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ILLUSTRATED AMERICAN IDIOMS Dean Curry

Advanced Level Functional Activities for Development of Vocabulary

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PREFACE Most Americans use idioms, especially when they talk to one another, and, consequently, idioms form a very important part of American English. They are used to give life and richness to the language by enabling it to absorb new concepts which need to be expressed linguistically in a new way. Idioms take existing words, combine them in a new sense, and bring forth new expressions. What really is an idiom? One definition is that an idiom is "the assigning of a new meaning to a group of words which already have their own meaning." (Makkai) Idioms are informal in nature and although they appear in literature, they are not necessarily considered to be "literary." They are often colloquial, often slang, and through overuse can become cliches. Idioms may be adjectival, adverbial, verbal, or nominal. They also may take the form of traditional sayings or proverbs. For the foreign student of English, the learning of idioms is an important aspect of the mastery of American English. And, although learning the idioms by rote may be one Important goal, learning to use idiomatic expressions correctly is even more important! The more idioms that a nonnatlve speaker of English can use In the right context In conversation with native Americans, the more easily will he be able to establish a communicative relationship, thus opening doors to friendly feelings on the part of both native and nonnative speakers. There is also an added bonus. It is quite likely that the nonnative speaker of English who has a good command of Idiomatic expressions will be judged by native Americans to be "fluent," an attainment dear to the heart of every learner of a foreign language! Illustrated American Idioms is an attempt to provide material In English as a foreign language in which graphics serve as the supporting visual representation of selected American idioms. Only a small fraction of the large number of idioms in American English lend themselves to graphic presentation. This factor in itself serves to limit the scope of the book. In format the text uses a line drawingserious or humorous in natureto act as a mnemonic device for the base Idiom. In some cases the drawing may be a realistic representation of the idiom or it may be a symbolic scene or figure. The exercises consist of the base idiom(s), one or two definitions, illustrative sentences with paraphrases, synonymous expressions, and a functional activity. The Illustration serves as a kind of jumping-off place for arousing linguistic curiosity, which, in turn, Is satisfied by the definition(s) and illustrative sentences. The latter, together with the paraphrases, provide a contextual application of the idiom. The synonymous expressions add a note of variety and language enrichment. To give students an opportunity to use the idioms in context with some degree of realism, the Functional Activity provides suggestions to this end. However, teachers should not limit application of the newly learned expressions exclusively to suggestions given in the Functional Activity. No doubt other pedagogic applications for both the Illustration and the Idioms will occur to many teachers using the material on a regular basis.

TEACHING HINTS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Give definitions and illustrative sentences orally, followed by the paraphrase of the illustrative sentence. Ask students to repeat the illustrative sentences. Give paraphrase again orally. Ask students to give the illustrative sentence. Give synonymous expressions and their definitions. Substitute the synonymous expressions In the appropriate illustrative sentence and have students repeat the new sentences. Give students an opportunity to compose original sentences using the functional activity for oral practice. Assign selected students to prepare and present in class short dialogues (2-4 lines) using the idioms and/or synonymous expressions.

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ALL THUMBS

DEFINITION: Awkward, especially with one's hands; clumsy ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Walter tried to fix the broken table but couldn't. He was all thumbs. (Paraphrase: He had trouble fixing the table because he was awkward with his hands.) When it comes to using a hammer and saw, I'm all thumbs. (Paraphrase: I'm quite clumsy with a hammer and saw.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to give examples of skills in which they are all thumbs.

AT LOGGERHEADS

DEFINITION: In a quarrel; in a fight; opposing each other, Strong Disagreement, At an Impasse ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Marvin and Madge are at loggerheads again. They don't seem to agree on anything (Paraphrase: They are opposing each other because of their constant disagreement on matters.) The two politicians have been at loggerheads for 20 yean over the Issue of a highway construction. (Paraphrase: They have been opposing each other for 20 years on a political question.)

RELATED EXPRESSION AT ODDS - In conflict or disagreement, opposed FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide whether or not the following situations describe people at loggerheads or at odds. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. A newly married couple disagreeing about religion Neighbors opposed to a couple that has a dog that barks a lot Three people planning a trip to Hawaii to go water skiing Governors of neighboring states opposed to one of the President's plans for fighting Inflation. A husband and a wife who repeatedly cannot agree on the way they should decorate the living room of their house A teacher and a pupil discussing the results of the pupil's latest examination Two employees of the same company opposing each other with regard to the need for membership In a labor union A mother and a daughter in disagreement about whether the girl Is old enough to have dates with boy. A father and a son opposed to the mother's desire to purchase a new sofa for the living room rather than a sailboat.

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TO BE ON TARGET

(to) BE ON TARGET DEFINITION: To achieve a desired goal; to be correct in one's analysis or assessment of something ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Sam says that he is on target in his law career. (Paraphrase: He believes that he has achieved his desired goal.) Your remark concerning the budget was right on target. (Paraphrase: Your assessment of the budget was entirely correct.)

RELATED EXPRESSIONS BE ON THE BEAM = To do well in one's endeavors; to be correct, just right HIT THE BULL'S EYE - To hit the target; to achieve a desired goal FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide which of the following is on target, or on the beam. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. A student who answers every question on a test correctly A basketball player who makes only 15 percent of his shots A man 29 years of age who becomes the president of his own company A lawyer who wins over 85 percent of her cases in court A 15-year old girl who wins three gold medals in the Olympics. An overweight woman who begins many diet programs but never finishes them. A professor of astronomy who discovers a new star.

FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to describe persons that they feel are on the beam or on target, telling why they think so.

BEAT THE BAND

(to) BEAT THE BAND DEFINITION: At great speed; with a great deal of noise or commotion; with a great deal of effort, With a lot of Effort, To the Extreme (Used after TO) ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES The police car was going down the highway to beat the band. (Paraphrase: It was going at full speed.) After the team scored two goals in ten minutes, the spectators cheered, shouted, and clapped their hands to beat the band.

(Paraphrase: The spectators indicated their approval as loud as they could.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to indicate which of the following situations might cause a beat the band react/on and express how it might be manifested. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. A small boy who thinks he sees a ghost in the attic. (What might he do?) An ambulance going to the scene of a train accident. (How might it go? A friend who has just received the news that he has just won $150,000 in the state lottery. (How might he react? A hunter who has just come face to face with a bear in the woods. (What might the hunter do? A worker who suddenly discovers that he only has a few minutes to finish a job that the boss considers very important. (What might the worker do? A swimmer who is caught in a strong undercurrent and fears he is about to drown. (What might his reaction be? A gathering of movie fans when their favorite movie star suddenly appears. (How might they react?)

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BEAT TO THE DRAW

(to) BEAT TO THE DRAW or (to) BEAT TO THE PUNCH DEFINITION: To do something before another person has a chance to do it ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES I had hoped to get that fob In Now Orleans, but Jake beat me to the draw. (Paraphrase: Jake applied and got the job before I did.) Leah wanted to buy that painting by Orsky, but Janice beat her to the punch. (Paraphrase: Leah couldn't buy the painting because Janice bought It first.)

SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSION GET THE JUMP ON = To get ahead of; to have an advantage over FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the Idiom and synonymous expression to express the following: 1. DEJECTION. Begin the utterance with (a) I didn't have a chance ... (b) I can't believe It ... (c) I'm so depressed ... 2. ELATION. Begin the utterance with (a) Oh, happy day ... (b) I've got good news ...! (c) Did you hear what happened to me ...? 3. SYMPATHY. Begin the utterance with (a) I'm sorry to hear that ... (b) It's too bad that ... (c) What a shame ...! 4. DETERMINATION. Begin (he utterance with (a) I've made up my mind that ... (b) This time I won't ... (c) Let's not let ...

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BIG FROG (FISH) IN A SMALL POND

DEFINITION: Someone who is considered to be important in a small place or position; a leader In a small group ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES In his hometown, he was a big frog in a small pond, but after he moved to a large city, he was just one person among many millions. (Paraphrase: In his hometown he was respected and honored, but in the large city no one knew him.) Grant preferred being president of a small companya big frog In a small pondrather than becoming a vice-president of a large corporation at a larger salary. (Paraphrase: More money couldn't lure him away from the honor and respect of his position as head of a small company.) RELATED EXPRESSIONS THE MAN = The boss, the leader, the most Important person In an organization BIG CHEESE BIG GUN BIG SHOT BIG WIG BIG WHEEL A person with a great deal of power or Influence; a high official FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to name some powerful or Influential persons In their own country and to characterize each by using the idiom or related expressions. Students might say something such as: The (big shot) In my town/city, Is (name of person) because he/she controls/runs the or (Name of person) thinks he/she 1$ a (big gun) in my town/city (country, but ho It he It only a big frog In a small pond.

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(to) BLOW (TOOT) ONE'S OWN HORN

DEFINITION: To praise oneself; to call attention to one's skill, intelligence, or success; to boast, to brag ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Poor Charlie! He's always tooting his own horn about how good he is at golf. (Paraphrase: He's always praising his own skill at golf.) The person who habitually blows his own horn soon loses friends. (Paraphrase: One who Is always boasting alienates friends.)

FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to discuss when it is permissible (If ever) to blow or toot one's own horn. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to describe persons that they have known who habitually blew or tooted their own horn, what they boasted about, and how people reacted to them. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students which of the following speakers sound as If they are blowing or tooting their own horn. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. "Boy! I really showed Sam how to play tennis. I beat him In three straight sets. He didn't have a chancel" "I doubt that I will do very well on my French test. I havent studied for two weeks." "I finally got to watch TV last night. There were so many telephone Interruptions that I thought that I would miss my favorite program." "It's a good thing you had me there to help you plant your garden. You really needed help. I don't think you know anything about gardening, do you?" 'That was the best pie I ever madeand I've made a lot of good ones. But, I really had the right touch on that one. Everything turned out perfectly." "How about that! Have you ever seen a better Job of painting? I'm really getting good! Maybe I should become a professional." "Did you ever see such a bad fob of typing? I simply can't seem to do a neat Job anymore!"

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(to) BURN RUBBER

DEFINITION 1: To start up a car or motorcycle from a dead stop so fast that the rubber of the tires leaves a mark on the road, accelerate quickly, hurry ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Every Saturday they burn a lot of rubber at the motorcycle races. (Paraphrase: The motorcycle tires leave a lot of rubber marks on the racetrack or There are many fast starts at the racetrack on Saturdays.) Everytime that he leaves a stop sign, my brother likes to burn rubber. (Paraphrase: He starts his car fast and leaves a rubber mark on the pavement)

DEFINITION 2: To leave in a hurry (on foot or by vehicle) ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES 9 if we expect to get to the airport on time, we'll have to burn rubber. (Paraphrase: We'll have to leave in a hurry In order to be on time.) 9 "Let's burn rubber!" the leader shouted as all the drivers ran toward their motorcycles. (Paraphrase: Let's leave In a hurry!) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to (1) discuss the wisdom of burning rubber and (2) cite occasions when they have had to do so.

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BURN UP THE ROAD

(to) BURN UP THE ROAD DEFINITION: To drive a car very fast, to do something quickly ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES He was so eager to get to the game that he burned up the road all the way. (Paraphrase: He drove at high speed because he was Impatient to get to the game.) One of the reasons for all the recent car accidents Is the large number of speed demons burning up the road. (Paraphrase: Motorists driving too fast are one of the principal causes of accidents.) RELATED EXPRESSION DRIVE LIKE A WILD MAN = To drive very fast, carelessly, or recklessly FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide In which of the following situations it might be necessary to burn up the road. 1. A husband driving his wife to the train station. 2. A family driving to the country to visit relatives. 3. A police car chasing another car driven by two bank robbers. 4. A truck delivering packages to homes in a small town. 5. A doctor called to the scene of a serious car accident. 6. An army general going to a dinner party at the home of a politician. 7. A young man on a motorcycle bringing news to a city of a broken dam and flood waters. 8. Four young men returning home after a day spent fishing at a nearby lake. 9. A worried mother taking her very sick child by car to the doctor's office.

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(to) BUTT IN DEFINITION: To interfere in other people's business; join in with what other people are doing without asking or being asked, to push ones way between others (line up) To butt in (cut in) is colloquial for to interrupt a conversation; to interfere in a conversation. How would he have liked it if I'd kept butting in when he was talking? I hope I'm not butting in, but you must let me say how much I admire your business-like capacity. Excuse me, miss, for buttin' in that way. "Think of the credit for you, " Andrew cut in quickly. ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Mother had Just started to explain to Jane how to fix her sweater when Alice butted In. (Paraphrase: Alice interfered when Mother started explaining something to Jane.) 0 Let's go Into the other room so Albert won't butt in. (Paraphrase: Let's go into another room to avoid Albert's interference.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS HORN IN = To come In without invitation; Interfere STICK ONE'S NOSE INTO = To meddle In things not one's business; Interfere (somewhat impolitely) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to describe experiences that they have had dealing with someone who butted or horned in or stuck his/her nose into other people's business. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to describe any habitual "buttinsky" (one who butts in) they have known and how other people reacted to him or her.

