ENGLISH PRACTICE

Maciej Matasek

105 EXERCISES
IDIOMS, SAYINGS, PHRASES, PROVERBS
NEW EDITION HANDYBOOKS 2007

Click GLOSSARY to see the explanation of the expressions. ANSWER KEY

INTRODUCTION
1. NOUN + NOUN .............................................................................................................................. 5
2. PAIRS .............................................................................................................................................. 6
3. CHOOSE THE NOUN .................................................................................................................. 7
4. GUESS THE MEANING ............................................................................................................... 8
5. MIND, HEAD OR BRAIN? ......................................................................................................... 10
6. FOUR-LETTER WORDS ........................................................................................................... 11
7. ADJECTIVE + NOUN ................................................................................................................. 12
8. DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................................... 13
9. CHOOSE THE IDIOM................................................................................................................. 14
10. -ING ADJECTIVES .................................................................................................................... 15
11. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES .................................................................................................. 16
12. CHOOSE THE VERB. ............................................................................................................... 17
13. PARTS OF THE BODY ............................................................................................................. 18
14. ‘OF’- PHRASES .......................................................................................................................... 19
15. MULTIPLE CHOICE .................................................................................................................. 20
16. DEFINITIONS .............................................................................................................................. 22
17. MUSICAL IDIOMS ...................................................................................................................... 23
18. COLOURS ................................................................................................................................... 24
19. PARAPHRASES ......................................................................................................................... 26
20. NOUN PHRASES ....................................................................................................................... 27
21. ADJECTIVAL PHRASES .......................................................................................................... 28
22. COMPARISONS ......................................................................................................................... 29
23. CLOTHING .................................................................................................................................. 30
24. NATURE ....................................................................................................................................... 31
25. FOOD ............................................................................................................................................ 32
26. MISPRINTS ................................................................................................................................. 33
27. PAIRS ........................................................................................................................................... 34
28. MATCHING MEANINGS ........................................................................................................... 35
29. GUESS THE MEANING............................................................................................................ 36
30. CHOOSE THE VERB ................................................................................................................ 38
31. PARTS OF THE BODY ............................................................................................................. 39
32. MULTIPLE CHOICE .................................................................................................................. 40
33. GUESS THE MEANING............................................................................................................ 42
34. ANIMALS ...................................................................................................................................... 43
35. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES .................................................................................................. 44
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36. ADJECTIVES OR ADVERBS .................................................................................................. 45
37. -ING ADJECTIVES .................................................................................................................... 46
38. THREE-LETTER WORDS ........................................................................................................ 47
39. TRUE OR FALSE? ..................................................................................................................... 48
40. OF - PHRASES ........................................................................................................................... 49
41. PARAPHRASES ......................................................................................................................... 50
42. PROVERBS & SAYINGS ......................................................................................................... 51
43. NUMBERS ................................................................................................................................... 52
44. ADJECTIVAL AND ADVERBIAL ............................................................................................. 53
45. NATURE ....................................................................................................................................... 54
46. MULTIPLE CHOICE .................................................................................................................. 56
47. PARTS OF THE BODY ............................................................................................................. 58
48. GUESS THE MEANING............................................................................................................ 60
49. PAIRS OF VERBS ..................................................................................................................... 61
50. CLOTHING .................................................................................................................................. 62
51. NOUN PHRASES ....................................................................................................................... 63
52. DIALOGUES WITH SAYINGS................................................................................................. 64
53. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES .................................................................................................. 66
54. MISPRINTS ................................................................................................................................. 68
55. COMBINATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 69
56. ANIMALS AND NATURE .......................................................................................................... 70
57. OF - PHRASES ........................................................................................................................... 72
58. VARIOUS IDIOMS ..................................................................................................................... 73
59. DEFINITIONS WITH VERBS ................................................................................................... 74
60. SIMILAR MEANINGS ................................................................................................................ 75
61. ADJECTIVE + NOUN ................................................................................................................ 76
62. RESHUFFLED LETTERS......................................................................................................... 77
63. ADJECTIVAL AND ADVERBIAL PAIRS ............................................................................... 78
64. OF- PHRASES ............................................................................................................................ 79
65. MULTIPLE CHOICE .................................................................................................................. 80
66. PROVERBS & SAYINGS ......................................................................................................... 82
67. PARAPHRASES ......................................................................................................................... 83
68. ANIMALS ...................................................................................................................................... 84
69. NAMES AND SURNAMES ....................................................................................................... 86
70. NATURE ....................................................................................................................................... 87
71. CARTOONS ................................................................................................................................ 88
72. DEFINITIONS .............................................................................................................................. 90
73. DIALOGUES ................................................................................................................................ 92
74. FOUR-LETTER WORDS .......................................................................................................... 93
75. OF - PHRASES ........................................................................................................................... 94
76. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES .................................................................................................. 95
77. PROVERBS & SAYINGS ......................................................................................................... 96
78. ADJECTIVAL PHRASES .......................................................................................................... 97
79. CHOOSE THE WORD .............................................................................................................. 98
80. RESHUFFLED LETTERS ......................................................................................................... 99
81. CHOOSE THE VERB .............................................................................................................. 100
82. PARTS OF THE BODY ........................................................................................................... 101
83. COMPOUNDS DOMINO ........................................................................................................ 103
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84. MISSING LETTERS .............................................................................................................. 105
85. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES ............................................................................................. 106
86. GUESS THE MEANING ....................................................................................................... 107
87. ADJECTIVE + NOUN ............................................................................................................ 109
88. PAIRS ....................................................................................................................................... 110
89. PROVERBS & SAYINGS ..................................................................................................... 111
90. CHOOSE THE MEANING .................................................................................................... 112
91. -ING ADJECTIVES ................................................................................................................ 114
92. PARAPHRASES..................................................................................................................... 115
93. MULTIPLE CHOICE .............................................................................................................. 116
94. MISPRINTS ............................................................................................................................. 118
95. MISCELLANEOUS PHRASES ............................................................................................ 119
96. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES ............................................................................................. 120
97. ADJECTWE + NOUN ............................................................................................................ 121
98. VARIOUS IDIOMS ................................................................................................................. 122
99. PARTS OF THE BODY ......................................................................................................... 124
100. COMPARISONS..................................................................................................................... 126
101. PROVERBS & SAYINGS ..................................................................................................... 127
102. DEFINITIONS WITH VERBS ............................................................................................... 128
103. ADJECTIVES & ADVERBS ................................................................................................. 129
104. COMPOUNDS ........................................................................................................................ 130
105. CARTOONS ............................................................................................................................ 131

ANSWER KEY ................................................................................................................... 133

IDIOM GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................. 152

© Copyright by Maciej Matasek

Wydawnictwo HANDYBOOKS
Poznań 2007
Learning English Together

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3
INTRODUCTION

Idiomatic expressions constitute a very important part of English language

and their correct understanding is the key to acquiring the skill of the most
comprehensive use of English. A high level of knowledge is requisite to grasp
the meaning of idioms like carry the can for someone, flog a dead horse or
bite the bullet and phrases like a red herring, a cock and bull story or soft
soap. Hundreds of other idiomatic expressions cannot be taken literally as
they convey completely different figurative meanings. The only possible way to
get acquainted with the rich array of such expressions is either through
reading dictionaries of idioms and memorising the phrases or through getting
involved in stimulating exercises.

This book is devoted to advanced-level students who wish to expand their

language competence or refresh their knowledge of idioms. More than 1500
idiomatic expressions are tested and fully explained in a wide range of
exercises divided into specific categories. The explanations of the idioms are
included in the Idiom glossary.

After going through the series of tests in English idioms, the learner's
knowledge of this interesting and rich component of the language will become
more extensive and will enhance a better understanding of both spoken and
written English. In the new edition of this book a learner may also find
exercises in the most popular and useful English proverbs, sayings and
phrases commonly used in everyday language.

When writing this book and including explanations, I have referred to the
following highly recommendable dictionaries:
A Learner's Dictionary of English Idioms, Oxford University Press
Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms, Oxford University Press
Cambridge International Dictionary of Idioms, Cambridge
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English,
Longman Idioms Dictionary,
Collins Dictionary of English Idioms

4
1. NOUN + NOUN
GLOSSARY
Combine the nouns into 'noun + noun' phrases and then match them with the
correct definitions.

cap chase cupboard edge egg

head hog hush mother rat
shelf stick stretch set elbow

1. a product usability period A razor ..............

2. one's native language B home ..............

3. an alcoholic drink before going to sleep C ............... life

4. a heavy competition for success D road ..............

5. a most useful advantage over someone E the jet ...............

6. a useless search for something F ............... money

7. a hard manual work G ............... start

8. the final part of a race, journey etc. H ............... tongue

9. money saved for future use I nest ..............

10. an inconsiderate driver J wild goose ..............

11. an international high society K the............... race

12. an affection shown only to get something L ............... grease

13. a difficult or dangerous position M night ..............

14. money paid to keep facts secret N cleft ..............

15. a troublesome situation O ............... love

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

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2. PAIRS
GLOSSARY
Insert the nouns in the appropriate phrases.

bobs chalk death dribs gloom

life nail parcel kith vim
rack span thumbs touch tucker

1. He won't be of use to us, for sure. He is all fingers and ......................

when doing any housework is the case.
2. Although they are brothers, they are as different as ............... and cheese.
3. Joshua insists on changing the timetable as if it were a matter of life and
................................. to him.
4. We kept fighting tooth and............................... for our rights, however the
management remained relentless.
5. Since the previous owners were forced to move out, the mansion has gone
to ............................... and ruin.
6. Reporting on your every decision to the boss is part and......................... of
the job, so you'd better get used to it.
7. It was Martin's brilliant sense of humour that livened up the party. The boy
was the ................................ and soul of it.
8. His intentions are usually hard to guess. I think it's .......................... and go
whether he'll agree to the proposal.
9. Jacob keeps his house clean like nobody else I know. He does the
hoovering and dusting almost every day. He likes his house to be spick
and .................................. .
10. Don't touch the box. There are all my fishing bits and.............................. in
it and I would not like to lose anything of that.
11. The letters he would write were full of doom and ...................................... .
We still do not know what made him so depressed.
12. I know these people. They're my ................................... and kin. We come
from the same place.
13. The football fans were coming in ................................. and drabs to watch
the final game. An hour before the kickoff the stadium was packed full.
14. My granny is almost ninety, but she's still full of ....................... and vigour.
15. 'l like the suit you're wearing, Arnold.'
'Thank you, Jane. It's my best bib and .................................., actually.'

6
3. CHOOSE THE NOUN
GLOSSARY
Insert the nouns in the appropriate phrases.
books elements ground hide school
circle fat hairs leg shop
day flag hammer lid water
1. An interesting picture by Picasso came under the ................................ at
Sotheby's auction house last week.
2. Sceptics claim that looking for alien forms of life in space is like squaring
the ...................................... as they do not exist.
3. The difference between your estimate and mine is just too small to
mention. It makes no sense to split ..................................... about it.
4. Our father's unexpected illness put the ...................... on our holiday plans.
5. One may get bored in Tom and Pete's company. They're both too involved
in their jobs and will talk ..................................... without a break.
6. Mind that you don't tell tales out of ....................................., Bob. It's not
commendable to reveal the matters of the association to the people who
do not belong to it.
7. It is not a common practice to tan your neighbours' children's ....................
as nobody likes their darlings to be spanked by somebody else.
8. Only when the company collapsed, did it come out that the accountants
had been cooking the ...................................... and embezzling the money.
9. It's a great pleasure to call it a ................................... after such a long and
hard work.
10. The teacher did not believe the excuses that the boys gave for their
truancies. What they said simply did not hold .................................... .
11. You will not break any new..................................if you say that the Earth is
round and water is wet.
12. Be careful not to go too far with the fun you make of your friends. Nobody
likes their ..................................... to be pulled too much.
13. It's been raining heavily since midday. I don't really feel like braving the
..................................... and having a walk in such an awful weather.
14. The small guerrilla unit launched a series of attacks on the enemy military
facilities. In this way they showed the ................................ to the others and
paved the way for a national uprising.
15. Mr Dawney, our boss, always goes crazy when he sees his workers
chewing the .......................... in the café instead of carrying out their duties.
7
4. GUESS THE MEANING
GLOSSARY

Match the phrases in italics with the idioms expressing a synonymous meaning.

A be in the family way I make a mountain out of a molehill

B blow hot and cold J pick holes in
C burn the midnight oil K pull out all the stops
D get off scot-free L ride the crest of a wave
E go through the floor M rub shoulders
F hit the roof N stick to your guns
G lead sb up the garden path O turn the tables on
H let off steam

1. We're planning to organise a lot of social meetings to help our

representatives to associate closely with each other.
2. Gordon turned very angry when he found out how much money he had
lost on the unfortunate enterprise.
3. Have you heard that Michael's wife is pregnant?
4. Even if they threaten you, you must be firm and not change your
decisions.
5. It is Jack's last chance to pass the exams, so he's been studying very
hard until the small hours.
6. Don't worry about Angela. She is exaggerating her problems, as usual.
7. Nobody believed she would ever manage to succeed in her studies. But
she made a great effort and now she is a doctor.
8. However he managed to avoid punishment, it couldn't have been by fair
means.
9. I have lost my trust in Mr Tanner. He keeps changing his opinions
about my employment all the time.

8
10. When she was appointed for the managerial position, Mary gained a
considerable advantage over Mr Rush, her former superior, whose silly
orders she'd had to perform ever since she started her work for the
company.
11. 'Sherilyn is one of the most popular fashion models in the country, isn't
she?' - 'Indeed. She is at the peak of her popularity at present.'
12. That man told us he was an antique dealer and promised to sell our silver
cutlery at a high price. But he deceived us never coming back with the
money.
13. They say prices at the Moriarty's have fallen substantially. Why don't
we do some shopping there?
14. He only finds faults with everything I do and has never ever offered his
helping hand to me.
15. He doesn't usually behave so aggressively. I guess he just needed to
give vent to his anger and frustration.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

I don't think the estate is worth the

two-million dollar price.
The agent seems to be leading us
up the garden path.

GLOSSARY

9
5. MIND, HEAD OR BRAIN?
GLOSSARY

Insert the nouns MIND(S), HEAD and BRAIN(S) in the right phrases.

