children.
13.
He was very ill,
but managed to recover.
He was
very ill, but managed to _______________.
14.
The effects of
the drug disappear after a few hours.
The
effects of the drug _______________ after a few hours.
15.
Andrew and Steve
have argued again.
Andrew
and Steve have _______________ again.
16.
They refused to accept
and deal with their responsibilities. They refused to _______________ their
responsibilities.
17.
The meeting was cancelled
because too many people were absent.
The
meeting was _______________ because too many people were absent.
18.
I missed a lot of
lessons, and it took me a long time to get to the same level as the
other students in my class.
I  missed a lot of lessons, and it took
me a long time to _______________ the other students in myclass.
19.
The storm was
terrible, but eventually the wind became less strong. The storm was
terrible, but eventually the wind _______________.
20.
Could you call
the station and ask what time the 9.15 train from Reading arrives?
Could
you call the station and __________ what time the 9.15 train from Reading
arrives?
21.
Some students can
be very creative with the reasons they give for not giving their
homework to their teachers.
Some
students can be very creative with the reasons they give for not
_______________ their homework.
22.
You haven't
completed this form properly. You've forgotten to include your date of
birth. You haven't completed this form properly. You've _______________ your
date of birth.
23.
The talks failed
because nobody could agree on anything.
The
talks _______________ because nobody could agree on anything.
24.
Don't exhaust yourself
by working too hard.
Don't
_______ yourself _______ by working too hard.
25.
I invited a lot
of people to my party, but only a few came.
I  invited a lot of people to my party,
but only a few _______________.
26.
It's pointless
relying on people to help you if they don't do as they promised. It's
pointless relying on people to help you if they _______ you _______.
27.
We asked him to
be quiet, but he continued talking.
We
asked him to be quiet, but he _______________ talking.
28.
I'm sorry I was
late, but I was delayed by heavy traffic on the A40.
I'm
sorry I was late, but I was _______________ by heavy traffic on the A40.
29.
The doctors need
to do some more tests before I can leave the hospital.
The
doctors need to _______________ some more tests before I can leave the
hospital.
30.
I would hate to
lose my job and find myself on the dole.
I  would hate to lose my job and
_______________ on the dole.
A lot of the phrasal verbs in this exercise can have more than one
meaning when used in different situations. Use your dictionary to check these
other meanings.
Mixed phrasal
verbs and idioms

In each of these paragraphs, the gaps can be completed with the same word
to form a phrasal verb or idiom. The word you need can either be a noun or
a verb form of that word. If it is a verb, you need to make sure you put
it in its correct form. Use a dictionary to check meanings.
1. A manager is talking to an employee:
I personally think you've _____ the wrong horse and
you've got your _____ to the wall, but I'll _____ you up as long as you don't
_____ down. Just don't do anything behind my _____, or do anything else that is
likely to get my _____ up, otherwise I'll transfer you to one of our offices in
the _____ of beyond.
2.   A lawyer is talking to a client:
I'll say this to your _____: you're _____ some serious
charges. On the _____ of it, however, there isn't any evidence that you
committed the crime, and there is no judge on the _____ of the earth who would
find you guilty. The prosecution will have to _____ up to it: there's no way
you're going to _____ the music over this.
3.   A doctor is talking to a patient:
I can't _____ down the seriousness of your illness. I
don't want to _____ on your emotions and pretend to _____ God. However, we
might be able to _____ for time before you need an operation, so I'm going to
recommend a course of medication. The medicine I'm going to recommend is
actually illegal in this country, but I know how to _____ the system and get
you some, as long as you're prepared to _____ ball with me on this.
4.   A young man is talking to his best
friend:
My girlfriend is always complaining about me. She says
I _____ her round the bend. I just don't understand what she's _____ at, and
it's _____ me to distraction. Maybe she does it on purpose in the hope that she
can _____ me out. Things aren't helped by her parents _____ a wedge between us
all the time. It's enough to _____ me to drink!
5.   A young woman is talking to her best
friend:
I can't believe I _____ under his spell and _____ for
his lies. I mean, there I was _____ over myself to do everything for him, and
then I discover he'd _____ in with a group of girls he'd met in the pub and had
_____ head over heels for one of them. I begged him to stop seeing her, but my
plea just _____ on stony ground.
6.   A man is talking to a radio
interviewer about an event in his life:
It was very exciting. We were about to _____ the world
record for the world's largest house of cards. The room was silent with
anticipation. Suddenly, one of the journalists who was there to record the
moment _____ the silence by _____ wind very loudly! That _____ my concentration
and I dropped the card I was about to add to the pile. Of course, the whole
construction collapsed. The journalist responsible tried to make a _____ for
it, but I caught him. I was going to hit him, but he looked so scared I decided
to give him a _____.
7.   A man is talking to a detective who
is interviewing him about a stolen watch:
I had lost my job and my wife had _____ out on me, so
as you can imagine I wasn't exactly _____ on air. My mind must have been on
other things when I _____ into the jewellers and _____ off with one of their
Rolex watches. I was arrested by one of your officers _____ the beat. Do you
think I'll go to prison for this, or do you think I'll _____ free?

Idioms and other
expressions used for talking about money

Exercise 1: Look at the idioms in bold in sentences 1 – 22, and decide if the
people:
(A)   have a lot of money.
(B)   have very little or no money.

1.
  Steve is up
  to his ears in debt.
2.
  Kevin is on
  the dole.
3.
  Jamie has made
  his pile.
4.
  Sue can't
  make ends meet.
5.
  Jacqueline is stinking
  rich.
6.
  Mark's boss pays
  him chickenfeed.
7.
  Tarquin is loaded.
8.
  Laurence is hard
  up.
9.
  Christine is well
  off.
10.
  Brenda is in
  the red.
11.
  John is strapped
  for cash.

12.
  Mike is made
  of money.
13.
  Don is penniless.
14.
  Judy has money
  to burn.
15.
  Pete is broke.
16.
  Tim has more
  money than sense.
17.
  Alison is rolling
  in it.
18.
  Bob is skint.
19.
  Andy is down
  and out.
20.
  Jeanette is feeling
  flush.
21.
  Charles is raking
  it in.
22.
  Annabel is a
  bit down-at-heel.

Exercise 2: Look at the idioms in bold in sentences 23 – 38, and
decide if the people:
(A)   have paid a lot of money for
something.
(B)   have paid a small amount of money for
something.
23.
The shop sold us
our hi-fi for a rock-bottom price.
24.
A pizza and a
glass of wine cost us £10. It was daylight robbery.
25.
We paid next
to nothing for the holiday.
26.
It cost us
the earth to get our car repaired.
27.
It didn't
break the bank to travel business class to New York.
28.
I paid £6
for a hot dog and a Coke. What a rip-off!
29.
My new car cost
me a packet.
30.
It cost us an
arm and a leg to change our flight times.
31.
We paid a tidy
sum for our new computer.
32.
The rent on my
house is a bit steep.
33.
How much was my
new camera? Well, it didn't come cheap.
34.
The restaurant
served excellent food, at a price.
35.
This suit set
me back a bit.
36.
This home cinema
system was going for a song.
37.
We had an
excellent meal, and it was dirt cheap.
38.
I paid good
money to stay in this hotel.
Idioms and other
expressions that use numbers

Sentences 1 – 20 all contain an idiom or other expression in bold that
uses a cardinal number (1, 2, 3, etc) or an ordinal number (first, second,
third, etc). Complete each idiom / expression with one word only, and write the
word in the appropriate space in the grid on the next page. Each idiom /
expression is explained in italics at the end of each sentence. The
first and last letters of each word are already in the grid.
If you complete the grid correctly, you will reveal a four-word
expression in the shaded vertical column. This expression can be used to
complete sentence 21.
1.
If you decide to
sell your car, could you give me first _____? (to give someone the opportunity to buy
something before offering it to anyone else)
2.
She paid me a two-edged
_____: she said that I was very good looking for a fat person! (capable of being understood in two
different ways, or of having both good and bad effects)
3.
Tom has got a one-_____
mind. He just thinks about girls all the time! (Tom thinks about the same thing all
the time)
4.
She sometimes
arrives early, but nine _____ out of ten she's late. (nearly always)
5.
"Do you
think we'll win the match tomorrow?" "Maybe. We've got a _____-_____
chance." (our
chances are equal. Note that the same word is used twice in this expression.
You only need to write it once in the grid)
6.
"I've failed
my driving test twice, but I'm going to try again tomorrow." "Oh,
well, good luck. Third time _____, right?" (a spoken expression that is used for
saying that the third time you try something you will be successful when the
first two times you were not successful)
7.
When he asked me
to marry him I said yes immediately, but now I'm having second _____. (to begin to doubt a decision that you
have made)
8.
I went to a party
last night and had one too _____. (to drink too much alcohol)
9.
"I haven't
got any money." Well, that _____ two of us!" (a spoken expression used for telling
someone that you are in the same situation as they are)
10.
You're so two-_____!
You tell me that I work hard and get good results, then you tell everyone else
that I'm lazy and incompetent! (dishonest about your feelings, thoughts and beliefs, and
tending to tell people whatever you think will please them)
11.
Redheads Wine Bar
is popular with thirty_____ professionals. (an adjective used to describe people
between the ages of 30 and 39)
12.
When I was young,
we moved from the city to a one _____ town in East Anglia. (a place that is small and boring)
13.
It was a very
formal dinner party, so everyone was _____ up to the nines. (wearing extremely fashionable or, in
this case, formal clothes)
14.
OK, everyone,
we've worked really well and got a lot achieved in the last couple of hours.
Let's
_____ five. (a spoken expression which means 'stop
working for a short period of time')
15.
How did you know
I was in the house? You must have a sixth _____! (a special ability to feel or see
things without using sight, hearing, touch, smell or taste)

16.
Holly thinks
she's an expert on computers, but she hasn't got the first _____ about them.
(to not know anything
about a subject, or not have the skills to do something)
17.
"She hit me,
so I hit her." "That was stupid. Two _____ don't make a
right." (a
spoken expression used for saying that you should not react to someone's wrong
behaviour by doing something wrong yourself)
18.
She's been in
seventh _____ ever since she got the job. (to feel extremely happy)
19.
When I saw my
girlfriend coming out of a restaurant with a strange man, I naturally put
two and two _____. (to guess what is happening or what something means based on what you have
seen or heard)
20.
I was supposed to
come home by 10 o'clock, but I didn't get back until 4 in the morning.
Naturally my mother gave me the third _____ and demanded to know where I
had been. (to ask
someone a lot of questions in a determined way)

Use the expression to
complete this sentence:
21.
Tickets for the
concert will be allocated on a _____  _____,  _____  _____ basis. (a four-word expression which is used
for saying that if you arrive before other people, you will be given or sold
something before them)
Idiomatic 'pairs'

Complete the first gap in each sentence with a word from the left-hand
box, and the second gap in each sentence with a word from the right-hand box,
to make idiom 'pairs'.

alive
  bits     black     by     cheap
down
  fair     hard     heaven     high ins     length     pros     safe     sick
  song     spick     up     ups     wear

about     breadth     cheerful     cons     dance downs     earth
  fast     kicking     mighty
large
  out     outs     pieces     sound     span
square
  tear     tired     white

1.
I walked the
_____ and _____ of the Woodstock Road looking for a chemist.
2.
Tidy your room. I
want it _____ and _____ by the time your father gets home.
3.
I went shopping,
but I didn't buy very much; just a few _____ and _____.
4.
What are the
_____ and _____ of working for a large company?
5.
I hope you enjoy
your holiday, but I won't be happy until you're _____ and _____ at home again.
6.
A few years ago
he was a millionaire, but he lost all his money and is now _____ and _____,
living on the streets of London.
7.
Your new job
probably seems a bit strange at the moment, but you'll soon get to know the
_____ and _____ of the company.
8.
You're always
complaining. I'm _____ and _____ of it!
9.
I've been ill in
bed for a while, but I'm _____ and _____ again.
10.
I've had my
computer for a couple of years, and it's beginning to show signs of _____ and
_____.
11.
Our new teacher
is a bit bad-tempered, but _____ and _____ he's OK.
12.
The company
phoned me today to offer me the job, but I won't be happy until I see the offer
in _____ and _____.
13.
I know that the
service in this restaurant is slow, but there's no point making a _____ and
_____ about it: it won't achieve anything.
14.
My boyfriend and
I have our _____ and _____, but we usually get on very well together.
15.
I would move
_____ and _____ to get some tickets for tonight's concert.
16.
Our new sales
manager is a bit _____ and _____: she thinks she's much better than the rest of
us.
17.
What shall we
drink with dinner? How about a bottle of something _____ and _____?
18.
Susie lost the
game, but admitted that she had been defeated  _____ and _____.
19.
Some people say
that the British film industry is dead, but most people would agree that it's
still _____ and _____.
20.
The company I
work for doesn't have any _____ and _____ rules about what we should wear to
the office, but they like us to look smart.
Idioms and other expressions using parts of
the body

Complete the idioms in bold with a word from the box. Both
sentences in each pair use the same word, although the idiom in each one has a
different meaning. Each idiom is explained in italics at the end of the
sentence. Note that in some cases you will need to use the word from the box in
its plural form.

arm     back     chin
ear     elbow     eye     face     finger     foot     hair     hand     head
heart     leg     lip     neck     nose     shoulder     throat     toe
tongue     tooth

1.
(a) I can't quite
remember the name of the restaurant we went to last night, but it's on the
tip of my _____. (I
know the name of the restaurant, but I can't remember it at this exact moment)
(b)
Helen has a rather sharp _____, especially if you do something to upset
her. (Helen has a
severe and unkind way of talking to people)
2.
(a) You've won
the lottery? I don't believe you! You're pulling my _____. (You are telling me something that is
not true, as a joke)
(b) My new camera cost
me an arm and a _____. (My new camera was very expensive)
3.
(a) Do you want
to speak to me? Well, go ahead: I'm all _____. (I'm listening carefully)
(b)
Dave works really hard, but he's still a bit wet behind the _____. (Dave is a bit young and lacking
knowledge and experience)
4.
(a) I'm sorry,
but your explanation went right over my _____. (I didn't understand your explanation) (b) I made a small mistake, and my
boss bit my _____ off! (My boss reacted in a rude and angry way when there was no
reason)
5.
(a) I've always
wanted to live in Australia. I'd give my right _____ to go out there
right now. (I'd do
anything to go to Australia)
(b)
There are lots of things wrong with the company I work for. I've got a list as
long as my _____. (I've
got a very long list of problems with my company)
6.
(a) We caught the
train by the skin of our _____. (We caught the train, but we nearly missed it) (b) My children are always fighting
_____ and nail. (My children are always fighting and arguing a lot)
7.
(a) Have I done
something to upset Noel? I just said hello to him and he gave me the cold _____.
(Noel treated me in an unfriendly way,
or refused to speak to me)
(b) I can't work properly
with you looking over my _____ all the time. (I can't work properly because you are
always watching me and then criticising my work)
8.
(a) You really put
your _____ in it when you asked Hilary how her husband was: he left
her for another woman last week. (You said something that upset or embarrassed Hilary)
(b) I
was going to ask Sarah to go out with me, but at the last minute I got cold _____.
(I suddenly felt
nervous about doing something that I had planned to do)
9.
(a) I can't stand
Erica. She gets right up my _____. (Erica annoys me a lot)
(b) I offered Bob a job
working in the shop, but he just turned his _____ up at it. (Bob refused to accept the job I
offered him because he didn't think it was good enough)
10.
(a) Mr Jennings
thinks he's a popular teacher, but the children are always making fun of him behind
his _____. (The
children say things about Mr Jennings without him knowing)
(b) I'm trying to work. Get
off my _____! (Stop
criticising me or telling me what to do)

11.
(A) I can't go
out with you tonight. I'm up to my _____ in work. (I've got a lot of work to do) (B) I've just lost the company a
£10,000 order. I'll probably get it in the _____ for that. (I'll probably be criticised or
punished for losing the order)
12.
(A) You're always
working so hard. Why don't you let your _____ down for a change?
(Why don't you relax
and enjoy yourself?)
(B)
I thought Heidi
would be really angry with me for going out with her boyfriend, but to
mysurprise she didn't turn a _____. (Heidi didn't seem surprised or shocked that I went out
with her boyfriend)
13.
(A) Your secret
is safe with me. My _____ are sealed. (I won't tell anyone about your secret) (B) Read my _____: get out,
you're fired! (Listen
very carefully to what I'm saying)
14.
(A) I would love
to help you, but my _____ are tied. (I can't help you because a rule or law
is preventing me)
(B)
I can't see you
at the moment, I'm afraid: my _____ are full. (I'm extremely busy with a difficult
job)
15.
(A) When John
stood up and started singing in the restaurant, it made my _____ curl.
(I was extremely
embarrassed when John started singing)
(B)
I didn't mean to tread
on your _____, but I didn't realise it was your job to answer the phone.
(I didn't mean to offend you by doing
something that you are responsible for)
16.
(A) Could you keep
an _____ on the children while I go to the shops? (Could you look after the children for
a short while?)
(B)
Andy and I get on
very well together, even though we don't always see _____ to _____.
(Andy and I don't
always agree on the same things)
17.
(A) Richard and
Mark were at each other's _____ all through the meeting. (Richard and Mark were arguing in an
angry way)
(B)
Television
channels are always forcing programmes about the environment down our
_____.
(Television channels are always forcing
us to accept programmes about the environment)
18.
(A) Amy has a _____
of gold. (Amy
is a very kind person)
(B)
Brian seems a bit
rude and bad-tempered, but his _____ is in the right place. (Brian tries to be kind and do good
things, even though it does not always seem like this)
19.
(A) Good luck in
the exam. I'll be keeping my ________ crossed for you. (I'll be hoping that things will happen
in the way that you want them to)
(B)
Natalie is
extremely lazy. She won't lift a _____ to help us. (Natalie won't do anything to help us)
20.
(A) When he
slipped on the banana skin, none of us could keep a straight _____. (We couldn't prevent ourselves from
laughing)
(B)
We need to end
the conflict without losing _____. (We need to end the conflict without losing people's
respect by appearing weak or stupid)
21.
(A) I know that
you're having a hard time at the moment, but try to keep your _____ up.
(Try to be brave and
happy, even though you are in a difficult situation)
(B)
I was very
critical of his work, but he took it on the _____. (He accepted something unpleasant in a
brave way without complaining)
22.
(A) Maggie is
upset because her boyfriend gave her the _____ last night. (Maggie's boyfriend told her that he
didn't want to go out with her anymore)
(B)
Could you give me
some _____ room, please? (Could you give me enough space so that I'm comfortable?)
Phrasal verbs, idioms and other expressions
using 'pick'