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BY WORD OF MOUTH - informal DEFINITION: From person to person by the spoken word; orally ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES I didn't read about it but heard the newt by word of mouth. (Paraphrase: 1 heard the new* as it was passed from one person to me.) He only got the message by word of mouth. (Paraphrase: He only heard it as It was passed from person to person.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSION BY THE GRAPEVINE = informal way (often secret) of transmitting Information; gossip, or rumors from person to person (usually orally) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to discuss some of the dangers or disadvantages of receiving news or Information by word of mouth or by the grapevine. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to complete the following sentences. 1. I heard about Mary's_________by word of mouth. I hope it's true/ 2. I don't know whether to believe that Mark has_________or not. I heard It by the grapevine. 3. Do you think, really, that Agnes_____.____? We only heard It by word of mouth. 4. Would you say that It's true what they're saying about the President's _________? We only heard It by the grapevine. 5. How about that story of the big_________over In Chicago! I heard by word of mouth that It really happened! 6. Someone claims that_________But, personally, I have my doubts since the news only came by the grapevine. 7, Several people have told me by word of mouth that the story about___________ is true because many people saw it.

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(to) CALL THE SHOTS DEFINITION: To give orders; to be In charge; to direct; control ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES I like a leader who knows how to call the shots. (Paraphrase: I like a leader that takes control.) When Jeff began to call the shots, everything got better. (Paraphrase: Matters improved after Jeff began to give orders.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS CALL THE TUNE ? RUN THE SHOW To be in control; to give orders or directions FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide who is calling the shots or the tune or running the show in the following situations. 1. A group of soldiers in which there Is a major, a general, and a captain. 2. A teacher, students, and the director of the school. 3. The two drivers of automobiles involved In an accident and a motorcycle policeman at the scene. 4. Two doctors, three nurses and a patient in a hospital operating room. 5. A mother, a father, and two teen-aged children on a vacation trip. 6. A department head, a supervisor, and the president of the company discussing new employment policies. 7. A policeman, a lawyer and his client, and a Judge at a trial In traffic court.

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CHICKEN DEFINITION: Cowardly, easily scared, frightened ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Don't be so chicken! There's nothing to be afraid of! (Paraphrase: Don't be so cowardly!) Avery was too chicken to ride a motorcycle. (Paraphrase: He was afraid to ride a motorcycle.) RELATED EXPRESSIONS CHICKEN-LIVERED = ) easily scared, cowardly LILY-LIVERED = } easily scared, cowardly YELLOW-BELLIED = cowardly; extremely timid SCAREDY-CAT FRAIDY-CAT someone who Is easily frightened (to) CHICKEN OUT DEFINITION: To stop doing something because of fear; to decide not to do something after having first made a decision to do it ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Steve used to drive racing cars but he chickened out last year. {Paraphrase: He stopped driving because he lost his nerve.) My sister was going to begin sky-diving lessons this afternoon but she chickened out this morning, (Paraphrase: She changed her mind at the last minute because of fear.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the appropriate Idiom or synonymous expression In the following situations. 1. DISGUST AT A FRIEND (a) who won't go water skiing with you (b) who changes his or her mind about taking flying lessons with you (c) who won't stand up for his or her rights as a taxpayer 2. DISAPPOINTMENT AT YOUR BROTHER OR SISTER (a) who doesn't want to explore a cave with you (b) who refuses to spend the night In a haunted house with you (c) who decides not to learn to ride horses because of the fear of falling off 3. ANNOYANCE OR ANGER AT YOURSELF (a) because you didn't finish a course In deep-sea diving (b) because you have a fear of water and can't learn to swim (c) because you changed your mind about becoming a policeman (policewoman)

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(to) CLOWN AROUND DEFINITION: To act or behave like a clown; to act silly; to not pursue a task with the intention of succeeding ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES My roommate Is seldom serious about anything. He's always clowning around. (Paraphrase: Ha acts silly most of the time.) The team began to clown around and soon lost the game. (Paraphrase: They lost because they didn't take the game seriously.) RELATED EXPRESSION MESS AROUND = To engage In Idle or purposeless activity FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to think of times when they preferred to clown around or mess around rather than to be serious or apply themselves to a task. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide which of the following could be examples of clowning or messing around. 1. Two boys throwing water on each other rather than washing their father's car. 2. A group of young people wandering around the beach of a resort town. 3. Three men playing cards Instead of cleaning the building they are supposed to clean. 4. Four people playing golf together on Sunday afternoon. 5. A farmer planting corn all day long on a very hot day. 6. A group of boys performing a number of physical feats to make a group of girls laugh.

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(to) COME OUT OF ONE'S SHELL DEFINITION: To stop being shy or bashful, withdrawn ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES We finally got Frank to come out of his shell and talk to some people at the party. (Paraphrase: We finally got him to stop being shy and to enter into conversation.) Lorraine was such a shy girl that no one could draw her out of her shell. (Paraphrase: Others could not get her to talk.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to discuss ways to draw an extremely bashful person out of his/her shell. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide which of the following needs to come out of his/her shell. 1. A girl who always avoids looking directly at persons speaking to her. 2. An elderly man who Is afraid to meet other people because he thinks that no one likes to talk to old people. 3. An enthusiastic young man who likes to move around In a crowd of people talking, telling Jokes, etc. 4. A single man who would like to meet a nice girl and perhaps get married but who Is too shy to talk to women. 5. A salesman who travels to many cities, who frequently meets with the presidents of large corporations, and who thoroughly enjoys his work. 6. A student who needs help with his studies but who is extremely reluctant to ask teachers for help.

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(to) COOK UP DEFINITION: To plan and organize; to invent; to make up ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES I have to cook up an excuse for being late to work. (Paraphrase: I have to invent an excuse for my tardiness.) All of the members of the staff were cooking up a scheme to get an extra holiday. (Paraphrase: They were planning and organizing a way to have another holiday.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to cook up a scheme to deal with the following. 1. A traffic ticket for speeding that will bring a reprimand from your father. 2. Entrance to a movie theater without paying. 3. A low grade on the last test in English, that may prevent you from passing. 4. Desire for a fob promotion. 5. Failure to attend the celebration of your father and mother's wedding anniversary. 6. Need for enough money to take a vacation trip. 7. Refuse/ of a friend to accompany you to a popular restaurant where you have planned a surprise party for him/her. 8. Arranging to meet a person of the opposite sex in whom you have a romantic Interest.

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(to) CRY OVER SPILLED MILK DEFINITION: To cry or complain about something that has already happened; be unhappy about something that has no remedy, unhappy ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES What's done is done/ The window Is broken and nothing can be done about It. As Mother always says: "There's no use crying over spilled milk." (Paraphrase: There is no reason to be unhappy about a broken window since being unhappy won't repair the window.) After he lost his billfold, Bill's father told him not to cry over spilled milk. (Paraphrase: He told him not to be sorry over something that was lost. RELATED EXPRESSIONS MAKE ONE'S BED AND LIE IN IT - To accept responsibility for one's own actions and the accompanying bad results FACE THE MUSIC = To go through trouble or danger, usually because of one's own actions; accept one's punishment TAKE ONE'S MEDICINE = To accept punishment without complaining FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the idiom and related expressions to express the following. 1. ANGER. Begin the utterance with (a) It's your mistake not mine! You'll just have to----(b) I didn't drop that cake, you did-and you'll have to----(c) You've certainly made a mess! When Mother comes, you'll have to 2. SYMPATHY. Begin the utterance with (a) I'm sorry you did that, but now you'll----(b) I sympathize with your concern, but there's no use (c) It's too bad that Sam did what he did because now he'll.... 3. PERSUASION. Begin the utterance with (a) I believe you'll feel better about the matter if you just (b) I hope that you finally see your mistake and are willing to (c) I finally persuaded my brother that he FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students which of the following situations might cause one to CRY OVER SPILLED MILK. 1. A misplaced pocketbook or purse. 2. A broken engagement to be married. 3. A promotion and raise in salary at one's fob. 4. A reprimand from one's boss for failure to do a job correctly. 5. A missed opportunity to win a lot of money In a contest. 6. A lost package of chewing gum. 7. A pair of broken eyeglasses. 8. A gift on one's birthday that Is 9. A mislaid book that one is reading.

not

pleasing.

(to) CUT OFF ONE'S NOSE TO SPITE ONE'S FACE DEFINITION: To make things worse for oneself because of anger or frustration, usually at someone else. ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES When Ed's mother wouldn't let him play his new jazz records late at night, he cut off his nose to spite his face by breaking them, (Paraphrase: Ed only hurt himself by breaking his record*.) When his father refused to let him take his dog to the beach on the family vacation trip, Steve got mad, refused to go on the trip, and so cut off his nose to spite his face. (Paraphrase: Steve hurt only himself by missing the vacation trip.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to describe three situations In which someone expresses anger or frustration In such a way that his or her reaction only results In making matters worse.

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DEAD TO THE WORLD DEFINITION: Fast asleep ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES My brother didnt 't get to bed until three In the morning and was still dead to the world at noon. (Paraphrase: He was fast asleep.) Harry was lying on the sofa dead to the world and missed seeing the game on television. (Paraphrase: He was sleeping very soundly.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS: OUT LIKE A LIGHT, ZONKED OUT Fast asleep; sound asleep FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students (1) to describe situations In which " It is permissible or preferable to be out like a tight, dead to the world, or zonked out and (2) situations In which it is Imperative to be wide awake. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Describe the fast asleep state of the following: using the idiom or a synonymous expression. 1. Harry too* two steeping pills before going to bed. He's________________________ 2. The children were so tired from playing that they climbed up on the bed and were soon 3. "I was worn out," Mary said, "I got In bed at midnight and didn't get up until three o'clock the next afternoon. I was_____________________________for___________________________hours!" 4. Oblivious to everything around him, the soldier lay sleeping, _________while the battle raged on. 5. Dad was --------------------------------------------during all the speeches. He says they put him to sleep. 6. Some of the inexperienced hikers soon tired and we passed three or four --------------------------------------------along the trail. 7. I was --------------------------------------------and didn't hear the telephone ring at all.

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DOWN IN THE DUMPS DEFINITION: Dejected; gloomy; sad or discouraged ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES After their team lost the game, both the players and the tans were down In the dumps. (Paraphrase: Everybody was dejected after the loss of the game.) The bad news had a negative effect on her and she became more down In the dumps as the day passed. (Paraphrase: She became progressively discouraged after hearing the bad news.) RELATED EXPRESSION DOWN IN THE MOUTH = Defected; discouraged FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to describe those happenings or situations that most cause them to be down in the dumps or mouth. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to complete the following sentences. 1. Mary was down In the dumps all day because her boy friend 2. "Why is Jim so down in the mouth?" "He lust heard that his car__________________________ 3. Alter Jerry had lost_________________, he was really down In the dumps. 4. The more they listened to________________ the more down In the mouth they became. 5. After the doctor told him_________________, Mark was down in the dumps the rest of the week. 6. "Don't get down In the dumps just because your friend_________________________ 7. As soon as we looked at________________________, we were down in the dumps. 8. My boss was down In the mouth all day yesterday because six employees ________________________.

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EAGER BEAVER DEFINITION: A person who is always eager to work or do anything above what is necessary, sometimes to win the favor of a superior. ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Jack Is such an eager beaver. He a/way* helps the teacher after school. (Paraphrase: Ha likes to do extra work after school to please his teacher.) Rachel will get a promotion next year because she's such an eager beaver. (Paraphrase: She will get a better Job because she works harder than other employees.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to describe some eager beavers that they know or have known. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide which of the following might be called eager beavers. 1. A girl who likes to spend most of her time reading Instead of doing her school homework or helping her mother with the housework. 2. A young bus/ness executive who spends his evenings going to night school to /earn a new profession, who works part-time In a local drugstore to earn extra money, and who hopes to form his own company before he Is 30 years old. 3. A middle-aged man who retires from his fob and then begins to learn a new trade so that he can join with Ms brother-in-law in forming a corporation specializing In computer equipment 4. A housewife, whose children have all grown up and moved away from home, who decides to finish her university studies and get her degree. She plans to work part-time at a local department store to help earn enough money for university expenses but at the same time care for her house and husband. 5. A group of six young people who spend their vacation swimming at the beach, going to parties, spending money sent by their parents, and, In general, enjoying a lazy life In the sun.

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FLAT BROKE DEFINITION: Having no money ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES She gambled all of her savings away and It now flat broke. (Paraphrase: She doesn't have any money left) Bill can't lend us any money. He's flat broke. (Paraphrase: He doesn't have to be (stone) broke to be penniless But we're less broke than we were. I could borrow a dress from May Turner. He sobered up. "Stone broke, " he said.

any

money

to

lend.)

SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS DEAD BROKE STONE BROKE FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to give examples from experience of being flat, dead, or stone broke and the reasons why they arrived at that state. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to describe how it feels to be flat, dead, or stone broke. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to complete the following sentences. 1. I can't go to the_________because I'm flat broke. 2. We spent all our savings on_________and now we're dead broke. 3. My father can't_________because he's stone broke. 4. After losing_________, they arrived home flat broke. 5. Mother explained that she couldn't_________because she was dead broke. 6. He's the kind of gambler who_________because he's always stone broke. 7. "I'm sorry. I'm flat broke. The_________just took all my cash."