1. Since he met that fair-haired girl, Jack's been .............................. over

heels in love with her.
2. She said something about a secret plan. I'd give a penny to know what is
on her ……………….. .
3. In case of an emergency you should try to keep a level .........................
and not panic.
4. This is not a very good project, but I have got half a .............................. to
accept it, anyway.
5. They kept asking me these difficult questions, so I had to rack my
................................ to answer them all correctly.
6. Susan seems to have set her .............................. on the idea of keeping
the stray dog at home, which is what her mother does not accept.
7. My father wants me to study law, but I have made up my ........................
to become an architect.
8. Mrs Ross can hardly keep her................................above water living on
her low unemployment benefit.
9. Go on, speak your ..................... ! We do want to know your point of view.
10. Sally has been given her ............................... by the boss. She can take
every decision without consulting it with the Board.
11. This red Pontiac is smarter, but the blue Ferrari can go faster. As you can
see, I'm still in two ................................. about which one to buy.
12. The only thing George can talk about is football. He seems to have it on
the .................................. all day round.
13. The views from the peak of Kilimanjaro just blew my ............................... .
I had never seen anything more stunning before.
14. It’s unbelievable how the financial success has turned uncle Bob’s
................................... . He is as proud as a peacock now.
15. Mr Saunter is the person who knows a lot about growing cacti flowers.
We can safely pick his .................................. about it.

10
6. FOUR-LETTER WORDS
GLOSSARY
Write in the correct four-letter words.

1. Now that you have grown up, you must stop living on your parents' money.
It's high time you started to earn your own _ e _ _ .
2. Hugh did get offended with my remarks about his project although they
were sincere and I thought he would take them in good _ _ _ t.
3. We can still accept Tom's jokes, however crude they are. But we have to
draw the _ _ n _ at his playing nasty tricks on everybody in the office.
4. You may not be granted the scholarship if your achievements are not up
to the _ _ r _ . Only the best students will be promoted.
5. They say Mr Webster is over hundred years old. But, he seems to be
living on borrowed _l _ _ .
6. Uncle Jerry has got the _ _ f _ of the gab. No wonder he's been so
successful as a sales representative.
7. None of the demonstration organisers escaped punishment. They were
all brought to _ o _ _ and made to pay fines and do a community service.
8. Everybody likes Cindy for the simple reason that she never refuses to do
anybody a good _ _ _ n . She's the most helpful person I know.
9. Angela is a more skilled swimmer than I am. I think I'll never be able to
keep _ _ c _ with her.
10. We could only see the burglar making a _ _ s _ for the fence. We didn't
see his face, let alone catch him.
11. Steve has been given the s _ _ _ by another company. I wonder if he is
an incompetent worker or a loafer simply.
12. The game had been pretty dull before Hopkins replaced Simmons. Then,
it came to _ i _ _ and three goals were scored.
13. Everything has come to a sorry _ _ _ s in my life since my wife left me
with my best friend.
14. 'Look! I've got another parking ticket. It's the third one this week!'
'Keep your _ _ _ r on , Andy. And look where you park your car next time.'
15. Jim's been on the _ _ I _ since he left hospital and was laid off by his
employer. Were it not for the government money, he would have nothing
to live on.

11
7. ADJECTIVE + NOUN
GLOSSARY

Combine the adjectives and nouns into phrases and match them with the
correct definitions.

clean hot odd beaver handshake squeak

dead Ivory old blanket herring straw

eager lame red chestnut jobs sweep

easy last wet duck lie tower

golden narrow white game potato wood

1. ……………… ……………… a joke which is too old to be funny

2. ……………… ……………… a negative and boring person
3. ……………… ……………… an ultimate difficulty that one can bear
4. ……………… ……………… a most lucky escape from trouble
5. ……………… ……………… a lie that does not do any harm
6. ……………… ……………… a sensitive and embarrassing matter
7. ……………… ……………… someone who works harder that they should
8. ……………… ……………… people or things that are no longer useful
9. ……………… ……………… a big sum of money for a retiring worker
10. ……………… ……………… a place or way of living away from real life
11. ……………… ……………… a subject or fact of little importance
12. ……………… ……………… small, practical tasks performed at home
13. ……………… ……………… a impressive victory; a total change
14. ……………… ……………… someone who can be easily beaten, blamed
15. ……………… ……………… someone who is in trouble and needs help

12
8. DEFINITIONS
GLOSSARY

Insert the words in the correct phrases to complete the definitions.

avenue flak knot

bait grain mincemeat
bay hoops moon
deal houses time
dust jackpot willies

1. If you give someone the ............................, you make them scared or

nervous.
2. If you keep troubles at ................................. you manage to avoid them.
3. If you explore every..............................., you try any possible method to
find or achieve something.
4. If you go against the ............................. you do not follow the standards
and do things in an unconventional way.
5. If you get a raw.................................. you are treated unfairly.
6. If your opinions or suggestions get the ................................. they are
strongly criticised or disapproved of.
7. If you do .................................., you serve a prison sentence.
8. If you make ........................... of your enemies, you defeat them severely.
9. If you jump through ................................, you do something hard and
demanding in order to achieve your goal.
10. If you tie the ............................... you get married.
11. If you cry for the .............................. you ask for or want something that
you cannot be given.
12. If you go all round the ................................., you do something in a very
complicated way, instead of doing it a direct way.
13. If your suggestions, plans, hopes etc. gather ..............................., they
are ignored, forgotten or never put to practice.
14. If you hit the .............................., you win or inherit a large sum of money
unexpectedly.
15. If you rise to the ................................, you act in exactly the way that
someone else wants you to.

13
9. CHOOSE THE IDIOM
GLOSSARY
Insert the appropriate idioms to complete the sentences.

bear a grudge against someone pop the question

call someone's bluff pull one's socks up
change one's spots put someone through their paces
make someone's mouth water run in someone's blood
meet one's Waterloo thread one's way through

1. You haven't been doing well in your studies recently, so you'd better
......................................................................... if you hope to pass all your
examinations.
2. We had a quarrel about cleaning the room two days ago and it looks like
Ben is still .................................................................. as he hasn't spoken
to me since then.
3. Howard's grandfather was a famous violinist. His father can play the
piano beautifully and the boy is a skilled guitar player. That musical talent
seems to …………………………………………………… .
4. After four years of an unquestionable superiority in the high jump, the
Cuban champion finally ....................................................................... as
he got beaten by a young Russian in Madrid last Friday.
5. Alex is so fond of sweets that whenever he sees some within reach, they
invariably ………………………………………………………… .
6. Bart has always been so irrational and obstinate. It's not sensible to
expect him to ................................................................ at the age of sixty.
7. There were hundreds of football fans watching a game on the huge
outdoor TV screens in the city centre, so we had to ..................................
the crowds to reach our bus stop.
8. The bully must have assumed that I was afraid of him. So when he said
he was going to beat me up I bravely ........................................................
and got ready for his attack.
9. None of the people who applied for the job had any reliable work record,
so we decided to ...................................................................... to find out
which of them was suitable for the demanding position.
10. Tom has dated Sue for six year now and his parents are putting pressure
on him to ...................................................................... . But Tom says he
isn't going to get married until he makes a big career.
14
10. - ING ADJECTIVES
GLOSSARY
Fill the gaps with the appropriate adjectives.

cutting damning extenuating teething saving

flying forwarding roaring running spitting
going growing laughing melting tearing

1. The introduction of snake charmers in the circus repertoire was a/an

.................. success for the owners. The performances were all sold out.
2. How do you expect me to deliver the post to Mrs Dale if she didn't leave
any ..................................... address after moving out of town?
3. Alice learned a lot and passed her exams with .......................... colours.
4. The doctor made me realise that a jaundice infection was no ...................
matter and an inoculation was highly advisable.
5. Look at Donna's face. Isn't she the ......................... image of her mother?
6. The district is inhabited by people of various races and origins. It is a real
................................ pot unlike other areas of the city.
7. In spite of having been found guilty of the theft, the boy didn't receive a
heavy punishment as there were plenty of ..................... circumstances.
8. Your store brings tremendous profits each month, so what's the point of
selling a/an ................................. concern like this?
9. Every new government must go through the ................................ pains
before they win social acceptance and prove their effectiveness.
10. I'm in a/an ..................... hurry. My plane is taking off in only half an hour.
11. The amazing modern robots that were presented at the show by the
Japanese designers are at the ......................... edge of nanotechnology.
12. We had a few ....................................... troubles with operating the new
machinery at the very start, but soon we managed to get over them.
13. The secret documents that were found by the police were the
........................................... evidence of Joseph Stanton's criminal past.
14. The scheme that they have devised is rather impractical.
Its..................................... grace though is the low cost of implementation.
15. He said the price of his new Jaguar was exorbitant. I assume the
......................................... costs must be unimaginable, too.

15
11. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES
GLOSSARY
Fill the gaps with the appropriate prepositional phrases.

at first glance in tatters on cloud nine

at odds in the offing on the blink
beyond the pale in the saddle on the hop
in aid of off the cuff over the hill
in deep water off the peg under the weather

1. The prime minister wasn't too well prepared for the press conference. His
answers were ........................................... and didn't satisfy the reporters.
2. It's the third time that the surgeon made a critical mistake and his patient
died. His reputation and career are now ................................................. .
3. The peace negotiations have been broken off. Another outbreak of
fighting is .................................................................... . Within a few hours
new attacks will be launched.
4. Edith was .................................................................. when she had learnt
about winning the main prize at the annual lottery.
5. We did argue before, but never have we been ..........................................
with each other over such minor matters.
6. I need to have my video camera repaired. It's ................................. again.
7. I could tolerate your noisy parties time and again, but throwing bottles out
of the window was ......................................................... this time. I want
you to move out of my flat.
8. Nicole asked what the compass in my bag was ...................................... .
I explained to her that we needed it in case we got lost in the forest.
9. The Board have resolved that the director of our branch in Leeds will
remain .............................................. until he decides to leave on his own.
10. ........................................................... the new apprentice seemed quite
witty, but it soon turned out he was all thumbs.
11. You can't expect your father to run as quickly as you do. He is ………….
............................ now and his physical strength isn't that good any more.
12. The coach's decision to put me in the first team caught me ..................
....................................................... . I didn't even expect to be appointed
for the World Cup squad.
13. We do not have any tailored clothes on offer. We sell them ......................
………………………………………. only.
14. One of the salesmen found himself .................................................. after
it turned out he had stolen some documents from the director's cabinet.
15. Sue is not coming. She's going to stay in bed as she's a bit .....................
……………………………. .
16
12. CHOOSE THE VERB.
GLOSSARY
Fill the gaps with the appropriate verbs in the correct form.
burn hit pluck reap split
cry lead poke shed stew
fan nail read spare work

1. It's useless to try to deceive Michael. He is so smart that he can

..................................... a lie with ease.
2. Despite the curator's scary stories about ghosts and creaking floorboards
at night, we managed to .................................. up the courage to spend
the night in the castle.
3. So you have lost all your money on the bets. But it's no good
................................ over spilt milk. Next time you come to Las Vegas,
you should stay clear of casinos.
4. He didn't put it straight, but I could .............................. between the lines
that he was not satisfied with the fee that he was offered.
5. Any form of irresponsible behavior is punished at this school. Those who
call other pupils names or ..................... fun at them are put in detention.
6. The preparations for the secret mission must be completed within just
two weeks. No wonder the agents have been ............................. the
candle at both ends.
7. I've been worried about Carl since he started keeping company of those
bad boys. He's a weak character and they may easily .............................
him astray.
8. It is hoped that Mr Hurston's testimony will ................................ new light
on the case of women kidnappings in Livingston.
9. It's not the matter of being a disciplined employee. Pete keeps .................
to rule to show his dissatisfaction with the fact he wasn't given a rise.
10. We love visiting the Browns because they are so hospitable and friendly.
They’ll .................. no pains to make you feel comfortable in their house.
11. Poor Mr Daniels. When his wife left him with her lover he ........................
the bottle. And he has been drinking heavily since then.
12. I'm going to invest my savings in the business and hope to
............................... a considerable harvest in the future.
13. I offered to pay $100, and Sean insisted on $120. But finally, we agreed
that we would ..................................... the difference, so I paid him $110
for the moped.
14. It was Adam's decision to accept the bribes. Let him .................................
in his own juice now.
15. You shouldn't have mentioned anything about Steve's failed exam. It only
........................................ the flames of your brother's irritation.

17
13. PARTS OF THE BODY
GLOSSARY
Insert the nouns in the appropriate phrases.

back eye heart neck shoulder

bone face leg nose teeth
chin hair lip palm thumb

1. I know it's quite a depressing situation, but keep your ....................... up!
Things will get better soon.
2. At the beginning, my boss would not take my ideas and suggestions
seriously. But when my projects proved to be successful, he had a
change of ...................................... .
3. The official can't be very honest if he expects us to grease his ................
before arranging every matter.
4. We will never reach an agreement if you go on setting your ....................
against all our recommendations.
5. It was Stephanie who put Amy's ...................... out of joint. The moment
she arrived at the party, all the boys wanted to keep her company.
6. Did he tell you he worked in the theatre? Don't believe a word he says.
He always lies through his ........................... .
7. The agent told the man he had to pay ten thousand pounds extra for the
mortgage and he didn't even turn a/an ............................... . He must
have been a millionaire.
8. It looks like the politicians only pay ....................... -service to our charity
organization. They never really offer any financial support.
9. The farmers in the country must have their ......................... to the wall
considering that the cereal and meat prices have slumped by 50%.
10. The suspect says that at the time of the robbery he was in a cinema. But
nobody in fact saw him there. It seems he does not have a/an ..............
to stand on.
11. Everybody was giving Anthony the cold ............................ when we
found out it was him who told the teacher that we were going to play
truant from the lesson.
12. He treats me as if he had a/an ..................................... to pick with me.
Have I done anything wrong to him?
13. You'll certainly get it in the ................................ if your mother discovers
you smoke cigarettes in the backyard.
14. They say that Mr Palmer's resignation was his own decision. But I can
assure you there is more to it than meets the .................................... .
15. Jenny refused to wear her grandmother's hat during the ceremony saying
that she wasn't going to stick out like a sore ..................................... .
18
14. ‘OF’- PHRASES
GLOSSARY
Fill the gaps with the appropriate nouns to complete the phrases.
apple freak load sleight spot
bed hive neck slip walk
can horse quirk spice ward

1. This fish is a .................................. of nature. It has got no fins, but it still

can swim.
2. We are intending to gather people from every...................................of life
to find out their opinions about living in the city.
3. It's a hard life we are living now, bul: honestly I cannot remember the
times when it was a/an .......................................... of roses.
4. In the researchers' account the market place was a/an ............................
of activity in every ancient city.
5. Did she say one hundred? She certainly meant to say one thousand. It
must have been a/an ........................................... of the tongue.
6. Nobody would have considered the problem to be such a/an ...................
of worms. How are we going to deal with it?
7. Why did the professor mention the implant surgery at all?
It is a/an ...................................... of a different colour, isn't it? He was
supposed to speak about hair analysis.
8. Several coins of gold became the ........................................ of discord
between the explorers who had unearthed the treasure trove.
9. Both Hugh and Gill brought flowers for Caroline.
Was it a/an ............................................ of fate or some intricate plan?
10. I suppose the man is trying to fool us. What he says is just a/an
.......................................... of cobblers.
11. Everything's going fine so far, but there may be a/an ................ of bother
when it comes to appointing the chairman. Not everyone likes Harold.
12. How about going to a disco? Why spend every evening in front of the TV
set? Don't you know variety is the ..................................... of life?
13. The judge has resolved that the baby will become a/an ............................
of court until she turns eighteen.
14. Wolves haven't been spotted in this .................................... of the woods
for about four years, so the area may be considered safe for tourists.
15. The little children were amazed at the conjurer's unimaginable
........................... of hand. The trick with the rabbit popping out of the hat
brought the house down.
19
15. MULTIPLE CHOICE
GLOSSARY
Choose the correct answer.