In the following sentence pairs, complete sentence (b) so that it has the
same or a very similar meaning to sentence (a). In each case, you will need to
use a phrasal verb, idiom or other expression using pick. Use between
two and four words in each sentence.
1.
(a) They spent
ages talking in detail about his faults. (b) They spent ages _______________
his faults.
2.
(a) Sales have
been slow, but we hope they will improve in the summer.
(b)  Sales have been slow, but we hope
they will _______________ in the summer.
3.
(a) I don't speak
German, but I managed to learn a few phrases without intending to when I was in
Munich.
(b)  I don't speak German, but I managed
to _______________ a few phrases when I was in Munich.
4.
(a) We looked
carefully at all the contents of his room looking for evidence. (b) We
_______________ the contents of his room looking for evidence.
5.
(a) The manager
always treats me unfairly or criticises me. (b) The manager always _______________
me.
6.
(a) I wasn't very
hungry, so only ate only small amounts of the meal. (b) I wasn't very hungry,
so only _______________ the meal.
7.
(a) Have you
chosen a dress from your collection to wear to the party? (b) Have you
_______________ a dress to wear to the party?
8.
(a) I couldn't
see her in the huge crowd.
(b)  I couldn't _______________ in the
huge crowd.
9.
(a) We'll send a
car to collect you from the hotel.
(b)  We'll send a car to _______________
the hotel.
10.
(a) The car
suddenly started going faster.
(b)  The car suddenly
_______________.
11.
(a) We've had a
very difficult year, but we're slowly returning to a normal life. (b) We've had
a very difficult year, but we're slowly _______________.
12.
(a) Our company makes
a lot of mobile phones. Chose one from our extensive range.
(b)  Our company makes a lot of mobile
phones. _______________ from our extensive range.
13.
(a) My teacher is
always making my work seem bad by finding all the things that are wrong with
it. (b) My teacher is always _______________ my work.
14.
(a) You've
disagreed with me on everything I've said. Are you trying to start an argument?
(b)  You've disagreed with me on
everything I've said. Are you trying to _______________?
15.
(a) I need some
help buying a new computer and was wondering if I could ask you some questions
so that you can give me the right advice.
(b)  I need some help buying a new
computer and wondering if I could _______________.
16.
(a) When you
invest money, make sure that you choose a company that will perform well.
(b)  When you invest money, make sure that
you _______________.
Phrasal verbs, idioms and other expressions
using 'put'

Use the words in the box to complete the phrasal verbs, idioms and other
expressions using put in this story. You will need to use some of them
more than once.

across
aside     away     behind     down     for     forward     in     into
off     onto out     straight     through     to     together     under
up     with

The company I had been
working for was taken over by a new manager, and we didn't get on very well.
Every suggestion that I put ________ he rejected, he put me ________ a lot of pressure
to work longer hours, and he continually put me ________ in front of the other
employees. The final straw came when he told me to put ________ an exhibition
for a trade fair: I put ________ weeks of work, but he told me that he thought
the final result was "rubbish". He even put the word ________ that I
was lazy and unreliable. I made a great effort to put ________ our differences,
but eventually decided the best thing would be to put ________  ________ a
transfer to another department. When this was refused, I decided I couldn't put
________  ________ it any more, and resigned.
Fortunately I had
managed to put ________ a bit of money (including some that I had put ________
a high-interest deposit account), and so I decided to take a well-deserved holiday.
There were several interesting holiday offers in the newspapers, but I decided
to put ________ choosing one until I found exactly what I wanted. It was a
friend who put me ________ a travel agency that specialised in walking holidays
in interesting parts of the world. I checked their website, found a holiday
that I wanted and put ________ a £200 deposit, followed by the balance
three weeks later. When the tickets didn't arrive, I tried calling their
telephone helpline, but was continually put
________  ________ a
recorded announcement. After several attempts to phone them, I put pen ________
paper and wrote them a letter (I'm always much better at putting myself
________ in writing than I am at speaking). I was naturally put ________ when I
didn't get a reply, so I visited the agency in their London offices. The
manager saw me personally and I put my situation ________ him, explaining that
I either wanted my tickets or my money back. He tried to put me ________ by
saying that there was no record of my booking, but I put him ________ by
showing him the transaction record on my credit card account. I then put my
foot ________ and insisted he return my money. To my shock he called me a liar
and told a security guard to remove me from the building. That was when I lost
my temper. I went to my car, started the engine, put the car ________ gear, put
my foot ________, and smashed the car through the agency's window.
And that, your honour,
ladies and gentlemen of the jury, is my story. I hope you will take into
account my feelings and emotions at the time. I just want to put it all
________ me. Please don't put me ________!
Idiomatic and colloquial responses

These exercises contain a lot of spoken expressions (some of them are
formal, but most of them are informal) that we use in response to things that
people say. For example, if somebody says "How did you know that I've
been offered that job in London?", you might reply "A little
bird told me." (which means that you are not going to say who told
you).
Exercise 1: Match the sentences 1 – 25 with the most suitable response
from the box at the bottom of the page. Use each response once only.
1.
Goodbye. See you
next week.
2.
I forgot my
wife's birthday.
3.
My wife and I are
celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary tonight.
4.
Who was that man
I saw you with last night?
5.
I waited for the
bus for half an hour, then three came along at once. 6.              I've just
eaten six hot dogs and now I've got a terrible stomach ache.
7.
If you look at my
girlfriend again, I'll kill you!
8.
Thanks for
inviting me to dinner.
9.
I'm brilliant! My
teacher says I'm the best student in her class.
10.
Have a nice
weekend.
11.
What shall we
have for dinner?
12.
Please don't tell
anyone my secret.
13.
I'm tired. I'm
going to bed.
14.
I'm going to
spend the weekend sitting in front of the television.
15.
These chocolates
look delicious.
16.
Have you had
enough to eat?
17.
I can't come to
your party.
18.
I've just won
£10,000!
19.
I've got some
amazing news.
20.
By the time I'm
30, I'll be a millionaire and married to a supermodel.
21.
I've heard that
you're going to give me a surprise party for my birthday.
22.
Acchhhooooooo!
23.
Men are much more
intelligent than women.
24.
Come on, let's go
or we'll be late.
25.
What are you
going to get me for my birthday?

(A)
  Get a life!

(B)
  Hands off!
(C)
  I'm absolutely
  stuffed!
(D)
  Oh no, who let
  the cat out of the bag?
(E)
  Night night,
  sweet dreams.
(F)
  What complete
  rubbish!
(G)
  Oh yes, you and
  whose army?
(H)
  No way! You're
  pulling my leg!
(I)
  Stop blowing
  your own trumpet!
(J)
  Same to
  you.
(K)
  Never you mind.
  Wait and see!
(L)
  Hang on, give
  me a moment.
(M)
  Bless you!

(N)
  Oh dear, so
  you're in the doghouse again?
(O)
  I could murder
  a curry.
(P)
  Mind your own
  business!
(Q)
  How
  typical!
(R)
  Yes, cheerio,
  take care.
(S)
  Fire away, I'm
  all ears.
(T)
  In your
  dreams!
(U)
  That'll teach
  you.
(V)
  Oh, what a
  shame.
(W)
  You're welcome.
  Come in and make yourself athome.
(X)
  Don't worry, my
  lips are sealed.     (Y) Oh, congratulations

Exercise 2: Choose the correct word in bold to complete the
responses in these dialogues. In one of them, all three options are possible.
1.
"I'm feeling
a bit miserable at the moment."
"Jeer / Cheer / Sneer up!"
2.
"Can we have
your decision?"
"Um,
let me dream / think / sleep on it."
3.
"I, er, um,
well, you know, I, er, the thing is, you see, well…"
"Come
on, spit / cough / blow it out!"
4.
"I,
er……………………………."
"What's
the matter? Has the cat got your tongue / lips / teeth?"
5.
"Come on
darling, give me a great big kiss and then have a dance with me!"
"Go
and take a running leap / jump / fall!"
6.
"I'm taking
my IELTS exam tomorrow."
"Good
luck. I'll be keeping my toes / fingers / legs crossed for
you."
7.
"Can I
borrow your mobile to make a quick call?"
"Sure.
Be my host / friend / guest."
8.
"It's my
birthday today."
"Is
it? Oh, well, many happy reruns / returns / repeats."
9.
"Could I use
your car tonight?"
"I'd
prefer / wish / rather you didn't"
10.
"I promise
not to be late from now on."
"Yeah
right, that'll be the day / week / month!"
11.
"My
girlfriend left me last week."
"Oh
dear, so you're on the fence / wall / shelf again."

12.
"Do you know
Patrick Hartley?"
"No,
the name doesn't ring any phones / bells / changes"
13.
"I'm the
boss here, and you will do what I say!"
"Stop
throwing your weight / body / head around!"
14.
"I'm afraid
I've run out of coffee. I can only offer you tea." "That's all right.
Any harbour / dock / port in a storm.
15.
"I'm sorry,
but I forgot to do my homework again."
"Again?
It's time you pulled your trousers / socks / pants up,
young man."
16.
"I'm under
too much pressure at college."
"Well,
if you can't stand the heat, get out of the fire / oven / kitchen."
17.
"I failed my
driving test again."
"Oh,
hard / bad / tough luck!"
18.
"What's the
name of that restaurant we went to last week?"
"It's
on the tip of my tongue / finger / nose. I'll remember it
in a minute."
19.
"Have you
ever been to hospital?"
"No,
touch cloth / paper / wood."
20.
"Excuse me,
could you take our picture?"
"Sure,
give me your camera. OK, say chips / cheese / cheers everyone!"
Idioms and other expressions that rhyme or
alliterate

There are lots of English idioms and expressions in which the words alliterate
or rhyme. When two or more words that make an idiom or expression alliterate,
they begin with the same letter or letters (for example, double Dutch).
When two or more words that make an idiom or other expression rhyme,
they end with the same sound as each other (for example, higgledy-piggledy).

In dialogues 1 – 30 below, you will see the first letter of each of the
main words from a rhyming or alliterative expression. The rest of the
expression is in the table. Complete the sentences with these.

…eebie …eebies

…reepy …rawly

…itter …atter

…hick …hin

…ear …ear

…ull …ishwater

…ancy …ree

…ead …eels

…illy …illy

…ocus …ocus

…oity …oity

…old …orses

…unky …ory

…hilly …hally

…ven …tevens

…ittle …attle

…lap …rap

…hort …hrift

…oi …olloi

…ouble …utch

…ishy …ashy

…one …usted

…ook …rook

…ie …ky

…hyme …eason

…iggledy …iggledy

…o …um

…hock …lock

…urly …urly

…ager …outs

1.
"Hi, Liz.
How are things?"
"Oh,
the family's fine, work's good, everything's h_____ d_____."
2.
"Did you
understand what the manager's speech was about?"
"No,
not a word. It was all d_____ D_____."
3.
"There's a
rumour that Mrs White has left her husband for a man half her age!"
"Hmm,
I wouldn't listen to t_____-t_____ if I were you."
4.
"Why did you
get involved in their argument?"
"I
didn't intend to, but I got drawn into it w_____-n_____."
5.
"Can we go
home yet?"
"No,
there's still some work to do, but as soon as everything's d_____ and
d_____ we can leave."
6.
"Have the
children tidied their bedrooms?"
"Well,
sort of, but everything's still a bit h_____-p_____."
7.
"Do you
think his plan will work?"
"Not
really. His ideas are good in theory, but in reality they're just p_____
in the s_____."
8.
"Did you
manage to get a seat on the train?"
"No,
it was c_____-a-b_____ with commuters, so I had to stand."
9.
"It's the
middle of the night. What's that strange noise outside?"
"I've
no idea, but it's giving me the h_____-j_____."
10.
"It's really
peaceful here, isn't it? No cars going by, no aeroplanes flying over."
"It
certainly is. Nothing but the p_____-p_____ of rain on the window."
11.
"Come on,
let's go or we'll be late."
"H_____
your h_____. I'm not quite ready yet."
12.
"Do you
think it's time we got a new computer?"
"I
think so. The one we've got now is really showing signs of w_____ and
t_____."
13.
"The city
centre is terrible on a Friday and Saturday night."
"I
agree. The place is full of l_____ l_____, causing trouble and
starting fights."
14.
"I thought
you were going to have a bath."
"I
was, but there's a big c_____-c_____ in the bathtub!"
15.
"Do you think
we'll get the contract?"
"We
certainly will, by h_____ or by c_____."
16.
"What do you
think of our new teacher?"
"Well,
he's good at explaining things, but he's as d_____ as d_____."
17.
"How long
have Mr and Mrs McCall been married?"
"Fifty
years. They've stayed with other through t_____ and t_____."
18.
"Nigel
always talks down to me and acts like he's better than me."
"Don't
worry. He's very h_____-t_____ with everyone. It's just his
way."
19.
"Have you
got a girlfriend?"
"Not
at the moment. I'm footloose and f_____ f_____!"
20.
"Shall we go
somewhere this weekend?"
"Good
idea. Let's get out into the countryside, away from the h_____-b_____
of the city."
21.
"I'm not
ready to decide yet. Can I sleep on it?"
"Yes,
but don't s_____-s_____: there are several more people who are
interested in the job."
22.
"The new
manager's nice, isn't he?"
"Yes,
but he seems a bit w_____-w_____."
23.
"Do you
agree that men are more intelligent than women?"
"No,
I don't. I've never heard such c_____-t_____!"
24.
"Sandra
seems to be in a world of her own at the moment, doesn't she?"
"Yes,
well, she's fallen h_____ over h_____ for that new accountant on
the third floor."
25.
"Marissa
thinks she can communicate with dead people."
"Yes,
she's told me, but I don't believe in any of that h_____-p_____."
26.
"Was the
film as good as everyone says?"
"Not
really. In fact I thought it was very h_____-h_____."
27.
"When I fly,
I prefer to go business class."
"Me
too. I don't like mixing with the h_____-p_____ in economy
class."
28.
"Do you think
I should ask Mr Searle if I can take Monday off work?"
"Well,
you can try, but I think he'll give you very s_____ s_____."
29.
"Who do you
think will win the match?"
"Well,
it's e_____ S_____ at the moment, so it could go either
way."
30.
"Do you know
why she left the company without giving any notice?"
"No,
there was no r_____ or r_____ for her sudden departure."
Phrasal verbs, idioms and other expressions
using 'run'

Exercise 1: The 'prompt' sentences on the left all have a 'follow-on' sentence
which is divided into two parts, in the middle and on the right. Match the
prompt sentences with the two parts of the follow-on sentences, and complete
these follow-on sentences with a phrasal verb using 'run' and a particle or
particles from the box. Make sure you use the correct form of the verb.

across     around     away     by     down     from
into     off     on     out     over
through     to     up     with

Prompt sentence

Follow-on sentence part 1

Follow-on sentence part 2

(1)
  I'm not very
  happy with thepeople I work with.
(2)
  I saw Janine for
  the first timein years today.
(3)
  Look at this
  wonderful vase Ifound.
(4)
  I've always been
  a veryindependent person.
(5)
  I am absolutely
  exhausted.
(6)
  I really want to
  discuss myideas for the company with someone.
(7)
  We need enough
  agendas foreveryone coming to the conference.
(8)
  Last winter was
  particularlycold.
(9)
  I really must
  deal with theseaccounts.
(10)
  I've got a lot
  to do at worktoday.
(11)
  I'm having a
  lovely holiday inItaly, and I really don't want to leave.
(12)
  I've got one leg
  slightlylonger than the other.
(13)
  I think that
  everyone's here.
(14)
  I had a small
  accident in mycar last month.
(15)
  I need a bit of
  romance andadventure in my life.

I _____  _____ a huge heating bill…
I hope the morning meeting doesn't _____  _____...
It's been like that ever since I was _____  _____...
I've been _____  _____ at work…
I'll just _____  _____ the names on
  my list…
I suppose that when my money _____  _____...
I couldn't believe it when the bill
  for repairs _____  _____...
I was wondering if I could _____
  them _____ you…
Perhaps I should just _____  _____
  _____...
If I _____  _____...
I _____  _____ her…
It began when I tried to _____ _____  _____ home…
I _____  _____ it…
I guess I'm a bit fed up with them
  _____ me _____...
I've been _____  _____  _____
them…

…I'll have
  to come home.
…crossing a pedestrian crossing as a child.
…150 copies, that should be enough.
…as a
  result.
…all day.
…the first man who catches my eye!
…to make
  sure.
…in an
  antique shop in Brighton.
…all day
  without a break.
…all the
  time.
…when I
  was 10 years old.
…for too
  long.
…in a
  café on the High Street.
…some time
  this morning?
…almost £1000.

Exercise 2: The idioms and other expressions in bold in
sentences 1 – 17 can all be completed with a word from the box. These words can
be found by reading from left to right () and from right to left (), following
the direction of the arrows. The meaning of each idiom / expression is
explained in italics at the end of each sentence. Note that the words in
the box are not in the same order as the sentences.