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GET A WORD IN (EDGEWAYS) (to) GET A WORD IN or (to) GET A WORD IN EDGEWISE (EDGEWAYS) DEFINITION: To have an opportunity to speak when other people are talking ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Mrs. Harris talked on and on and Joan couldn't get a word In edgewise. (Paraphrase: Joan didn't have a chance to talk.) Mrs. Harris finally stopped talking and Joan had a chance to get a word In. (Paraphrase: Joan finally got a chance to say something.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS To say openly what one thinks HAVE ONE'S SAY SPEAK ONE'S PIECE SAY ONE'S PIECE HAVE ONE'S DAY IN COURT FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the idiom and synonymous expressions to express the following: 1. COMPLAINT. End the utterance with (a) and / didn't even ... (b) she wouldn't let me ... (c) I never had a chance to ... 2. EXPECTATION. Begin the utterance with (a) I hope that ... (b) / suppose that ... (c) I expect that ... 3. DETERMINATION. Begin the utterance with (a) They'd better let me ... (b) / told him to ... (c) I've decided to ... 4. CONCESSION. Begin the utterance with (a) Why don't you let ...? (b) It's time for ... (c) Will you allow me ...?

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(to) GET HOLD OF DEFINITION 1: To get possession of ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Somehow they got hold of some dynamite and blew up the bridge. (Paraphrase: They got possession of some dynamite.) Don't let the baby get hold of that medicine! It might make him sick. (Paraphrase: Don't allow the baby to get his hands on the medicine.) RELATED EXPRESSION GET (LAY) ONE'S HANDS ON - To get possession of DEFINITION 2: To find a person in order to speak to him ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES / needed to talk to Dr. Taylor, but I couldn't get hold of him. (Paraphrase: I couldn't find Dr. Taylor so I could talk to him.) Fred spent several hours on the phone trying to get hold of a mechanic to fix his car. (Paraphrase: He had a hard time finding a mechanic.) RELATED EXPRESSION GET IN TOUCH WITH = To reach someone to talk with him FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to prepare short dialogues of the following situations, using the idiom or related expressions. 1. You are desperate. Your son has cut his hand badly and you have called your doctor's office. His nurse tells you that he's at the hospital. You explain to her that you have to talk to him. She gives you the telephone number at the hospital. When someone at the hospital answers the phone, you give the name of your doctor and explain how Important it Is for you to speak with him. 2. You are a high school chemistry teacher. Some small children are going to visit your class. You explain to your assistant (one of your students) how he or she must be careful not to let any of the children get possession of chemicals such as the acids In bottles. 3. You are sitting in your living room. As you look out the window, you see your cat trylng to get a baby bird in a tree. You tell your son to prevent the cat's doing so. 4. There is a knock on the door. You go and it's your friend, Tom. You are surprised and explain to him that you have been trying to reach him for two days. He replies that he has also been trying to reach you for two days!

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(to) GET IT ALL TOGETHER DEFINITION 1: To collect one's composure under pressure, in controll ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES After the accident, Pete got it all together and began to Joke about his bad luck. (Paraphrase: Pete regained his composure and self-confidence.) ^ The dancing couple slipped and tell, but quickly got It all together and continued the dance. (Paraphrase: Even though they had fallen, the couple continued a* If nothing had happened.) DEFINITION 2: To be in full control of one's thinking; to have a clear purpose in mind to pull oneself together to recover one's normal self-control or balance No, no, my dear: you must pull yourself together and be sensible. I am in no danger not the least in the world. She cleared her throat, pulled herself together and pertly addressed the man-servant. Pennington suddenly pulled himself together. He was still a wreck of a man, but his fighting spirit had returned in a certain measure. ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Randy is the kind of guy who knows where he's going and what he wants to do. He's got It all together. (Paraphrase: Randy is a cool, level-headed person with a plan of action.) Susan really has got It all together. She's never bothered by Insults. (Paraphrase: Susan Isn't easily upset.) To stay calm when there is trouble or danger. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the Idiom and synonymous expressions to express the following: 1. ENVY. Begin the utterance with (a) You amaze me ...! How do you do It .,.? (c) You're fantastic ...! 2. COMFORTING ADVICE. Begin the utterance with (a) Don't panic. ...I (b) No need to worry ... (c) You had better ... 3. ANGER. Begin the utterance with (a) You have to .. .1 (b) Was that any way to behave ...? (c) Why didn't you ...?

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GET IT IN THE NECK

(to) GET IT IN THE NECK or (to) CATCH IT IN THE NECK DEFINITION: To be blamed or punished ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCE Esther got It In the neck because she forgot to turn off the car lights (Paraphrase: She was punished for the damage to the car battery.) I really caught It In the neck because I didn't put the fire out. (Paraphrase: I was scolded for not putting out the fire.) to get it in the neck - To receive heavy censure or punishment is colloquially speaking. Any one that worries you, my dear, will get it in the neck from me, and you can be sure of that. She hadn't half been wanting to see him get it in the neck from someone without being able to answer back. You don't know what's going on. You sit here in Paris and send home yards of silk and cases of cognac while we get it in the neck. SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS To be scolded or punished GET IT CATCH GET WHAT'S COMING TO ONE = To receive the good or bad that one deserves FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the idiom and synonymous expressions to express the following: 1. WARNING. Begin the utterance with (a) Be careful ... (b) You're going to ... (c) Don't do that or .../ 2. INQUIRY. Begin the utterance with (a) When did ...? (b) Why did ...? (c) Do you think that ...? INFERENCE. Begin the utterance with (a) She'll probably ... (b) I expect that (c) If he does that ... OBSERVATION. Begin the utterance with (a) They're going to ... (b) She deserves to ... (c) That's the reason that ...

...

(to) GET ONE'S GOAT DEFINITION: To make someone angry, annoyed, or disgusted ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES It really got Mr. Robert's goat when he had to wait two hours to get his plane tickets. (Paraphrase: He was annoyed at the long delay.) The clerk's arrogant attitude got my goat. (Paraphrase: I was angry because of the way the clerk acted.) to get one's goat to annoy, to exasperate "You only say that, Daddy, to get my goat." "And only because your goat is so easy to get." What's wrong with England is Snobbishness. And if there's anything that gets my goat it's a snob SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSION BUG = To annoy FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to name or list five things that frequently get their goat or bug them.

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GET SET (to) GET SET DEFINITION: To get ready (to start) ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES The runners stood still until the official raised his gun and said: "On your mark. Get set. Go!" And off they dashed. (Paraphrase: They were ready to start the race at the signal from the official.) We are getting set for a long, cold winter. (Paraphrase: We are preparing for a long winter.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students which of the following situations requires one to get set. 1. Writing a letter. 2. Catching an object thrown by someone else. 3. Helping someone lift a large piece of furniture. 4. Playing a musical instrument. 5. Driving an automobile In the city. 6. Preparing to begin an automobile race. 7. Beginning a series of body building exercises. 8. Stopping on the way home to buy food. 9. Following a path through the woods. 1O. Working with a team of people to prepare a large banquet.

GET THE MESSAGE (to) GET THE MESSAGE DEFINITION: To understand clearly what is meant ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES We explained to him that we couldn't help him at all but he didn't get the message. (Paraphrase: In spite of our explanation, he didn't understand.) I hinted to Laura that I wanted to leave early, but she didn't get the message. (Paraphrase: She didn't understand that I wanted to leave early.) RELATED EXPRESSIONS GET THE WORD GET THE PICTURE To understand clearly FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the idiom and related expressions to express the following. 1. DISAPPOINTMENT. Begin the utterance with (a) What's a shame! I told her about (b) I'm so disappointed! I thought I had explained everything clearly, but evidently 2. ANNOYANCE. Begin the utterance with (a) I am so annoyed with Jack. He hardly ever___ (b) What more can I say! You simply.. A (c) It seems perfectly clear to me. Why can't you...? 3. PERSUASION. Begin the utterance with (a) Let me go over it once more, then I'm sure you (b) Please read this one more time and I feel that you (c) After Dr. Hawkins explained it to her, she----4. ELATION. Begin the utterance with (a) Great! I finally.... (b) It took a long time, but I...! (c) That's wonderful! They..., do they?

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GET THROUGH ONE'S HEAD (to) GET THROUGH ONE'S HEAD DEFINITION 1: To understand ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES He couldn't get It through his head that the war was over. (Paraphrase: He didn't believe that the war had ended.) She couldn't get it through her head that every order had to be sent to the main office. (Paraphrase: She had difficulty understanding what to do with the orders.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSION CATCH ON = To understand DEFINITION 2: To make someone understand or believe ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES My brother spent four hours helping me get the concept of electricity through my head. (Paraphrase: He spent four hours helping me understand electricity.) The teacher's detailed explanation finally got the theme of the poem through my head. (Paraphrase: The teacher's explanation made the theme of the poem clear to me.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSION GET ACROSS = To explain clearly FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the idiom and synonymous expressions to express the following: 1. ANGER. Begin the utterance with (a) Why can't you ...? (b) You must ... (c) It Is imperative that ... 2. SURPRISE. Begin the utterance with (a) Don't tell me that ... (b) It surprises me that ... (c) I'm surprised that ... 3. DOUBT. Begin the utterance with (a) I doubt that ... (b) I'm afraid that ... (c) It is improbable that ... 4. FRUSTRATION. Begin the utterance with (a) I just can't seem to ... (b) How long will It take me ...? or believe

GIFT OF GAB DEFINITION: Skill in talking; ability to make interesting conversation that people believe ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Ted's gift of gab helped him get a good fob. (Paraphrase: His skill in talking helped him.) Most politicians who succeed have a real gift of gab. (Paraphrase: Successful politicians can talk so that people believe them.)

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The gift of the gab is colloquial for power of fluent and effective speech, and to have the gift of the gab is to have the ability to speak fluently and effectively; to be eloquent. "You've got ideas." "Other people's." "And the gift of the gab." He was good company, the type of the agreeable rattle and he had a truly Irish gift of the gab. You've got the gift of the gab with a pen, Mont... . FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to name some professions in which a gift of gab is essential or very important

GIVE A HARD TIME

(to) GIVE A HARD TIME DEFINITION: To complain; give trouble by what one says or does; scold ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES The customer blamed the clerk for the error and really gave her a hard time. (Paraphrase: The customer complained vehemently.) My boss gave me a hard time last week about some late deliveries but calmed down after I explained the problem. (Paraphrase: He gave me a lot of trouble at first but became more reasonable after I explained matters.) RELATED EXPRESSIONS GIVE SOMEONE A PIECE OF ONE'S MIND To reprimand strongly; scold; criticize; attack with words BAWL OUT DRESS DOWN GIVE IT TO LET HAVE IT (WITH BOTH BARRELS) LIGHT INTO TELL OFF TELL A THING OR TWO HAUL OVER THE COALS FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the idiom and related expressions in the following situations and then complete the expression giving the reason why. To say what one really thinks to someone; scold vehemently and often angrily 1. I had to ______________________the mailman because he_____________________ (reason) _____________________ 2. We had to _____________________ the service station attendant because he (reason) 3. I had to _____________________ the nurse because she ____(reason). 4. My father had to_____________________the light company because they ___(reason). 5. My boss had to_____________________ the manufacturer because he (reason.) 6. The captain had to___ the soldier because he (reason). 7. My mother had to_____________________my sister because she ___(reason). 8. I had to________ my friend Serena because she (reason. 9. My father had to___________ our neighbor because he ___(reason). 10. My grandmother had to _____________________ my brother because he (reason). FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to name someone or something they would like to apply the Idiom or related expressions to.

"" (to) GIVE A RING DEFINITION: To call on the telephone ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Give me a ring about six o'clock If you can go to the party. (Paraphrase: Telephone me about six o'clock.)

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Mrs. Warren promised to give her daughter a ring when she arrived at the airport. (Paraphrase: She promised to telephone her daughter upon arrival.) RELATED EXPRESSION GIVE A BUZZ = To call on the telephone FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to compose short dialogues (2-3 lines) using the idiom and related expression in everyday situations. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide in which of the following situations it would be proper to give a ring or a buzz. f. To Inform your mother that you'll be late for dinner. 2. To invite the President of the U.S. to visit your city. 3. To inform a close friend of the death of his father. 4. To ask the author of a famous novel to speak to your literary club. 5. To get information from an airline on the departure time of a flight to Chicago. 6. To tell a friend where to meet you for lunch. 7. To Invite your brother or sister to a party.