1. It's true Jack can be very critical. He is always .................... aspersions

on everyone else's ability to run the business.
A putting B casting C drawing D applying
2. She's very unhappy all alone with her problems. She's got nobody
to................... their ear.
A pick B let C bend D speak
3. Don't throw that basket away! It may still .................... in handy when we
go picking mushrooms.
A find B run C come D give
4. Celia would always look up to her older brother. Whatever Adrian did she
invariably .................... suit.
A followed B carried C pursued D kepi
5. No matter how I tried to convince him that I was right, he ................. his
ground dismissing all my arguments.
A thought B fixed C claimed D stood
6. The performance in the National Theatre really.................... the house
down last night. The actors were give a standing ovation.
A took B brought C left D set
7. The final decision has already been taken, so there's no use in your
................. the toss.
A arguing B disapproving C dismissing D quarrelling
8. I won't listen to anyone. I am grown-up now and I can decide what I do in
my life. I don’t want anyone to .................... my style.
A prevent B spoil C disturb D cramp
9. Sadly, my tutor gave me a poor mark for my piece of writing. She told me
I had .................... too many liberties with the real facts.
A placed B made C taken D found
10. What the secretary says doesn't necessarily .................... much weight,
but you should never disobey your director's instructions.
A play B carry C hold D mean
11. It....................to reason that the princess won't arrive unless you send her
a formal invitation.
A gets B comes C stands D lays

20
12. We've had to quit our cooperation with this wholesaler as we could never
.................... a bargain. He asked for more than we could offer.
A strike B hit C beat D knock

13. A lot of scorn has been....................on the Canadian seal hunters for
their merciless practices.
A blamed B launched C poured D fixed

14. It may take a long time before Mary .................. herself together after her
mother's death.
A brings B finds C draws D pulls

15. According to the verdict, the boy will be removed from school on the
grounds of .................... dirty tricks on the teachers and other pupils.
A working B driving C playing D committing

16. Your leftist views....................in the face of our party programme, so

you'd better drop them or find another party for yourself.
A fly B run C turn D look

17. This savage war had ................ this beautiful country waste and left
many of its inhabitants homeless.
A cast B grown C laid D set

18. She would have been fined for leaving her car in the wrong place, hadn't
the policeman decided to .................... the rules on that single occasion.
A leave B bend C quit D skip

19. The new round of negotiations is hoped to....................the deadlock in

the Middle East.
A break B remove C dispense D untie

20. Let me take care of your scratched knee. I've been a nurse for eighteen
years, so I .................... the ropes like nobody else.
A have B grasp C know D operate

21
16. DEFINITIONS
GLOSSARY

Fill the gaps with the correct nouns and match the idioms with their definitions.

1. drop a ............................
boil
2. get on someone's ............................
brick
3. get the ............................ up
bucket
4. go off the ............................
fort
5. go through the ............................
hay
6. go to the ............................
mill
7. hold the ............................
surface
8. kick the ............................
wall
9. make .......................... while the sun shines
wick
10. scratch the ............................
wind

a die
b annoy someone, make them upset
c deal only slightly with a problem
d take advantage of a good opportunity
e go into bankruptcy
f say unintentionally something offensive or improper
g become anxious and frightened about something
h experience something difficult or unpleasant
i lose skills at something, become less good
j look after a business for someone while they are away

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

22
17. MUSICAL IDIOMS
GLOSSARY
Fill the gaps with the appropriate words.
bell drum note tango
chord fiddle song trumpet
dance music sound tune
1. Doesn't Richard ever appreciate other people's merits? Does he only
blow his own .................................?
2. I think the critics have gone too far with their praises for Ms Henley. In
fact, she played second ................................. in the performance.
3. Judging by the way he banged the .............................. for Alice, he must
be very fond of the girl.
4. The lyrics of the song struck a ................................... with Sue and she
became sad.
5. It was horrible how she led us a merry ................................... by leaving
the house without telling us where she was going.
6. One of the boys blames his companion for the wrongdoing, but everyone
knows that it takes two to................................... .
7. In his sermon the Pope struck the right...............................It was exactly
what the people needed to hear: the words of hope.
8. If I tell you his family name is Nigel, does it ring a ................................ ?
9. The dishonest accountant will have to face the ................................ for
having embezzled so much of the company funds.
10. 'You must have spent a fortune on the silver cigar box.'
'Oh no, I bought it for a .................................. at a flea market.'
11. The Prime Minister must be the President's puppet. He seems to dance
to the President's ...................... and does not implement his own policy.
12. 'Someone's told me you're ill in hospital.'
'I don't have a clue why someone should have told you this rubbish. I am
as ..................................... as a bell.'
23
18. COLOURS
GLOSSARY

Fill the gaps with the appropriate words

black blue brown colour green grey

pink red silver white yellow

1. Crowds of people are expected at the ..............................-carpet

welcome ceremony, so tight security will be needed at the airport.
2. William was .............................. with envy when I told him about my date
with Muriel.
3. ‘Hi Ben! How is your health?’
‘Thank you. I'm in the ............................... I've never felt better.’
4. Our neighbours don't take much care of the staircase. They only clean it
once in a ............................... moon.
5. I've got no more money left. The tax collector has bled me ……….…….. .
6. People say that John Milton, the millionaire, is stingy and selfish. But I
know he's not as ............................. as he is painted. He spends loads
of money on charity in Africa, but he does it without much publicity.
7. You can rely on Paul's intelligence. His .............................. matter is
most admirable.
8. I didn't go to school this morning as I was feeling a bit off ..................... .
9. There is no need to worry, Mrs Simpson. Your bank account is still in the
……………………….. .
10. The question of overdue bills arouse out of the ............................... I'd
known nothing about them before.
11. November the 12th was a ...........................-letter day for our family.
Our father regained consciousness after two years in a coma, then.
12. She was standing there in the corner .............................. about the gills
as if she had seen a ghost.
13. You can scream until you're .............................. in the face but he'll
never hear you. He is as deaf as a post.
14. It was Brian's idea to paint the town .............................. because he
wanted to celebrate his promotion.
15. At first, no one believed she was a pilot, but her documents lent
............................. to her statements.

24
16. To achieve a lasting success in politics and win people's favour, one
must be whiter than .............................. .
17. Frankie's going to be tickled .............................. when I tell him we're
going to have a baby.
18. The prime minister's resignation came like a bolt from the ......................
No member of the cabinet had expected such a decision.
19. Don't even ask her to accompany us through the forest. She is so
.........................- bellied that she wouldn't stay at home alone.
20. I was sure my boss would see .............................. if I told him about the
missing files, so I preferred to keep it secret.
21. My father does not like to be disturbed when he is in a ............................
study in his office.
22. I know it's been a pretty tough situation for you after the divorce. But as
they say every cloud has a ............................. lining. Now, you're
starting a new life.
23. The question of taxation for the pensioners who take on casual jobs is
still a .............................. area. The ministry of finance has not issued any
directives as yet.
24. If you bring a gift only to Tommy, his twin brother, Christopher, will
scream ............................. murder. You should buy something for both
of them.
25. Only when the EU funds are allocated, will the projects be given the
............................. light and the building of the new car factory will begin.
26. I have never seen David so drunk before. He was so inebriated that he
could probably see ................................. elephants.
27. When Jack mentioned Alice's former relationships, it was like a
................................. rag to a bull. She went mad.
28. We're bankrupt and have no money, no accommodation, not even friends
to ask for help. Things really look ................................. now.
29. Before we start renovating your big house, I'd like to see the ...................
of your money, sir. I don't want to end up with you telling me that you're
broke.
30. Jessica's been so vain and conceited because she got everything
handed to her on a ................................... platter. She doesn't know
how it is to work on your position and fortune from the start.

25
19. PARAPHRASES
GLOSSARY

Rewrite the sentences using idioms so that the original meanings of the
sentences are retained.

1. Read the manual if you want to learn to operate the welding machine.
................................................... hang ............................................... .
2. Is she still hesitating whether to marry Alexander or not ?
................................................. two minds ............................................ ?
3. This building will be dedicated to the families who are in desperate need
of help. ............................................................................ breadline.
4. Nobody likes him. He will do just anything to win the teachers' favour.
.................................................... curry .................................................. .
5. It took us four years to settle successfully in the new surroundings.
.................................................... roots .................................................. .
6. We only trade with the retailers who pay us without any delay.
......................................................................................................... nail.
7. Nothing of what you speak has ever happened.
........................................................................................................ pass.
8. It's about time the government started to deal with the problem of
unemployment.
...................................................... grips .............................................. .
9. I felt creeps all over my back when the tutor looked so angrily at me.
..................................................... daggers ........................................... .
10. As usual, Sam makes the job look more complicated than it really is.
.............................................. heavy weather ....................................... .
11. Seeing how poor the people looked, I could not charge them for the meals.
................................................ the heart ............................................. .
12. Last time I went to visit Evelyn, she looked depressed and miserable.
................................................................................................ the dumps.
13. Stop complaining about your life and see how really lucky you are.
................................................................................................. blessings.
14. Just because I am his wife he expects me to do everything for him.
........................................................................................... hand and foot.
15. Nancy is the kind of person who likes to be involved in all kinds of matters.
................................................... a finger ............................................... .

26
20. NOUN PHRASES
GLOSSARY

Put the nouns in the appropriate phrases and match them with their
definitions.

arms castles icing needle sting

bolt feather manger pan straw
bull fly millstone spanner suit

1. the cause of failure of a plan, action etc. A a babe in ................

2. naked
B a/an ................ in the ointment
3. something sudden and unpleasant
4. a short-lived success C a/an ................ in the tail
5. someone who selfishly prevents others
D a/an ................ in the wind
from enjoying something
6. something too small to be found E in one's birthday ................
7. smth that someone can be proud of
F a/an ............... round one's neck
8. something that is unnecessarily added
to something else that is good enough G ................ in the air
9. dreams or plans that cannot be
H a/an ................in the works
achieved
10. something that limits someone's I a/an ................in a china shop
freedom
J a/an ................from the blue
11. someone clumsy in a delicate place
12. someone who lacks experience or K the ................ on the cake
needs help
L a flash in the ................
13. a sign of a possible future occurrence
14. something or someone that spoils M a/an ................ in a haystack
something good or pleasant
N a/an ................ in one's cap
15. an unpleasant feature at the end of an
event or story O a dog in the ................

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

27
21. ADJECTIVAL PHRASES
GLOSSARY
Fill the gaps with the appropriate adjectives.

big dead flat hot trump

blind deep fresh tall short
close easy full tight stiff

1. After her second divorce, Lucy said she would try to make a/an
......................................... start in life again.
2. Jack's a joker. He is fond of telling ................................... stories that no
one believes.
3. Henry's plans of becoming a successful businessman and a millionaire at
the age of twenty may sound funny, but I like people who think ............. .
4. Couldn't we switch to another channel, daddy? I'm bored .......................
with watching the Olympics all day round.
5. Don't get too impressed by his promises. They are just ...................... air.
6. The English coach is going to play his ............................. card by putting
the brilliant Jenkins in the defence line.
7. Hellen almost let out a cry when she found her brother lying unconscious
on the floor in the room. She had no idea he was .......................... drunk.
8. Eddie's father owns a huge factory in Dallas, so he needn't worry about
money. He will forever be on ......................................... street, I guess.
9. Watch out! There's a lorry coming for us!
Thank God, we're still alive. It was a/an ............................ shave, indeed.
10. Our New Year's Eve party was in ................................... swing when the
lights suddenly went out in the whole neighbourhood.
11. The Browns are both unemployed. With their six children they must be
in a/an ...................................... corner these days.
12. My son's been working twelve hours a day since April and that's why he
is so ......................................... beat in the evenings.
13. The idea to spend the day in the museum fell ..................................... as
everyone preferred to have fun on the beach.
14. Now, I've been thrown in at the ................................ end having to take
over all the chairman's duties so unexpectedly.
15. Even Mr Bay's elaborate concept was given .................................. shrift
by the boss. I wonder if anyone is going to work out a better design.