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1.
If you tell her
the truth, you run the _____ of making her angry. (to do something that may have a bad
result)
2.
I've been working
hard all day, and I'm beginning to run out of _____. (to become too tired to finish
something)
3.
Derek's had
several run-_____ with the management recently. (arguments)
4.
I should call a
doctor. Jamie's running a very high _____. (to be very hot because you are ill)
5.
I must hurry. I'm
running a bit _____ this morning. (doing things or arriving in places later than planned)
6.
I think that
you're being too ambitious. You shouldn't try to run before you can _____.
(to try to achieve
something very difficult immediately, without first doing more basic things)
7.
Outside teaching
hours the classrooms are shut and locked, but students have _____ run
of the library, the computer room, the restaurant and the gardens. (to be allowed to go anywhere in a place
and do what you want)
8.
Would you mind running
your _____ over this report? (to look at or read something very quickly)
9.
If you asked Susan
for date, she would probably run a _____. (an informal expression which means that
someone would try to avoid a situation because he / she is frightened or
embarrassed)
10.
I wish you would
stop trying to run my _____! (to keep telling someone what they should do in a way that is
annoying)
11.
Things are
becoming difficult at work. Perhaps I should _____ and run. (to get out of a situation when it
becomes too difficult or unpleasant)
12.
I've been running
the company for forty years and I've had a good run for my _____, but
now it's time to retire. (to have a long period of time when you are successful or happy)
13.
I've been feeling
a bit run-_____ recently. (so tired that you do not feel well)
14.
Sampera was
confident at the beginning of the game, but Waterman has won all the sets and
is running _____ around him. (to do something much better than someone else)
15.
They aren't very
good parents. They let their children run _____ all the time. (to behave in an uncontrolled way)
16.
Liverpool are
playing a fantastic match, and with the half-time score at 3–0, Spurs are running
_____. (to be worried because you know that
your opponent is very good or strong)
17.
As the match
enters its final minutes, feelings are running _____ at the Spurs end. (many people are angry or upset)
Phrasal verbs, idioms and other expressions
using 'set'

Look at the definitions for each phrasal verb and idiom in bold and
decide if they are TRUE or FALSE.
1.
If something sets
people against each other, it encourages them to work together.
2.
If your plans are
set back, this means that their progress has been delayed.
3.
If you set
down something in writing, you write something on a piece of paper so that
it will not be forgotten and can be looked at later.
4.
If you have just set
off on a trip, you have just finished it.
5.
If someone sets
you up, they have arranged a situation so that you are blamed,
especially if it is something illegal.
6.
If you set up a
company, you have closed a company down because of, for example, financial
difficulties.
7.
If something sets
off an alarm, it stops the alarm from working properly.
8.
If something you
buy sets you back a lot, it has cost you very little money.
9.
If you set
aside some money, you spend it quickly, usually on something that you do
not need.
10.
If something such
as bad weather sets in, it starts to happen and is not likely to stop
for a long time.
11.
If you set someone
straight or right, you tell them the right way to do something,
or you correct them on a mistake they have made.
12.
If you have
your heart set on something, you are very angry and want to get revenge.
13.
If you set up
home, you lose your home and become homeless.
14.
If you are set
up for life, you do not have enough money to live on.
15.
If one action sets
the stage for a second action, it prevents that action from taking place.
16.
If you are set
against or dead set against something, you are in favour of it or
want it.
17.
Someone who is set
in his / her ways is not willing to change his / her opinion or way of
doing things.
18.
If you have a set-to
with someone, you enjoy a drink or a meal with them.
19.
If someone sets
the cat among the pigeons, they have an idea that everyone tries to copy.
20.
If a noise sets
your teeth on edge, it is so unpleasant that you cannot listen to it.
21.
If someone sets
the ball rolling, they stop working and do something else.
22.
If someone tells
you to set your (own) house in order, they are telling you to apologise
to someone for something that you have said or done.

Phrasal verbs, idioms and other expressions
using 'take'

Complete the phrasal verbs, idioms and other expressions in italics below.
You will need one or two words to complete each one. Use your answers to fill
in the crossword grid on the next page. When two words are needed, there will
be no gaps between the words in the crossword grid.
Across (  )
1.                 How many teams are taking _____ in the
competition? (to be
involved in an activity with other people)
5. Jim's taken _____  _____ a crowd of boys who have a bad
reputation with the police. (to become friendly with someone, especially someone who could have a bad
influence on you. You
need two words here)
7.
Can you take _____
the cooking while I walk the dog? (to begin to do something that someone else was doing)
8.
I'm not sure how
much of my explanation she took _____. (to understand and remember something
that you hear or read)
11.
Could you take
me _____ the rules again, please? (to explain to someone in detail how something should be done,
what something is about, etc)
12.
Don't worry, I'm
only taking the _____. (informal – to say something to try and make someone or
something look silly, especially in a friendly way. Clue: the word you need is also the
name of a famous cartoon character!)
14.               Mr Dimech can be really rude to people at times. Just take
no _____ of him. (to ignore someone)
16.                You should take anything he says with a
pinch of _____. (to
doubt the truth or value of something)
18.
Playing tennis in
this heat really takes it _____  _____ you. (to need a lot of effort and make you
feel very tired. You
need two words here)
19.
I've decided to take
you _____  _____ your offer of a job. (to accept an offer or invitation. You need two words here)
22.
Joe takes _____
his father. (to look
or behave like an older relative)
23.
I didn't mean
what I said. I take it _____. (informal – to admit that something you said to or about
someone was wrong)
25.
Sales of the new
computer took _____ after the television commercial. (to become successful or popular fast)
26.
You want my
report by this afternoon? That's going to take a bit of _____. (to need a lot of effort, skill or
determination)
Down (  )
2.
Life isn't always
perfect. Sometimes you have to take the _____ with the smooth. (a spoken expression which means that
bad things happen as well as good things, and you have to accept them)
3.
If you say I've
got a big nose again, I'll take you to the _____! (informal – to fight and defeat someone
completely, or to get a lot of money from someone, either in a dishonest way or
through a legal process)
4.
She's said a few
stupid things today, but her latest comment really takes the _____. (to be the most silly, stupid or
annoying thing in a series of things)
6.
Tracey is always following me around everywhere. I wish she would take a _____
and leave me alone. (understand
what someone wants you to do, even though they do not say it directly)

9.
I can't come out
with you tonight, but I'll take a _____ check. (used for saying that you can't accept
an offer now, but that you may accept it later)
10.
My new neighbour
is very strange. Oh well, it takes all _____, I suppose. (a spoken expression used for saying
that you find someone's behaviour surprising or strange)
       13.             We're not taking _____ any new staff
at the moment. (to
start to employ someone)
15.          Whenever
he's in a bad mood, he takes it _____  _____ me. (to make someone suffer because you are
angry, upset, etc. You
need two words here)
17.          Everybody
said how nice she was, but I never really took _____ her. (to start liking someone or something)
19.
She decided to take
_____ photography as a hobby. (to start doing something regularly as a habit, job or
interest)
20.
I'm taking the
day _____ next Monday. (to have a particular amount of time away from work)
21.
Alan is selfish,
and takes me for _____. (to expect someone to always be there and do things for you,
even when you do not show that you are grateful)
22.
I was taken _____
at his sudden departure. (to be very surprised)
       24.              The police took _____ our names and
addresses. (to write
down information or a statement)

Idioms and other
expressions using 'time'

Match the first part of each sentence on the left with its second part on
the right, using the idioms in bold to help you.

1.
  We've got a lot
  to do today. I'm afraid we'll beracing…
2.
  I'm very busy
  at the moment, but I'll try to make…
3.
  Once upon…
4.
  Don is a really
  nice man. I have a lot of…
5.
  Susanna is so
  old-fashioned. She seems to be living in
a…
6.
  I would love a
  holiday, but I never seem to find…
7.
  We thought we
  would be late, but we arrived with…
8.
  Shall we start
  now? After all, there's no…
9.
  At last, here
  comes our bus. About…
10.
  Chris is
  sometimes late, but nine…
11.
  We really need
  to hurry. There's no…
12.
  I don't want to
  make a decision now; I'll decide
when…
13.
  I don't know if
  we will be successful; only…
14.
  I must have
  told you…
15.
  I'm not really
  watching this film; I'm just killing…
16.
  If the company
  is going to compete successfully, wewill need to move with…
17.
  I've never had
  Japanese food before, but there's a first…
18.
  I don't believe
  it. It's already 4 o'clock. Doesn't…
19.
  If we don't win
  this time, we will the second…
20.
  Picasso was a
  remarkable artist who was years ahead of…
21.
  Winters here
  are generally cold and grey, but from…
22.
  I'm thinking of
  changing jobs in the future, but I'llcontinue working here for the…
23.
  This isn't a
  sudden decision. I've been thinking ofmoving for some…
24.
  I would love to
  stop for a chat, but I'm a bit
pressed…
25.
  My students
  just aren't interested in their lessons.They don't even listen to me half…

(a)
  … time warp.
(b)
  … times out
  of ten she's punctual.
(c)
  … time for
  everything, I suppose.
(d)
  … the time
  comes.
(e)
  … time,
  too.
(f)
  … the time.

(g)
  … for time.
(h)
  … time being.
(i)
  … time to
  time it can be glorious.
(j)
  … time fly
  when you're having fun!
(k)
  … time will
  tell.
(l)
  … the times.
(m)
  … time now.
(n)
  … time
  around.
(o)
  … his time.
(p)
  … against
  time to get everything finished.
(q)
  … time to
  spare.
(r)
  … time for him.
(s)
  … time and
  time again to arrive earlier.
(t)
  … time until
  my friends arrive.
(u)
  … the time to
  see you later.
(v)
  … time to
  lose.
(w)
  … a time there
  lived a handsome prince.
(x)
  … the time for
  one.
(y)
  … time like
  the present.

Idioms
and other expressions used for talking about travel and holidays

Complete each idiom in bold with an appropriate word from A, B or
C. Each idiom is explained in italics after each sentence.
1.
We stayed in a
wonderful hotel just a ________ throw from the beach. (very near to)
A.
rock's                B. stone's              C. pebble's
2.
The motorway is
the quickest way of getting from Paris to Marseilles, but many drivers prefer
to take the slower ________ route. (a road that goes through an area of natural beauty,
such as mountains, countryside, etc)
A.
pretty               B. picturesque     C. scenic
3.
He's always going
on holiday to interesting and exciting places. He's such a globe-________.
(somebody who travels a lot)
A.
runner              B. hopper             C. trotter
4.
Thanks to
________ budget airlines, it is now possible to get a cheap flight to most
European destinations. (very cheap)
A.
cut-price          B. cut-throat        C. cut-and-run
5.
The hotel used to
be the best one on the island, but since a new manager took over last year it's
gone to the ________. (declined in quality: it was good, but now it's bad)
A.
pigs   B. dogs   C. cats
6.
This hotel is
dirty and uncomfortable. It's a real ________! (a dirty, uncomfortable and, usually,
cheap hotel)
A.
doghouse         B. fleapit               C. henhouse
7.
If you miss the
last bus, you should take a taxi back to the hotel: don't try to ________ a
lift.
(hitch-hike)
A.
thumb              B. finger C. hand
8.
I don't like
staying in busy resorts. I prefer to go somewhere that's off the ________
track. (away
from popular areas)
A.
beaten             B. well-walked     C. tramped
9.
The resort was in
the middle of ________, so there was nothing interesting to see or do. (isolated from any towns, villages, etc)
A.
everywhere    B. somewhere     C. nowhere
10.
The brochure said
that our hotel was in a peaceful location. It really meant that the hotel was in
the
________ of
beyond. (very
remote, a long way from other buildings, people, etc)
A.
front B. middle              C. back
11.
Local restaurants
are very cheap, so you won't ________ the bank by eating out every
night. (spend a lot of
money)
A.
rob    B. bankrupt          C. break
12.
I travel a lot on
business, so I seem to spend most of my life living out of a ________. (to be away from home a lot)
A.
bag    B. suitcase             C. rucksack
13.
The barman tried
to ________-change me: the drink cost £2, I gave him £5 and
he only  gave me
£2
back. (to cheat
someone by not giving him the correct money in change)
A.
small B. short  C. little
14.
I hadn't been
anywhere for years, and then suddenly I got ________ feet and decided to
do some travelling. (a
desire to travel and see different places)
A.
itchy  B. scratchy            C. tickly

15.
I always try to travel
________ when I go on holiday. I usually just take a very small suitcase
and nothing else. (to
take very little luggage with you when you travel)
A.
light  B. gentle               C. easy
16.
When I arrive in
a foreign city, I can't wait to ________ the sights. (to go sightseeing)
A.
run    B. play    C. do
17.
One of the
biggest problems anyone faces when they travel abroad is culture ________.
(confusion or anxiety
that travellers experience when visiting a different country)
A.
surprise            B. shock C. daze
18.
Some tourists are
never happy. They like to pick ________ in everything. (complain, usually about small,
unimportant things)
A.
gaps  B. cracks                C. holes
19.
The Lighthouse
Hotel in Sri Lanka is out of this ________. (very good)
A.
world                B. planet               C. earth
20.
The staff at the
hotel I stayed in went out of their ________ to make sure I had a
pleasant stay.
(did everything possible)
A.
heads                B. way    C. jobs
21.
Applying for a
visa often involves dealing with a lot of ________ tape. (bureaucracy)
A.
blue  B. white C. red
22.
Don't eat in that
restaurant. It looks nice from the outside, but it's a real tourist ________.
(a place that is in a
good location to attract tourists, but is overpriced and generally provides
poor service)
A.
pit     B. trap    C. trick
23.
When you're on
holiday and want a good meal, it's a good idea to choose a restaurant that's
popular with the ________. (the people who live in a place that you are visiting)
A.
natives             B. savages             C. originals
24.
Last year we went
on a ________-stop tour of Europe: we did seven capital cities in seven
days!
(visiting a lot of places in a short
period of time)
A.
flute  B. whistle              C. recorder
25.
My flight from
London to Singapore went round the ________: we stopped over in Dubai,
Karachi, Colombo and Kuala Lumpur. (to go to a lot of places before reaching your destination)
A.
houses              B. buildings           C. apartments
26.
We arrived in
Singapore at an unearthly ________. (very late at night / very early in the morning)
A.
moment          B. minute             C. hour
27.
Don't go into
that bar. It's a ________ joint. (a place where men go to try to meet women)
A.
pick-up             B. put-down         C. chat-up
28.
Tonight's the
last night of our holiday. Let's go out and paint the town ________! (go out and have a good time)
A.
pink   B. purple               C. red
29.
Several people
recommended the hotel to me, but unfortunately it fell ________ of my
expectations. (not
as good as you expected)
A.
short B. small  C. flat
30.
When you choose a
holiday from a brochure, you should always read between the ________:
for example, if it describes your resort as 'lively', it usually means 'noisy'.
(to guess something
that is not expressed directly)
A.
words               B. paragraphs       C. lines
Phrasal verbs, idioms and other expressions
using 'turn'

Exercise 1: Look at the dictionary definitions of phrasal verbs that
use turn, and decide which particle or particles (around, back,
on, etc) can be used to complete them.
1.
(a) To tell the
police about someone or take them to the police because they have committed a
crime ("His own brother turned him _____").
(b)  Informal – to go to bed at night
("It's getting late. I think I'll turn _____")
2.
(a) To develop in
a particular way or have a particular result ("I was disappointed with
the way things turned _____").
(b)  To produce something in large
quantities ("The company plans to turn _____ 2000 cars a month").

(c)   To force someone to leave a place,
especially their home ("Our landlord turned us _____ without any
warning")
3.
(a) To ask
someone for help when you are having a problem dealing with a situation (
"He turned _____ his father for some money to pay his rent").
(b)  To start thinking about or discussing
something ("All right, let's turn _____ more important matters now")
4.
(a) To start
using a piece of equipment by pressing a button or moving a switch ("Is
your computer turned _____?").
(b)  To make a sudden and unexpected attack
on someone using violence or angry words ("I was shocked when he
suddenly turned _____ me")
5.
(a) To give
someone or something to someone who has a position of authority ("I
turned _____ the money I had found to the police").
(b)  To stop watching one television
channel and start watching another ("This programme is boring.
Let's turn _____").
(c)   To think carefully about all the
details of something ("He began to turn _____ the plan in his mind")
6.
(a) To stop being
unsuccessful and start being successful, or make something do this ("The
loan will help us to turn the company _____").
(b)  To complete a piece of work, process
or activity within a particular time("We can produce quality work and
turn it _____ very quickly")
7.
(a) To increase
the amount of sound, light, etc, produced by a piece of equipment ("I
can't hear the radio. Can you turn it _____?").
(b)  To come somewhere unexpectedly or
without making a firm arrangement ("You don't need to reserve a table:
just turn _____").
(c)   To be found, especially by accident,
after being lost ("My car keys turned _____ in the kitchen cupboard!")
8.
To refuse to let
someone come into a place ( "The restaurant was full, and a lot of
customers had to be turned _____")
9.
To stop liking or
supporting someone or something and start opposing them ("The workers
turned
_____ the management when their wages
were reduced")
10.
(a) To stop using
a piece of equipment by pressing a button or moving a switch ("Will you
turn the television _____, please?").
(b)  To leave the road you are travelling
along in order to go along another one that leads away fromit ("If
you're coming from London, you'll need to turn _____ the motorway before you
get to Oxford").
(c)   To make someone feel bored or no
longer interested in something ("His policies could turn _____ a lot of
voters")
11.
(a) To return the
same way that you came instead of continuing on your journey, or make someone
do this ("Bad weather forced them to turn _____").
(b)  To return to a previous situation or
condition ("I've come too far to turn _____ now")
12.
(a) To refuse to
accept an offer or request ("I don't believe he turned _____ my offer
of help!"). (b) To reduce the amount of sound, heat or light produced
by a piece of equipment by pressing a button or moving a switch ("Can
you turn the music _____ a bit, please?")

Exercise 2: Match the sentences on the left with a suitable response on
the right, using the idioms and other expressions in bold to help you.

(1)
  "If you
  scratch my back, I'll scratch yours."
(2)
  "Your work
  hasn't been very good recently."
(3)
  "I have to
  leave early today."
(4)
  "You're
  very good looking."
(5)
  "Don't
  worry about your children, MrsJackson. They'll probably come home soon
  enough."
(6)
  "Mrs
  Ranscombe hasn't got any idea how torun this company."
(7)
  "Your living
  room is a real mess!"
(8)
  "I've done
  everything I can to help you, but Ifeel I've done enough."
(9)
  "I've been
  unemployed for six months, but I'vegot two job interviews next week."
(10)
  "For
  almost two years we didn't get a payrise, and then our salaries were almost
  doubled!" (11) "How do you like your steak cooked?"
(12)
  "For years
  he always made more sales thanme, but last year I exceeded his sales by
  almost
50%."
(13)
  "I'm
  really sorry to hear that your boyfriendleft you for someone else."
(14)
  "Boo!
  Surprise! It's me!"
(15)
  "I don't
  like this. It tastes horrible."
(16)
  "I've
  heard that a rock group have recorded aheavy metal version of Mozart's Marriage
  of Figaro."
(17)
  "I'm
  really fed up with my job. It's soboring."
(18)
  "Were you
  frightened when the man pulledout the knife?"