GIVE (LEND) AN EAR TO

(to) GIVE (LEND) AN EAR TO DEFINITION: To listen to ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Give an ear to what I have to sayl (Paraphrase: Listen to met) The owner of the factory lent an ear to the complaints of the workers. (Paraphrase: He listened to his workers.) RELATED EXPRESSION PRICK UP ONE'S EARS = To begin to listen closely; try to hear; come to interested attention FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to complete the following with the idiom or the related expression only if it makes sense; otherwise, leave incomplete. 1. Why don't you ________________ what the speaker Is saying? 2. If you would _________________ their advice, you could avoid problems. 3. It's time to eat_________________ ___and please sit down at the table. 4. ____________ that lovely music! 5. The man________when he heard that prizes were being given. 6. Children ought to________________ the advice of their parents. 7. Clarice fell down and ____________________her left ankle. 8. The king began_____ the complaints of the people and decided to change the law. 9. If you'll ________________ my story, I'm sure you'll find it amusing. 10. ------------ by helping me carry this chair upstairs to the bedroom. GO AT IT HAMMER AND TONGS

(to) GO AT IT HAMMER AND TONGS DEFINITION 1: To have a bad argument; to attack or fight with great strength and energy ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES That couple has been going at it hammer and tongs for more than two hours! (Paraphrase: They have been arguing loud and long for two hours.) Harry kicked Dick in the leg and now they're going at it hammer and tongs. (Paraphrase: They are fighting as hard as they can.) RELATED EXPRESSION GO AT IT TOOTH AND NAIL = To do something as hard as possible; fiercely DEFINITION 2: To start or do something with much energy, enthusiasm, and strength ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES He hurried to get the corn in out of the rain and went at the job hammer and tongs. (Paraphrase: He did the job very energetically.) We all began to dig for the treasure and went at it hammer and tongs. (Paraphrase: We dug for the treasure energetically and enthusiastically.) RELATED EXPRESSION IN EARNEST - In a dedicated or determined way; seriously FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide to which of the following situations the idiom or related expressions might apply. 1. Workmen trying to rescue someone from a deep hole in the ground. 2. A mother preparing a meal for her children. 3. Two men quarreling about the best soccer team in the country. 4. A married couple discussing the need to remodel the bathroom of their house. 5. An engaged couple talking about the best date for their wedding. 6. A father and son discussing the best way to drive a car. 7. Two students discussing the best way to study for an examination. 8. A weight lifter trying to lift more weight than he ever has before. 9. A research scientist who is close to the discovery of a new medicine to fight cancer. 10. A boss and an employee discussing the merits of joining a labor union.

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GREEN THUMB DEFINITION: A talent for gardening; ability to make things grow ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES My uncle really has a green thumb. He can grow everything! (Paraphrase: He has a real talent for making things grow.) / thought I had a green thumb, but I was wrong. All my tomato plants died this year! (Paraphrase: I was not as skillful in gardening as I thought I was.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to describe some gardening activities in which a green thumb would be important. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: The word, touch, is often used to mean facility or skill in certain areas, such as artistic touch, etc. Ask students to think of other areas to which touch could be applied.

HANG IN THE BALANCE (to) HANG IN THE BALANCE DEFINITION: To have two possible results of equal importance; to be in doubt; to be uncertain ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES After the surgery, the woman became very sick and her life hung In the balance for nearly a week. (Paraphrase: She was so ill that It was not certain whether she would live or die.) The outcome of the game hung In the balance until the national team scored two goals. (Paraphrase: Either team could have won.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSION HANG BY A THREAD = To be In doubt FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to describe six or more situations in which the outcome is in doubt or is uncertain.

HANG-UP DEFINITION 1: An inhibition or neurotic, unnatural, or unreasonable reaction to some life-situation ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Marylyn has a real hang-up about cats and doesn't like to be In the same room with them. (Paraphrase: She has a neurotic reaction when she is around cats.) Joe's hang-up about dating girls and dancing keeps him from having a good time at parties because he lust stands around. (Paraphrase: His Inhibition limits his social life.)

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DEFINITION 2: A delay in some process service, etc.; problem or difficulty Due to a hang-up at the factory, our new furniture didn't arrive at the store for three months. (Paraphrase: Problems at the factory delayed the delivery of our furniture.) There seems to be a hang-up at the airport. All flights are arriving at least an hour late. (Paraphrase: Flights are delayed because of some kind of difficulty at the airport.) BE (GET) HUNG-UP DEFINITION: To suffer from an inhibitionor an unnatural, unreasonable, or neurotic reaction to a life-situation ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Why is Alice so hung-up about wearing leans to school? She'll only wear dresses. (Paraphrase: Why Is she Inhibited about wearing jeans?) / really get hung-up when I have to work with figures because I make so many mistakes. (Paraphrase: I react unreasonably to using mathematics because of the many errors I make.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: 1) Ask students to describe some of their own personal hang-ups or those of some of their friends or relatives. 2) Ask students to decide which of the following situations might be hang-ups. 1. A little boy cries and screams when his mother won't buy him a toy. 2. A woman refuses to travel anywhere In the month of April. 3. An older man does not like the way his daughter cooks potatoes. 4. A teacher refuses to teach In a classroom that doesn't have a blackboard. 5. A tourist refuses to sleep In a hotel that doesn't have at least four elevators. 6. A young woman thinks that the only way to stay healthy Is by sleeping on a bed made of animal skins. 7. A policeman refuses to fire his gun at an escaping prisoner. 8. A child refuses to enter a dark room and begins to cry. 9. A lawyer always gets a bad headache each time he has to go to court before a certain fudge. 10. A young man spends all of his extra money buying stamps for his stamp collection.

HARD ACT TO FOLLOW HARD ACT TO FOLLOW DEFINITION: Excellent performance, one difficult to surpass in quality ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES My predecessor at my now lob was excellent. He'll be a hard act to follow. (Paraphrase: It will be difficult to do a better Job than my predecessor.) Rosalie is a hard act to follow. She is an excellent speaker. (Paraphrase: She gives such an excellent performance that It Is hard to do better.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to give examples in their experience of some hard acts they have to follow. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide which of the following would be hard acts to follow, and at the same time give their reasons. 1. The mayor of a city who has started programs to help the poor, improve education, build better health clinics, and lower taxes. 2. A store manager who has made many enemies among the employees, caused a decline In safes, and allowed the store to become dirty and rundown. 3. A little girl, eight yean old, who can play the piano and violin, dance, sing, and recite much poetry from memory. 4. A retired employee who was always on time, never sick, who did excellent work, and who was liked by everyone. 5. A teacher who frequently criticized the students, demanded a large amount of homework, never gave good grades, and who often dressed In sloppy clothes. 6. A speaker at a public gathering who is known for his/her wonderful speaking voice, unique Ideas, clever humor, and pleasant manner of addressing the audience.

HARD (TOUGH) ROW TO HOE HARD (TOUGH) ROW TO HOE

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DEFINITION: A difficult life to live or difficult job to do ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES As a widow with six children to support, Mrs, McWllliams really has a hard row to hoe. (Paraphrase: She has a difficult life to live.) Since he has no one to help him, Ted's job Is certainly a tough row to hoe. (Paraphrase: Having to work alone, Ted has a difficult job.)

RELATED EXPRESSIONS HARD (ROUGH, TOUGH) SLEDDING = Difficulty in being successful or making progress HARD (TOUGH) NUT TO CRACK= Something difficult to do or understand FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide which of the following have a hard (tough) row to hoe, have hard (rough, tough) sledding or is a hard (tough) nut to crack. 1. A millionaire who has to move to one of his winter homes. 2. An orphan boy who sells newspapers and runs errands to earn money for his family. 3. A student who must take a mathematics course for which he has no background. 4. A famous athlete who has lost one of his legs In an automobile accident, 5. A businessman who has just begun a new business with the aid of a large loan from the bank. 6. A widow whose husband has left her a lot of property and two million dollars. 7. An emigrant who is moving to a country whose language he does not know. 8. A crippled girl who receives a scholarship that pays for four years of college. 9. A student who quits school while still in the ninth grade and decides to get a fob Instead. 10. A baby that inherits 100 thousand dollars from her grandfather and two apartment buildings from her uncle.

HAVE ONE'S HANDS FULL (to) HAVE ONE'S HANDS FULL DEFINITION: To be very busy; have as much work as one can do ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES My mother had her hands full raising six children and operating a farm at the same time. (Paraphrase: She was very busy being both a mother and a farmer.) Three emergency cases came into the hospital at the same time and the doctors really had their hands full. (Paraphrase: They were extremely busy taking care of three patients at the same time.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide if the following persons are going to have their hands full. 7. A plumber with enough work for three months. 2. A young mother who has just given birth to triplets. 3. A teacher who has to take 40 7-year-old children on a trip to the zoo. 4. A lifeguard at a swimming pool who has to watch over two children as they swim. 5. A secretary who has to work for three different bosses. 6. A nursemaid taking care of one small child. 7. A nurse In a hospital suddenly left in charge of SO patients. 8. A famous movie star facing hundreds of screaming fans wanting his autograph. 9. A night watchman guarding a small warehouse. 10. A father left in charge of his home and seven children while his wife takes a vacation.

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HAVE THINGS (MATTERS) WELL IN HAND (to) HAVE THINGS (MATTERS) WELL IN HAND DEFINITION: To be in control; manage ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES There's nothing to worry about Bob has matters well In hand. (Paraphrase: Bob's in control.) When I have things well in hand, I'll call you. (Paraphrase: I'll telephone you as soon as I'm in control.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSION (to) BE ON TOP OF = To be In control of; manage very well FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to discuss the advantages of having things (matters) well in hand or being on top of a situation. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to describe some ways to have the following well in hand or to be on top of the situation. 1. a difficult university course 2. a constant lack of money 3. a fob one doesn't like 4. a planned trip 5. a dinner for eight guests 6. the purchase of a house or apartment

HEAD AND SHOULDERS DEFINITION: Very much; by far; by a great deal (Often used with ABOVE) ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Lucia is head and shoulders above the rest of the group learning ballet. (Paraphrase: She's a better dancer than any of the others.) This coffee is head and shoulders above the brand we had last week. (Paraphrase: It is a superior brand of coffee.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS FAR AND AWAY BY FAR By a large difference, very much FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to make comparisons of the following using the idioms or synonymous expressions. 1. Our car________________________their car. 2. My mother's cake_______________________________her mother's cake. 3. My brother as a basketball player_________________________________ 4. Our town's orchestra_______________________________ 5. Dr. Walton as a biology teacher ______________________________ 6. Adam Smith as an economist_______________________________ 7. Mozart as a composer________________________________ 8. Dufy as a painter_______________________________ 9. Kant as a philosopher_______________________________ 1O. Disneyland as a place to visit_________________________________

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HEAD-ON

HEAD-ON DEFINITION 1 : With the head or front pointing at; with the front facing; front end to front end ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Neither driver saw the other and the two cars crashed head-on. (Paraphrase: The front ends of both cars hit each other.) In the dark, we didn't see the curve, ran off the road, and crashed head-on into a tree. (Paraphrase: The front end of our car hit a tree.) DEFINITION 2: In a way that Is exactly opposite; against or opposed to in argument; direct or uncompromising ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Attacking that regulation head-on Is the best way to get it changed. (Paraphrase: Direct opposition to the regulation is the best way to effect a change.) Avoid a head-on discussion with that teacher. He always wins. (Paraphrase: Don't oppose him face-to-face.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide which of the following are "head-on" situations. 1. A truck backs into a lamp post. 2. An angry father confronts his disobedient child. 3. The President presents Ms case for a new taw direct to a group of senators. 4. A ship runs Into a group of rocks. 5. A mother leaves the room when her son begins to disagree with her. 6. A worried patient goes to talk to his doctor about his health. 7. An employee makes a strong case with his boss about the need for a raise In salary. 8. A distrusting wife decides not to question her husband about his activities. 9. A young woman describes her feelings to her boy friend concerning some Insulting remarks he has made about her. 10. A fast moving train passes through a tunnel. :::::! JT ..s;r:;:-:

HEAD OVER HEELS HEAD OVER HEELS DEFINITION 1: Head first; upside down; In a somersault ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Mary stumbled and fell head over heels down the stairs. (Paraphrase: She fell head first.) The children rolled head over heels down the hillside covered with snow, shouting with joy. (Paraphrase: They went down the hillside turning somersaults as they played In the snow.) DEFINITION 2: Completely; deeply; totally ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Sonja Is head over heels In love with Eric. (Paraphrase: She is deeply in love with him.) The Masons were so unwise In spending their money that now they are head over heels In debt. (Paraphrase: They are completely in debt.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to describe times when they have either (1) fallen head over heels (physically) or (2) fallen head over heels (in debt or love).

HIT THE JACKPOT

(to) HIT THE JACKPOT DEFINITION: To be very lucky or successful ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES

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When he bet on that horse, Jack really hit the jackpot. He won $10,000! (Paraphrase: He was very lucky and won a lot of money.) You certainly hit the Jackpot when you got Mr. Arnold for a teacher. She's the best in the school! (Paraphrase: You were most fortunate to get such a good teacher.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to give personal examples when they have hit the jackpot or barely missed doing so. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students If the following persons hit the jackpot 1. Horace Welch when he lost $5,000 on a bad Investment. 2. Loraine Daniel when she got a new job paying her twice the salary of her present job. 3. Dr. Evan Peabody when his new Invention became extremely popular within a few weeks and began to give him more and more Income. 4. Edwin Tull who found a large deposit of coal on his farm only to discover later that Its quality was very poor and not worth mining. 5. Mrs. Cecil Wainbridge who got the best tutor In the city for her two children. 6. Melanle Cook who found a new apartment In a desirable area of town for one-half of the rent she Is now paying. 7. Officer Stanley Osgood who, In his search for a wanted bank robber, finds three very dangerous criminals In the same hotel.

HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD (to) HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD DEFINITION: To get something exactly right; to speak or act In the most appropriate way ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES You sure hit the nail on the head with those remarks about high meat prices. (Paraphrase: Your comments were exactly correct.) Paul's solution to the problem we faced hit the nail right on the head. (Paraphrase: His solution was exactly right.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS BE ON THE BEAM BE ON TARGET = To be just right; to be good or correct FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to give examples of current or historical events, decisions, Inventions, etc. that demonstrate the meaning of the target Idiom and synonymous expressions.