28
22. COMPARISONS
GLOSSARY

Fill the gaps with the appropriate nouns.

bee hills Larry pie sheep

cucumber houses lord rain sheet
eel ice mouse rake sin
grave lamb peas rock word

1. Don't be afraid. You are as safe as...............................................in here.

2. He won't support you. He is as poor as a church................................... .
3. Isn't she ill? She is as white as a(n) ....................................................... .
4. I will never date him. He is as ugly as...................................................... .
5. I'm feeling very well. I'm as right as......................................................... .
6. He cannot be trusted. He is as slippery as a(n)...................................... .
7. I didn't hear a whisper in the cellar. It was as silent as the...................... .
8. They are twins. They're as like as............................................. in a pod.
9. I've never heard her shout. She's as gentle as a(n)................................ .
10. Leave him alone. He's as drunk as a(n).................................................. .
11. He will never let you down. He's as solid as a(n)..................................... .
12. She always keeps her promises. She's as good as her.......................... .
13. She isn't intelligent at all. She is as silly as a(n)...................................... .
14. He's been working a lot lately. He's been as busy as a(n)...................... .
15. He never panics. He can be as cool as a(n)............................................ .
16. It's an old joke. It is as old as the............................................................. .
17. She looks excited. She is as happy as..................................................... .
18. Hasn't she been dieting for too long? She's as thin as a(n)..................... .
19. I'll do it in no time at all. It's as easy as..................................................... .
20. I've forgotten my gloves. My hands are as cold as ................................. .

29
23. CLOTHING
GLOSSARY
Fill the gaps with the appropriate names of items of clothing.

belt hat shirt sock

boots knickers shoes suit
coat pants sleeve trousers

1. It's quite clear he hasn't told us the whole truth. He must be keeping
something under his ............................................... .
2. Considering Lucy's bossy character, you can tell who wears the
..................................... in their house.
3. I've had to tighten my ....................................... since I have been saving
the money for a new car.
4. Would you mind putting a .................................. in it while I am watching
the interview? I can't hear a thing they are saying.
5. Peter doesn't like his timetable to be rearranged without informing him in
advance. If we do it, he may get his ......................................... in a twist.
6. It is hardly probable that they will take to each other. They are both too
big for their ................................................. .
7. Statistically, our national team don't win too many matches. So, I wouldn't
put my.......................................... on them if I were you.
8. It's up to the director to decide who is going to fill Ann's ..........................
when she takes a year's leave.
9. Andrew is afraid of the exam because history has never been his strong
……………………………….. .
10. The Mexican boxing champion says he' going to beat the ........................
off his American opponent. But the truth is his chances are rather slim.
11. My fortune's gone and I can't afford to live the same extravagant lifestyle
as I did for the last ten years. I have to cut my ..........................................
according to my cloth.
12. Jane must have known something else about the occurrence judging by
the way she laughed up her ......................................... .
13. You're being unkind, Mark. Your remarks about my sister's appearance
are rather below the ......................................... .
14. We couldn't decide which film to watch in the cinema, so we picked the
drama out of ........................................... .
15. The criminals were caught with their .................................. down by the
police. They didn't even suspect the officers had been observing them for
weeks.
30
24. NATURE
GLOSSARY
Fill the gaps with the appropriate nouns.

air ebb night storm water

dust ice rain thunder weather
earth moon river tide wind

1. It was the students' organisation that initiated the charity action, but the
dean stole their ................................ and received the most recognition.
2. Due to the recession, our business has been at a low ..............................
That's why we've had to lay off our workers.
3. Come .............................. or shine, I will always stand by you. I promise.
4. Their excuses are just a pack of lies. None of the stories holds ............. .
5. Patrick invited everyone to his club for a party. I tell you we did make
a ............................................. of it.
6. Irene's been walking on .......................................... because she's been
given a role in a film. It's her first appearance in front of the film camera.
7. If you tell him his girlfriend is waiting for him at the gate, you won't see
him for ………………………….………
8. The brilliant performance of the string quartet took the audience by
................................ . There were at least three encores before we left.
9. How about doing our shopping in a cheaper place? Everything costs the
........................................ in this posh shopping centre.
10. 'Did Paul like his Christmas presents?' - 'Well, he didn't say anything,
but it seemed he wasn't over the ........................................ about them.'
11. Only Jenny said no to our proposals. Must she always swim against the
...........................................?
12. The foreman has warned me the task is going to be very difficult.' 'Oh,
don't worry he tends to make heavy ................................... of every job.'
13. When it turned out the Republican Party's candidate ruined his chance
for a victory in the campaign, all his supporters sold him down the
..................................... by joining the Democrats.
14. Our plans of building the amusement park have been put on ...................
as our application for EU funds has not been dealt with as yet.
15. Don't you think you are sailing close to the ........................................ by
settling your private matters during your working hours?

31
25. FOOD
GLOSSARY
Fill the gaps with the appropriate nouns.

apple biscuit fat oats pudding

bacon cherry fig onions salt
beans egg meal pie soup

1. We hoped to give the bicycle to Sue as a birthday surprise, but it turned

out Max had spilt the ...................................... before the party.
2. He both runs the store and does the accounts. He also coordinates the
supplies and supervises the distribution. He has got a finger in every
..............................................
3. You've made up hundreds of extraordinary excuses, but this one really
takes the ......................................It's the strangest thing I've ever heard.
4. They say my application hasn't been successful. But I'm going to have a
second bite at the ........................................... next year.
5. Stella may not excel at sports, but she certainly knows her ...................
when mathematics is the case.
6. Stop telling me about your family problems! I don't give a/an
........................................... for your private matters.
7. Alan is known to make up the most incredible stories. Anything he says
should be taken with a pinch of .....................................................
8. When his poor father diod, it was the young boy who had to work hard to
bring home the..................................................
9. It's believed that it's good for a young man to sow his wild ......................
before one settles down and gets married.
10. 'I reckon the Boltons have nothing to complain about living their
extravagant lifestyle.'
'Certainly, not. They do live off the ..................................... of the land.'
11. We were to have left for Venice in May, but John's sudden illness upset
our ......................................... cart for good.
12. I've heard Michael's wife has found out about his love affair. It looks like
he's in the.................................................
13. Robin went furious reading the critical article about himself in one of the
papers. It did leave him with ........................................... on his face.
14. Don't run away with any baseless opinions about the play before
watching it. Don’T you know that the proof of the ................................ is
in the eating?
15. It's a waste of time writing such a long report on such a minor event.
I wouldn't make a/an ..................................... of it if I were in your place.

32
26. MISPRINTS
GLOSSARY

Correct one misprinted word in each of the idiomatic phrases.

1. If you feel out of PORTS you feel ill or bad-tempered.

2. If someone meets their ROOM they are dead.
3. If you eat humble TIE you admit that you are wrong or have made a
mistake.
4. If something goes down the TRAIN it is lost or wasted.
5. If you try to sugar the BILL you try to make something seem less
unpleasant.
6. If you promise someone the MOAN you make promises that you will
never be able to fulfil.
7. If you pay through the ROSE you pay too high a price for something.
8. If your ambitious plans bite the DUSK they turn into a failure.
9. If you are out on a LAMB you are in a hard position as nobody supports
you.
10. If you turn over a new LOAF you change your behavior or life for better.
11. If you get under someone's SHIN you annoy them or attract them
strongly.
12 If you carry a PORCH for someone you are deeply in love with the
person.
13. If you pull the WOOD over someone's eyes you deceive them by not
telling them the truth.
14. If you get something off your CREST you tell someone about
something that has worried you for a long time, which makes you feel
better about it.
15. If a hard work takes its TOOL on your health it damages it badly.
16. If a concert or another event goes off with a BANK it is very successful.
17. If you come to the FORK you achieve a position of high importance.
18. If you hit the SOCK you go to bed.
19. If you throw caution to the WINGS you take a risk in spite of a danger.
20. If you get someone's DANGER up you make them angry.
21. If you swallow your PRIZE you do something that makes you feel
ashamed in order to achieve something.
22. If you get into your STRIKE you start doing something with confidence.
23. If you stick your EAR in something you interfere in other people's
matters.
24. If you make a MASH of something you do not do it in the proper way.
25. If you work your fingers to the BOND you work very hard.

33
27. PAIRS
GLOSSARY
Insert the paired expressions in the appropriate phrases.

black and blue long and short

fair and square safe and sound
hale and hearty sick and tired
high and low straight and narrow
hot and bothered thick and thin

1. Why don't you stop complaining for a while? I'm already ..........................
……………...................... of your bellyaching all day long.
2. The prosecutor didn't comment much on the results of the investigation.
He only said that the ....................................................... of it was that the
suspect would still be kept in detention.
3. Michael and Betty have been close friends for years. Always together
through …………………………..……………………. .
4. The students were searching ........................................ for the book, but
they could not find it in any of the libraries or bookshops.
5. Tom has learned his lesson in the prison and since that time he has
stayed on the ............................................ . He's a pattern to follow now.
6. Despite his old age, my grandfather is still .............................................. .
He can work all day round and never complains about his health.
7. The poor mother burst into tears seeing her dear son's face ..................
………………………………………..... all over after the assault.
8. Isn't Jason acting too nervous? It seems to me he is all ..................
…………………………………............ about something.
9. Fortunately, nothing happened to the sailors who got missing. They were
found .............................. in their lifeboat somewhere in the North Pacific.
10. Three of the players were shown the red card and there were even more
yellow cards during the game. Certainly, the match was not played
.......................................................................... by any of the teams.
34
28. MATCHING MEANINGS
GLOSSARY

Match the idioms with their meaning descriptions.

1. agree to differ
2. come down to earth
3. get hold of the wrong end of the stick
4. go halves with someone
5. have a chip on one's shoulder about something
6. keep up with the Joneses
7. live from hand to mouth
8. pick holes in something
9. hold sway over someone or something
10. strike while the iron is hot

a. try to maintain the same standard of living as one's neighbours live

b. have influence or control over someone or something
c. misunderstand what someone has said
d. take advantage of a good opportunity
e. start thinking in a realistic and practical way
f. be sensitive and ready to quarrel about something
g. criticize or show weak points in something
h. remain friends despite having different points of view
i. have only enough money to buy food
j. share the equal costs of something

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

35
29. GUESS THE MEANING
GLOSSARY

Match the phrases in italics with the idioms expressing a synonymous meaning.

A be given the axe I play to the gallery

B be skating on thin ice J pull the plug on
C clear the air K rise to the bait
D fall between two stools L sign on the dotted line
E have many irons in the fire M sling mud
F let bygones be bygones N talk through one's hat
G lose one's bearings O wreak havoc with
H make the grade

1. Excellent as the project may be, it is bound to be dismissed because of

the lack of support from the local government.

2. I was advised to delete the files containing irrelevant data, so I should not
get confused while doing my job.

3. For the sake of the country, the leaders of the opposing parties should meet
for a discussion to end the disagreement

4. Ecologists have been warning that the air, soil and water pollution causes
destruction of more and more natural habitats.

5. Why don't you forget about your former disagreements instead of

turning your heads away from each other?

6. It's a common practice in political campaigning that candidates try to

damage their rivals' reputation through unfair statements.

7. You'll be taking a serious risk if you invest so much money in this business.

8. Although we expected him to be firm and inflexible about our proposal, he

put his signature on the deal without a word.

36
9. Mr Wilkes is a shrewd and skilful politician. He knows well how to behave in
a way that attracts people's attention and wins their support.

10. Becky is involved in a number of projects that she hopes will bring her
fame and fortune. Now, she is playing in a TV series and recording a CD.

11. Don't pay attention to what Norman says. He knows nothing about
marketing strategies and that's why he is saying those silly things.

12. Adam went on making his cynical remarks just because he wanted to
make me angry. But I didn't react the way he expected me to, which in
turn made him mad.

13. Susan was very disappointed when she didn't succeed in achieving the
expected result of her research.

14. With Nigel's second solution to the problem we did find ourselves unable
to choose between any of them.

15. The main sponsor's unexpected withdrawal has recently put an end to the
plans of introduction of the Brazilian players in our team.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

He's really skating on thin ice, this time.

37
30. CHOOSE THE VERB
GLOSSARY

Fill the gaps with the appropriate verbs and match the idioms with their
definitions.

blow get make put save

keep mince run steer cut

1. ..................... late hours

2. ..................... clear of someone/something
3. ..................... in on the act
4. ..................... the gauntlet
5. ..................... quick strides
6. ..................... one's teeth on something
7. ..................... the squeeze on someone
8. not ............... one's words
9. ..................... a fuse
10. ..................... someone's bacon

a. join in an activity initiated by someone who has been successful in it

b. get very angry
c. speak in a direct and open manner
d. go to sleep late
e. make a fast progress, improvement etc.
f. be the object of blame or attacks by many people
1
g. rescue someone from danger or difficulties
2
h. learn or gain the first experience from something
3
i. keep away from or avoid someone or something 4
j. influence someone by exerting pressure on them 5
6
7
8
9
10

38
31. PARTS OF THE BODY
GLOSSARY
Fill the gaps with the appropriate nouns.

back eye fist heart skin

blood face hair mouth spine
breast feet hand nose stomach

1. My car broke down on the road, so I had to hitch a lift and only managed
to arrive for the conference by the .............................. of my teeth.
2. Tommy pulled a long .............................. when his father told him to stay
at home while the other children were taken to the cinema.
3. The boss of the mafia has promised to make a clean ..............................
of all his criminal activity if the police offer him a maximum protection.
4. Could you lend me a/an .............................. with carrying the ladder to
the garden? It's too heavy for a small woman like me.
5. At the beginning, Frank was a bit ashamed. But in the end, he made a
good .............................. of asking Sylvia out for a date.
6. Robbie wants to go on the rollercoaster ride, but I have no
.............................. for this kind of amusement, so I think I will give it up.
7. It sticks out a mile something wrong has happened to Mary recently. She
has been down in the .............................. for some time.
8. My brother's scary stories used to make my .............................. run cold
when I was a child. Now we only have a good laugh about them.
9. Much as everyone likes Sarah, she is often criticized for poking her
.............................. into other people's private matters.
10. Try not to panic before the performance even if you get cold ...................
11. Alice is the kind of person who always wears her ............................ on
her sleeve.
12. Lisa has never turned her .............................. on her friends and offers
her help whenever they need it.
13. The weekend is the perfect time to let your .............................. down for
a while, so stop thinking about your job and relax.
14. Just watching the stuntmen performing their daring tricks sends shivers
down my …………………………………………. .
15. Ben's sudden withdrawal from the declamation contest was one in the
......................... for all his supporters, who believed he would succeed.

39
32. MULTIPLE CHOICE
GLOSSARY

Choose the correct answer.