(a)
  "That's
  good. Perhaps your luck is on the turn."
(b)
  "Well,
  it's not really allowed, but just this onceI'll turn a blind eye."
(c)
  "Done
  to a turn, but not burnt to a crisp."
(d)
  "Don't do
  that! You gave me a right turn!"
(e)
  "I know.
  I've been turning the place upside down looking for my car keys."
(f)
  "Well
  done. It must feel good to turn the tables on someone like that."
(g)
  "Good
  lord! He must be turning in his grave!"
(h)
  "I know. I
  promise to turn over a new leaf from now on."
(i)
  "But you
  can't just turn your back on me like this!"
(j)
  "But I'm
  at my wits' end, constable. I don't know which way to turn."
(k)
  "Don't be
  silly. It's healthy and filling, and youshouldn't turn your nose up at
  it."
(l)
  "Well,
  that's a turn-up for the books, isn't it?"
(m)
  "I don't
  think you should talk out of turn like that."
(n)
  "Sure. One
  good turn deserves another."
(o)
  "Yes, the
  rat! I feel like my whole world has been turned upside down."
(p)
  "Oh, I'm
  not so sure. I certainly wouldn't turn any heads."
(q)
  "I should
  have been, but I didn't turn a hair."
(r)
  "Well, why
  don't you try turning your hand to something a bit more
  challenging?"

Idioms
and other expressions that use words connected with the weather

As you might expect, a country with changeable weather like the United
Kingdom has a lot of idioms that use weather words. In sentences 1 – 24,
complete the first part of each idiom or expression in bold with its
second part from the box.

…as rain     …but it pours     …cloud nine
…disposition     …for a rainy day     …in a fog
…in a storm     …in a teacup     …my thunder     …of
criticism     …or shine     …parade
…rain check     …reception     …red mist     …..snowed
…the driven snow     … like the wind …the wind blows     …thunder     …wind
of     …wind out of my sails    …wind up     …your judgement

1.
The Education
Minister's speech to the teachers got a frosty __________.
2.
I can't think
properly. I'm tired, and my mind is __________.
3.
I usually spend
most of my salary, but I always try to save something __________.
4.
I'm sorry you
don't feel very well. Why don't you go to bed, and I'm sure you'll be right __________
in the morning.
5.
She's always
happy, friendly and smiling: she has a really sunny __________.
6.
I can't join you
for lunch today. I'm absolutely __________ under with work.
7.
I would avoid the
boss if I were you: he's got a face like __________.
8.
Your train leaves
in one minute. You'll have to run __________ if you want to catch it.
9.
I know that
you're angry and upset, but don't let your emotions cloud __________.
10.
I told Bill about
my ideas for improving the company, then he told them to the boss and said they
were his ideas. I can't believe he stole __________ like that!
11.
I'm usually
fairly calm and relaxed, but when someone intentionally scratched my car with
their keys, I got the __________.
12.
I thought my idea
to improve sales was fantastic until my manager told me it would never work. As
you can imagine, that took the __________.
13.
Elaine has been on
__________ ever since she got the promotion that she wanted.
14.
What a morning! I
got a parking ticket, then someone drove into my car in the supermarket car
park, and to top it all I ran out of petrol. I guess it never rains __________.
15.
I would love to
go for a drink, but I'm a bit busy. Can I take a __________?
16.
She thinks she's as
pure as __________, but she's no better than the rest of us.
17.
"We haven't
got any tea. Would you like coffee instead?" "I suppose so. Any
port __________".
18.
"Do you
think we should employ more staff?" "I'm not sure. Let's see which
way __________ in the next few weeks".
19.
"Are you
coming to the match with us on Saturday?" "Oh yes, we wouldn't miss
it for anything. We'll be there come rain __________.
20.
The shop refused
to refund my money, so I told them that I would take them to court. That put
the ___________ them!
21.
Everybody was
getting angry and upset about nothing. It was just a storm __________.
22.
He tried to keep
his plans secret, but we soon got __________ them.
23.
Her suggestions
were met with a hail __________.
24.
Her suggestions
were excellent, and it was wrong of you to rain on her __________.
Idioms and other expressions used for talking
about work

Exercise 1: Choose the best definition, (a) or (b), to explain the
idiom or other expression in bold in these sentences.
1.
Sue has always
been a high-flier.
(a)
Someone who
has achieved a lot and is determined to continue being successful. (b) Someone in a company who
thinks they are more important than other people.
2.
I hate carrying
the can for people in my department.
(a)
Taking
instructions from people and doing what they tell you to do.
(b)
Being the
person who is considered responsible for something that has gone wrong.
3.
My boss is such a
slave driver!
(a)
Someone who
never has his / her own ideas, and so steals other people's. (b) Someone who makes his / her
employees work very hard for long hours.
4.
This job can be
difficult at times, but just go with the flow. (a) Work as hard as
you can for as long as you can.
(b) Do what seems like the easiest thing in a
particular situation.
5.
You want 2000
items delivered by Monday? That's a tall order.
(a)
Something very
difficult that someone expects you to do.
(b)
Something
which happens very suddenly, especially when you don't expect it.
6.
This company has
a long history of employing movers and shakers. (a) People who are
powerful or have a lot of influence.
(b) People who work for a company for a very short
time, then leave.
7.
You've got a
choice: you can shape up or ship out!
(a)
Do a simple
job and receive low pay, or do a more difficult job and get more pay. (b) Improve your work and
behaviour, or leave the company.
8.
Friday is dress
down day in our department.
(a)
A day when
employees wear what they like to work.
(b)
A day when
each employee's work and performance during the week is assessed by his / her
boss.
9.
Our boss always
gives us a lot of ear candy, although we would rather have a pay rise
instead.
(a)
Kind words
that praise and encourage an employee.
(b)
Small gifts,
such as chocolate, cinema tickets, bottles of wine, etc.
10.
It's time we cut
out the dead wood in this company.
(a)
Dismiss the
employees who do not work very well or efficiently. (b) Reduce the number of
unnecessary meetings and discussions.
11.
He's an
industrious member of staff, but his work really isn't up to the mark.
(a)
Good enough. (b) Fast enough.
12.
Our line manager
is always picking holes in my work.
(a)
Giving someone
more work than they can do in the time allowed. (b) Finding faults or mistakes
with someone's work.
13.
This newspaper
survey says that most people who call in sick on Monday are pulling a fast
one.
(a)
Working too
hard the rest of the week, and not relaxing enough during their free time. (b) Pretending something that is
not true in order to trick someone.
14.
My boss is always
laying down the law.
(a)
Breaking the
rules in order to get what you want. (b) Telling people what to do or how to behave.

15.
Your request for
a pay rise is out of the question.
(a)
Not possible.
(b)
Being
considered by the people responsible for giving pay rises.
Exercise 2: Choose the correct idiomatic word or expression for each of
these sentences.
1.
A job that offers
no prospect of promotion is sometimes known as a / an…
(a)
hatchet job     (b) dead-end job (c) inside
job        (d) nose job
2.
Boring and
detailed work, such as examining documents for mistakes, can be described as…
(a) hammer and chisel work               (b) nut and bolt work        (c)
bucket and spade work               (d) pick and shovel work
3.
We sometimes say
that people who compete for success in business or in a career are working for
the…
(a)
horse race       (b) dog race          (c) rat
race            (d) camel race
4.
We might refer to
a bad employer with a reputation for losing talented staff as a…
(a)
people churner             (b) people mixer (c) people
stirrer (d) people beater
5.
If you do a lot
of different types of work in an office for very low pay, you could be referred
to as a…
(a)
catsbody          (b) pigsbody         (c) ratsbody          (d)
dogsbody
6.
When an employee
telephones to say that s/he is not coming to work because s/he is ill, but in
fact is only pretending to be ill, we say that s/he is throwing…
(a)
a sickie             (b) the book at someone  (c) a
wobbly          (d) a punch
7.
If an employee
gets very angry at work because of something bad or unpleasant that happens, we
can say that they are experiencing…
(a)
office anger    (b) work rage       (c) shopfloor
strops            (d) workplace wobblies
8.
Work that offers
the same money for less effort than another similar job is often known as…
(a)
a cushy number            (b) a doddle         (c) a
pushover      (d) child's play
9.
When somebody is
dismissed from their job, we can say that they have…
(a)
got the shoe   (b) got the sandal               (c)
got the boot   (d) got the slipper
10.
Someone who
receives very little money for their job can be said to make, earn or receive…
(a)
water               (b) stones             (c) sweets             (d)
peanuts
11.
Someone who works
extremely hard for a long time might complain that they are working their… (a) nose
to the grindstone               (b) fingers to the bone      (c) ear
to the ground          (d) back to the wall
12.
An employee who
works very hard in a determined way can be said to….
(a)
chisel away     (b) cut away         (c) beaver
away   (d) hammer away
13.
Some people have
a second job in addition to their main job, which they might want to keep
secret from their employer. This is called…
(a)
sunlighting      (b) starlighting     (c) lamplighting   (d)
moonlighting
14.
A lazy employee
who only pretends to work is said to be…
(a)
swinging a cat                (b) swinging both ways     (c)
swinging the lead          (d) swinging the balance
15.
Someone who is
out of work and claiming money from the government can be said to be…
(a)
on the dole     (b) on the pull      (c) on
the razzle  (d) on the level
Also see: Phrasal verbs, idioms and other expressions using 'work'
on the next page.
Phrasal verbs, idioms and other expressions
using 'work'

Exercise 1: Complete sentences 1 – 10 with an appropriate form of work
(for example, present continuous, past simple, etc), and an appropriate
particle or particles, to make phrasal verbs.
1.
The exact details
of the event haven't been __________ yet. (To decide or agree on something)
2.
We'll have to
__________ Joey to find out what's going on. (To try to influence someone, often in order to get
information from them)
3.
In my experience,
the best way of __________ tension is by playing a good game of tennis. (To get rid of a feeling, or get rid of
some weight, by doing something that involves physical activity)
4.
Are you
__________ tell me that you've lost my camera? (To prepare yourself to do something
difficult, or try to prepare someone for bad news. This phrasal verb needs 2
particles.)
5.
I've finally
__________ what that strange noise in the attic is. (To solve a problem by considering the
facts)
6.
The total cost of
our holiday last year, including flights and accommodation, __________ at about
£300. (To add up
to a particular amount)
7.
When I damaged my
father's car, he made me __________ the cost of the repairs. (To pay someone what you owe them by
doing a job for them instead of giving them money)
8.
I'm not very
hungry. Perhaps I should go for a walk to __________ an appetite. (To develop a particular feeling)
9.
If she __________
improving her game, she could be a champion. (To try hard to develop or improve something)
10.
Unless we
__________ getting fit before the game, we won't win. (To spend time producing or improving
something)
Exercise 2: Try to decide what the idioms and other expressions in
sentences 11 – 20 mean, then check your answers in the back of the book.
11.
He cooked us a
fantastic breakfast. We had the whole works!
12.
Everything was
going really well, and then the boss threw a spanner in the works.
13.
We'll have our
work cut out for us if we want to continue making money from this project.
14.
I was hot, tired
and in a really bad mood, but a cold shower worked wonders!
15.
You will pass
your exams, but only if you work your socks off.
16.
He was very
hungry, and made short work of the meal I had cooked.
17.
We're only a
little bit late, and we have got a good excuse, so don't get so worked up!
18.
It is very
difficult to obtain a visa to visit the country, but if you know how to work
the system it can be very easy.
19.
I've worked my
fingers to the bone for this company for twenty years, and now they tell me
that they don't need me anymore!
20.
I work in the
customer complaints department for a major airline, so being shouted at by angry
customers is all in a day's work for me.

Idioms and other
expressions using animals (pages 6 –7)
1. horse. This expression can also be used to describe someone who
wins a race, competition, etc, that no one expected them to win.    2. cat.
This is sometimes used as an exclamation: "Look what the cat dragged
in!" If someone is very untidy, we can also say that they look like
they've been dragged through a hedge backwards, or that they look like a
dog's dinner. If someone is dressed up like a dog's dinner,
they are dressed in a way that shows they want to impress people, but their
clothes are not suitable for the occasion: "Everyone was wearing jeans
and T-shirts, then in walked Maria dressed up like a dog's dinner".
3. bird    4. bird. When we find out news or information without
it being officially announced, we say that we heard it on / through the grapevine,
or heard it through the bush telegraph.    5. goat. We can also
say hacks me off. Somebody who annoys you intentionally winds you up.
6. bee    7. cat    8. rat    9. donkey. We can
also say for ages.    10. dog    11. rat    12. pig.
If you eat a lot of food very quickly, you could say that you pig out:
"The children were pigging out on biscuits and crisps". The
word pig can also be used to insult someone: "You greedy pig!"
"He's such an ignorant pig!" etc. 13. cat. We could
also say You haven't got a hope in hell. These are not very polite
expressions.    14. fish 15. horse    16. bee. We can also
say the cat's whiskers: "Ever since he got promoted, Tom really
thinks he's the cat's whiskers."    17. fish    18. goose
19. donkey. Somebody who often does the donkey work and the other jobs
that nobody wants (often for very low pay) could be described as a dogsbody.
20. fly. People sometimes watch fly-on-the-wall television
programmes which show real people doing what they normally do every day: "Last
night I saw a really interesting fly-on-thewall documentary about low-cost
airlines."   21. hen. We can also say hen party.
The male equivalent is a stag night (in American English it is a bachelor
party).    22. horse. If you are a little bit hungry, you
could say that you are peckish or have the munchies.    23. shark
24. rat (Written as one word: ratbag).    25. hen (Written
as one word: henpecked). A woman who is treated in such a way by a
husband or male partner could be said to be browbeaten, although this
word has more aggressive implications.    26. pig. We can also say that
you cocked it up or messed it up.    27. goose    28. fish.
We can also say other fish to fry.    29. whale    30. duck
(People who are not affected by comments, insults, etc, are thick-skinned).
31. chicken    32. horse    33. cat    34. monkey
35. bird 36. dog
Idioms and other
expressions to describe character and personality (pages 8 – 9)
1. pain in the neck (= someone who is very annoying). This is often
shortened to a pain: "Peter is such a pain!". 2. anorak
(= someone who is very interested in something that most people think is boring
or unfashionable). Nerd has a similar meaning, but is usually used to
describe someone who is very interested in technical or scientific subjects,
especially computers: "George is a real computer nerd!" Nerd
can also be used to describe someone who is not physically attractive, and
does not have much social ability. He / she might also wear nerdy clothes or
have a nerdy haircut.    3. moaning Minnie (= someone who
complains a lot, usually about minor, unimportant things). We can also say moaner
or whinger (from the verbs to moan and to whinge): "He's
such a moaner!" "She's a real whinger!" If the person
who always moans or whinges is also unhappy all the time, we could call him /
her a misery guts.    4. happy camper (= someone who enjoys their
job and the company they work for). Eager beaver could also be used in
this sentence. A happy bunny is a similar expression which can be used
to describe anyone who is always smiling and happy: "Who's the happy
bunny next to you in this photograph?"    5. smart cookie (=
someone who has a strong character or who is intelligent, and deals well with
problems and disappointments). We can also say a tough cookie. 6. couch
potato (= someone who spends a lot of time sitting at home watching
television). If the person who does this is very untidy, rarely washes himself
/ herself or his / her clothes, and eats lots of junk food (eg, burgers,
pizzas, etc), we could describe him / her as a layabout or a slob:
"You lazy slob! Clear up this mess, have a shower and put on some clean
clothes!"    7. wet blanket (= someone who spoils other
people's fun by being negative and complaining). We could also say a killjoy
(= someone who makes it difficult for people to enjoy themselves) or, less
specifically, a pain in the neck (see number 1 above). 8. chatterbox
(= someone who talks a lot). Someone who talks a lot in a boring way could be
called a windbag or a bore. Compare these with bigmouth in
number 32 below. 9. eager beaver (= someone who is extremely
enthusiastic and enjoys working extremely hard). Note that the people in
numbers 4, 5 and 9 could also be described as a live wire (= someone who
has a lot of energy and is interesting to be with).    10. life and soul
of the party (= someone who is good company, lively, and fun to be with. Note
that this expression always uses the, not a). A person who gets
on well with lots of people in different situations (social, work, etc) is a good
mixer. A person who loves going to parties and having fun is a party
animal. 11. wallflower (= someone at a social event who has no one
to dance with or talk to, often because they are shy). Shrinking violet has
a similar meaning.    12. crank (= someone who has very strange ideas or
behaviour). We can also say an oddball or (very informally), a weirdo.
13. wimp (= someone who is not strong, brave or confident). If you
decide not to do something because you are frightened or not confident, we say
that you wimp out: "I was going to ask the boss for a pay rise,
but then I wimped out". We can also say a softie.    14. golden
boy (= a successful man that a lot of people like and admire. This expression
is often used by journalists). Blue-eyed boy is a similar expression,
but is often used in a disapproving way: "You know that Alastair
McKinnon? He's such a blue-eyed boy! He'll be running the company before you
know it!"     15. bunny boiler (= a woman who reacts badly, and
sometimes violently, if a man ends a relationship with her or treats her badly
in other ways). A bunny is an informal word for a rabbit, and the
expression bunny boiler comes from a film in which a rejected woman gets
her revenge on her ex-boyfriend by killing and boiling his child's pet rabbit.
There is no male equivalent of this expression. Note that troublemaker could
also be used to complete this sentence.    16. slave driver (= someone
who makes people work very hard). 17. early bird (= someone who gets up
early, starts work early, etc). This expression comes from the English saying
"The early bird catches the worm".    18. tearaway (= a
young person who does dangerous, silly or illegal things that often get them
into trouble). A person or animal who is difficult to deal with or control
could be called a terror: "Annie was so sweet when she was a
baby, but now she's a little terror."    19. Don Juan (= a man
who is very

successful
with women). We can also say a Casanova or a Romeo (all three are
named after famous lovers from stories). Note that these words are often
preceded by a regular. A woman who is attractive to men but who treats
them badly could be called a femme fatale.
20. busybody (= someone who is very
interested in other people's private lives and activities, and tries to get
involved in them in a way that is annoying). Someone who is very interested in
other people's private lives but doesn't normally get involved could be called
a nosey parker. If one of your neighbours is a nosey parker, you could
describe him / her as a curtain twitcher (he / she watches the
neighbours from behind the curtains in his / her house).    21. Scrooge
(= someone who likes to keep all their money and doesn't like to spend it: from
a character in a novel by Charles Dickens). If you pay someone peanuts,
you pay them very little money. We could describe a miser as tight or tight-fisted:
"Don't be so tightfisted dad! I only want to borrow £10."
A person who likes to make money is sometimes described as a moneygrabber or
a moneygrubber.    22. daydreamer (= someone who is always
thinking about something pleasant when they should be doing something more
important). A daydreamer could be said to have their head in the clouds.
23. skiver (= a person who isn't at school or work when they should be).
A skiver often pretends to be ill, and is said to be skiving off or throwing
a sickie. 24. scrounger (= someone who gets something they want by
asking someone for it instead of getting or paying for it themselves. It comes
from the verb to scrounge). A lazy, greedy person who does this could be
called a parasite (this word has a much more negative connotation). Scrooge
(see number 21) would also work in this sentence.    25. rolling
stone (= someone who does not Idioms and other expressions using clothes
(page 10)

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This is the
box with the words highlighted:
stay in the
same job or with the same friends for long). This comes from the English saying
"A rolling stone gathers no moss".    26. clock-watcher
(= someone who doesn't concentrate on their work because they wish it was time
to stop).    27. salt of the earth (= an ordinary person who is
respected because they are honest and good. Note that this expression always
uses the and not a). A good or reliable person could also be
described as a good egg.    28. troublemaker (= someone who
causes problems, often by being violent or by making others argue). We can also
say a stirrer (someone who likes to stir up trouble)    29. smart
Alec (also written alec or Aleck) (= someone who behaves in an
annoying way by trying to show how clever they are). We can also say a
clever dick. 30. stuffed shirt (= a boring person, usually male, who
always behaves in a very correct way). We can also say a stick in the mud.
31. creep (= an unpleasant person, especially someone who tries to
please or impress people in positions of authority). A child at school who is
popular with the teachers for doing this might be called a teacher's pet by
his / her jealous schoolmates: "I can't stand Linda Harley: she's such
a teacher's pet." 32. bigmouth (= someone who talks a lot and
is unable to keep anything secret). We can also say a blabbermouth. 33.
rough diamond (= someone who does not behave politely or is not
well-educated, but is pleasant and kind) 34. wolf in sheep's clothing (=
someone who seems friendly but is in fact unpleasant or cruel). The opposite is
a teddy bear (= someone, always a man, who looks tough and unfriendly,
but is in fact very friendly and pleasant) 35. chinless wonder (= a rich
but weak or stupid man). This expression is often used to describe members of
the British upper classes.