(to) HOP IN DEFINITION: To enter (a car or truck) ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Bob stopped his car and asked me to hop In. (Paraphrase: Bob Invited ma to enter his car.) Everybody hopped in the back of the truck and away we went to the lake. (Paraphrase: We all entered the back of the truck and went to the lake.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS GET IN _ To enter or be allowed to enter JUMP IN (especially vehicles) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask the students to prepare three short dialogues in which HOP IN, GET IN, or JUMP IN are used at least once.

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HORSE OF ANOTHER COLOR HORSE OF ANOTHER (A DIFFERENT) COLOR DEFINITION: Something completely separate and different ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Nearly everyone likes to eat ice cream but to eat a gallon at one time Is a horse of a different color. (Paraphrase: To eat Ice cream is one thing but to eat an excessive amount is a different matter.) To steal is one thing but to steal from one's children Is a horse of another color. (Paraphrase: To steal Is one thing, but to steal from one's children Is completely a different matter.) You mean that pretty girl came with her brother, not her fiance? Then, that's a horse of a different color. (Paraphrase: That's something different from what I thought.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to prepare illustrative sentences of the idiom using the following: 1. to take a long trip by bus by jet airplane 2. to see a /ton on TVto meet one face to face 3. to read a book about a movie star to meet the star In person 4. to listen to a symphony on records to attend a concert 5. to enjoy watching a game of tennis to play a game 6. to see pictures of the landing on the moon to actually land there 7. to sympathize with a sick Mend to actually be III 8. to play and sing songs for friends to play and sing In public 9. . to say one Is going to diet to really do so 10. to promise never to smoke again to actually do so

HOT UNDER THE COLLAR DEFINITION: Angry ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES My father gets hot under the collar If you tease him about his weight. (Paraphrase: He becomes angry when someone jokes about his weight) Sam really got hot under the collar when he heard that his brother had wrecked the car. (Paraphrase: He became quite angry at the news of his brother's accident with his car.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSION BURNED UP = Angry; annoyed; Irritated FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to give examples of things or situations that most cause or have caused them to be hot under the collar or burned up. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide if any of the following might be hot under the collar or burned up. 1. A woman who has Just found an extra $20 bill In her purse. 2. A motorist who has been trying to enter a parking area tor fifteen minutes but who is frustrated by slow traffic. 3. A teacher who has just finished giving an examination only to discover that it is the wrong examination for the class that has taken it 4. A supervisor who discovers that one of his workers has spent all afternoon watching television Instead of doing his job. 5. A mother who has just received a lovely birthday gift from one of her children. 6. A policeman who Is Ignored when he tries to stop a pedestrian from crossing the street Illegally, 7. A store owner who discovers that one of his clerks has been stealing money for over six weeks.

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IN A BIND (BOX) DEFINITION: In trouble or difficulty or likely to have trouble or problems ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Walter is going to be In a bind If he doesn't get a loan from the bank. (Paraphrase: He's going to have financial problems without a loan.) When six of her relatives came to visit her during the same week, Ella found herself in a bind for beds. (Paraphrase: She didn't have enough beds for six people.) RELATED EXPRESSIONS BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP = Between two dangers or (BLUE SEA) difficulties ON THE HORNS OF A DILEMMA = In a situation demanding a decision between two undesirable choices IN A BAD WAY = In trouble or likely to have trouble HAVE ONE COMING AND GOING - To be left with no apparent way out of a difficulty FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the idioms to describe the following situations. 1. A criminal trapped by the police who can either surrender and go to jail for many years or keep on fighting and be killed. 2. A husband who must endure scolding and anger from both his wife and his mother-in-law. 3. A daughter caught cheating on an exam at school who will be punished by the school principal and by her parents. 4. A driver whose car stops suddenly on the railroad tracks just as a train Is approaching. 5. A cook who has agreed to prepare a special dish for two different families at the same time on the same day. 6. A business executive who at midnight discovers that he has come to the wrong city for a conference that begins at eight o'clock the next morning. 7. A surgeon who must decide whether to remove three or all of the fingers of a man's hand Injured In an accident. 8. A lawyer who has to inform his client that he will either be sentenced to prison for life or be executed. 9. A teacher who must decide whether to tell his student that he knows that the student has been copying from another student. 10. A farmer who faces bankruptcy unless his rich brother lends him some money for a year.

IN A STEW DEFINITION: Agitated; upset; disturbed ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Martha is in a stew over her lost keys. (Paraphrase: She's upset because she lost them and can't find them.) John really gets in a stew if the bus doesn't arrive on time. (Paraphrase: He becomes agitated If the bus arrives late.) RELATED EXPRESSION (to) STEW IN ONE'S OWN JUICE : To suffer from problems of one's own making FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide if the following have reason to be in a stew. 1. A mother whose children are two hours late getting home from school. 2. A priest whose congregation has given him a new car as a present. 3. A husband whose wife Is expecting the birth of their first baby as he waits for the doctor to arrive. 4. A business executive in a hurry to get to the airport but caught in a traffic Jam. 5. A young woman whose fiance has just given her a diamond engagement ring. 6. A taxi driver trying to get his taxicab out of a large snowbank where It Is stuck. 7. A teen-age girl who has a difficult time finding suitable clothes to wear to an Important party. 8. A husband whose wife repeatedly insists on serving him food he doesn't like. 9. A novelist whose latest novel has won worldwide acclaim as being his/her best. 10. A bride waiting at the church for the groom who Is fifteen minutes late In arriving. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide if the following problems would cause them to stew in their own Juice. 1. Unpaid personal debts 2. Mislaid house keys 3. Rainy day and no umbrella or raincoat 4. Friend angered by an Insulting remark 5. Flat tire caused by defect in tire 6. Loss of job because of a reduction in staff 7. Prolonged Illness from unknown causes

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IN A TIGHT SPOT IN A TIGHT SPOT DEFINITION: In trouble or difficulty ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES My uncle lost his fob and is In a tight spot financially. (Paraphrase: He Is In a difficult financial situation.) Sarah is In a tight spot because her car broke down and she needs It to get to work. (Paraphrase: Sarah faces a difficult situation without a car to get to her job.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSION IN THE SOUP IN HOT WATER } In serious trouble IN A JAM FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to describe six or more difficult situations to which the idiom and synonymous expressions can be applied.

IN THE CHIPS DEFINITION: Rich; having plenty of money ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES After he won the lottery, he was In the chips. (Paraphrase: He had plenty of money after winning the lottery.) Sam's Invention has earned so much money that he is really In the chips. (Paraphrase: He has become quite wealthy from the sale of his Invention.) RELATED EXPRESSIONS IN THE MONEY = rich ON EASY STREET = rich WELL-TO-DO = Prosperous; having plenty of money IN CLOVER = In rich comfort; rich or successful IN THE LAP OF LUXURY = Having most things money can buy FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide on some of the best ways to get to a point of being in the chips, in the money, in clover, on easy street, or well-to-do. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in the lap of luxury. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Using the Idiom or related expressions, describe the persons In the following situations. 1. A man who has Inherited a large fortune from his elderly aunt who has just died. 2. A family that has always had fine homes, cars, yachts, money to travel all over the world, etc. 3. A young woman who has achieved fame and fortune In the movies, has bought a large mansion In Hollywood, and who is planning to buy a small jet airplane. 4. An elderly couple who have wealth, fine homes, automobiles, airplanes, boats, etc., and who are friends with many of the royal families of the world. 5. A gambler who suddenly wins over $100,000 in a poker game in a Las Vegas, Nevada, gambling casino. 6. A poor farmer who finds a large diamond in one of his fields and who has been offered over one million dollars for the gem by one of the world's leading jewel merchants.

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IN THE DOGHOUSE DEFINITION: In disgrace or disfavor ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Sam's wife is mad at him because he didn't get home until three In the morning. So he's in the doghouse today. (Paraphrase: He's In disfavor with his wife because he came home so late.) The whole team was In the doghouse because they lost the game. (Paraphrase: They were In disgrace for having been defeated.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to name three to five happenings that might cause a person or persons to be in the doghouse. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: The expression, DOWN ON, means angry at or having a grudge against something or someone. (A person can be in the doghouse because someone else Is down on him, for example.) Ask students to cite examples of persons or things they are down on and give the reason why.

JUMP (CLIMB, GET) ON THE BANDWAGON (to) JUMP (CLIMB, GET) ON THE BANDWAGON DEFINITION: To support a group or a cause that appears to be gaining in success or popularity ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES As soon as his friends decided to vote for Tom Williams, Harry jumped on the bandwagon, too. (Paraphrase: Harry decided to Join his friends in their support of Tom Williams.) If her cousin joins the new music society, Helen will climb on the bandwagon, too. (Paraphrase: Helen will become a member If her cousin does.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide if they would get on the bandwagon for the following. 1. A political group that denounces excessive government spending. 2. A group that wants to abolish income faxes. 3. A club that is limited to persons of proven athletic ability, and that proclaims physical fitness as 'the key to success. 4. A group that seeks people who want to Join in an effort to eliminate animal pets In cities. 5. A group whose cause is to elect a woman as president of the country. 6. A group of neighbors who want to ask a family that has many noisy parties to move away. 7. A group whose cause is to abolish the use of nuclear energy.

KEEP ONE'S COOL (to) KEEP ONE'S COOL DEFINITION: To remain calm or indifferent ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES In spite of all the excitement over the disaster, the men were able to keep their cool and continue the rescue work. (Paraphrase: They managed to remain calm in spite of all the noise and disturbance.) When Randy heard the shots, he kept his cool and called the police. (Paraphrase: He remained calm and telephoned the police.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS KEEP ONE'S HEAD = To stay calm when there's trouble or danger COUNT TO TEN = TO remain calm and delay action when angry (by counting to ten) to avoid acting rashly FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to describe situations In which they find it most difficult to keep their cool or their head or count to ten. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students If, and when, It Is justifiable to lose one's cool or one's head. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide In which of the following situations it would be necessary to keep one's cool (head) or count to ten. 1. While walking through the woods, you come face to face with a large bear. 2. While walking down the street, you meet an old friend. 3. While driving through a section of the city at night, you suddenly see the body of a man In the street In front of you. 4. While entering a bank, you hear gunshots and see three men running toward you,

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5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. While reading a mystery novel In bed, you hear a strange noise downstairs and get up to Investigate. While seated In a movie theater you notice smoke coming from the area near the screen on which the fUm appears. While shopping In a large department store, you suddenly notice that your billfold (pocket book) Is missing. While visiting a friend In another city, you suddenly realize that your birthdays are on the same day. While sitting In the park, you notice that the leaves on the trees are beginning to turn green. While riding on the bus to work, you notice a strange smell coming from the motor.

KEEP ONE'S EYES PEELED (to) KEEP ONE'S EYES PEELED DEFINITION: To watch carefully; to be always looking ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Keep your eyes peeled for snakes when you are In the woods! (Paraphrase: Watch carefully for snakes.) Sam kept his eyes peeled for the house number as he walked down the narrow street. (Paraphrase: He was looking for the house as he walked along.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS BE ON THE LOOKOUT (FOR) KEEP ONE'S EYES OPEN To be ready to see; to pay watchful attention KEEP AN EYE OUT (FOR) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students if the following are something that one should keep his eyes peeled for, be on the lookout for, keep his eyes open for or keep an eye out for. 1. A diamond lying on the main street of a town. 2. A better job. 3. A husband or wife. 4. A new way to get rich. 5. Camels In the ocean. 6. Scorpions In the desert. 7. Snakes under one's bed. 8. A service station when one's car needs gasoline. 9. A good restaurant when one is hungry. 10. A taxi when one needs to get to the airport. 11. A policeman when one needs help. 12. A thief when one Is carrying a lot of money. 13. Bats when one enters a dark cave. 14. Airplanes when one Is crossing the street. 15. Crocodiles when one is swimming in a swimming pool.

KEEP ONE'S FINGERS CROSSED (to) KEEP ONE'S FINGERS CROSSED DEFINITION: To wish for good luck ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Keep your fingers crossed while I take my driving test. (Paraphrase; Wish me good luck on my driving test.) My whole family promised to keep their fingers crossed when I go for my job Interview. (Paraphrase: They're going to hope that I am fortunate to get the job.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSION CROSS ONE'S FINGERS = To cross two fingers for good luck or to excuse an untruth that one Is telling FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students If they would apply the Idioms to the following situations and if not, why not. 1. A friend who has just bought a lottery ticket. 2. Your brother who has just accepted an appointment to public office. 3. An uncle who hat completed 40 years on a job and Is now retiring.

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4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Your mother who has to cook meals for her family every day. The pilot of an airplane you are on who Is trying to land during a rainstorm. The bus driver who drives the bus you ride to work every day. The woman In your office who Is going to have a baby In a few weeks. The director of a school who wants to change the way In which certain subjects are being taught Your father who has just received the news that he might be promoted to the presidency of his company. You when you hear from a friend that a certain movie company Is considering you for a role in its next film.