1. Mark's trying to persuade us to accept his own way of reasoning, but

what we need is an independent opinion from someone who has no
.................. to grind.
A axe B stone C hammer D tool

2. Who do you think is going to....................the day at the races this time?
Would you bet your money on Gordon Simpson?
A succeed B run C carry D take

3. Since the engineers at the service station failed to repair my car, I have
....................all my hopes on my neighbour, Mr Tanner.
A clipped B nailed C stuck D pinned

4. 'Can we....................it quits if I give you back ten pounds?'

'Forget it. You will still owe me ten more.'
A name B call C consider D state

5. The boss said something that I didn't fully understand. Only when I talked
about it to my manager did the....................drop.
A pound B coin C quid D penny

6. It would be silly to reject their proposal without learning anything about it

first. Why not give them the....................of the doubt?
A right B point C benefit D value

7. I am not usually that nervous, but I did have....................in my stomach

when it came to interpreting for the president himself.
A butterflies B insects C moths D spiders

8. Don't you think you live your lifestyle in much too extravagant way?
Hadn't you better think about saving some money for a ......... day, Josh?
A windy B cloudy C rainy D foggy

9. Mike is the best swimmer in his age group. He can....................spots off

every other competitor easily.
A win B knock C draw D beat

40
10. The colour is wonderful and the jacket fits like a....................but it's the
price that really puts me off buying it.
A suit B sock C glove D shirt

11. 'Is it the....................thing to ask the bride for the first dance?'
'Certainly not. First, she will dance with the groom.'
A made B found C done D held

12. Ted won a thousand pounds in the lottery last Saturday. It was really
money for old.....................
A rope B line C string D wire

13. You look rather sad, Joan. I think the letter from your boyfriend will
................... your day. Here it is.
A please B make C cheer D wake

14. It surprises me that Peter has got his .................... in Arthur. He doesn't
know him at all, yet he hates the boy.
A dagger B knife C hatchet D axe

15. Don't move from here. Just....................put until I come back.

A be B hold C keep D stay

16. However upsetting the captain's remarks were, I managed to keep a

.................. upper lip and continued doing my duties.
A hard B tight C stiff D loose

17. I cannot think who had....................the gaff, but it seems everyone knows
that Nicole and I are planning to get married.
A burst B blown C split D banged

18. Gone With the Wind is one of the old films that has ......... the test of time.
A stood B lived C borne D endured

19. I like reading romantic stories whereas my boyfriend goes for fantasy.
However, when music is the case, we are on common....................as we
both love rock.
A base B term C ground D field

20. Keep off the grass! Mrs Turnip will....................off the handle if she sees
you walking on her lawn.
A rush B jump C move D fly
41
33. GUESS THE MEANING
GLOSSARY

Match the phrases with the appropriate definitions.

A cold fish F hornet's nest K red tape

B father figure G milk run L second sight
C forty winks H narrow escape M Sunday best
D goldfish bowl I pipe dream N the upper crust
E the grass roots J quantum leap O whipping boy

1. an unfriendly person who shows hardly any emotion

2. complicated official rules that prevent matters from being settled
quickly
3. a situation that causes a lot of trouble or makes people upset
4. the rich people who belong to the highest social class
5. an older man who you respect and ask for advice
6. an unattainable hope, plan or idea
7. someone's best clothes
8. a short sleep during the day
9. someone's regular journey
10. a situation in which everyone knows everything about your private
life
11. a great progress or development
12. a person who is blamed or punished for someone else's misdeeds
13. a situation in which you only just manage to avoid a serious danger
14. the ordinary people in a society or political organization
15. the ability to predict what will happen in the future

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

42
34. ANIMALS
GLOSSARY
Fill the gaps with the appropriate nouns.

bee cat dogs horse pig

bird cows duck lion rat
bull dodo goat monkey turkey

1. Will you show me the watch first, please? It just want to make sure I'm
not buying a ................................... in a poke.
2. Peter was mad. It was the disturbing message that got his .................... .
3. You could ask for a rise till the ................................. come home. They
will never give one to an unskilled worker.
4. 'l took the second place and only got a hundred pounds as the prize.'
‘Not bad anyway. A ..................... in the hand is worth two in the bush'.
5. You'll be flogging a dead ................................... if you keep persuading
everyone to read that book. Nobody's interested in it.
6. I think I can smell a ............................... . Someone's trying to get me out
of the business by spreading those nasty gossips about me.
7. Royalist ideology is as dead as the ................................... . Don't tell me
we need to reinstate the monarchy to make order in the country.
8. Robin thinks he can make a .................................. out of me and sell me
his old car at such a high price. I know how much it is worth.
9. The ..................................’s share of the media mogul's fortune will go to
his juvenile daughter. The rest will be inherited by his three ex-wives..
10. Simon has got a .................................... in his bonnet about his model
airplanes. He will talk about them for hours.
11. I'd rather you didn't say a thing about Alice's divorce in her presence. It's
better to let sleeping .................................... lie. We don't need another
argument, do we?
12. His company went bankrupt and not much later his wife walked out on
him. How ever he managed to take the .............................. by the horns
and make a fresh start in his life is a mystery to me.
13. Will wouldn't listen to our warnings. It was all like water off a ............... 's
back. Now, he's got only himself to blame for the accident.
14. We have got a few serious company problems that need to be solved. I
suggest we meet in my office and talk ......................................... .
15. Cindy will never forgive you for letting the ............................... out of the
bag. You have just revealed her dearest secret.

43
35. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES
GLOSSARY

Match the prepositional phrases that can be used as a replacement for the
boldfaced parts of the sentences.

A at a push F in a quandary K on the level

B at a stretch G of one's own accord L on the shelf
C down in the dumps H off the shelf M to a nicety
D for toffee I on an even keel N up the creek
E from scratch J on the bottle O without stint

1. What's the matter? You seem to be confused about something.

2. Julia is our best accountant. She always does the calculations exactly.
3. What I appreciate about Dave is the fact that his businesses are
perfectly honest.
4. After the earthquake all the houses in the area had to be built from the
beginning.
5. I thought Max had dropped the drinking habit. But he is drinking heavily
again.
6. Sam never helps us in the garden, but yesterday he raked all the paths
without being asked to do it
7. Mick doesn't want to do the karaoke singing with us. He says he can't
sing at all.
8. I've decided to quit the job in the factory. I was expected to work from
early morning till late at night without a break.
9. Jenny's greatest fear was that she might end up an old spinster
unwanted by any man.
10. Helen's been depressed since she found out her boyfriend was dating
another girl.
11. The king was famous for his kindness. He would give away his riches to
the poorest generously.
12. If someone discovers we've left the camp at night, we will be in great
trouble.
13. After so many years of bad experiences, finally our life is now calm and
stable.
14. The store offers a variety of home appliances that can be bought with no
special orders.
15. ‘I need my car to be seen to as soon as possible’.
‘If it's really necessary, I could do the repairs by tomorrow, sir.’

44
36. ADJECTIVES OR ADVERBS
GLOSSARY
Fill the gaps with the appropriate adjectives or adverbs.

afoul backwards fine hollow shy

askance beside hard quick thin
astray even heavy short wide

1. 'Don't you think Bob's stories are amusing?' 'Frankly, I've heard them a
thousand times by now and they are really wearing ...................... to me.'
2. 'Tom has changed for worse, hasn't he? I remember him as a very nice
boy.' - 'It must the company of those rough guys that's led him .............. '
3. Judging by the comments she made, her knowledge of the company
problems is rather poor. They were all ................................. of the mark.
4. The feeling that the accident in which his wife was killed occurred
through his own fault has always lain .................................. on Steven.
5. I gave up my membership in the sect as their practices run ....................
................ of my personal beliefs.
6. This is their private problem, so I'd rather fight ............................... of
interfering in it.
7. I know he hates me. So all his courtesies and wishes ring ..................... .
8. Alfred called me an inconsiderate parent, which cut me to the ............. .
9. I can tell you everything about the book. I know it ................................. .
I have read it ten times.
10. Mandy entered the church dressed in a mini skirt. Then, all those elderly
ladies sitting in the pews looked ................................... at her.
11. 'I've finished, mom.' - 'You've made really ............................. work of it,
Andy. Are you sure you have cleaned all the rooms in the house?'
12. He punched me slightly in my stomach, so I hit him on the shoulder, just
to get .................................... with him.
13. Muriel felt .............................. done by the reporters when they forgot to
put her name on the list of the charity contributors.
14. I hate it when you're cutting it ................................., Mike. Our train's
leaving in half an hour and you're still not ready with your bags.
15. When his father promised to take Nathan for a trip to Japan, the boy was
.................................... himself with excitement.

45
37. - ING ADJECTIVES
GLOSSARY

Fill the gaps with the appropriate adjectives.

breathing finishing piping rolling striking

burning flaming receiving shooting waking
crashing hopping redeeming sitting working

1. The judges were repulsed by the murderer's evil deeds and refused to
consider his pleasant appearance as a .................................... feature.
2. What's he so ................................. mad about? Is it the dented bumper?
3. Ted is such a ................................. bore that nobody wants to stay in his
company and listen to his old silly jokes.
4. The reporter was in a ....................................... temper as the star was
constantly answering phone calls during the interview.
5. Why didn't you come to visit us last time that you were within ................
distance of our village?
6. The new Prime Minister says that the problem of the rising inflation is the
most .............................. issue to settle in his term of office.
7. Hardly had the doctor left when my husband got these ...........................
pains again and I had to call the ambulance back.
8. Ten years of experience should be enough to acquire the …....................
knowledge of navigating a plane.
9. ‘Was the meeting as embarrassing an experience as everybody says?’
‘It was awful. We were on the ............................. end of heavy criticism.’
10. We've been working on the project day and night for the last ten days.
We surely need some ..................................... space, don't we?
11. The Browns have rented the flat for seven years. They are the .................
tenants here.
12. ‘How do you spend your.........................................hours, Mrs Howard?’
‘Oh, I sing a lot during the day. I'm a professional singer, aren't I?’
13. 'Is anything wrong with your dinner, sir?' 'Yes. The potatoes are ...............
hot whereas the chops are as cold as ice.'
14. 'When will the sculpture be ready?' - 'It's almost ready. I still need a
few days to put some ............................................... touches to it.'
15. 'Where does the man live?'
'Nowhere, I guess. He is a .............................................. stone.

46
38. THREE-LETTER WORDS
GLOSSARY
Write in the missing three-letter words to complete the idioms.

1. If a customs officer turns a blind _ _ _ to smuggling, he pretends not to

see it.
2. If your position at work is irrelevant, you are just a _ _ _ in the machine.
3. If you go _ _ _ in hand to someone, you ask someone powerful for help
or money in a very respectful way.
4. If you lie down on the _ _ _ , you do not treat your duties seriously.
5. If you and your friends chew the _ _ _ , you have a long friendly
conversation about unimportant things.
6. If a policeman catches a thief _ _ _- handed, he can prove his guilt easily.
7. If your boss gets out of _ _ _ or the wrong side, he may have a bad
temper during the whole day.
8. If a TV reporter takes the _ _ _ off some matter, he or she displays the
unpleasant truth about a problem or a situation.
9. If someone is like a _ _ _ on hot bricks, he or she is very irritated.
10. If you learn something by experiencing it, you do it the hard _ _ _ .
11. If the 15.34 fast train arrives on the _ _ _ , it is very punctual.
12. If office files are kept in apple- _ _ _ order, they are in a perfect
arrangement.
13. If you get into _ _ _ water, you are bound to be in trouble.
14. If you have finished doing your daily work, you can call it a _ _ _ .
15. If someone is a small _ _ _ , they are rather unimportant.
16. If someone goes off the deep _ _ _ , he or she suddenly becomes very
angry.
17. If you sleep like a _ _ _ , you have a very good sleep.
18. If you take the _ _ _ into your own hands, you administer punishment
on a wrongdoer without calling the police or waiting for a legal decision.
19. If you send someone away with a flea in their _ _ _ , you strongly
refuse to fulfil their request.
20. If you take a _ _ _ seat, you are in a responsible position where you may
have to face criticism, attacks or difficult questions.

47
39. TRUE OR FALSE?
GLOSSARY

Put T (True) if the idiom definition is correct or F (False) if it is wrong.

1. You don't want to make any more progress if you rest on your laurels.
2. You lose some money if you fall prey to deception.
3. You start an argument with someone if you tilt at windmills.
4. You finish playing a card game if you put your cards on the table.
5. Your computer is in disorder if it goes haywire.
6. You hide something valuable from someone if you bury the hatchet.
7. You don't want to talk about your private feelings to anyone if you bare
your soul.
8. You plan to take revenge on someone if you want to settle a score with
them.
9. You do something that most people would be embarrassed to do if you
have the gall to do it.
10. You show sympathy to someone if you hold them in the palm of your
hand.
11. You ask for something that you cannot get if you cry for the moon.
12. A thief is locked in a prison cell if he cases the joint.
13. You have lost your way in a busy place if you beat about the bush.
14. Two people spend too much time together if they live in each other's
pockets.
15. You lose your temper if you blow your top.
16. Someone who once lost everything and has become successful and
powerful again can say that he or she has risen from the ashes.
17. You change your name because you don't want people to know your true
identity if you make a name for yourself.
18. You offer valuable things to someone who does not understand their
value and will not be grateful for that if you cast pearls before swine.
19. You encourage someone to do something unreasonable or dangerous if
you give them a rocket.
20. A worker is dismissed from his job if he is given his walking papers.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

48
40. OF - PHRASES
GLOSSARY
Match the nouns to make the correct ‘Of’-phrases.

1. a bone A. truth

2. a breach B. society

3. a bundle C. the matter

4. the crack D. night

5. the dead E. nerves

6. the fabric F. memory

7. a feat G. luck/fortune

8. a figment of H. lies

9. a flurry I. imagination

10. a grain J. hope

11. the heart K. excitement

12. a lapse L. endurance

13. a pack M. dawn

14. a ray N. contention

15. a stroke O. confidence

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

49
41. PARAPHRASES
GLOSSARY

Rewrite the sentences using idioms so that the original meanings of the
sentences are retained.