These are
the answers:
1. Glove. People who are hand in glove (with
each other) work very closely together.    2. Blouse. A big girl's
blouse is someone who is weak and lacking strength of character. It is a
very informal expression, and some people might be offended by it.    3. Shirt.
If you tell someone who is angry or annoyed to keep their shirt on, you
are telling them not to get angry or annoyed. We can also say don't
get your knickers in a twist or keep your hair on.    4. Pants.
Something
that is pants is of very poor quality. This very informal expression is
often used by children and teenagers. 5. Hat. When you say that you take
your hat off to someone, you are showing your admiration or respect for
something impressive they have done.    6. Gloves. If the gloves are
off, you start fighting or competing hard in order to achieve something.
7. Cardigan. A cardigan is a jacket made of wool that you button
at the front. When we call someone a cardigan, we think that they are
very boring because they never do anything interesting or exciting.
8. Boot. If you are given the boot, you are dismissed from
your job. We can also say sacked or fired.    9. Belt. A
comment that is below the belt is cruel and unfair. 10. Socks. If
someone tells you to pull your socks up, they are telling you that you
are not doing a job well enough and that you must do better.    11. Pants.
Something that scares the pants off you is very frightening and scares
you a lot. We can also use this expression with other verbs, such as bore,
annoy, etc: "Our Biology teacher bores the pants off us!"
12. Anorak. An anorak is a short coat with a hood. When we
describe a person as an anorak, we think that they are someone who is
very interested in something that most people think is boring or unfashionable.
13. Apron. An apron is something you wear to protect the front of
your clothes when you are cooking. A person who is tied to someone's apron
strings is influenced or controlled by someone (usually their mother).    14.
Cloak. A cloak is a long thick loose coat without sleeves that fastens
around your neck. Something that is described as cloak-and-dagger is
secret and may involve an element of mystery.    15. Sock. When you tell
someone to put a sock in it, you want them to stop talking. This is an
impolite expression.    16. Hat. When you tell someone to keep it
under their hat, you want them to keep something secret.    17. Trousers.
The person in a relationship who wears the trousers has the most control
and makes most of the decisions.    18. Shirt. If we say that someone
would give you the shirt off their back, we are saying that they are
very kind and generous, and would do anything to help you.    19. Shoes.
To be in someone's shoes is to be in the same situation. It is usually
used in a conditional sentence: "What would you do if you were in my
shoes?" "If I were in your shoes, I would resign".    20.
Boots. Someone who is too big for his / her boots thinks he / she is
more important and powerful than he / she really is.
Idioms and other expressions
using colours (pages 11 – 12)
1. green. A person who is green with envy is very jealous
(= envious) of the success of others. Jealousy / envy is sometimes
humorously referred to as the green-eyed monster. We sometimes say that
a jealous person has a green streak in them.    2. red. When
someone sees red, they become very angry. We sometimes say that they get
the red mist. Something that is likely to make an angry person even more
angry can be described as a red rag to a bull: "Don't ask
Charles why his wife left him; that would be like showing a red rag to a bull".
If you become extremely angry, we can say that you go purple with
rage. A person who loses his / her temper can be said to lose their rag,
fly off the handle or blow their top.    3. blue. If
something happens once in a blue moon, it happens very rarely.     4.
black. Someone who is described as the black sheep (of the family) is
different from the other members of his / her family, and is not approved of by
other members of the family.    5. white. If you tell a white lie,
you tell someone something that is not true in order to avoid hurting their
feelings.    6. red. Red tape refers to documents, rules or
processes that cause delay.    7. blue. If someone says that you can do
something until you're blue in the face, they are telling you that there
is no point in doing it because you will not be successful (we can also use the
expression until the cows come home).    8. blue. If you scream
blue murder, you shout very loudly because you are angry, frightened or in
pain.    9. pink. If you are in the pink, you are healthy and
happy. This is an oldfashioned expression.    10. white. A white
elephant is something that costs a lot of money and is not very useful. 11.
green. When somebody gives you the green light, they are giving you
their official approval for something to be done. This can also be a verb, to
greenlight: "Three directors have greenlighted the project".
We can also say give the go-ahead or be given the go-ahead.    12.
Black. If a place is described as being like the Black Hole of Calcutta,
it is very crowded and uncomfortable (it comes from the informal name of a
former prison in the Indian city of Calcutta, which was so hot and small that
many people died there).    13. grey. Your grey matter is your
brain. We can also say use your head or use your loaf. 14. red.
Something that is described as red-hot is very good or very exciting.
This can also be used to describe someone who is very popular or successful: A
new red-hot American band. The word white could also be used here.
15. red. A red letter day is a very happy or exciting day. 16.
white. White-collar workers work in offices rather than doing
physical work. People who work in factories, down mines, etc, are called blue-collar
workers. 17. black. A black hole, in this context, is a situation
in which lots of money is spent without bringing any benefits. We can also say
a money pit.    18. brown. If you brown-nose someone who
is important or powerful, you try very hard to please them by agreeing with
them all the time. This can also be a noun: a brown-noser. It is not a
polite expression. A man who always agrees with his boss might be called a yes-man
and is always sucking up to his boss.    19. green. Somebody
who has green fingers is very good at making plants and flowers grow. In
American English you would have a green thumb.    20. blue. When
something happens out of the blue, it is sudden and unexpected. If it is
a big surprise or a big shock, we can say that it is a bolt from the blue.
21. yellow. A person who is yellow is cowardly (= not very
brave). We sometimes say that a cowardly person has a yellow streak in
them. 22. black. A bank account that is in the black has money in
it. When the account is overdrawn (= less than £0 in it, and the
account holder owes money to the bank), we say that it is in the red.
23. red. If a person is caught redhanded, he / she is caught
doing something wrong (we can also say caught in the act). The salesman
in this situation is committing a white-collar crime: see number 16
above.    24. red. When you paint the town red, you enjoy
yourself by going to bars and clubs. We can also say that you go out on the
town or go out on the razzle. 25. black. If you are in
someone's black books, you are in trouble with them because of something
you have said or done. We can also say that you are in the doghouse (with
someone): Poor old Bob's in the doghouse with his wife: he forgot their
anniversary again.    26. blue. When the air is turning blue,
someone is swearing (= using very rude words) a lot in a loud voice. We
can also say that the person who is swearing is turning the air blue.
27. red / white. A glass of red / white is an informal, shortened
expression for a glass of red / white wine.    28. green.
Somebody who is described as green, or a bit green, is not very
experienced at something, usually because he / she is young. We can also say
that they are a bit wet behind the ears.
Note
that green is also frequently used to talk about the environment, and
the protection of the environment: a green transport policy, greener
farming methods, green campaigners, the Green Party, etc).
29. black. When someone gives you a black look, they look at
you in a very angry way.    30. blue. The boys in blue is an
informal (and usually friendly) expression for the police.    31. black.
If you are in a black mood, you are unhappy or angry and in a bad
mood.    32. red. If you roll out the red carpet for somebody,
you give them special treatment because they are important.    33. black
and white. Something that is in black and white is written on paper (for
example, a letter or a contract). Note that we cannot say white and
black. Do not confuse this with "Black or white?" (an
expression that is used when we want to know if someone wants milk in their tea
or coffee).    34. black and blue. Someone who is black and blue (all
over) is covered with bruises (= dark marks on the skin caused by an
accident, or perhaps because they have been hit by someone or something). Note
that we cannot say blue and black.
Phrasal verbs, idioms and
other expressions using 'come' (pages 13 – 14)
Exercise 1:
1. across    2. along with    3. from    4. in
for    5. between
6. together    7. around (we can also say round)    8. into
9. up with    10. up against    11. forward     12.
out with 13. apart    14. through
The
phrasal verb that completes sentence 15 is: coming down with
Most
of the phrasal verbs in this exercise can have a different meaning in other
contexts. Use your dictionary to find out which ones, and the different
meanings they can have.
Exercise 2: Here are the complete conversations. An explanation of
each expression can be found below the complete conversations.
Julie:          You two-timing, double-crossing cheat!
Rick:          Come again?
Julie:
You heard me. I saw you leaving a restaurant with a strange woman today.
Rick: Come off it / I don't know where you're coming from! What
woman? Julie: Don't come the innocent with me! Rick: Look, I'm sorry,
but I don't know where you're coming from.
Julie:
The long-haired brunette in the jeans and leather jacket.
Rick:           Ah, right. How come you saw us?
Julie:
I had gone into town to do some shopping and saw the two of you. Who is she? And
don't lie, or you'll get what's coming, believe me.
Rick:             Well, I suppose I'll have to come clean,
won't I?
Julie:         You certainly will.
Rick:          You saw us from behind, right?
Julie:        Uh, right.
Rick:
Yes, well, when it comes to making false assumptions, you win. That was
Alan, my new boss.
Tim:
I haven't seen John today. Come to think about it, I haven't seen him
for a few weeks. Andy: Oh, he's busy moving into his new house. He's bought a
place in Hampstead.
Tim:
In Hampstead? How did he afford that? Houses in Hampstead don't come cheap.
Andy:
Well, he's come a long way / come up in the world since he worked
as a salesman for PTG. He owns his own company now, and is making a fortune.
Apparently
he's now as rich as they come. Tim: He kept that quiet. I didn’t know
how much he had come up in the world.
Andy:
Well, he doesn’t like to boast about it. How are you getting on in your new
job, by the way?
Tim:
Oh, there's so much to do and so much to learn that most of the time I don't
know if I'm coming or going. I'm just taking each day as it comes.
How's work for you?
Andy:
Oh, so so, you know. I was hoping to look for something else more interesting,
but there aren't many jobs out there. I guess I'll be with the same company for
years to come. What I need is a big win on the lottery.
Tim:
Yes, that would come in handy! In the meantime, how about buying me
another drink?
Andy:        Same again?
Tim:          Yes please.
Andy:          OK, coming right up!
 Come again? = An informal spoken expression used for asking someone to
repeat what they said.      Come off it! = An informal spoken
expression used for telling someone that you do not believe them or what they
are saying is stupid.      Don't come the innocent with me! =
An informal spoken expression used for telling someone not to pretend they are
in a particular situation, because you do not believe them. This can be used in
other ways. For example, "Don't come the poor overworked teacher with
me! I know that teaching is the easiest job in the world!"      I
don't know where you're coming from = A spoken expression which means
"I don't know what you're saying or why you're saying it".
 How come…? = An informal spoken question used for asking how
or why something happened. It can be used on its own: "I'm leaving my
job next week." "Really? How come?"  You'll
get what's coming! = An informal spoken expression meaning "You'll
experience something bad, which you deserve."      Come
clean = To admit the truth, usually about something bad you have done.  When
it comes to… = When the subject being discussed is a particular thing. This
can be used in other ways. For example, "When it comes to holidays, I
prefer something lazy." "When it comes to writing letters,
she's hopeless."      Come to think about it = A
spoken expression used for adding something that you have just remembered about
a subject that you are talking about.  Don't come cheap =
Costing a lot of money.  Come a long way = Improve a lot, or
make a lot of progress.      As rich as they come = Very
rich. This can be used with other adjectives. For example, "He's as
lazy as they come" (= he's very lazy); "She's as poor as they
come" (= she's very poor).      Come up in the world =
To become richer, more powerful or more successful than before.      I
don't know if I'm coming or going = An informal spoken expression meaning
you are very confused, usually because you have too many things to deal
with.      I'm taking each day as it comes = I don't worry
about something before it happens, and I try to deal with it calmly when it
does happen.      For years to come = For a long time in the
future. This can also be used with other 'time' words: for days to come,
for weeks to come, etc.      Come in handy = Useful
for a particular situation (handy = useful)      Coming
right up! = An informal spoken expression meaning you will bring what
someone has asked for (in this case, a drink) very soon.
Phrasal verbs, idioms and
other expressions using 'cut' (pages 15 – 16)
Exercise 1:
1. cut out    2. cut in    3. cut back on or cut down
on (cut down on is usually used when you reduce something from your
diet. For example, you might cut down on the amount of meat you eat, or
you might cut down on the number of cigarettes you smoke)    4. cut
off    5. cut me off    6. cut in    7. cut it out     8.
cut out    9. cut off 10. cut across or cut through
11. cut through (not cut across, because a shopping centre
is a building, not an open space)    12. cut in    13. cut off
14. cut us out of
Exercise 2:
1. True.    2. False. You interrupt them so that they cannot
finish what they are saying.    3. False. You are very upset or
offended.    4. False. They pretend not to see or recognise you.    5.
True.     6. False. It is cheaper than the normal price.    7. False.
You spoil his plans by doing the same thing better than him, or by doing it
before him. 8. False. It is one that behaves in an unfair or immoral way
in order to get an advantage over other businesses. 9. True.    10. False.
You do something that is intended to harm someone even though you know it will
harm you too.    11. False. If you cut it fine, you are giving
yourself only a very short time to do something. In this case, you might miss
your train as a result.    12. False. It is already clearly decided or
settled.    13. False. It is extremely modern and advanced.    14. True.
15. False. You start dealing with the most important aspects of
something rather than things that are less relevant.    16. True. 17.
False. You get out of that situation.    18. False. You are telling
them that you are not impressed or influenced by what they are telling you.    19.
True. You might also want to save some money.    20. False. You make
them accept that they are not as important or impressive as they believe they
are.    21. False. They say something that makes you feel very upset. We
can also say cuts you to the bone or cuts you to the heart.    22.
False. The clothes make them look very attractive.    23. False. You
make something last for less time than planned.    24. True. 25. False.
You want your share of any money that is made.
Phrasal verbs, idioms and
other expressions using 'do' (pages 17 – 18)
Exercise 1:
1. (a) do up, (b) doing up    2. (a) done over, (b) done
over 3. do out, (b) done out    4. (a) do with, (b) do with (could
must be used in this situation. This expression can also be negative:
"I could do without your bad moods")    5. (a) done
for, (b) done for (in both of the definitions, do for is usually used in
the passive)    6. (a) done away with, (b) done away with    7. (a)
done up, (b) doing (herself) up 8. (a) did (him) in, (b) done in (in
this definition, done is usually used in the passive)    9. (a)
done down, (b) do (yourself) down (we can also say put down or put
yourself down)    10. (a) do with, (b) do with (in this situation, do
with is usually preceded by nothing to or something to)
Exercise 2:
1.
done
to a turn    2. make do with    3. do's and don'ts 4. That
does it    5. That's done it    6. do you a world of good (we can
also say do / work wonders for you)    7. do you justice    8.
You were done    9. a bit of a do    10. does the trick    11.
did the sights    12. do the dirty    13. doing your dirty
work    14. do me a favour (This is often used on its own as an informal
expression which means that you are angry or frustrated with something that
someone says: "I'll give you £500 for your car." "Do me
a favour! It's worth at least £1000.")    15. Do as
you're told 16. take some doing    17. did me a good turn or did
me a favour    18. the done thing (often used in the negative, as in
this sentence)
Idiomatic emphasis (pages
19 – 20)
Across:
2.
rock
3. blind (We can also say as drunk as a lord) 4. mule (A mule
is an animal that has a horse as its mother and a donkey as its father.
Idiomatically, a mule is also someone who is paid to bring illegal drugs into a
country by hiding them on or in their body)    6. brick (Thick is
an informal word for stupid. We can also say as thick as two short
planks)    7. stone    8. sin    9. stiff (Note that
we say bored stiff and not stiff bored. We can also say bored
rigid)    12. fighting (We can also say as fit as a fiddle) 14.
dirt    15. dead*    16. pitch (= it is very dark. We can
also say pitch dark or as dark as night)    18. soaking
(Clothes that are very wet can also be sopping wet or dripping wet)
20. hopping (Mad in this sentence means angry)    23. wide
(The opposite is shut tight)    25. flat (Someone who is broke
has no money. We can also say stony broke)    26. gold    28.
paper (Objects such as clothes, a wall, etc, are paper thin.
Food, when it is very thin, is wafer thin: "Would you
like one of these waferthin mints?")    30. cold (We need to
use stone in this expression. We can also say as sober as a judge)
31. red (We sometimes say white hot. If food is very hot, we can
say that it is piping hot)    32. brand (We could make this even
stronger by saying brand spanking new: "Roger has got a brand
spanking new car")
Down:
1. picture (If something is very pretty, we can say that it is as
pretty as a picture)    3. barking (Mad in this sentence
means crazy or insane)    5. mouse (We can also say as
quiet as a church mouse)    7. sickly    10. fast (Someone
who is fast asleep is dead to the world)    11. stinking 12.
freezing (Food or drink which is very cold is ice-cold: "I
could do with an ice-cold beer")    13. hills    17. crystal
19. great    21. pie    22. dog    24. deadly    27.
dead (Beat in this sentence is an informal word for tired)
29. razor 30. cucumber
*
dead can be used as an informal substitute for very in many
cases. For example, dead straight, dead slow, dead wrong, dead
funny, dead right, etc.
Several
verbs can also be emphasised using idioms. These include:
Smoke like a chimney (= smoke a lot); drink like a fish (=
drink heavily); sell like hot cakes (= sell a lot of items very quickly:
"The new TR76 model mobile phone is selling like hot cakes"); sleep
like a log (= sleep very well); run like the wind (= run very
quickly); fit like a glove (= fit very well: "My new jumper fits
like a glove"); spend / eat / drink (etc) like there's no tomorrow (=
do something a lot without thinking of the consequences: "She's
spending money like there's no tomorrow". We can also say like it's
going out of fashion: "She's spending money like it's going out of
fashion").
Idioms and other
expressions using food and drink (pages 21 – 22)
Across:
3. onions. Somebody who knows their onions knows a lot about
their job or profession. This is a slightly oldfashioned expression.    4. pepper.
If you pepper someone with questions, you ask them a lot of questions,
usually quite quickly. Pepper can be used in other situations to mean containing
a lot of: The report was peppered with mistakes.    5. cake.
Something that is a piece of cake is very easy. We can also say as
easy as pie: The test was as easy as pie.    6. meat.
Something or someone who is easy meat is very easy to defeat. If someone
is in serious trouble with someone else, we can describe them (very informally)
as dead meat: If you borrow my car again without asking, you're dead
meat! 7. potato. A couch potato is someone who spends a lot
of time watching television and not getting any exercise.    10. beans.
When you spill the beans, you confess or admit to something wrong that
you have done (usually when under pressure from someone, such as the
police).    11. grapes. Sour grapes is criticism of something
that you make because you cannot have it. 12. peanuts. If someone pays
you peanuts for doing a job, they pay you very little money.    13. water.
Someone who spends money like water spends a lot of money very
quickly.    16. butter. Someone who has butter fingers or who is a
butter fingers is often dropping things. Butter can be used in other
expressions. For example, "Billy Brannigan looks like butter wouldn't
melt in his mouth, but in fact he's the best salesman in the company"
( = Billy Brannigan looks a bit weak, but he is in fact a very efficient,
confident person).    18. sugar. A sugar daddy is a humorous
expression for an older man who gives a younger woman expensive presents,
especially in exchange for a romantic or sexual relationship. There is no
female equivalent of this word, but a young man who goes out with an older
woman is sometimes humorously called a toy boy.    19. cream.
Someone who looks like the cat who got the cream looks very happy.    21.
beetroot. If you go as red as a beetroot (or just go beetroot),
your face becomes very red, usually because you are embarrassed. A beetroot is
the root of a vegetable that is cooked and eaten cold in salads, but is in fact
more purple in colour than red.    24. bacon. The person or
people in a family who bring home the bacon earn the money which
supports the family. We sometimes call the work that you do for money your bread
and butter: "Teaching English is my bread and butter". The
person who makes money for their family is called the breadwinner.    25.
apple. A bad or rotten apple is someone in a group who does
bad things and therefore has a negative effect on the whole group.     26. jelly.
If your body, or part of your body, turns to jelly or feels like
jelly, you start to shake and feel weak because you are nervous or
frightened. Jelly is a sweet food that shakes when you touch or move it
(called Jell-O in the USA).
Down:
1. cheese. The big cheese is a humorous expression for the
most important person in a company or organisation. In the USA, people
sometimes use the expression head honcho. Cheese can be used in other
expressions, including chalk and cheese: Although Rick and Chris are
brothers, they're chalk and cheese ( = Rick and Chris are very different
from each other).    2. biscuit. If something takes the biscuit, it is
the most silly, stupid or annoying thing in a series of things.    4. peach.
A peach of something is very good. This is a slightly old-fashioned
expression. Peach is also sometimes used to describe an attractive woman
(Debbie McKenzie is lovely. She's a real peach!), but this might be
considered sexist by some people.    6. mustard. Someone who is as keen
as mustard is very keen / enthusiastic. Mustard can also be used in the
expression cut the mustard: I'm afraid we can't offer you the job.
You're very keen, but you just don't cut the mustard (= you are not good
enough for this job). 8. toast. A person or a place that is as warm
as toast is comfortably warm.    9. raspberry. When you blow a
raspberry at someone you make a rude noise with your mouth and tongue (in
the USA, this is known as a Bronx cheer).    10. bananas. This is
a humorous word for someone who behaves in a mad or crazy way. We can also say nuts
or crackers*.    14. salt. If someone is the salt of the
earth, they are a good, honest person who people respect. More informally,
we could call that person a good egg.    15. lemon. A person who is
or looks a lemon is or appears to be stupid or not effective. This
word can also be used to describe something that you buy that does not work
properly: I spent £14000 on this car, and it's a complete lemon! 17.
tea. If something is your cup of tea, you like or enjoy it. This
expression is usually used in the negative.    19. cucumber. A person
who is as cool as a cucumber is very relaxed and does not show extreme
emotions such as fear or panic.    20. egg. If you have or are
left with egg on your face, you are embarrassed because of something you
have done. This expression is often used when talking informally about politics
and politicians.    21. beef. If you beef about something, you
complain a lot about it.    22. cookie (a cookie is the North
American word for a biscuit). A smart cookie (sometimes called a tough
cookie) is someone who has a strong character or is intelligent, and deals
well with problems and disappointments.    23. candy (candy is
the North American word for chocolate). If we describe something as eye
candy, it is nice to look at, but not very useful.
*
There are a lot of English idioms and other words and expressions that can be
used (often humorously, but not politely) to describe someone who is mad or
insane, or who behaves in a mad way. Here are a few:
barmy;
off his / her rocker; out of his / her tree; dotty; potty; batty; out to lunch;
round the bend; potty; bonkers; stark staring bonkers; stark raving mad; a
nutcase; a nutter; a basket case; a fruitcake; as nutty as a fruitcake; as mad
as a hatter; as mad as a March hare; as mad as a box of frogs; a loony; a
crackpot; two sandwiches short of a picnic; a few cards short of a full deck; a
few bricks short of a full load; he's / she's lost his /her marbles; he's /
she's got toys in the attic; gaga; doolally (these last four are often used to
describe old people who are going senile)
Be very careful how and when you use these words and
expressions: they are not politically correct (= they are not considered
acceptable in many situations, and some people might be offended by them).
Phrasal verbs, idioms and
other expressions using 'get' (pages 23 – 24)
Exercise 1:
1. got away with    2. get up to (This is sometimes used to
talk about something you did that you should not have done)    3. getting
on    4. got over    5. get out of    6. got down to    7.
get through     8. get by    9. get on (We can also say get
along)    10. getting at    11. get through
12. getting…across    13. get into   14. getting on
for (This can be used in other sentences that involve numbers: "It's
getting on for 10 (o'clock). Perhaps we should leave?")
15. get on to (also written get onto)    16. get…out
of 17. get back to    18. round to (We can also say got around
to)
Exercise 2:
1. I    2. B (Get on with it has a similar
meaning)    3. T (impolite: sometimes used as a direct command: "Get
lost! Leave me alone!". You could also tell someone to get off your
back if you are trying to work and someone is watching you and interfering:
"Get off my back! Let me do it my own way")    4. Q
(This has the same meaning as to be / get fired: "You'll get
fired if you continue coming in late")    5. Y (We can use this
spoken expression if we don't know the answer to a question, or because
we don't want to give an answer to a question because we know it will
get us into trouble)     6. W    7. U (If someone continually
annoys you, usually on purpose, we can say that they get your back up:
"My neighbour plays his music really loud just to get my back up")
8. S (This can also be a phrasal verb, to get together: "Let's
get together at the weekend")    9. G    10. K (Usually
used when we think someone looks stupid in the clothes)    11. X    12.
P 13. A    14. C (We can say raise instead of rise)
15. F (We can also say We aren't getting anywhere, or, if you are
making progress, We're getting somewhere: "At last we're
getting somewhere!")    16. N (a spoken expression. If someone
is being very lazy and we want them to do something, we could say "Get
off your backside!") 17. D (Often used in its conditional form,
as in this sentence)    18. O (a spoken expression)    19. M    20.
J 21. E    22. L (More informally, we could say Let's get
cracking)    23. R    24. V (also see number 1 in Exercise
1)
25. H
Phrasal verbs, idioms and
other expressions using 'give' (page 25)
1. up    2. away    3. shoulder    4. slip    5.
up on    6. over (This is normally said in a friendly way. If we are
angry with someone, we can say Don't give me that)    7. away 8.
giveaway (We can also say Her face gave the game away)    9. off
10. mind    11. All of these options are possible    12. good
13. a chance    14. take    15. straight 16. what
for
Phrasal verbs, idioms and
other expressions using 'go' (pages 26 – 27)
Exercise 1:
1.            2.         3.       (gone off)    4.          (gone
up)    5.
6. 7. (go over)    8. 9. (went off)    10. (go round or
go around)    11. 12. (go along with) 13. (going for)    14. (went
back on)    15. 16.
17.        (gone down with)    18.
Exercise 2:
1. went the whole hog    2. go it alone    3. go
Dutch
4. How are things going?    5. while the going is good
6. go one better    7. it goes without saying that… 8. going
to rack and ruin (This expression can also be used to describe a building that
needs to be repaired)
9. no-go area    10. have a go at    11. went haywire
12. went to town    13. go all out    14. bang goes my
chance of… (We can also say there goes my chance of…)
15. gone to the dogs (This has a similar meaning to number 8
above)   16. Don't even go there!    17. going for a song    18.
coming and going    19. go on    20. got the go-ahead.
The
letters that you have replaced make this expression:
'When
the going gets tough, the tough get going!'
Idioms and other
expressions to talk about health, feelings and emotions (page 28)
1. (She is so worried and tired because of her problems that she
cannot think of any more ways of solving them) 2. (He is very nervous or
worried)    3. (She is very ill and could die)    4. (She is not
feeling as good as she usually feels)    5. ☺
(She is fit
and healthy)    6. (He is very ill and could die)    7. (She is a
bit depressed) 8. ☺ (He is feeling extremely happy)    9. (He
is very angry and you should avoid him)    10. (He looks very tired)    11.
(He is very tired)    12. ☺ (She looks very fit and
healthy)    13. ☺ (He is very fit and healthy)    14. ☺
(She is
extremely happy)    15. (He is feeling depressed) 16. ☺
(She is
feeling very happy because something good has happened)    17. (She is
feeling a bit ill and tired) 18. ☺ (She is not worried about
anything)    19. (She is very angry because of something that someone
has said or done)    20. ☺ (She is very healthy)    21. ☺
(She is
experiencing a feeling of great happiness or excitement) 22. (He is
feeling very ill)    23. (He is angry and has lost his temper, probably
because of something minor or unimportant)   24. ☺
(He is
feeling happy and healthy, although this expression is often used ironically
when you are not feeling happy or healthy: "Are you OK, Mark?"
"Oh yes. My wife has left me, my car has been stolen and I've lost my job,
so everything is just peachy!"    25. (He looks extremely
tired)    26. (He is very angry)    27. (He feels very ill)    28.
(She is ill, and has suddenly become more ill)    29. (She has become
ill, usually with something minor like a cold or a mild stomach illness) 30.
(She is very tired)    31. (He is excited, worried or angry about
something. We could also say he is agitated)
32. (She looks very ill)    33. (She is feeling a bit ill) 34.
(She is angry or unhappy)    35. ☺ (He is feeling very happy
because something good has just happened)
Informal phrasal verbs
(pages 29 – 30)
1. Yes.    2. No. Stump up means to pay, often
without wanting to.    3. No. If something hacks you off, it
makes you angry.    4. No. If you bottle out, you run away in
order to avoid a fight.    5. Yes. If you freak out, you might
become very angry, surprised or excited.    6. No. The government has
been accused of making the facts more interesting and impressive than they
really are in order to try to trick people. We can also say juice up or jazz
up.
7. No. She took (and passed) the exam without difficulty. 8. No.
He suddenly went quiet.    9. No. The neighbour talks about something
for a long time in a boring and annoying way. We can also say harp on (about
something); "He's always harping on about politics"
10. Yes.    11. No. The President has become lucky. 12. No.
If you muck in, you join an activity in order to help people get a job
done.    13. Yes. This has a similar meaning to bottle out in
number 4. We can also say chicken out.    14. No. Someone who is raking
it in is making a lot of money.    15. No. They deny that programmes
are being made simpler and easier to understand in a way that reduces their
quality.    16. No. If you suck up to someone, you are very nice