KEYED UP KEYED UP DEFINITION: Excited; nervous ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES We were all keyed up for the visit of the President. (Paraphrase: We were very excited looking forward to the President's visit.) Malcolm got so keyed up before the exam that he became ill. (Paraphrase: Malcolm's nervous tension caused him to become sick.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS UPTIGHT = Very eager or anxious; worried. Irritated ON PINS AND NEEDLES - Extremely nervous, worried, excited FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to give examples of situations that would cause them to be excited, nervous, anxious, or very eager. Have them begin their examples by saying: WHAT GETS ME KEYED UP (UPTIGHT, ON PINS AND NEEDLES).... or I get keyed up when

KNOW IF (WHETHER) ONE IS COMING OR GOING (to) KNOW IF (WHETHER) ONE IS COMING OR GOING DEFINITION: To know what to do; feel able to think clearly (Usually used in the negative or with limiters) ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES The phone was ringing; the children were crying; and the doorbell was ringing. Poor Mrs. Murphy didn't know if she was coming or going. (Paraphrase: So many things wore happening that she didn't know what to do.) After her engagement, Mary was so happy and so much in love that she didn't seem to know whether she was coming or going. (Paraphrase: She appeared not to be able to think clearly and often didn't know what she was doing.) RELATED EXPRESSIONS BE IN A HAZE Mentally confused; not sure what is happening BE IN A FOG BE ALL THERE (Usually In the negative) = To understand well; think clearly; not crazy FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to (1) describe actual situations or (2) make up situations in which the idiom or related expressions would apply.

LEAD A MERRY CHASE (to) LEAD A MERRY CHASE DEFINITION: To escape capture skillfully; to make a pursuer work hard (Sometimes used with ON) ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Teresa led John a merry chase before she finally consented to marry him. (Paraphrase: She made John work hard to gain her affection.) The bank robber led the police on a merry chase and finally got away. (Paraphrase: The robber skillfully escaped capture.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to give examples of how someone can lead someone else a merry chase.

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FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students which of the following are examples of leading (or having led) someone on a merry chase. 1. A movie actress who refuses for a year to talk to a movie producer who desperately wants to use her in a film. 2. A fox that escapes after hunters have pursued Mm for three hours. 3. A young woman who keeps changing her mind after agreeing to go on a date with a young man who Is infatuated with her. 4. A young child who runs down the street as his mother vainly tries to catch him. 5. The boy whose dog follows him while he delivers newspapers from house to house.

LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE DEFINITION: Don't cause or make trouble if you don't have to; don't provoke someone to anger and cause danger or trouble ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Don't tell Mother about your mistake. let sleeping dogs lie. (Paraphrase: It Is better not to tell Mother about your mistake and make her angry.) In politics and religion, I prefer to fat sleeping dogs lie. I don't discuss them! (Paraphrase: To avoid making someone angry I don't discuss politics or religion.) RELATED EXPRESSION LEAVE (LET) WELL ENOUGH ALONE = To avoid trying to Improve or change something that often might cause a problem or more trouble FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students If there are expressions In their own language similar to the idiom and related expression. Ask them to describe situations in which the expressions are used and to make comparison with the usage in English. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide in which of the following it would be wise to let sleeping dogs He or to let well enough alone. 1. A discussion with a Mend about politics In which each of you strongly disagrees with the other and knows It! 2. A car that you have repaired yourself, which runs, but does not give the maximum performance that you prefer. You have Immediate need of the car. 3. The loss of one of your father's favorite golf clubs which you have replaced with one of your own. You are deciding If you should tell him. 4. A piece of furniture that you have painted but with the wrong kind of paint. The color Is satisfactory but the texture is not. You have to decide whether to re-paint the piece of furniture. 5. Some gossip about an old friend which some of your acquaintances are trying to bring up again in the presence of the friend! You have to decide whether to enter Into the conversation. 6. Your neighbor allows his dog to wander over the neighborhood. The dog digs In your garden and knocks over your garbage cans. You wonder If you should complain to your neighbor.

LIKE WATER OFF A DUCK'S BACK

LIKE WATER OFF A DUCK'S BACK DEFINITION: Having no effect; without changing one's feelings or opinions ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES All of their advice to their son was ignored. It was like water off a duck's back. (Paraphrase: Their advice to their son had no effect.) In spite of the fact that people continually expressed their disapproval of his conduct, it was like water off a duck's back. (Paraphrase: He paid no attention to people's disapproval of his actions.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students (1) how they react to people who ignore valuable advice and (2) how often they have treated advice or disapproval from family or friends like water off a duck's back. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to complete the following sentences. 1. When I told Don that_________________, It was like water off a duck's back. He fust went ahead and__________________ 2. After all that her friends told her about_________________, it was like water off a duck's back. She simply_________________and as a result----------------------------3. All of our efforts to warn Harry regarding_________________were like water off a duck's back. He_________________and lost everything. 4. If Monica had listened to her friend about_________________, sne would not have __________________But she treated the advice like water off a duck's back. 5. In spite of the disapproval of friends and relatives, Jason decided to --------------------

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_________and suffered for It, All the good counsel was like water off a duck's back.

LOSE ONE'S TEMPER (to) LOSE ONE'S TEMPER DEFINITION: To get angry; lose control of oneself in anger ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES I lost my temper when Sarah told me about the broken window. (Paraphrase: News of the broken window made me very angry.) Because her boss criticized her so much, she finally lost her temper and quit her job. (Paraphrase: Repeated criticism made her so angry that she resigned.) RELATED EXPRESSIONS To lose one's temper; become very or violently angry

BLOW A FUSE BLOW A GASKET BLOW ONE'S STACK BLOW ONE'S TOP BLOW UP FLY OFF THE HANDLE FLIP ONE'S LID HIT THE CEILING LOSE ONE'S COOL

FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the idiom and related expressions to express the following. 1. DISAPPOINTMENT. Begin the utterance with (a) I'm sorry that her remark caused you----(b) I was most disappointed to see him react childishly and (c) What a shame, Oliver... over such a minor thing! 2. SORROW. Begin the utterance with (a) I'm sorry that I... last night. (b) Please forgive me for (c; You're right, it wasn't Important. I apologize for 3. DISAGREEMENT. Begin the utterance with (a) I disagree. Walter had no reason to... like that. (b) I don't think so. She had no cause to... about what they said. (c) I think It was wrong for him to... about the accident. 4. SURPRISE. Begin the utterance with (a) I can't believe it. Calm and cool Carl...! (b) I was so surprised. Suddenly, the policeman (c) You could have fooled me! I never thought sweet, sane Susan would

LUCKY DOG LUCKY DOG DEFINITION: A very fortunate person ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Sam is a lucky dog. He just won $100 on a bet. (Paraphrase: He's extremely lucky.) Who's the lucky dog that owns that beautiful mansion up on the hill? (Paraphrase: What's the name of the fortunate person who owns that lovely, big house?) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to complete the sentences below. 1. You lucky dog! How did you manage to___________? 2. Joe certainly Is a lucky dog. He won______.

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3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Did you hear about that lucky dog who_________? My friend, Laura, is a lucky dog. She's going to marry ___ I just heard that you got a promotion at work. Congratulations, you-----------Who's the lucky dog who's going to take a vacation in_______________ What lucky dog owns that new__________________in the parking lot?

(to) MISS THE BOAT (BUS) DEFINITION: To fail because of slowness; to delay doing something until it is too late; to lose the chance to do something by doing it wrong ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES He certainly missed the boat by not Investing in that gold mine. (Paraphrase: He lost the chance to make a lot of money.) Laura really missed the boat by not marrying Ted when he first asked her. (Paraphrase: She hesitated too long and he married another girl.) RELATED EXPRESSIONS MISS OUT = To lose or not take a good chance; miss something good LOSE OUT - To fail to win; lose to a rival FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students which of the following missed the boat (bus), missed out, or lost out. Not all may be applicable. 1. The man who leaves his office early for a dental appointment. 2. The woman who put off speaking to her boss about a promotion which another woman got. 3. The businessman who did not heed the advice of a friend and lost a chance at a good investment. 4. The young man whose desire to be rich before he got married caused his fiancee to marry someone else. 5. The old man whose desire to be important caused him to go around the country making speeches. 6. The student who took so long sending in his application for a scholarship that arrived at the university too late to be considered. 7. The married couple who missed a chance for a free trip to Hawaii because they failed to complete the registration form properly. 8. The doctor whose operation on a patient was unsuccessful because the patient was very old. 9. The tennis player who didn't get a chance to play In the national tournament because he forgot to send in his entry fee. 10. The basketball team which won second place In a tournament when it was defeated by another team.

MONEY TO BURN MONEY TO BURN DEFINITION: Very much money; more money than is needed ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES My uncle is so rich that he has money to burn. (Paraphrase: He is extremely rich.) My friend buys anything he wants. He acts as if he has money to burn. (Paraphrase: My friend Is a spendthrift. He acts as if he has a lot of money.) RELATED EXPRESSION MADE OF MONEY = Very rich FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to describe three things they would do if they had money to burn or were made of money.

No Monkey Business! MONKEY BUSINESS DEFINITION 1: Any activity that is dishonest, illegal, objectionable and somewhat underhanded or deceitful. ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES

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The taxpayers rebelled against all the monkey business going on in the city government and elected a new city council. (Paraphrase: They reacted strongly against the dishonesty and cheating among members of the city government.) Before you invest your money in that company, you ought to check it out. I hear there's a lot of monkey business going on. (Paraphrase: It would be wise for you to investigate any illegal or dishonest activities in that company before investing your money there.)

DEFINITION 2: Comical or silly action ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES There was so much monkey business that the boys didn't get their work done. (Paraphrase: The boys acted silly and didn't do their work.) "Stop the monkey business," his father shouted, "and finish your homework!" (Paraphrase: Stop acting silly and start studying!) RELATED EXPRESSIONS FOOLING AROUND MESSING AROUND GOOFING OFF CUTTING UP Not wanting to work or be serious; wasting time FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the idiom and related expressions to express the following. 1. ANGER. Begin the utterance with (e) If you men don't stop..., I'm (b) No wonder you can't get anything done! There's too much (c) Jack! If you keep on..., I'm 2. ANNOYANCE. Begin the utterance with (a) I can't get over all this (b) It bothers my mother that my brother is always (c) Tom! Be serious! Why are you always...? 3. DISAPPOINTMENT. Begin the utterance with (a) It's too bad there's so much----(b) The results are disappointing. Obviously, there was a lot of ___ (c) I give up! There's no use continuing since there is so much 4. INQUIRY. Begin the utterance with (a) Nothing accomplished! How do you explain all this...? (b) What do you mean,...? (c) I don't understand. What kind of...?

NAME OF THE GAME NAME OF THE GAME DEFINITION: What really happens under the disguise of being something else; the central Issue ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Getting the state legislature to lower taxesthat's the name of the game, (Paraphrase: The central issue is to get the state government to lower taxes.) Forcing the property owners to pay for public education Is the name of the game today and Is an unfair burden for them. (Paraphrase: What is happening is that property owners have to pay for public education and It's not Just.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to cite some events, trends, issues in their own society that could be termed the name of the game. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the following to create original sentences that illustrate how the ideas cited are the name of the game. 1. Establishment of a law to abolish the tax on cigarettes and movies. 2. Cheaper air fares to the major cities of the world. 3. Ways to conserve energy. 4. Reduction In the number of hours in a workweek plus higher wages. 5. Simplified procedure to enable a person to receive free health and medical care. 6. Lower taxes for persons 55 years of age or older. 7. Greater use of computers in teaching schoolchildren mathematics. 8. Longer paid vacations for workers in industry.

NUMBER ONE

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DEFINITION 1: Oneself; one's own interest; one's private or selfish advantage ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES My father always told me: Look out for number one, son. (Paraphrase: He told me to look out for my own interests.) David lost many friends because he was always looking out for number one. (Paraphrase: He made enemies because he constantly thought only of himself.) DEFINITION 2: Of first rank or Importance ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES They say that he's the number one race car driver In the U.S. (Paraphrase: They say that he's the principal race car driver.) Who's the world's number one tennis player? (Paraphrase: Who's the foremost tennis player In the world?) DEFINITIONS 3: Best; first quality ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES That meat is number one beef from Texas. (Paraphrase: It's first quality, Texas beef.) The oranges that we bought were excellentnumber one quality from California. (Paraphrase: They were California's best oranges.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to determine in what way the following are number one, i.e., selfishly In Importance, or first quality. 1. A person that brags a lot about his accomplishments. 2. The most famous golfer in a state. 3. A businessman who does not consider the feelings of other people in advancing his business. 4. A basket of apples carefully selected for their color end taste. 5. A fabric woven from only the finest long staple cotton. 6. A boxer who has just won the world's heavyweight title.

ON THE POINT OF ON THE POINT OF DEFINITION: Ready to begin; very near to (Usually used with a verbal noun) ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES He's on the point of starting a new life In another country. (Paraphrase: He's ready to begin life In another country.) The committee Is on the point of reaching a decision In the next hour. (Paraphrase: It is very near to a decision.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS ABOUT TO = Close to; ready to (used with an Infinitive) AT THE POINT OF = Very near to; almost at or In FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the idiom or synonymous expressions to complete the following. 1. The old man is dying. He's_________die. He's_________death. 2. I wanted to say It. I was_________speak. I was_________speaking. 3. We're almost ready to go. We're_________going. 4. The little girl was almost crying. She was_________cry. She was_________tears. 5. The bus was ready to leave. It was_________leave. It was---------------leaving.