1. He spat on my doormat and I turned very angry.

................................................................................................................. spare.
2. Soon after they met each other, they became very good friends.
............................................................................................................... on fire.
3. You'll be punished if someone discovers you have fiddled the company
books.
................................................. the high jump ...............................................
4. Dave does not hesitate to criticize his superiors' decisions.
..................................................... no bones ....................................................
5.1 was left in the middle of the woods without any support.
............................................................................................................. devices
6. It was Jack who told us first about the tragedy.
,.......................................................... broke .....................................................
7. Her pension is rather low, so she has just enough money to live on.
........................................................ scrapes .....................................................
8. Whatever happens, I can deal with every problem with ease.
................................................................................................................ stride.
9. I sure know the man's name but I can't quite remember it
………………………………………………………………………..……… tongue.
10. Mr Abercrombie is over eighty but he's still so lively and active.
………………………………………………….…………………………….. beans.
11. The ministry spoilt our investment plans by changing the tax law.
................................................... a spoke ......................................................
12. You risk getting into trouble if you steal stationery from your office.
You're riding ..............................................................................................
13. The teacher sent the boy out because he was behaving in a foolish way.
.........................................................;............................................. the goat.
14. The failed exam has ruined Ann's chance of becoming a sworn translator.
................................................. paid to ....................................................
15. Don't criticize Andy too much; he's an absolute beginner.
................................................... hard on .......................................................
50
42. PROVERBS & SAYINGS
GLOSSARY

Join the two matching parts of the sayings.

1 All that glitters a catches the worm

2 Better the devil you know b and they will take a mile

3 Too many cooks c beggars would ride

4 The early bird d are soon parted

5 First come e the tough get going

6 A fool and his money f is not gold

7 What the eye does not see g than the devil you don’t

8 Give someone an inch h run deep

9 Spare the rod i the heart does not grieve over

10 When the going gets tough j spoil the broth

11 If wishes were horses, k and spoil the child

12 Still waters l first served

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 |

51
43. NUMBERS
GLOSSARY
Fill the gaps with the names of numbers. Some are in the plural form.

1 2 4 6 7’s 9 9’s 10 11th 12 1,000,000

1. Is anything important happening in the club? Why are all these people
dressed up to the .....................................?
2. ‘Do I look all right in this suit?’ 'You look like a ......................... dollars.’
3. Sue will speak about fashion for hours. She's got a ........................-track
mind.
4. I was knocked for .............................. when my daughter said she was
going to have a baby.
5. We lost all hope that uncle Frank would turn up with the wedding rings,
but he appeared at the church at the ................................. hour.
6. As they say, a stitch in time saves.............................., so why wait for
the situation to get worse if we can do something about it now?
7. During the war, most families were scattered to the ................... winds.
8. 'What did you hear?' - 'Very little, really. They were whispering
nineteen to the ................................. all the time.'
9. Whatever gifts he is offered they always prove to be ...................... days'
wonders. He is a very hard-to-please kind.
10. 'Are the two ministers still at daggers drawn with each other?' 'Oh no.
They are at ...................................... with each other now. They have a
mutual interest in it.'
11. We're not ready with the removal yet. We're still at sixes and
.................................... at the moment.
12. There are lots of these CD's in our store. I can tell you, they are ..............
a penny. You can buy them really cheap.
13. Ben is constantly on the move. I've got a chance in a.............................
to meet him in the department. Today, he is in Bangkok, for instance.
14. 'How about having a walk with us in the park, Rob ?' Thank you very
much but you know ......................... 's company and three's a crowd.
I'd rather stay at home.'
15. Soon, you will start to hate this wretched climate, too. It rains nine times
out of ..................................... here.
52
44. ADJECTIVAL AND ADVERBIAL
GLOSSARY

Match the adjectival and adverbial phrases with their definitions.

are slow off the mark go one better

are soft in the head go straight
break even keep a level head
come clean keep an open mind on sth
do the dirty on sb play merry hell with sb
fall on hard times run wild
fall short of sth strike it rich
fly high take French leave
gain the upper hand take sth amiss
go off to a flying start take sth lying down

1. You are not able to understand things quickly if you ......................................

2. You cheat or do not treat people fairly if you ..............................................
3. You make neither a profit nor a loss if you ......................................................
4. You get control, power or advantage over someone if you ............................
5. You lose your money and become poor if you ..............................................
6. You feel offended by something if you ......................................................
7. You are foolish or crazy if you ......................................................................
8. You behave in an uncontrolled way if you ....................................................
9. You leave your work without permission if you ............................................
10. You fail to achieve your goal if you ..............................................................
11. You tell the whole truth about something unpleasant for you if you …………
12. You disturb or give someone a lot of trouble if you ......................................
13. You achieve great successes if you ......................................................
14. You give up your criminal activity if you ......................................................
15. You receive a lot of money unexpectedly if you ............................................
16. You are willing to change your opinion about something if you.......................
17. You begin to do something in a very successful way if you ......................
18. You do something more or better than someone else if you ......................
19. You accept an offense or an insult without an objection if you........................
20. You remain calm in a stressful situation if you .............................................

53
45. NATURE
GLOSSARY

Do the crossword puzzle.

DOWN

1 You act in a risky way without being bothered about the possible results if
you throw caution to the...............................
2 You disturb a couple of lovers if you play...............................
3 You live a wealthy and luxurious life if you are in...............................
6 If you pretend that you dislike something or think it is of little value
because you want it very much but cannot have it, it is just sour .............
9 You are mistaken about something or blame someone wrongly if you are
barking up the wrong...............................
10 Someone is dead and buried if he or she is pushing up the ...............
13 Something that is just a tiny part of a much bigger problem or conflict is
only the tip of the...............................
14 You start living in a new place, meet new people and gradually become
part of the local society if you put down .......................... in that place.
15 ..............................under the bridge is a mistake or something wrong
that you did a long time ago and have forgotten about it because it is no
longer important.
18 You pay too detailed attention to unimportant aspects of a matter and so
fail to understand it as a whole if you do not see the ......................... for
the trees.

ACROSS

4 If something is just a drop in the .............................. , it is only a very

small amount of something that is needed in a large amount.
5 If you have got your head in the .............................., you cannot think in
a realistic way because you only consider your own hopes or dreams.
7 Everything is coming up .............................. if things are happening
even better than you hoped.
8 You deal with a difficult task bravely if you grasp the ...............................

54
11 You follow someone else's way of behaving because you admire them if
you take a .............................. out of their book.
12 If you have heard some news through the.............................., it means
you have heard it from someone who heard it from someone else.
16 Great oaks from little..............................grow (saying) = Before
organizations or businesses become large and successful, they start as
very small units.
17 A .............................. in your flesh is someone or something that gives
you a continual worry.
18 If you do something by a.............................., you nearly fail or only just
manage to do it.
19 You do not let the .............................. grow under your feet, if you do
not waste your time and do the things that need to be done quickly.

2 3

4 5
N L
6

7
S
8 9
E
10

11
E E
12 13 14
R
15 16
C O S

17
O
18
E
19
R

55
46. MULTIPLE CHOICE
GLOSSARY
Choose the correct answer.

1. ‘What's your viewpoint on the devastation of the rain forests?’

‘Words .................... me whenever I think about it.’
A miss B abandon C leave D fail

2. The students thought I was a teacher, so I set them .................. and told
them I was a student, too.
A clear B straight C aware D familiar

3. Unless the question of pollution is given more publicity, our efforts at

creating a vehicle-free area in the city centre will....................still.
A keep B hold C stand D lie

4. When you say you don't miss your girlfriend, is that really what you feel in
your .................... of hearts?
A depth B bottom C soul D heart

5. What's that horrible noise downstairs?' - 'It's only Sam. He always

screams .................... murder when we take him to the dentist.'
A red B blue C yellow D black

6. Only four people voted for our candidate in the first ballot. I'm afraid he
doesn't ............... a chance of getting any more votes in the second one.
A stand B play C run D lie

7. The house is beautifully painted. You've done a good ......... of the work.
A attempt B duty C task D job

8. ‘They say that your wife tends to pry into other people's private matters.’
‘l don't care. It's no skin my.....................’
A skull B palm C nose D cheek

9. Just take a look at his neat appearance. It sticks out ................ that he is
a big shot.
A a kilometre B an inch C a yard D a mile
56
10. The international delegations will be arriving for the summit next Friday,
and it's of primary importance to us to .............. the deadline with all the
preparations.
A meet B attain C reach D complete

11. Mr Randall, our boss, gave me a lot of .......... for the missing documents.
But it wasn't me who lost them, honest!
A log B stick C rod D cane

12. Terry....................into a rage when he saw that somebody had scratched

the bonnet of his brand new Jaguar.'
A ran B went C flew D rose

13. It's believed that good humour and positive thinking can ........... wonders.
A make B fulfil C work D act

14. 'Have you taken a picture of the celebrity?' - 'Sorry, I haven't. I only
caught a .................... glimpse of her in the hall.'
A fleeting B speeding C rushing D flying

15. Our grandfather has always favoured Hellen against the other children.
She's been the ..................... of his eye.
A plum B apple C cherry D grape

16. There's little of the ........ of the human kindness in him. He's quite rude.
A cream B oil C milk D water

17. I had too many drinks last night. That's why I couldn't get into ............. in
the office this morning.
A wheel B starter C clutch D gear

18. Ann's got the .................. over the other candidates as she was prepared
for the exams by the best tutors in the country.
A edge B brink C verge border

19. We were .................... in the aisles as the comedian was imitating some
famous people by pulling the most hilarious faces.
A falling B rolling C turning D jumping

20. If I were you, I wouldn't .................... my luck any further. I'd take the
money and leave the casino with my pockets full.
A press B bend C tease D push

57
47. PARTS OF THE BODY
GLOSSARY
Complete the idioms with the appropriate names of the parts of the body
which are numbered on the illustrations.

1. They may think that building a hotel in this place will be a profitable
venture, but I'm sure they are going to get their 9. ......................... burnt.
2. If you want to get this job finished by tomorrow, you must put your
15. …………………….…….. into it. There's still a lot of work to do.
3. Be it through her personal charm or her perfect erudition, Lisa has
gained the 12. ................................ of her superiors very quickly. They
respect her every opinion.
4. Jeff is not only shy but also extremely reserved. He's not the kind that will
get his problems off his 6. ..................................... easily.
5. Terry's jokes were rather near the 16. ............................ . No wonder that
the girls got offended and didn't want us to keep their company.
6. 'We're a bit pressed for time, aren't we?' - 'Indeed. We have to put
our best 18. ........................... forward if we don't want to miss our train.'
7. Marco is doing a course in Greek with a/an 2. .......................... to moving
to one of the beautiful Greek islands.
58
8. Before the news of the great treasure that was found in the village
reached the headlines, it was passed by word of 14. .......................... by
the local inhabitants.
9. Gina must be a very strong person. However she managed to keep her
5. ................... up after what she's gone through lately is a mystery to me.
10. The FBI agents had been hot on the 17. .............................. of the most
wanted criminal in the country for a few weeks when he suddenly
vanished into thin air.
11. The whole roof’s been leaking for months, but we can't afford to pay a/an
4. ................................... and a leg for a renovation.
12. 'I admire Jim for his courage to stick his 10. .............................. out.'
'Well, he's not afraid to criticize the boss as he knows he won't find a
better manager.'
13. It seems the suspect doesn't have a/an 7. ........................... to stand on.
He's got no alibi and all his statements can be easily disproved.
14. My father's encouraging words always helped me put a brave 13. ..........
on all my difficulties. After so many years I still keep them in my mind.
15. I will never finish doing my job if you keep getting in my 3. .....................
all the time, Nick. I will play with you later when my job's done.
16. Monica desperately wants to make a career in show business. She would
give her 2. .............. teeth for becoming a popular actress or a pop star.
17. Pull your 9. .......................... out, Harry or we will never finish cutting the
grass. We must get the pitch ready for tomorrow's game.
18. ‘How do you know Jack's on the bottle again?’ - ‘Straight from the
horse's 14. .......................... . His wife told me yesterday.’
19. 'Claire is a typical femme fatale. Just this year she's given the 1. ...........
at least seven men that I know.' - 'A man-eater, really.'
20. My 8. ........................... were knocking! I hadn't performed live on stage
before.
21. Why must you always be on my 15. ...........................Tom? Ever since I
started working in the company, there hasn't been a day without you
running me down.
22. You may chance your 4. ........................... but you're rather unlikely to
win a bet if it is your first time at the horse races.
23. Nobody likes to hear the unpleasant truth, but I will tell you straight from
the 11. ......................., boy, you don't have enough skill to be a
copywriter, I'm sorry.
24. I can’t stand the children's unruly manner any longer. I am going to forbid
them to watch TV for a week. I hope that will bring them to 17. ............. .
25. The fact that I can't drive a car and have to ask my husband to drive me
to the shops every second day is a millstone round my 10. ................. .

59
48. GUESS THE MEANING
Choose the answer defining the meaning of the idiom. GLOSSARY
1. The minister was given a rap over the knuckles for settling his private
matters during his working hours.
A. was dismissed
B. was criticized
C. was asked for explanation
2. I had a bash at repairing the old grandfather's clock.
A. tried to repair
B. failed to repair
C. asked someone to repair
3. Tom will mince his words and never call a spade a spade.
A. ask for help
B. speak directly
C. scream angrily
4. All my recommendations would gather dust. That's why I decided to quit.
A. be attributed to someone else
B. make people laugh
C. be ignored
5. I had no idea you and Mandy got hitched. When did that happen?
A. got married
B. got engaged
C. got divorced
6. The critics wrote that the new play had brought the house down.
A. been very offensive
B. been very entertaining
C. ruined the theatre
7. When John Haggart, the manager, left the company, it went to pot.
A. became more successful
B. changed its policy
C. became ruined
8. The moment she saw her ex-boyfriend, Lucy turned on the waterworks.
A. turned her head away
B. began to cry
C. fainted
9. The behaviour of the fans put a damper on the charity game.
A. made it less enjoyable
B. made it more lively
C. made it successful
10. Richard Cox was a rich man. He lived it up a lot in his life.
A. invested a lot of money
B. died poor
C. enjoyed himself
60
49. PAIRS OF VERBS
GLOSSARY

Join the verbs into pairs and insert them in the appropriate sentences.

bow live aah dine

chop live bear go
come um and breathe learn
grin wheel change puff
huff wine deal scrape

1. I went climbing in my sandals and got sore feet. You .............................. ,

I guess. Next time, I won't make a mistake like this.