to someone in authority so that they treat you well. This expression shows that
you do not respect people who behave in this way.    17. No. If you mug
up, you revise. We can also say bone up (on something): "I'm
boning up on my history for tomorrow's test."    18. No. If you
chuck up, you vomit or throw up.    19. Yes.    20.
Yes. We can also say skive off. The usual idiomatic expression is play
truant, or (in the USA) play hooky. Some people also say goof off,
although this is usually used for work rather than school.    21. No.
They are going to win easily. We can also say romp home. 22. No.
He admitted it was true.    23. No. They are enjoying the news and want
to hear more.    24. No. If you lighten up, you become less serious.
This is often used as an imperative: "For heavens sake, Fiona. Lighten
up a bit!"    25. Yes. (The gg is pronounced like a j).
26. No. Half of us had fallen asleep.    27. Yes. This is a more
informal version of dying for.    28. No. It sold half its stock
to overseas companies.    29. No. If you monkey around, you
behave in a silly way. We can also say mess about or muck about.
  30. Yes. We can also say mess up.    31. No. Yolanda has
been talking for almost an hour about unimportant things.    32. No. If
you mouth off to someone or about something, you give your opinions in
an annoying way, especially when you are complaining about or criticising
something.     33. No. If you tell someone to shove off, you want
them to go away because you are angry with them.   34. No. He'll give
you lots of complicated technical information that will confuse you.    35. No.
If you bling up, or get blinged up, you put on lots of jewellery.
Phrasal verbs, idioms and
other expressions using 'look' (pages 31 – 32)
Exercise 1:
1. looking after    2. Looking ahead    3. looking …
at 4. look back on    5. looks down on    6. looking
forward to (this phrasal verb can also be followed by an object: "I'm
really looking forward to my holiday")    7. look in on 8. look
into     9. look on    10. look out for    11. looking
over    12. looking through    13. looked to    14. look …
up    15. looks up to
Exercise 2:
1. (m) (Wouldn't look twice at is used for saying that you
are not at all interested in someone or something)    2. (g) (Someone or
something that is not much to look at is not very attractive)    3. (r)
(Don't look a gift horse in the mouth is used for saying that if you are
given something good, you should not complain about it or try to find things
that are wrong with it)    4. (a) (Look what you've done is a
spoken expression used when you are annoyed with someone and want them to look
at the result of their action)    5. (t) (If you look the other way,
you deliberately ignore something that is happening)    6. (k) (Get or
have a look-in means to get an opportunity to take part in something or
show how well you can do something. It is usually used in negatives or
questions: "You've been talking non-stop for half an hour. Can I get a
look-in?") 7. (c) (When you look someone in the eye or in
the face, you look at them when you are talking to them, especially when
you are telling them something that is true. It is usually used in negatives
and questions: "Can you look me in the eye and tell me that you aren't
seeing someone else?")    8. (o) (If you look down your nose
at someone, you think that you are better than they are)    9. (q) (Never
looked back is used for saying that someone achieved something special and
then became even more successful) 10. (d) (Someone who is looking for
trouble is behaving in a way that is likely to get them involved in an
argument or fight)    11. (s) (Look where you're going is a
spoken expression used for telling someone to be more careful. We can also say look
what you're doing)    12. (e) (Need look no further is used
for saying that you do not need to search anywhere else apart from the
suggested place) 13. (h) (Look after yourself is a spoken
expression used for saying goodbye to someone you know well. It has the same
meaning as take care)    14. (b) (If someone tells you to take
a long hard look in the mirror or at yourself, they are telling you
that you are not as good or perfect as you think you are)    15. (f)
(Someone who looks like something that the cat dragged in has a very
dirty and untidy appearance)    16. (p) (The look on someone's face is
the expression they have on their face or in their eyes) 17. (i) (If you
are on the lookout for something, you are looking carefully to find,
obtain or avoid someone or something)    18. (n) (Look before you
leap is an expression used for advising someone to think carefully before
doing something)    19. (l) (A look-see is an informal expression
meaning an act of looking at or checking something quickly)    20. (j)
(If you take one look at someone or something, you look quickly and make
a decision)
Notice
how a lot of the idioms and other expressions in exercise 2 use phrasal verbs.
Phrasal verbs, idioms and
other expressions using 'make' (pages 33 – 34)
Exercise 1:
1. make up    2. made off with    3. made up (We can
also say made it up)   4. make out (This can also be used
if you have difficulty hearing or understanding something: "We were at
the back of the theatre and we had difficulty making out what the actors were
saying")   5. making up 6. made out (that can be
removed: "He made out he had won the lottery")    7. make
out    8. made up (You can also make up a story to entertain or frighten
someone: "Don't worry. He made up the story about someone in the house
just to frighten you")   9. made over    10. make for
11. made off    12. make out (We often use this when we write a
cheque: "Who should I make the cheque payable to?" "Could
you make it out to Chile Organica Ltd, please?")   13.
make of    14. made up for    15. make … up to
Exercise 2:
This
shows you the 'code' for the symbols in this exercise. The letters C, J, Q, X
and Z are not needed in any of the sentences.
A             M B         N
D          O E          P F           R G          S
H             T I            U
K
☺   V
L
W Y
1. make-or-break (This can also be used as a verb which means to
help someone or something to be very successful or to cause them to fail
completely: "Music producers have the power to make or break a new star"
) 2. make it big    3. makes like (This expression is normally
only spoken)    4. make up your mind (We can also say make your mind
up)    5. made short work of    6. makebelieve    7. made
a pig of yourself    8. make the most of
9. made a beeline for    10. made a name for herself
11. make head or tail    12. making ends meet
13. making heavy weather of    14. makes no bones about 15.
made a dog's dinner of (We can also say a dog's breakfast or a
pig's ear)    16. make light of    17. made of sterner
stuff    18. make a mountain out of a molehill
Mixed idioms and other
expressions (pages 35 – 36)
1. (a) hanging (We can also say hanging in the balance), (b)
hang, (c) Hang    2. (a) carry, (b) carrying, (c) carried 3. (a)
fallen, (b) fell, (c) fall    4. (a) break, (b) broken, (c) broke    5.
(a) let (We can also say bury the hatchet), (b) let, (c) let    6.
(a) calls, (b) call, (c) call    7. (a) keep (We can also say keep
mum, keep it dark or keep it under your hat), (b) keep, (c) keeps
8. (a) hold, (b) hold, (c) Hold 9. (a) Mind, (b) mind, (c)
mind    10. (a) count, (b) count, (c) counting    11. (a) pull,
(b) pull, (c) pulling    12. (a) play, (b) playing, (c) play    13. (a)
show, (b) show, (c) show 14. (a) hoping, (b) hope, (c) hope    15. (a)
saw, (b) seen, (c) seen
Mixed phrasal verbs
(pages 37 – 38)
1. count on    2. keep on or carry on    3. drop
out of 4. carry out    5. put…up    6. fill in or fill
out    7. keeping up with    8. pointed out    9. fall
behind with    10. letting off    11. brought up    12. bring
up (Note the difference in meaning between raise and bring up in
numbers 11 and 12)   13. pull through    14. wear off    15. fallen
out
16. face up to    17. called off    18. catch up with 19.
died down    20. find out    21. handing in    22. left
out or left off    23. broke down    24. wear ... out
25.
showed
up (We can also say turned up)
26.
let…down
27. carried on or kept on    28. held up
29. carry out    30. end up
Mixed phrasal verbs and
idioms (page 39)
1. back (the 1st gap needs backed)   2. face (the 2nd
gap needs facing)    3. play    4. drive (the 2nd, 3rd and
5th gaps need driving)    5. fall (the 1st, 2nd and 6th gaps need
fell, the 3rd gap needs falling and the 4th and 5th gaps need fallen)
6. break (the 2nd and 4th gaps need broke, the 3rd gap needs breaking)
7. walk (the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gaps need walked, the 5th gap
needs walking)
Idioms and other
expressions used to talk about money (page 40)
Exercise 1:
1. B (If you are up to your ears in debt, you owe a lot of
money)    2. B (If you are on the dole, you are unemployed and
getting money from the government)
3. A (Someone who has made their pile has made a lot of
money, usually over a long period of time)    4. B (If you cannot
make ends meet, you are finding it difficult to pay for important things
like your house, food, clothes, etc)
5. A (Someone who is stinking rich is extremely rich) 6. B
(If your boss pays you chickenfeed, he / she pays you very little money.
We can also say that your boss pays you peanuts)    7. A (Someone
who is loaded is very rich) 8. B (Someone who is hard up doesn't
have much money and finds it difficult to make ends meet)    9. A
(If you are well off, you have enough money to live a comfortable
life)    10. B (If someone is in the red, they have less than
£0 in their bank account and owe the bank money as a result. If they have
more than £0 in their account, they are in the black)    11. B
(Someone who is strapped for cash needs money. This is usually a
temporary situation: "Can I pay you tomorrow? I'm a bit strapped for
cash at the moment".)    12. A (Someone who is made of money
is very rich)    13. B (If you are penniless, you have no
money at all: this word comes from penny, the smallest unit of British
currency)    14. A (As this expression suggests, someone who has money
to burn has so much money that they could burn it if they wanted to)    15.
B (If you are broke, you have no money. This is usually a temporary
situation: "I'm completely broke and I don't get paid for another week")
16. A (Someone who has more money than sense has a lot of money,
but often wastes it on things that they don't really need or want)    17. A
(This expression has a similar meaning to number 14) 18. B (This has a
similar meaning to number 15, but is more informal)    19. B (Someone
who is down and out has no money and no home, and is probably living
rough on the streets)    20. A (If you are feeling flush, you
are not rich, but you have more money than usual, perhaps because you have won
something: "I'm feeling flush: let me buy you dinner tonight")
21. A (If you are raking it in, you are getting a lot of money
for doing your job) 22. B (Someone who is described as down-at-heel
is poor and looks poor: their clothes are probably dirty and in
bad condition, their hair is untidy, etc)
Exercise 2:
23. B (We could also say at a giveaway price)    24. A
25. B    26. A (We could also say It cost us a bomb…) 27.
B (Break the bank is usually used in the negative: "It won't
break the bank to eat here")    28. A (This very informal
expression can also be a phrasal verb, to rip someone off: "Don't
buy a car from him, he'll rip you off", "I don't believe it, we've
been ripped off again!") 29. A (We can also say a small packet
or an absolute packet. Alternatively, we could use the word fortune:
"My new car cost me a small fortune!". Some people also use
the expression a king's ransom)    30. A (This expression is very
similar to cost the earth or cost a bomb)    31. A 32. A
33. A    34. A    35. A    36. B (Something that is
going for a song is very cheap: it is a bargain)    37. B
(dirt cheap = extremely cheap)   38. A
Another
popular expression in English is pay through the nose. This is used when
you have spent a lot of money on something: "We paid through the nose
for our tickets to see the match".
There
are several very informal words for money in English. These include: dough,
dosh; readies; wonga; spondulics; the wherewithal (=
the money that you need to do something: "We would love to take a
holiday, but we haven't got the wherewithal". This is less informal
than the other words here.)
Idioms and other
expressions that use numbers (pages 41 – 42)
1. refusal    2. compliment (We can also say a
doubleedged compliment)  3. track    4. times    5. fifty
6. lucky
7. thoughts    8. many    9. makes    10. faced
11. something (Written as one word: thirtysomething. This can
also be a noun: "The bar is very popular with thirtysomethings".
We can also say twentysomething, fortysomething, fiftysomething,
etc)    12. horse 13. dressed    14. take    15. sense
16. idea (We can also say She doesn't know the first thing about them)
17. wrongs    18. heaven (We can also say on cloud nine) 19.
together    20. degree    21. First come, first served.
Idiomatic 'pairs' (page
43)
1. length and breadth. If you walk / drive / travel the length
and breadth of a place, you go in or through every part of it, usually
looking for something. We can also say that we search, look or hunt
high and low when we are trying to find something that is not easy to find:
"I've hunted high and low for the car keys, but I can't find them
anywhere".    2. spick and span. A place that is spick and
span is very clean and tidy.    3. bits and pieces: small things
that don't cost much money. This expression can be applied to other areas apart
from shopping: "I've been sorting through a few bits and pieces that I
found in my bedroom cupboard". We can also say odds and ends. 4.
pros and cons: advantages and disadvantages / good points and bad
points.    5. safe and sound: in a situation or place where there is no
danger.    6. down and out. A person who is down and out has no
money and no home, and lives rough, sleeping on the street.    7. ins
and outs: the rules and the way something works or is organised. 8. sick
and tired. If you are sick and tired of something, you are angry because
it happens all the time. We can also say that you are sick to the back teeth
of something. 9. up and about: out of bed and feeling better after
an illness.    10. wear and tear. Something that is showing signs of
wear and tear is not in a very good condition because it has been used a
lot.    11. by and large: generally, for most of the time. We can also
say on the whole or for the most part.    12. black and
white: written on paper, in the form of a letter, document, etc. Black and
white can also be used as an adjective to talk about one idea that is
clearly right and another that is clearly wrong: "Immigration is not a
simple black-and-white issue". 13. song and dance. If you make
a song and dance about something, you complain about it in an annoying and
unnecessary way.    14. ups and downs. If you have your ups and downs,
you experience a variety of situations that are sometimes good and sometimes
bad.    15. heaven and earth. A person who is prepared to move heaven
and earth for something is very determined to get what they want, and will
therefore do anything to get it.    16. high and mighty. A person who is
high and mighty thinks that they are more important than other people,
and this attitude is reflected in their behaviour and attitude. 17. cheap
and cheerful. Something that is cheap and cheerful is not expensive and
of reasonable quality. It is often used to describe wine and restaurants:
"Let's go somewhere cheap and cheerful for dinner".    18. fair
and square: in a way that is clear and fair, so that no one can complain or
disagree.    19. alive and kicking: still existing and not gone or
forgotten, especially when this is surprising, or living and healthy or active,
especially when this is surprising. We can also say alive and well.    20.
hard and fast. Hard and fast rules are rules that people must obey.
Other
idiom 'pairs' include:
Life
and limb (if you risk or sacrifice life and limb, you are put or
put yourself in physical danger: "The journalist risked life and limb
to get his story"); cut and dried (something that is cut and dried is
already clearly decided or settled: "This matter us cut and dried, so
we don't need to discuss it any more"); neck and neck (in a race, two
people, etc, who are neck and neck are both in the same position: "Jones
and Allinson are both neck and neck as they approach the finish line");
prim and proper (someone who is prim and proper is very careful about
their behaviour and appearance, and is easily shocked by what other people say
or do: "For heavens sake, Moira, don't be so prim and proper all the
time!"); cloak and dagger (something that is cloak and dagger involves
mystery or secrets: "My father works for a very cloak-and-dagger
department in the government"); now and again (sometimes,
occasionally: "I speak to her on the phone every week, and now and
again we meet for lunch"); cock and bull (a cock and bull story is
a story that people don't think is true: "He was late and made up some
cock-andbull story about losing his car keys"); free and easy (relaxed
and pleasant: "There was a very free and easy atmosphere at the meeting");
skin and bone (someone or something who is all or just skin and bone is
very thin: "Have you been eating properly? You're all skin and bone!");
so-and-so (we sometimes use this expression when we are describing someone we
don't approve of and don't want to use a rude word: "Her children are
right so-and-so's!")
Three
expressions (up and down, to and fro, back and forth) have
a similar meaning: to repeatedly move in one direction and then in another:
"While he waited for the news, he paced back and forth anxiously".
Idioms and other
expressions using parts of the body (pages 44 – 45)
1. tongue    2. leg    3. ears    4. head (For
(b), we can also say My boss jumped down my throat)    5. arm
6. (a) teeth, (b) tooth (For (b), we can also say fighting tooth
and claw)    7. shoulder    8. (a) foot, (b) feet 9. nose
(For (a), we can also say She gets my back up or She pisses me off (
))    10. back    11. neck (For (b), we can also say I'm up to
my eyeballs in work)    12. hair (For (b), we can also say She
didn't bat an eyelid)    13. lips 14. hands    15. toes
16. eye    17. throats (In (b), forcing could be replaced
with pushing, ramming, thrusting or shoving)    18.
heart        19. (a) fingers, (b) finger 20. face    21. chin
22. elbow
There
are also lots of compound adjectives (= adjectives containing more than one
word) which use parts of the body. These include: weak-kneed; starry-eyed;
straightfaced; tight-lipped; tight-fisted; big-headed;
hard-headed; hard-hearted; soft-hearted; big-hearted;
thick-skinned; two-faced; light-fingered.
This
exercise uses just a few of the English idioms that use parts of the body.
There are hundreds more in the Macmillan English Dictionary. Develop a
'bank' of these, and try to use them in your everyday English.
Phrasal verbs, idioms and
other expressions using 'pick' (page 46)
1. picking over    2. pick up    3. pick up    4. picked
through    5. picks on    6. picked at    7. picked out
8. pick her out    9. pick you up from    10. picked
up speed
11. picking up the pieces    12. Take your pick
13. picking holes in    14. pick a fight    15. pick
your brains 16. pick a winner (This informal expression can be used in
any situation where you make a good decision that makes you successful)
Phrasal verbs, idioms and
other expressions using 'put' (page 47)
Here
is the completed text. Use your dictionary to check the meanings of any
expressions that you don't understand.
The
company I had been working for was taken over by a new manager, and we didn't
get on very well. Every suggestion that I put forward he rejected, he
put me under a lot of pressure to work longer hours, and he continually
put me down in front of the other employees. The final straw came when
he told me to put together an exhibition for a trade fair: I put in weeks
of work, but he told me that he thought the final result was
"rubbish". He even put the word out that I was lazy and
unreliable. I made a great effort to put aside our differences, but
eventually decided the best thing would be to put in for a transfer to
another department. When this was refused, I decided I couldn't put up with it
any more, and resigned.
Fortunately
I had managed to put aside a bit of money (including some that I had put
into a high-interest deposit account), and so I decided to take a
well-deserved holiday. There were several interesting holiday offers in the
newspapers, but I decided to put off choosing one until I found exactly
what I wanted. It was a friend who put me onto a travel agency that
specialised in walking holidays in interesting parts of the world. I checked
their website, found a holiday that I wanted and put down a £200
deposit, followed by the balance three weeks later. When the tickets didn't
arrive, I tried calling their telephone helpline, but was continually put through
to a recorded announcement. After several attempts to phone them, I put pen
to paper and wrote them a letter (I'm always much better at putting
myself across in writing than I am at speaking). I was naturally put out
when I didn't get a reply, so I visited the agency in their London offices.
The manager saw me personally and I put my situation to him, explaining
that I either wanted my tickets or my money back. He tried to put me off by
saying that there was no record of my booking, but I put him straight by
showing him the transaction record on my credit card account. I then put my
foot down and insisted he return my money. To my shock he called me a
liar and told a security guard to remove me from the building. That was when I
lost my temper. I went to my car, started the engine, put the car into gear,
put my foot down, and smashed the car through the agency's window.
And
that, your honour, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, is my story. I hope you
will take into account my feelings and emotions at the time. I just want to put
it all behind me. Please don't put me away!
Idiomatic and colloquial
responses (pages 48 – 49)
Exercise 1: (These are the most appropriate answers):
1. R (Cheerio is an informal way of saying goodbye.
Do not confuse this with Cheers, which is something we say when we
drink, or when we thank someone very informally)    2. N (Someone who is
in the doghouse is in trouble for something they have or haven't done:
"You'll be in the doghouse if you don't finish Mr Walton's report by
lunchtime")    3. Y (Congratulations is used for special
events such as anniversaries, engagements, marriages, the birth of a new baby,
etc. Some people also use it for birthdays, but this is less common)    4. P
(This impolite expression is something we say when we want people to stop
asking personal questions. It is sometimes shortened to Mind your own)
5. Q (How typical!, sometimes shortened to just Typical! is
a very common English expression that we use when something that happens
frequently happens again: "Our flight has been delayed. Typical!"
6. U (We say That'll teach you when we do not feel sorry for the
person who is complaining because it is their own fault. It is often followed
by for + an -ing verb: "That'll teach you for eating so
much" or not to + an infinitive verb: "That'll
teach you not to eat so much". We can also say Serves you right.)
7. G (You and whose army? is a very informal and aggressive
expression which means that you do not think the person who is speaking to you
is capable of doing something, especially fighting. It is sometimes used
humorously between good friends) 8. W (You're welcome is a polite
response when someone thanks us. We can also say Not at all, My
pleasure or, less formally, No problem or OK. Make
yourself at home is an expression we use to make people feel comfortable
when they visit our home)    9. I (Stop blowing your own trumpet is
an informal, impolite expression which means the same as Don't boast! or
Stop showing off!)    10. J (We can also say You too)    11.
O (This is a very informal expression that we use when we want to say how
much we want something to eat or drink: "I'm really thirsty: I could
murder an ice-cold Coke")    12. X (We can also say Your
secret's safe with me or I won't breathe a word) 13. E (a
very informal way of saying you hope someone sleeps well)    14. A (This
is a very informal way of telling someone that they should do something more
interesting in their free time)    15. B (a very informal way of saying Don't
touch!)    16. C (a very informal way of saying that you are full
and can't eat any more)    17. V (an expression of disappointment)    18.
H (These expressions are used informally to say that you don't believe
someone, that you think they are joking)    19. S (Both these informal
expressions are used to tell someone that you are listening or are going to
listen to them)    20. T (In your dreams! is a very informal
expression that we use to say that something is unlikely to happen. We can also
say Dream on!)    21. D (To let the cat out of the bag means
to reveal a secret)    22. M (We say Bless you! when someone
sneezes. North Americans usually say Gesundheit!) 23. F (used
very informally when you disagree strongly with someone. Nonsense or garbage
can be used instead of rubbish)    24. L (Hang on means wait,
and has the same meaning as hold on)    25. K (The second speaker
is saying that the present he has bought for the first speaker is a secret for
now)
Exercise 2:
1. Cheer (We say this when we want someone who is sad to be
happy)    2. sleep (The second speaker wants time to think about his /
her decision)    3. spit (The second speaker wants the first speaker to
say what he / she means)    4. tongue (The second speaker wants to know
why the first speaker is having problems speaking) 5. jump (The second
speaker is angrily and very impolitely telling the first speaker to go away.
Some people might say Get lost, Get knotted, Shove off, Take
a hike, Sling your hook, Take a long walk off a short pier, Go
and play with the traffic, Get on your bike, or other expressions
which are much too rude to print here)    6. fingers (The second speaker
is saying that he / she hopes the first speaker will be successful)    7. guest
(Be my guest is a polite way of saying Yes you can. We can also
say Help yourself)    8. returns (This is a slightly more formal
way of saying Happy Birthday)    9. rather (This is a polite way
of saying No you can't)    10. day (We say That'll be the day when
we don't believe something will happen. We might also say "And pigs
might fly!")    11. shelf (Someone who is on the shelf hasn't
got a girlfriend / boyfriend)    12. bells (When something like a
person's name rings a bell, it sounds familiar to you, but you can't
remember why: "Have you been to that bistro on the High Street? It's
called Quasimodo" "Quasimodo? I'm not sure. The name rings a bell")
13. weight (Someone who throws their weight around uses their
authority in an unreasonable or unpleasant way)    14. port (We use this
expression when something that we want or need is not available and we must
have something else instead. Beggars can't be choosers has a similar
meaning)    15. socks (The second speaker wants the first speaker to
work harder) 16. kitchen (This expression is used for telling someone
that they should not do something if they cannot deal with the difficult or
unpleasant aspects of it)    17. hard, bad, tough (These all have the
same meaning. Tough luck is more informal. Some people also say Hard
cheese, but this is usually used in an ironic way)    18. tongue
(The second speaker knows the name of the restaurant, but cannot remember it at
the moment)    19. wood (We say touch wood to prevent bad things
happening to us. Some people also touch a piece of wood when they say this) 20.
cheese (We say Say cheese when we take someone's photograph and we
want them to smile)
Idioms and other
expressions that rhyme or alliterate (pages 50 – 51)
1. hunky-dory (pleasant because there are no problems) 2. double
Dutch (speech or writing that is difficult to understand)    3. tittle-tattle
(talk about what other people are doing, especially when it is not true or
accurate. Gossip)    4. willy-nilly (Something that happens willy-nilly
happens whether you want it to or not, or it happens in a careless way,
without planning)    5. done and dusted (If something is done and dusted,
you have finished dealing with it and it is not necessary to discuss it any
more) 6. higgledy-piggledy (mixed together in a way that is not planned,
organised or tidy)    7. pie in the sky (a plan, hope, idea or
suggestion that will never happen) 8. chock-a-block (very full, so that
there is not much room for anything or anyone else)    9. heebie-jeebies
(Something that gives you the heebie-jeebies makes you feel very
nervous)    10. pitter-patter (the noise that rain makes on a window or
roof)    11. Hold your horses (an informal spoken expression which means
wait)    12. wear and tear (Something that is showing signs of
wear and tear is not in as good a condition as it once was) 13. lager
louts (young men who drink too much alcohol and then start fights or damage
property. Hooligans) 14. creepy-crawly (an insect or spider, used to
show that you dislike or are afraid of them)    15. by hook or by crook
(If you do something by hook or by crook, you try to achieve what you
want in any way possible, either honestly or dishonestly)    16. as dull
as dishwater (also as dull as ditchwater. Very boring)*   17. through
thick and thin (People who stay with each other through thick and thin stay
together despite all the bad things that happen to them)    18. hoity-toity
(behaving in a rude way to other people because you think you are better then
them. This is similar to high and mighty)    19. footloose and
fancyfree (single, without a girlfriend or boyfriend. This expression suggests
that the person is happy to be single. If they are unhappy about it, we would
describe them as being on the shelf)    20. hurly-burly (a lot of
noisy activity, usually involving large numbers of people)    21. shillyshally
(to delay too long before making a decision. Similar to dilly dally: to
do things very slowly)    22. wishy-washy (not strong or definite. We
can also say airy-fairy to describe people who are like this and who are
also not sensible or practical)   23. clap-trap (also written as one
word: claptrap. Stupid talk that you do not believe) 24. head
over heels (If you fall head over heels (in love) with someone, you
start to love them very much) 25. hocus-pocus (an activity or a belief
that you think has no value and is intended to trick people. This is similar to
mumbo-jumbo)    26. ho-hum (not very good / nothing special. We
can also say humdrum)    27. hoi polloi (an insulting expression
for ordinary people who are not very rich or well-educated. It is similar to riff-raff)
28. short shrift (if you give someone short shrift, you give them
a firm and immediate refusal to do something)    29. even Stevens (equal
during a competition such as a football match, quiz, etc. For a race, we can
say neck and neck) 30. rhyme or reason (If there is no rhyme
or reason why something has happened, you are unable to explain why it
happened)
*
A lot of idioms of emphasis (see page 19) use alliterations. These include: as
thick as thieves; as right as rain; as pleased as Punch; as dead as a doornail
/ as dead as a dodo; as pretty as a picture;  as mad as a March hare; as cool
as a cucumber; as fit as a fiddle
Phrasal verbs, idioms and
other expressions using 'Run' (pages 52 – 53)
Exercise 1:
There
are several possible combinations, but these are the best ones. You can
probably guess the meanings of most of the phrasal verbs from their context.
Use your dictionary to look up any that you don't know or can't guess.
Remember, however, that one phrasal verb can have several meanings: make sure
you find the right meaning in your dictionary.
1. I'm not very happy with the people I work with. I guess I'm a
bit fed up with them running me down all the time. 2. I
saw Janine for the first time in years today. I ran into her in a
café on the High Street.    3. Look at this wonderful vase I
found. I ran across it in an antique shop in Brighton.    4. I've
always been a very independent person. It began when I tried to run away from
home when I was 10 years old.    5. I am absolutely exhausted. I've been
running around at work all day without a break.    6. I really
want to discuss my ideas for the company with someone. I was wondering if I
could run them by you some time this morning?    7. We
need enough agendas for everyone coming to the conference. If I run off 150
copies, that should be enough.    8. Last winter was particularly cold.
I ran up a huge heating bill as a result.    9. I really must
deal with these accounts. I've been running away from them all day / for
too long. 10. I've got a lot to do at work today. I hope the morning
meeting doesn't run on for too long / all day.    11. I'm having
a lovely holiday in Italy, and I really don't want to leave. I suppose that
when my money runs out I'll have to come home.    12. I've got
one leg slightly longer than the other. It's been like that ever since I was run
down / over crossing a pedestrian crossing as a child.    13. I
think that everyone's here. I'll just run through the names on my list
to make sure.    14. I had a small accident in my car last month. I
couldn't believe it when the bill for repairs ran to almost
£1000.    15. I need a bit of romance and adventure in my life.
Perhaps I should just run off with the first man who catches my eye!
Exercise 2:
1. risk    2. steam (We can also say run out of gas)
3. ins
4. temperature    5. late    6. walk    7. free
8. eyes 9. mile (A mile is a measure of distance still
used in the United Kingdom. 1 mile = 1.609 kilometres)     10. life 11.
cut    12. money    13. down    14. rings (We can also
say running circles around him)    15. wild (We can also say run
riot, run amok or run amuck)    16. scared    17. high