OUT OF CIRCULATION OUT OF CIRCULATION DEFINITION: Not out In the company of other people; not active or joining in the activities ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Mary was ill and out of circulation for about a month. (Paraphrase: She was Inactive because of Illness.) Since Phil got married we don't see him often. He's really out of circulation. (Paraphrase: After his marriage, he was not frequently seen In the company of others.) RELATED EXPRESSIONS OUT OF THE SWIM = Not active in business or social affairs TIED UP = Prevented from acting or moving FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the Idiom or related expressions to describe the following: 1. A woman who withdraws from club activities (She's _________.) 2. Traffic on a highway that does not move forward. (It's_________.) 3. A clothing designer who won't change the style of his clothes. (He's _________.)

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4. 5. A young woman who decides to become a nun (She's_________) A political leader retires and moves to an Isolated area. (He's _________)

OUT ON A LIMB DEFINITION: In a dangerous position that can't be changed; with one's beliefs and opinions stated openly. John went out on a limb when he decided to speak out against waste In county government. (Paraphrase: He stated his opinion about waste for all to hear.) By stating his ideas on foreign policy on TV last night, the President really went out on a limb. (Paraphrase: He has placed himself in an unchangeable position by expressing his opinions publicly.) RELATED EXPRESSIONS IN A HOLE IN A SPOT in an embarrassing or difficult position; in some trouble BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL = in a difficult position; in trouble FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to indicate which of the idioms applies to the situations below. Some may not apply at all. 1. Two men In a balloon that suddenly springs a leak. 2. A young man who takes his girlfriend to dinner and discovers, after they have eaten, that he has left his money at home. 3. A labor leader promises members of the union that he will not sleep until they get the wage Increase they have asked for. 4. A family of four stop their car near a park along the highway to eat a picnic lunch. 5. Someone who, during the summer, predicts that the winter will be very cold and have many snowstorms. 6. A company, with many orders to complete and shipments to make, whose employees suddenly become III with a strange sickness. 7. A concert pianist about to appear on stage who discovers a large hole In Ms trousers. 8. A politician who declares to the newspapers that he can solve the crime problems of the city within two months after being elected.

(to) PADDLE ONE'S OWN CANOE DEFINITION: To work without help; earn one's own living; support oneself ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES The widow's son was very talented and soon had le ft home to paddle his own canoe. (Paraphrase: Her son was able to support himself.) / prefer to paddle my own canoe and not depend on receiving any money from my parents. (Paraphrase: I prefer to earn my own living.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS MAKE ONE'S WAY = To do many things to earn a living; find one's life's work SHIFT FOR ONESELF = To live or act independent of help, guidance, or protection from others; take care of oneself FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to decide in which of the following situations the idioms or synonymous expressions would need to be applied in the life of the persons involved. 1. A woman whose husband dies suddenly leaving her with very little money or property. (Will she have to shift for herself?) 2. A young woman just graduating from the university and In need of a job. (Will she have to make her own way?) 3. A millionaire who wants to do something worthwhile to help society solve Its problems. (Will he have to paddle his own canoe?) 4. Three orphans whose dead parents have left them two houses, three cars, a farm, and $100,000 In a trust fund. (Will they have to shift for themselves?) 5. A young man whose laziness causes his father to ask him to leave home. (Will the young man have to paddle his own canoe?

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PLAY IT BY EAR (to) PLAY IT BY EAR DEFINITION: To decide what to do as one goes along to fit the situation ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES It was my first experience with computers so / had to play It by ear. (Paraphrase: I had to learn as the situation developed.) Anna did not know what to expect when she went to try out for the TV role, so she played it by ear. (Paraphrase: She had to go without planning what to do or say.) RELATED EXPRESSION CROSS ONE'S BRIDGES BEFORE ONE COMES TO THEM To worry about future events or possible trouble before they happen (Used In negative sentences, often as a proverb) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to discuss situations In which the best way to proceed may be to play it by ear or not to cross one's bridges before coming to them.

POOPED OUT POOPED (OUT) DEFINITION: Exhausted; very tired ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES After a day working In the yard, he was pooped (out). (Paraphrase: He was exhausted after the day's work.) We walked all the way home after the movie and arrived pooped out. (Paraphrase: The long walk made us very tired.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS DONE IN = Tired; exhausted TIRED OUT = Extremely tired WORN OUT = Weak from exhaustion FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the Idiom and synonymous expressions to describe how the following persons feel. (a) (group of boys) after a long hike through the woods (b) (you) after swimming across a lake (c) (a housewife) after cleaning house all day (Q) (soldiers) after a baffle of four days length (e) (mother & father) after watching over a sick child for 72 hours

POP THE QUESTION (to) POP THE QUESTION DEFINITION: To ask someone to marry you ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Steve went with Marcia only three months before he popped the question. (Paraphrase: He asked her to marry him after only three months of courtship.) I'm really uptight because I plan to pop the question tonight. (Paraphrase: The reason I'm so nervous is that I'm going to ask my girl friend to marry me tonight.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to discuss the pros and cons of a long versus a short courtship before popping the question. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to describe the way they popped the question (if they are married) or how they intend to pop the question (if they are not married).

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PUPPY LOVE PUPPY LOVE DEFINITION: The first love of very young people ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES When Fred and Alice began dating in high school, their parents thought It was just puppy love. (Paraphrase: Their parents did not think that it was real or lasting love.) My first love was puppy lovethe girl next door, but she didn't know that I existed. (Paraphrase: The girl next door was not a lasting love and she didn't pay any attention to me.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to give instances of the puppy loves in their lives.

PUT THE SQUEEZE ON (to) PUT THE SQUEEZE ON DEFINITION: To exert pressure to obtain some concession or goal ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCE * The bank put the squeeze on Tom and forced him to sell his car to get money to repay the loan. (Paraphrase: Tom had to sell his car because of pressure from the bank.) * The labor leaders put the squeeze on the company officials and finally got an * Increase In wages for union members. (Paraphrase: Company officials conceded higher pay for workers because of persistent pressure from labor leaders.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the idiom to express the following: 1. FEAR. Begin the utterance with (a) I'm afraid they're going to ... (b) It will be bad If ... (c) Aren't you afraid that ...? 2. SUGGESTION. Begin the utterance with (a) You ought to ... (b) Don't you think that ...? (c) I believe that ... 3. EXASPERATION. Begin the utterance with (a) It's about time to ... (b) Why don't we ...? (c) I would like to ... 4. AGREEMENT. Begin the utterance with (a) Let's ... (b) We agree that ... (c) They all feel that ...

SAVE FOR A RAINY DAY (to) SAVE FOR A RAINY DAY

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DEFINITION: To save for a time of need, especially a time when one may really need money ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Squirrels gather nuts In the fall for a rainy day. (Paraphrase: They store nuts for the time when there will be a lack.) Each week my parents saved for a rainy day. (Paraphrase: They habitually put money In the bank against the time when they might need It) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS LAY UP = To save for future use, collect a supply of something LAY ASIDE = To save PUT BY = To save for the future SAVE UP = To put away for future use FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to (1) give reasons why one should save for a rainy day and (2) give examples of some things they would like to save up, put by, lay aside, or lay up for.

(to) SAY A MOUTHFUL DEFINITION: To say something of great Importance or meaning; to say more by a few words than the words themselves usually mean (Used in the past tense) ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES When Adrian said that was the best play he had ever seen, he said a mouthful! (Paraphrase: What Adrian said about the play was really an understatement.) "That old lady Is the biggest gossip In town." "You said a mouthful!" (Paraphrase: She is not only a big gossip but one of the worst.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS YOU SAID IT! YOU CAN SAY THAT AGAIN! Used to show strong agreement with what another person has said FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to convert the following situations into dialogues using the idiom and synonymous expressions. 1. You are talking with a Mend about a famous soccer player and you say that he Is the best In the world. Your friend agrees. 2. You are discussing a movie you have seen recently with your brother. He says that it is one of the worst films of the past 25 years. You agree with him. 3. You are having lunch with a friend from your office. You begin to discuss the merits of your boss. You think that he Is one of the kindest and most generous supervisors you have ever had. Your friend is of the same opinion.

SAY (SPEAK) ONE'S PIECE (to) SAY (SPEAK) ONE'S PIECE DEFINITION: To say freely or openly what one thinks; to say, usually in public, what one is expected to say ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES "Now that you've said your piece," the mayor said, "you may leave." (Paraphrase: "You have said what you wanted to say and now you may leave.") Each of the members of the council rose to his feet, spoke his piece, and sat down. (Paraphrase: Each one said what he was expected to say.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSION HAVE ONE'S SAY = To express one's opinions freely FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to make up utterances that the following might say, using the Idiom or synonymous expression. 1. A general to a sergeant requesting a three-day pass. 2. The director of a school to a group of teachers asking for a salary increase. 3. The president of a large company to a group of working people threatening to strike. 4. A father to his teen-age son who thinks he should be able to use the family car. 5. The mayor of a small city to a group of angry taxpayers. 6. A storeowner to a customer complaining about the bad service and high prices.

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(to) SKATE ON THIN ICE (to) SKATE ON THIN ICE DEFINITION: To take a chance; to risk danger, disapproval, or anger ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES You're skating on thin Ice If you keep on talking like that to your father. (Paraphrase: You're asking for trouble.) / knew I was skating on thin Ice to ask for a raise In salary, but I had to have more money. (Paraphrase: I knew I was taking a chance on being fired.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSION PRESS ONE'S LUCK = To depend too much on luck or chance FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the Idiom and synonymous expression to express the following: 1. CONCERN. Begin the utterance with (a) I hope you know that...if... (b) Be careful not to... (c) If you are too demanding,... 2. AGREEMENT. Begin the utterance with (a) You're right. Joe Is... (b) I agree. We're... if... 3. OBSERVATION. Begin the utterance with (a) I heard that she... because... (b) With that kind of attitude, John... (c) He failed In business because...

SLOW DOWN (UP) (to) SLOW DOWN (UP) DEFINITION 1: To go more slowly than usual; work less hard ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Because of the Icy roads, we slowed down. (Paraphrase: We drove more slowly than usual.) His doctor told him he was going to have to slow down at work or his health would get worse. (Paraphrase: The doctor told him to work less hard.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS LET UP = To do less or go slower or stop; stop working or working hard EASE UP (OFF) = To work less; make or become less nervous; relax DEFINITION 2: To become less busy ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Business slowed up last month because of the railroad strike. (Paraphrase: The railroad strike caused business to decline.) Buying slowed up In the stores at the end of the holiday season. (Paraphrase: The stores became less busy.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to complete the sentences below with one of the idioms or synonymous expressions according to the implied sense. 1. As It approached the town, the train________. 2. The big snowstorm caused the movement of buses, trains, and airplanes to_________ 3. "You're acting every nervous. Maybe you should_________for awhile!" 4. He had worked for twelve hours and finally become so exhausted that he had to FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the following antonyms to contrast with the idioms and synonymous expressions in the base sentence. ANTONYMS: SPEED UP = To go faster PICK UP = To become faster or livelier BASE SENTENCE: It's time to____________________not____________________!

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SNAKE IN THE GRASS SNAKE IN THE GRASS DEFINITION: A person who cannot be trusted; one who betrays ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Where did you hear that? From Ed? He's a snake in the grass. (Paraphrase: Ed can't be trusted because he tells another person's secrets.) Some snake in the grass told the plans about the party to Evelyn. (Paraphrase: Someone betrayed us by telling Evelyn our secret plans.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to give examples when they have felt that someone that they trusted turned out to be a snake in the grass. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: How many of the following might be called a snake in the grass? 1. A friend who tells everyone about your romantic interest In a certain young man/young woman. 2. A brother who tells your sister about the birthday present that you have bought for her and which you wanted to keep as a surprise. 3. An uncle who telephones your mother to inform her that he will be coming for a short visit. 4. A teacher who promises not to give a test and then does so anyway. 5. A friend who invites you to go out for dinner and then asks you to pay for your own. 6. An employer who gives all of his employees a large bonus without telling them beforehand that he Is going to do so. 7. A friend who promises to lend you some money without charging interest, but who decides to charge interest after all. 8. A father who promises to give his daughter a car and, instead of buying her a second-hand vehicle, gives her a new one.

Something to crow about... (to) HAVE SOMETHING TO CROW ABOUT DEFINITION: To have something to be proud of or to have something in which one takes pleasure or satisfaction. ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Mark really has something to crow about. He won the state championship In golf. (Paraphrase: Mark's achievement gives him reason to be proud.) We have something to crow about. Our daughter just won a tour-year scholarship to the university. (Paraphrase: We are proud of our daughter for her academic success.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSION PRIDE ONESELF ON = To be proud of; to be much pleased by; to take satisfaction FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to describe three situations that are something to crow about or are something In which one takes pride

STAND ONE'S GROUND (to) STAND ONE'S GROUND DEFINITION: To defend a belief or statement; to refuse to weaken when opposed ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Although his friends believed that he was wrong in his beliefs, Stan stood his ground.