2. When I asked Jim to lend me his video camera he .............................. for

a few minutes and then said no.

3. Employees will ................................. because they always look for better

opportunities to earn more money or make careers. You can't stop that.

4. I can tell you Nora is very cunning. She will ............................ to her boss
just to win his favour.

5. Paul was very disappointed that the coach put him on the substitution
bench. Yet, he couldn't say a thing. He had to .......................... it and wait
for another chance.

6. Be careful with Mr Adams. He's been in the business for years. He knows
how to ............................. in order to make his profit as big as he can.

7. Only yesterday, you offered your support for our postulates and today
you're dismissing them. I'd rather you didn't ................................. like that
all the time.

8. Whenever he is questioned about pay rises, the boss will .......................

……………………........ for a long time before he gives you any answer.

9. Ever since he retired, Albert has .................................... his bee-keeping

hobby. He spends all his days constructing the hives, looking after his
bee colonies and checking the honeycombs for honey and wax.

10. The owners of the inn were most hospitable. They .............................. us
for two days and it was all on the house.

61
50. CLOTHING
GLOSSARY
Fill the gaps with the appropriate nouns.

apron clogs pocket(s) bootstraps

boots hat shirt seams
cap pants shoes socks

1. The performance has been sold out. No wonder that the concert hall is
bursting at the ...................................... .
2. Nina said she had problems with maths and Sam offered his help at the
drop of a/an ......................................... .
3. Evelyn has agreed to marry Peter although she's only known him for a
month. If I were in her ..................................... , I'd give myself more time
to think about it.
4. Raymond is a laughing stock for women as being already 28 he is still
tied to his mother's ........................................... strings.
5. Under the pretext of collecting money for a charity fund, the men had
been lining their ..................................... for months. Luckily, they were
caught by the police.
6. That new salesman has been licking our boss's ................................ as
he probably hopes to be quickly promoted to a manager's position.
7. That young priest never wanted anything for himself. Always willing to
offer his help, he'd give a/an ................................ off his back to anyone
that needed it.
8. William never made definite plans for his future. He always acted by the
seat of his ................................. hoping that things would always go well.
9. I got myself into this trouble and I'm not going to ask for anyone's
assistance. I am going to pull myself up by my own ...............................
10. Now he's in deep water. How is he going to get himself out of it? He will
have to put his thinking ..................................... on, won't he?
11. What he says doesn't surprise me at all. It's nothing but old ................... .
I've heard revelations of this kind a thousand times before.
12. I could hardly recognize Janice at the reunion party. She really knocked
my ................................... off. She looked like a film star.
13. It's not that money burns a hole in my ......................................... . I just
don't earn enough to make both ends meet.
14. 'Remember that old Ms Bernstein? She popped her ................................
last week.' - 'She was our maths teacher, wasn't she?'
15. 'What's that all rush about, Tom? You seem to have ants in your
........................... today?' - 'Can't tell you now, mom. I'll tell you later. Bye!'

62
51. NOUN PHRASES
GLOSSARY
Combine the nouns into phrases and put them in the gaps.

donkey's dog
poverty point
elbow eyes
rat race
flash fright
sea room
hatchet line
sheep's truths
home man
stage years

1. The young actress was paralysed by ................... .................... before her

first performance in the theatre.
2. We haven't seen each other for ..................... ................... . I am afraid I
may not recognise Jenny at the airport.
3. This hot competition between the advisors is a real ................ ................ .
They spend long hours in the office as each of them wants to be the best.
4. Never before have living conditions been so tough in the country. Most of
the low-class families have been living below the .................. ................ .
5. 'Who is that individual telling us how we are supposed to do our duties? I
haven't seen him in the company before.’
'He must be a .................. ...................... hired by the management to do
the job that they don't want to do themselves, I guess.'
6. Captain Lawrence is a real ..................... ................... . He's been sailing
since he was fifteen and has sailed to almost every place on the globe.
7. Creativeness is not valued much by our superiors. We have very little
................... .................. for it as we're only expected to do exactly what
they tell us to.
8. Travelling in the Middle East can be dangerous. There's many a
........................ ....................... where conflicts or violence can break out
at any moment.
9. 'Stop making ................... .................... at me all the time Steve, will you?'
'But, you know I'm so much in love with you, Alice.'
10. I really like Frank, but it's about time someone told him a few....................
................ , especially about his bad manners.
63
52. DIALOGUES WITH SAYINGS
GLOSSARY

Match the sentences in the balloons to make correct dialogues.

The Christmas present that I Frank is telling Jim how to write a

got from aunt Mary doesn’t CV although he has never written
appeal to me at all. one in his life.

1 2

Look at Sally! Don't you think The policeman had to steal a

the colours of her clothes do bicycle to catch the pickpocket.
not quite match? Imagine that!
3 4

I was afraid to ask Cindy for In the morning I overslept, then

a date and now I hear she's my car broke down and finally
dating, some other guy. my boss told me I was fired.
What a day!
5 6

Tom has broken hundreds of I’ve shown him a hundred times

women's hearts, yet there the easier way of writing a memo
are still more of them who and he still uses his old
want to date him! typewriter!

7 8

See, I have tried to open the The city mayor was cleared of
vault by breaking that the bribery accusations a long
damned code, but it doesn't time ago, yet people still speak ill
work. of him.

9 10

64
 Not bad if he succeeded. You can't teach an old dog new
The end justifies the means. tricks. He should have retired a
long time ago.

A B

That's funny, indeed. That’s how it goes .... If you

The blind leading the blind. throw enough mud, some of it
will stick.
C D

Horrible. It’s not nice to say a thing like

It never rains but it pours. that. Never look a gift horse in
the mouth.
E F

Let’s have a go at it. Don't wait too long next time.

There is more than one He who hesitates is lost.
way to skin a cat.

G H

You may be right but there's The devil looks after his own.
no accounting for taste. That’s for sure.

I J

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

65
53. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES
GLOSSARY
Solve the crossword puzzle. Write in the correct nouns.

DOWN

1. Wait for me. I'll be back in a ..................... . I just want to pick up the mail.
(very quickly)
2. He was found guilty of bribery. Now, his reputation is under a .............. .
(in disgrace)
5. With a lot of experience under her ............ she is a highly valued adviser.
(in her possession)
6. All the candidates' profiles should be examined in .................................. .
(thoroughly)
9. When I won the fortune, all my financial worries disappeared at a ........... .
(with one action)
11. I give you this book and you needn't give it back to me. It's for ................ .
(for ever)
12. Nobody asked Tom to come and help. He did it off his own ................... .
(without being asked to)
13. I could not come in ............ . That's why my deputy attended the meeting.
(physically present)
14. With just one shot the hunter killed three ducks at a ............................. .
(all at once)
15. A hundred people can be seated in the hall at a............................... .
But normally it's not more than eighty. (if really necessary)
17. The gunmen shot the Indians dead in cold ............................ .
(without mercy)
18. It's no mystery that not all of Peter's business dealings are above .............
(honest and legal)

ACROSS

3. Mark's suggestions were a bit off the ........... . Nobody took them seriously.
(strange or crazy)
4. If you have done your homework, you're at .............. to do what you want.
(permitted to do)
6. After many years of prosperity, now the country's economy is in the .......... .
(in stagnation)
7. I've paid all my debts. Now, I'm over the ........ starting things from scratch.
(past the problem)
8. Since his wife left him, he has looked down at ............................. .
(poorly dressed)
10. We had been on ................ before the verdict was announced by the jury.
(nervous and excited)
14. You're way off ................... if you think Joe's on our side. He's against us.
(wrong)
16. He’s suspected of being in .......................... with a neo-Nazi organization.
(cooperating secretly)

66
17. During the great crisis, a third of the society was on the .......................... .
(extremely poor)
19. The military area is out of ........................ for us. We can't enter it under
any circumstances. (forbidden to access)
20. Experts say that another outbreak of flu epidemic is on the ..................... .
(likely to happen)
21. I am not really good at repairing things at home. I usually do it by ............. .
(in an unskilled way; following instructions)

67
54. MISPRINTS
GLOSSARY
Correct one misprinted word in each of the idiomatic phrases.
1. Hardly anyone was able to make head or nail of what the Chinese
speaker was talking about.
2. Step by step, the dishonest shop assistant would feather her vest by
adding extra value to her customers' bills.
3. Now that we have gone through the formalities, we can safely get down
to the grass tacks of the symposium.
4. We had been looking for the missing part of the machine all over the
workshop but we draw a blink. Someone must have taken it away.
5. Your abrupt manner doesn't quite suit our hook, Ms Givens. We expect
our assistants to be polite toward our customers.
6. It was so quiet and the atmosphere in the office was really friendly when
Mr Wilson was on leave. But now he's back and again he's trying to rock
the boot.
7. I don't feel like spending the whole morning on the crowded beach. I think
I will give it a mist.
8. There's been too much fuss about the recent group layoffs in the
company. The management had better wait for the dusk to settle
before making another move.
9. When your children start ignoring you, all you have to do is put your fort
down and make them respect your authority.
10. Jim loves to take part in the TV and radio contests. That's what stirs his
blond.
11. You'll be hauled over the coats if your parents find out you have been
playing truant from school.
12. We don't have the power to take any strategic decisions. The
shareholders who control the company lead us by the hose.
13. The managers have decided that the representatives who are not
productive will be given the shop.
14. We've left no store unturned trying to find your missing wallet, but it
seems it's lost for good and all.
15. Perhaps, Dan is a bit lazy but you cannot say he is a coward. He
certainly has got the huts to take on even the most thrilling tasks.
68
55. COMBINATIONS
GLOSSARY

Combine the verbs, adjectives and nouns into correct idioms.

come to fatted bargain

drive free battle
-
fight great buggers
go hard calf
a
keep losing end
kill old face
an
play silly guns
settle sticky line
the
take straight ride
walk thin score

1. …………………………….. - have a great celebration to welcome someone

who has been away from home for a long time
2. …………………………….. - punish or harm someone in revenge for
something bad that they did to you in the past
3. …………………………….. - do your business dealings in a tough way in
order to earn as big profit as possible
4. …………………………….. - get into a difficult situation where you can
make a critical mistake easily
5. …………………………….. - behave in an annoying and irritating way

6. …………………………….. - finish in an unpleasant way, especially when

something nasty happens to you
7. …………………………….. - manage not to burst out laughing when
someone tells you something very funny
8. …………………………….. - fail to achieve something or prevent
something from happening
9. …………………………….. - gain advantage from someone else's effort,
especially when you do not deserve it
10. …………………………… - be successful or do something effectively

69
56. ANIMALS AND NATURE
GLOSSARY
Choose the correct answer.

1. Nothing can stop us. We're going to reach the peak of the mountain
come hell or high ......................
A. wave C. water
B. iceberg D. flood

2. Can I have a glass of water, please? I have got a ............ in my throat.

A. lizard C. snake
B. frog D. crocodile

3. I was ready to make some more investments, but it was the losses that I
made on the stock exchange that took the....................out of my sails.
A. wind C. air
B. breeze D. blow

4. Is the situation in the company really so bad as people say or are they
just crying ....................? Are we really going to lose our jobs?
A. dog C. wolf
B. bear D. donkey

5. 'Helen says she's going to make a career as an actress in Hollywood. Is

she serious about it?' - 'I don't think so. She is always reaching for
the ................ .
A. stars C. sun
B. moon D. galaxies

6. Whenever Michael wants to upset me, he tells me that I'm dressed up

like a ..................... dinner.
A. tiger's C. cow's
B. whale's D. dog's

7. There were a lot of strangers at the meeting and it seemed they were all
expecting someone to break the ..................... with a warm welcome.
A. branch C. stick
B. ice D. log

8. The two people found themselves in cold water after their boat turned
................ in the middle of the pond.
A. beetle C. crab
B. fish D. turtle
70
9. I said I had swum across the river, but Nigel's remarkable feat of
swimming across the English Channel really put my success in the ..... .
A. shade C. mud
B. bottom D. snow

10. The teacher set the cat among the ........... by saying that all of us were
going to be punished for what the two boys from our class had done.
A. mice C. pigeons
B. dogs D. ants

11. For his misbehaviour in the public places Ben may have to either pay a
fine or do a penalty service. He's between the devil and the deep blue
.................., for sure.
A. heaven C. ocean
B. sea D. sky

12. Why is Tony so exceptionally polite today? He must be up to some

.................. business, I guess.
A. horse C. moose
B. fox D. monkey

13. It took the police over six days to find the escaped convict, but they finally
ran him to.................... in a wooden hut high in the mountains.
A. ground C. soil
B. land D. grass

14. Stop disturbing me with your silly questions, will you? I'm telling you I
have other .......... to fry at the moment.
A. chickens C. shrimps
B. fish D. snails

15. I admit I have lost her book, but I can't see why she's made so much fuss
about it. It's a ................... in a teacup. This book is available in every
bookshop in town.
A. downpour C. thunder
B. hurricane D. storm

71
57. OF - PHRASES
GLOSSARY

Fill the gaps with the appropriate words to complete the phrases.

apple debt mark prime thumb

bones fish mine quirk tricks
bundle hat pound stroke whale

1. Whenever I find a crossword puzzle too hard to do myself, I ask my

mother for help. She knows everything. She is a real ..............................
of information.
2. You may have a good academic knowledge of economy, but running
your own business is a completely different kettle of ............................ .
3. As a worker, Simon is very obedient. He always carries out his superiors'
orders at the drop of a .............................. .
4. The news of Elvis Presley's unexpected death in the ................................
of his life shocked the whole world in 1977.
5. 'Did you enjoy your stay at your uncle's on the coast?'
'It was great. We had a .............................. of a time.'
6. As a rule of ..........................., driving at a lower speed helps economize
on petrol.
7. The Browns have four children, but only Sylvia, the youngest one, is the
.............................. of her father's eye.
8. Caroline's idea to insert these fancy gadgets was a ............................ of
genius. It not only saved our magazine from bankruptcy, but helped
increase the sales.
9. Look at the model. Isn't she a bag of ............................. ? I don't see any
beauty in being so extremely thin.
10. We met once in Rome ages ago. And then by an incredible .....................
of fate we met again in the same place in Rome last year.
11. Don't expect any of these criminals to show the slightest .........................
of respect. They hate policemen.
12. All day yesterday, my sister was looking after the children while we were
away. We have a .............................. of gratitude to her.
13. I borrowed one hundred pounds from Mick last month and now he
demands his .................................. of flesh. But if I give it to him now, I'll
have nothing to live on.
14. After her son's accident Mary turned into a .............................. of nerves.
15. Before you start assembling the garden shed, turn to Mr Huxley. He is
familiar with all the ..................................... of the trade.
72
58. VARIOUS IDIOMS
GLOSSARY
Insert the nouns in the appropriate phrases.