Phrasal verbs, idioms and
other expressions using 'set' (page 54)
1. False. It causes them to fight or argue, even though they were
in a friendly relationship before: "A bitter industrial dispute set
worker against worker".    2. True. "Spending cuts have
set the project back by several months". This can also be a noun: a
setback.    3. True. "She set her concerns down in a letter
and gave it to her manager".    4. False. You have just started
it: "We set off early the next morning". We can also say set
out. 5. True. "She claims she is innocent and someone
has set her up".    6. False. You have started a business:
"The group plans to set up an import-export business". 7. False.
It makes it start, usually accidentally: "When Jeff pushed the door
open, he set off the alarm".    8. False. It has cost you a lot
of money: "His new car has set him back almost £25000".
9. False. You save money to use for a particular purpose. "We've
set aside some money for a holiday". We can also say put aside.
10. True. "Let's go inside. It looks like the rain has set in".
11. True. "I always thought that Sydney was the capital of
Australia until someone set me straight". We can use put instead
of straight.    12. False. You want something very much: "I've
got my heart set on the new Mazda MX5". We can also say to set your
heart on something: "I've set my heart on the new Mazda MX5".
13. False. You begin living in a particular place or with a particular
person. "Many people set up home together before getting married".
We can also say set up house.    14. False. You have, or
have been given, enough money so that you do not have to work for the rest of
your life: "Her inheritance set her up for life". We can also
say set for life.    15. False. It creates the conditions in
which something is likely to happen: "The workers' demands were
rejected, setting the stage for a strike".    16. False. You
are completely opposed to it: "She's dead set against giving her
children fast food". 17. True. "Mr Bridger is old,
stubborn and set in his ways".    18. False. You have a short
quarrel or fight with them: "I had a bit of a set-to with Carol earlier".
19. False. They cause trouble by doing or saying something: "He
really set the cat among the pigeons when he accused us of not working hard
enough". 20. True. "What's that horrible noise? It's
really setting my teeth on edge".    21. False. They make
something start: "There are several things we need to discuss. Who
wants to set the ball rolling?" We can also say start or
get the ball rolling.    22. False. They are telling you
to improve the way you behave or do things, especially before criticising how
other people behave or do things: "Before you criticise my bad habits,
you should set your own house in order". We can also say get or
put your house in order.
Phrasal verbs, idioms and
other expressions using 'take' (pages 55 – 56)
Across:  1. part    5. up with    7. over    8.
in    11. through
12. mickey    14. notice    16. salt    18. out
of    19. up on 22. after    23. back    25. off
26. doing
Down:  2. rough    3. cleaners    4. biscuit
6. hint    9. rain
10. sorts    13. on    15. out on    17. to    19.
up    20. off 21. granted    22. aback  (note that
this phrasal verb is always used in the passive)  24. down
Idioms and other
expressions using 'time' (page 57)
1. = (p): a situation in which you do not have enough time to do
something.    2. = (u): to make some of your time available for a
particular purpose.    3. = (w): an expression used at the beginning of
children's stories about events that happened in the past.    4. = (r):
to like someone or something a lot.    5. = (a): someone or something
that is in a time warp seems old-fashioned because they have not changed when
other people and things have changed. 6. = (x) or (f): to make some of
your time available for a particular purpose. This expression is often used in
the negative.    7. = (q): earlier than necessary.    8. = (y): a
spoken expression used for saying that someone should do something now, instead
of waiting to do it later. 9. = (e): an expression that is usually
spoken, which means that you are annoyed because something has happened later
than it should.    10. = (b): usually.    11. = (v) or (q): used
for telling someone to hurry.    12. = (d): used for talking about what
will happen at some future time. 13. = (k): a spoken expression used for
saying that you will know in the future whether something is true or right. 14.
= (s): many times, usually so often that you become annoyed. We can also
say time after time or time and again.    15. = (t): to
make time seem to pass more quickly by doing something instead of just
waiting.    16. = (l): to change and become modern.    17. = (c):
used for saying that something is strange or surprising.    18. = (j): a
humorous spoken expression, usually ironic, to say that you are surprised what
the time is.    19. = (n): the second time that something happens. Also
the first time around, the third time around, etc.    20. = (o): much
more modern or advanced than other people or things.    21. = (i):
sometimes, but not often.    22. = (h): for the present.
23. = (m): for a long period of time.    24. = (g): busy. 25.
= (f): used for talking about things that happen fairly often.
Idioms and other
expressions used to talk about travel and holidays (pages 58 – 59)
1. stone (More informally, we can also say within spitting
distance: "The hotel was within spitting distance of the beach")
2. scenic    3. trotter (Someone who travels to a lot of places
by air could be called a jetsetter)    4. cut-price (Tickets for
these and other airlines are usually bought on the Internet, but you might also
buy them from a bucket shop, a travel agency that specialises in cheap
travel tickets)    5. dogs (We could also say it’s gone downhill)
6. fleapit    7. thumb    8. beaten    9. nowhere
10. back (The expressions in numbers 8, 9 and 10 have a similar meaning,
but 9 and 10 usually have negative connotations)    11. break    12. suitcase
13. short
14. itchy    15. light    16. do    17. shock
18. holes 19. world    20. way (More informally, we could
say that the staff bent over backwards)    21. red    22. trap
23. natives (We can also say locals)    24. whistle (If
you visit a person or a place for a very short period of time, you could say
that you pay a flying visit: "Last year we paid a flying visit
to my aunt in Glasgow")    25. houses 26. hour    27.
pick-up     28. red    29. short    30. lines
Note
that many of the expressions in this exercise are not exclusive to travel and
holidays, and can be used to talk about other things. For example, you often read
between the lines when you read a story in a newspaper, or when you listen
to a politician's speech.
Phrasal verbs, idioms and
other expressions using 'turn' (pages 60 – 61)
Exercise 1:
1. in    2. out    3. to    4. on (Note that
the position of the object me in sentence (b) is very important: if you
put it after the phrasal verb, the sentence has a very different
meaning!)    5. over    6. around or round    7. up
8. away 9. against    10. off (This has the same meaning
as switch off. For lights, we can also say put out)    11. back
12. down
Note
that most of the phrasal verbs in this exercise have more meanings than are
shown here. Use your dictionary to find these.
Exercise 2:
You
can probably guess the meanings of most of the idioms and expressions in this
exercise from their context. Use your dictionary to look up any that you don't
know or can't guess. There are several possible combinations of sentence /
response, but these are the best ones:
1. n (If you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours is an
informal spoken expression which means that you will help someone if they help
you)   2. h    3. b    4. p    5. j (Someone who is
at their wits' end is very upset or worried and doesn't know what to do
about it)   6. m    7. e    8. i
9. a    10. l    11. c    12. f    13. o
14. d    15. k    16. g 17. r    18. q
Idioms that use words
connected with the weather (page 62)
1.
a
frosty reception (= the people who listened to the speech disapproved of what
they heard. Frosty can be used with other words to express disapproval.
For example, a frosty look, a frosty stare, a frosty tone,
etc)
2.
my
mind is in a fog (= the speaker cannot think clearly) 3. save something
for a rainy day (= save some money for when you need it)    4. right as
rain (= feeling well)    5. has a really sunny disposition (= very
happy, cheerful, friendly, etc)    6. snowed under (= the speaker has so
much work to do that he cannot do anything else)    7. a face like
thunder (= the boss looks very angry)    8. run like the wind (= run
very quickly)    9. cloud your judgement (= if something clouds your
judgement, it makes you less able to make a good decision)    10. stole
my thunder (= he took my ideas and used them as his own, then got all the
credit)    11. got the red mist (= became extremely angry) 12. took
the wind out of my sails (= the manager made the speaker feel much less
enthusiastic or confident about something)    13. on cloud nine (= very
happy because of something that has happened. We can also say in seventh
heaven)    14. it never rains but it pours (= a spoken expression
which means that problems often seem to happen all at the same time)    15. take
a rain check (= turn down an offer and accept it at a later date)    16. as
pure as the driven snow (= an expression we use when someone thinks that they
are morally superior to other people, but we know that they are not)    17. Any
port in a storm (= a spoken expression which means that you will accept any
help or take any opportunity if you are in a bad situation)    18. see
which way the wind blows (= if you wait to see which way the wind blows,
you observe a situation carefully before making a decision)    19. come
rain or shine (= a spoken expression which means that you will do something
regardless of what else happens) 20. put the wind up (= if you put
the wind up someone, you make them nervous or frightened)    21. a
storm in a teacup (= a lot of trouble about something that is not important)
22. got wind of (= find out something secret or private)    23. a
hail of criticism (= a lot of people criticised her suggestions)    24. rain
on her parade (= do something to spoil someone's ideas, plans, etc)
There
are also a lot of expressions that can be used to talk about the
weather. If it is raining very heavily, we can say that it is raining cats
and dogs (a rather old-fashioned expression), or it's chucking (it) down.
We can describe a very hot day as a scorcher. If there is a very strong
wind, we might say that it is blowing a gale. If there is a cold breeze
(= light wind), we could say that there is a nasty nip in the air. When
the weather is very cold, we could humorously say that it is brass monkey
weather or it's cold enough to freeze the balls of a brass monkey (an
old navy expression that has passed into everyday English: balls in this
case are cannonballs). A thick fog could be described as a pea-souper,
and the speaker might complain that he can't see his hand in front of his
face. If it is cold, windy and rainy, we could describe it as a pig of a
day.
Idioms and other
expressions used for talking about work (pages 63 – 64)
Exercise 1:    1. (a)    2. (b)    3. (b)    4.
(b)    5. (a)    6. (a) 7. (b)    8. (a) (from
the phrasal verb to dress down: to wear informal clothes)    9. (a)
10. (a)    11. (a)    12. (b) 13. (b)    14. (b)
15. (a)
Exercise 2:    1. (b)    2. (d)    3. (c)    4.
(a)    5. (d) (The other options are not real English words)    6.
(a)    7. (b)* 8. (a)    9. (c)    10. (d)    11.
(b)    12. (c) (You usually beaver away at a particular task:
"She's beavering away at her expenses")    13. (d) (The
other options are not real English words)   14. (c) (We could describe
someone who swings the lead a lot as being work-shy)   15. (a)
(If they are claiming money illegally – for example, if they have a job and are
still on the dole – we could say that they are on the fiddle)
*
Other 'rages' (when you get very angry because of something bad that
happens) include: air rage (in an aircraft or at the airport); road
rage (while driving your car); trolley rage (in a busy supermarket –
this is usually used humorously)
Note
that many of the idioms and expressions in this exercise are not exclusive
to work, and can be used in other areas.
Phrasal verbs, idioms and
other expressions using 'work' (page 65)
Exercise 1:
1. worked out    2. work on    3. working off    4.
working up to    5. worked out    6. worked out    7. work
off
8. work up    9. works at    10. work on
Exercise 2:
11. We had everything (for example, bacon, sausage, eggs, toast,
mushrooms, tomatoes, beans, etc). We can also say the full works or the
full Monty.    12. The boss did something that suddenly stopped a
process or plan. 13. We will have a difficult job to do.    14. The
cold shower had an extremely (and surprisingly) good result. 15. You
will need to work very hard to pass your exams. People from the USA sometimes
say work your butt off. 16. He ate the meal very quickly. This
expression can be used in other situations to mean deal with something
quickly and efficiently. If you make short work of someone,
you defeat an opponent quickly and easily: "Harrison wasn't playing
very well, and Jennings made short work of him in the second set"    17.
Don't get upset, angry or excited. We can also say Don't work yourself
up.    18. People who work or play the system do or
get what they want despite the rules that make it difficult.    19. I've
worked very hard. This expression is often used when hard physical work is
involved.    20. All in a day's work is an expression used for
saying that a particular situation or experience is normal for someone,
although most people would find it difficult or unusual. It is often used as a
sentence on its own: "I've been shouted at, spat at, sprayed with paint
and had eggs thrown at me today!" "Never mind, Prime Minister.
All in a day's work,
eh?"