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(Paraphrase: Stan believed he was right and did not change his mind.) In spite of strong verbal attacks from both friends and enemies, the President stood his ground on the issue. (Paraphrase: The President refused to alter his opinion about the matter.) RELATED EXPRESSIONS STICK TO ONE'S GUNS = To maintain an idea or opinion even though people try to prove one wrong Stand by Ones Guns STAND PAT = to like things the way they are and to be against change FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the idiom or related expressions to express the following. 1. ADMIRATION. Begin the utterance with (a) I really admire Bill. In any argument he always (b) Sandra Is amazing. She wins arguments because she.... 2. ENCOURAGEMENT. Begin the utterance with (a) Don't be sad about losing the argument, just... next time. (b) If you would..., you would not be so indecisive! (c) Your ideas are as good as Sarah's. Be firm and....' 3. ANNOYANCE. Begin the utterance with (a) I get so annoyed with Fred. He's so easy to push around/ He never (b) My grandfather knows the issue. That's why it's easy for him to----(c) Well, it's about time you....'

(to) STICK ONE'S NECK OUT or (to) STICK ONE'S CHIN OUT DEFINITION: To act boldly despite the risk of danger, or trouble, or criticism ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Vera Is the kind of person who Is willing to stick her neck out to help a friend In trouble. (Paraphrase: She will help a friend In trouble even though It might be risky for her.) Tom stuck his chin out and supported the unpopular campaign to raise teachers salaries. (Paraphrase: He risked criticism to support something many people opposed.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSION GO OUT ON A LIMB To state one's beliefs and opinions openly; To be In a dangerous position that can't be changed FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the idioms and synonymous expression to express the following: 1. SURPRISE. Begin the utterance with (a) I'm surprised that... (b) I was shocked that... (c) I didn't realize that... 2. DISAPPOINTMENT. Begin the utterance with (a) I was disappointed to hear that... (b) I was certainly let down when... (c) /can't get over... 3. JOY. Begin the utterance with (a) I was overjoyed to hear that... (b) I was so happy when... (c) I had to laugh when... 4. SORROW. Begin the utterance with (a) I was sorry to learn that... (b) It's too bad that... (c) What a shame that...

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH

DEFINITION: Directly from the person or place where something began; from a reliable source. ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES "Where did you get that information about the contest?" "I got It straight from the horse's mouth."

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(Paraphrase: A person who can be trusted told me.) He got the news of the visit straight from the horse's mouthhis mother. (Paraphrase: His mother, who can't be doubted, told him of the visit.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to cite examples of sources of Information that they consider to be "the horse's mouth," at the same time giving the kind of information to be gained.

STRIKE IT RICH (to) STRIKE IT RICH DEFINITION 1: To discover a rich deposit of minerals such as gold, silver, oil, etc. that can be mined, or to find a buried treasure ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES After 20 years of prospecting for gold in the mountains, he finally struck It rich. (Paraphrase: He found a rich deposit of gold after 20 years of searching.) The divers found the sunken treasure ship at the mouth of the harbor and believed that they had struck It rich. (Paraphrase: They thought that they would find a lot of gold and silver on the sunken ship.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSION HIT PAY DIRT = To find gold-or silver-bearing ore DEFINITION 2: To become rich or successful suddenly or without expecting to ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Ann's rich grandfather died and left her two million dollars. She felt that she had struck It rich overnight. (Paraphrase: When she heard she had Inherited two million dollars from her grandfather, Ann realized that she had suddenly become wealthy.) Because of the success of his Invention, the scientist struck it rich in six months. (Paraphrase: The success of his Invention quickly made him rich.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSION STRIKE PAY DIRT = To make a valuable discovery FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to use the Idiom and synonymous expressions to express the following: 1. A statement in a newspaper about the discovery of oil In the North Sea. 2. A statement by a radio announcer about a woman who has won a one million dollar lottery prize. 3. A statement by a man explaining his discovery of a rich vein of gold In his back yard. 4. A statement on TV by a young woman whose research led her to finding some valuable paintings in her hometown library.

SWEAT OUT (to) SWEAT OUT DEFINITION: To wait anxiously; worry while waiting ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Wayne was sweating out the results of his final examination. (Paraphrase: He was waiting anxiously to know how well he had done.) Their car broke down five miles from town and they had to sweat It out while someone went for help. (Paraphrase: They worried while waiting for help to come.) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to choose from the following situations those that would probably be sweat out. 1. Parents waiting in a hospital while a doctor examines their child. 2. A young man in a car that has just been stopped by a police officer. 3. A woman who has entered a store to make a small purchase. 4. A husband at the airport waiting for his wife to arrive from a visit with her parents. 5. A truck driver whose vehicle begins to lose power as it descends a long hill. 6. A student waiting for the teacher to give him a copy of the final examination. 7. A young man who has proposed marriage to his girl friend and is waiting for her answer. 8. An elderly couple watching television while waiting for their grandson to come to take them to church. 9. A wife watching her husband take his first bite of a special dish she has prepared for him. 10. Employees of a large company waiting for news of an expected increase In wages.

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TAKE THINGS EASY (to) TAKE IT EASY or (to) TAKE THINGS EASY DEFINITION 1: To act or go slowly, carefully, and gently (Often used with ON) ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Take it easy/ The street Is very Icy. (Paraphrase: Drive slowly and carefully.) Take It easy on Carol and don't give her too much to do In one day. (Paraphrase: Don't overwork Carol.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSION GO EASY (ON) = To act or go slowly, carefully, and gently; to treat with compassion DEFINITION 2: To avoid hard work; to have an easy time; to live in comfort ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Dad likes to take things easy on wee/rends. (Paraphrase: He avoids hard work.) When he retires, Jim will have enough money to take things easy until he dies. (Paraphrase: He won't have to work anymore because he has enough money.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSION (to) GOOF OFF = To loaf or be lazy; not want to work FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to complete the following with the correct form of the Idioms or synonymous expressions. 1.______/ want to get there alive! 2. Tell him_____Frank. His mother just died yesterday. 3. They're going to fire Jeff. He_____- on the job and wastes time. 4. Helen Isn't going to graduate. She_____and didn't study. 5. On my vacation, I'm_____and just eat and sleep! 6. Let's sit down for awhile and_____. 7. My brother always______He never gets angry or uptight about anything. 8. _____on that cake. Don't eat It all or you'll get sick! 9. _____/ Don't get so excited. We have enough time to get there. 10. With one million dollars, I could_____the rest of my life!

TAKE IT ON THE CHIN (to) TAKE IT ON THE CHIN DEFINITION 1: To be badly beaten or hurt ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Our soccer team realty took It on the chin yesterday. They lost 5-0. (Paraphrase: The team was badly beaten.) Many Investors took it on the chin last week when the stock market fell twenty points. (Paraphrase: They suffered heavy financial losses.) DEFINITION 2: To accept without complaint discouragement, defeat, trouble, etc., calmly ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES A good sport Is one who can take It on the chin when he loses. (Paraphrase: A good sport accepts defeat without complaining.) When they told him that he had lost the race, he took It on the chin with a smile. (Paraphrase: He received the news of his defeat cheerfully.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS TAKE ONE'S MEDICINE = To accept punishment without complaining TAKE IT = To bear trouble, hard work, criticism, etc., and not give up or weaken easily FACE THE MUSIC = To accept one's punishment FACE UP TO = to accept (something hard or unpleasant) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to give personal examples in which the Idioms or synonymous expressions applied In their own lives or in the lives of friends or relatives.

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TAKE OFF (to) TAKE OFF DEFINITION: To leave fast; depart suddenly; to go away; to leave ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Joe didn't even wait for an answer but lumped In his car and took off. (Paraphrase: He departed suddenly without waiting for a reply to his question.) We all got In the truck and took off for the mountains. (Paraphrase: We left to go to the mountains.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS TAKE OFF IN HIGH GEAR = To /eave In a hurry LIGHT OUT = to go away FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students which of the following situations might cause one to take off in high gear or light out (in a hurry). 1. Seeing a bear while walking through the woods. 2. Finding gold In your backyard. 3. Discovering that one of your teeth is broken. 4. Discovering that you have left the water running In the bathtub. 5. Hearing on the radio that a rainstorm Is coming. 6. Seeing a snake under your bed. 7. Suddenly realizing that your watch has stopped and that you are two hours late for an appointment. 8. Finding a book that you thought you had lost. 9. Smelling smoke while you are sitting In bed reading a novel. 10. Discovering that the loud noise that you heard was thunder.

TOO BIG FOR ONE'S BRITCHES (BOOTS) TOO BIG FOR ONE'S BRITCHES (BOOTS) DEFINITION: Feeling more important than one really is; overly sure of one's own importance ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES After he was made captain of the team, Frank began to get too big for his britches. (Paraphrase: He began to think that he was more important than he really was.) We need to take Al down a notch or two. He's gotten too big for his boots. (Paraphrase: We'll have to make Al less proud of himself because he's overly sure of his own importance.) SYNONYMOUS EXPRESSIONS SWELLED HEAD (SWELL HEADED ) Feeling more important than one really is BIG HEAD (BIG-HEADED) FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to give examples of persons they have known who were too big for their britches, swell-headed, or big-headed and the reasons the person felt so important. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to describe the following in terms of the idiom or synonymous expressions. In some cases the idioms do not apply. 1. A person who brags about his excellence In playing golf and imagines that some day he will be national champion. 2. A woman who complains a lot about her inability to cook, to sew, and to keep house well. 3. A student who feels that she has learned more than her teachers and feels that it is time she began to show her classmates how much she knows. 4. A doctor who has become so skilled in surgery that he feels that he has nothing more to learn In the field and that he should establish his own medical school. 5. A shy man who is always apologizing for his mistakes even when he has made none and whom his friends constantly have to encourage.

TURN THUMBS DOWN (to) TURN THUMBS DOWN DEFINITION: To disapprove; reject; say no (Usually used with ON) [Note: To turn thumbs up means the opposite]

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ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES The company turned thumbs down on Aaron's proposal for a wage increase. (Paraphrase: They rejected Aaron's proposal.) Jane wanted to go to the soccer game with Tom, but her mother turned thumbs down. (Paraphrase: Jane's mother disapproved of her going with Tom.) RELATED EXPRESSION TURN DOWN = To refuse to accept; reject FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students which of the following they would turn thumbs down (on) or turn thumbs up. 1. An Invitation to visit the home of a famous movie star. 2. A request from a friend for a loan of money. 3. A proposal by a friend for a trip to the ocean to go fishing. 4. A plan by the government to increase taxes in order to build more schools. 5. A request by your boss that you change jobs at an Increase In salary. 6. A suggestion from your mother that you go back to school to learn a different trade or profession. 7. An invitation from a new social club to Join as a member. 8. An invitation from the language department of the university to give a speech on "Language Learning." 9. A request from your father to avoid the company of some friends you have recently made. 10. A proposal by your brother or sister to share the expenses of a new apartment.

UP IN THE AIR UP IN THE AIR DEFINITION 1: In great anger or excitement ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES When he saw the damage to the car, my father went straight up In the air. (Paraphrase: He was greatly angered at me.) The kids were all up In the air over the family trip to Disneyland. (Paraphrase: They were excited about the upcoming trip.) DEFINITION 2: Not settled; undecided; uncertain ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Our plans for the new house are still up in the air. (Paraphrase: We are uncertain about the new house.) The fight had ended but the judges decision about the winner was still up In the air. (Paraphrase: The winner of the fight was still undecided.) RELATED EXPRESSION LEAVE HANGING = To leave undecided or unsettled FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to determine if the following up in the air situations illustrate (1) anger or excitement or (2) an undecided or uncertain condition or state. 1. A father up in the air about a broken window in the house. 2. A doctor up in the air about the necessity of performing surgery. 3. A boss up In the air about the repeated tardiness of an employee. 4. A salesman up In the air about the possibility of a large and profitable sale. 5. A teacher up In the air about a student's disrespectful remark. 6. A lawyer up in the air about the failure of a client to pay his bill. 7. A store owner up in the air about a decision to enlarge the size of his store. 8. A movie actress up in the air about accepting an acting role offered to her. 9. A teen-ager up in the air about a chance to visit friends in Europe during the summer. 10. A housewife up in the air about the food she will prepare for invited dinner guests.

UPTIGHT DEFINITION: Worried, irritated, excessively eager or anxious ILLUSTRATIVE SENTENCES Mike was so uptight about his job interview the next day that he couldn't sleep. (Paraphrase: He was so eager to get the job that he couldn't sleep.) What are you so uptight about? You keep tapping your foot on the floor. (Paraphrase: What has you so worried that you keep on tapping your foot?)

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RELATED EXPRESSIONS ON EDGE EDGY Extremely tense or nervous; irritable; impatient KEYED UP - Excited; nervous FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask students to deduce why each of the following might be uptight, on edge, edgy, or keyed up. 1. A husband pacing up and down in the waiting room of a hospital. 2. A woman waiting in an airport 3. A clerk in a store after counting the day's cash receipts. 4. A bank teller facing a masked man. 5. A student who receives a telephone call from the principal of his or her school. 6. A visitor sitting on a chair in the White House. 7. An actor standing in the center of the stage. 8. A tax/ driver after stopping to pick up a passenger. 9. A young boy seated in a dentist's office. 10. An elderly woman who has just received a telegram from her sister in another state.