alt: CHECK YOUR ENGLISH VOCABULARY FOR

alt: First published in Great Britain 2006

alt: However, if the object is a pronoun ( he , she , it , etc), it must usually come between the verb and the particle

alt: Contents Page:

alt: I've never seen Arnie looking so happy

alt: All the newspapers are writing about

alt: Tarquin is a bit of a __________

alt: I've heard a rumour that Andrew is going to leave the company and go to work for one of our competitors, but keep it under…

alt: If your friend has a plan, and you cut the ground out from under his feet , you offer to support him, usually by lending…

alt: Phrasal verbs, idioms and other expressions using ' do '

alt: Phrasal verbs, idioms and other expressions using ' go '

alt: Ursula is under the weather . ☺ / 34

alt: Exercise 1 : Complete these phrasal verbs with an appropriate particle ( in , to , of , etc) or particles

alt: Exercise 2 : Match the first part of each sentence on the left with the second part on the right, using the idioms and other…

alt: Exercise 1 : Complete the phrasal verbs in bold with an appropriate particle or particles ( in, up , out , etc)

alt: Answer : = it big :

alt: Trudi is a very private person

alt: You paid £200 for that old computer?

alt: How did you know I was in the house?

alt: Use the expression to complete this sentence : 1

title: Phrasal verbs and idiomas