aegis chip lurch mickey sidelines

burton draw mark roost umbrage
cackle edgeways medium shrift volumes

1. George wouldn't admit he was in love with Linda, but the sparkle in his
eye spoke ................................. for the fact.
2. When I told Amy I was broke, she walked out on me leaving me in the
.................................. . It can't have been love.
3. Our discussion didn't last long since Dan took ................................ at my
critical remarks about his attitude and left the club without even saying
goodbye.
4. Phil is as handsome as his father. He is a/an ................................ off the
old block when you look at him.
5. Some of them say that Saturday evening doesn't suit them at all. The
others claim that Sunday morning is no good, either. I have no idea how
to find a happy ................................... between them.
6. The Robsons are all so talkative. You can't get a word in ........................
when you're in their company.
7. Mind that you don't make Ms Levinson angry again. Last week you really
overstepped the .............................. with your rude behaviour.
8. ‘Who's supervising the relief action?’ - ‘The sign reads it's being carried
out under the .............................. of the Red Cross.’
9. I can't find my new lighter anywhere. Has it gone for a/an .......................
again?
10. ‘Who rules the ..................................... in the department?'
'l am in charge of it.'
11. James Becker is considered to the best detective in town. Nothing can
surprise him because he is really quick on the ................................... .
12. No wonder Martin Giggles, our best forward is so hungry to play; he's
been on the ...................................... for six months.
13. Brian wasn't very happy at his former school. Those bad guys used to
take the ............................................... out of his speech impediment.
14. No more chatting and giggling, please. Everybody cut the .......................
and get back to work.
15. Anna was disillusioned after the conference. All her proposals were
given short .......................... . Hardly anyone paid any attention to them.

73
59. DEFINITIONS WITH VERBS
GLOSSARY
Complete the idioms with the appropriate verbs.

beat gild nip ring stick

bend give poke shift trim
down grit rake spare wipe

1. .............................. true = sound or seem true

2. .............................. someone the elbow = end a relationship with someone

3. .............................. to your guns = refuse to change your opinions or way

of acting despite being criticized
4. .............................. fun at someone = laugh rudely at someone

5. .............................. tools = stop working at the end of the day or go on strike

6. .............................. your sails = cut your spendings

7. .............................. someone's ear = talk to someone about your worries

8. .............................. something in the bud = prevent something from

getting started at an early stage
9. .............................. your teeth = show determination to continue something
when the situation is difficult
10. ............................ the slate clean = forgive past insults and arguments in
order to become friends again
11. ............................ over the ashes = bring back the memory of unpleasant
experiences and discuss them
12. ............................ the lily = try to improve something that is good enough
and in this way spoil it
13. ............................ someone's blushes = avoid doing something that will
make someone feel embarrassed
14. ............................ your brains out = think hard about something for a long
time
15. ............................ your ground = change your point of view.

74
60. SIMILAR MEANINGS
GLOSSARY

Find two of the three idioms in each set that express a similar meaning.

1. fly off the handle

shoot your bolt
blow a fuse
2. follow your nose
take someone for a ride
pull a fast one
3. lead the field
make it big
give someone a pasting
4. be dead from the neck up
have a thick head
have nothing between your ears
5. pick up the threads
start from scratch
rise to the bait
6. cook the books
have your fingers in the till
throw good money after bad
7. jump on the bandwagon
kick the bucket
bite the dust
8. be in fine fettle
be in the pink
be under the weather
9. call the tune
play the game
run the show

10. keep up appearances

keep body and soul together
keep the wolf from the door
11. pull a long face
be down in the mouth
be at odds
12. be in the family way
be at rock bottom
be in the club
75
61. ADJECTIVE + NOUN
GLOSSARY
Fill the gaps with the appropriate phrases.
beaten track easy terms good books
charmed life fair crack great shakes
close quarters first water high dudgeon
common cause full blast safe bet
dim view full bloom tight corner

1. These shoes may be expensive but they are worth the money they cost.
You can see they are of the ............................................... .
2. My father is no ........................................ as a cook, but he leads the field
when gardening is the case.
3. We bought the house on ..............................................., which means we
didn't have to pay the whole price at once. We divided it into several
installments.
4. The leaders of the organization took a/an ...................................... on the
support money because it came from an unknown source, and so they
didn't accept it.
5. I told the children to keep at ............................................ because I didn't
want any of them to get lost while we were walking through the forest.
6. You can only blame yourself for your failure, Jason. You did get a/an
.............................. of the whip but you’re not prepared for the interview.
7. Mr Taylor puts on that hilarious disguise every year for the annual fancy-
dress party. It's a/an .................................. that he’ll be wearing it tonight.
8. Sony was in ......................................... when his application was rejected
soon after he had been promised the job.
9. She always brings him sweets and tells him nice things. No wonder then
that she is in his ................................................................ .
10. Contrary to her divorced and not so affluent sister, Sarah has lead a/an
..................................................... of a wife of a successful businessman.
11. Since the two rival companies have made.................................................
against us, our position on the market has been deteriorating quickly.
12. The place that has been chosen for the film setting is rather off the
.......................................................... . Few people know how to reach it.
13. Look at the roses. Aren't they marvellous? And the geraniums may still
look miserable, but in a few weeks' time you'll see them in .................
.................................... , too.
14. I'm afraid I can't give you back the money that I owe you now. I'm bit a in
a/an ................................................. at the moment as I have lost my job.
15. The young man was driving at ..................................... when the accident
happened. He had no chance to survive the crash.
76
62. RESHUFFLED LETTERS
GLOSSARY
Rearrange the mixed letters into correct words.

1. You do look worn out and have been less effective lately. I think a long
holiday in an exotic place will do you the L D O R W ....................... of
good.
2. Mia says she's going to stand against her boss's sexist attitude. But I
wonder if she'll have the guts to do it when it comes to the N C R U H C
.......................... .
3. Everybody was of the opinion that Alice had cut a fine R G I F E U
............................ at the ceremony. Only Bob criticised her appearance.
4. I've found out it was Ralph who had spread the nasty gossip about me
and Ann. I'm going to give him a C E I E P ......................... of my mind
when I meet him.
5. Imagine the girls' bliss when the bodyguard decided to stretch a OTI NP
..................... and let them into the pop star's apartment for a short while.
6. Neither of them was willing to bury the E H T A H C T .............................
and so they were a long way from being reconciled.
7. Feel safe to give your advice and make suggestions about the project.
The best of them will be considered and taken on O R D A B ................. .
8. Why not go the whole O G H .................... and record all the songs
at once instead of doing just this single one?
9. If the storm keeps raging, we won't be able to hit the D O R A .................
and won't reach Birmingham by midday. And then we'll miss the wedding.
10. It's horrible how political differences can drive a D E G W E .....................
between people and destroy good relationships.
11. I hope someone will knock Bill off his C E H R P ..................... one day.
He's a mere assistant, but considers himself to be as important as the
manager.
12. Don't expect me to support the demonstrations you organize. You know I
hold no I R B F E .............................. for any kind of violence.
13. Eat healthy food and keep doing physical exercise. Fitness will always
stand you in good T D A S E .............................. .
14. I thought you said Monday the 15th, not Sunday the 16th. I'm afraid we
got our E S I R W.............................. crossed and that's why we didn't
meet each other.
15. I remember when they both used to lock S H R N O ...................... about
every opinion, but now they work in perfect partnership.
16. You'll be laughed out of O T C R U .............................. if you claim your
amateurish paintings outdo those by Van Gogh.

77
63. ADJECTIVAL AND ADVERBIAL PAIRS
GLOSSARY

Complete the phrases with the appropriate adjectives or adverbs.

above collected hot proper sundry

betwixt far loose ready thick
breezy high null square truly

1. There is no point in inviting the Wilsons. They are too prim and ...............
a couple to enjoy our wild parties.
2. We don't have any skill requirements. We will accept all and ....................
as anyone can do the job.
3. ‘Dave told the boss that it was only him who worked on the project. He
didn't even mention our names although we helped him a great deal.’
‘That's typical of him. He always plays fast and ................... with people.’
4. We had no umbrellas or even a raincoat, so we got well and ...................
wet when the storm broke out so unexpectedly.
5. 'Which political party do you support, Peter?' 'Well, I'm .............................
and between. Sometimes, it's the left-wing I support and another time
the right-wing.
6. However risky it was, the taxi driver went ............................. and beyond
his responsibility by trying to help the pregnant woman with the baby
delivery.
7. I will not accept your rough and ............................. reports any more. By
now you should have learned to write a detailed report on your daily tasks.
8. The real trouble may arise when somebody finds out your work permit
has been ...................... and void since January. You may be sent home.
9. This part of the city is highly industrialized. Places of natural beauty are
few and ............................... between here. There are only factories and
offices here.
10. The company owner isn't interested in a small-scale venture as he has
already acquired the taste for making money ............................. and fast.
11. How can you stay so cool, calm, and .................................... seeing that
everybody is trying to make a fool of you?
12. Imagine how .......................... and dry we were when it turned out that
our money, passports and tickets had been stolen from our hotel room.
13. Phil never loses his good humour and confident manner. Though he has
nothing to be proud of he's always so bright and .............................. .
14. There was no cheating on our part. We won the competition fair and
.................................. . We were the best team, simply.
15. ‘What's worrying you, honey?’ - ‘I’m ............................ and bothered
about Julia. She's never been late from school.’
78
64. OF- PHRASES
GLOSSARY
Fill the gaps with the appropriate nouns to complete the phrases.
bane creature horns nick spur
breach flights lap root stream
bundle germ lease scum turn
1. The cardiologists say that only the heart surgery may give my husband a
new .............................. of life. I hope everything goes well.
2. Professor Cox is a .............................. of habit. He always has a cup of
green tea before giving a lecture.
3. Suddenly, the bus started skidding off the road and the driver only
managed to put on the brakes in the ............................. of time, thus
averting a tragedy.
4. Patrick has been on the .............................. of a dilemma. He must
decide whether to change his citizenship or leave the country for ever.
5. I'm thinking of giving these dogs away to someone. They are the ............
of my existence with all the troubles they give me daily.
6. For almost twelve years, she had been living in the ............................. of
luxury until her wealthy husband got tired of her extravagance and
asked for a divorce.
7. The judge said that no other offences deserve so much condemnation as
child molestation and that molesters are the ........................ of the earth.
8. I really admire Josh's inventiveness and readiness to help. But the point
is that his ideas are rather impracticable. They're just ............................
of fancy.
9. We would like to build a shopping centre here in the future. But, the plan
is not definite yet. It's only a ............................... of a concept.
10. Many a good relationship has broken up because of money. As they say,
the blind love of money is the .............................. cause of all evil.
11. The violent football fans caught by the police will stand trial for .................
of the peace in a public place.
12. Mr Beck's candidacy cannot be taken seriously. He tends to take
decisions on the .............................. of the moment without giving them
any serious consideration.
13. The young man's situation is no .............................. of laughs. For the
false bomb alarm he caused last month, he may even be given a prison
sentence.
14. 'Can't Leo express himself more clearly?'
'I'm afraid he can't. He's always had that awkward ................ of phrase.’
15. The letter from one of our customers was nothing but a ............................
of abuse. Hence we decided to take him to court.
79
65. MULTIPLE CHOICE
GLOSSARY
Choose the correct answer.

1. I did my....................best to apologise for the mistake, but I couldn't

soften Judy up by even the most honest explanation.
A utmost B level C regular D extreme

2. What you have just said will forever .............. heavy on your reputation.
Nobody's going to justify an insult like this.
A sit B stand C rest D lie

3. At first, the guard refused to let us enter the night club, but on .................
thoughts he took the money and let us in.
A other B second C extra D further

4. It was the hilarious comedian that ............... the show even though the
rock group were supposed to be the special guests.
A stole B robbed C grabbed D seized

5. Before you set off, let me please....................a note of advice. Avoid

shouting as it may trigger an avalanche.
A hit B punch C strike D beat

6. These magnificent surroundings invariably .............. my appetite for

staying longer here. Perhaps, I'll settle down here for good one day in the
future.
A arise B urge C provoke D whet

7. Politicians who are friendly towards common people, smile during

interviews and never say unpopular things always ............... a good
harvest at elections.
A earn B grow C reap D gather

8. Did she tell you she was a witch? She must have taken leave of her ..... .
A mind B brains C senses D logic

9. I wouldn't expect to earn a high income in the first year. The idea of a
chain-trade is only starting to .................... ground in this region.
A receive B gain C win D attract

80
10. How is that possible that the rival company always stays one..................
ahead of us? Someone must be revealing them our investment plans.
A jump B move C thing D act

11. Sheila’s been eating her .................. out because someone else won
the first prize in the painting competition.
A head B tongue C heart D mouth

12. The salesman was ............. packing because he was caught cheating.
A sent B made C let D forced

13. The statement that the defence minister made .............. the question of
whether our military presence in the war-torn country is really necessary.
A pleases B expects C begs D demands

14. Enough of that indulgence! It's high time to take a firm ..................
against pickpockets.
A line B measure C penalty D strike

15. Our hotel was situated right at the foot of the great volcano. We got
scared out of our .................... when it came alive one night.
A powers B senses C wits D moods

16. This winter we'll be arriving in the spa with only five people since the rest
of us cut .................... from our group last summer.
A apart B free C aside D loose

17. Evelyn tends to buy things on a ................. without thinking first whether
she's going to need them or not.
A wick B wit C whim D wham

18. My .................... was in my mouth when I suddenly realized I was lost

alone in the middle of the forest.
A stomach B finger C heart D nose

81
66. PROVERBS & SAYINGS
GLOSSARY

Match the suitable parts of the sayings and proverbs and then write their
numbers next to the appropriate definitions.

1. All work and no play a. calls the tune

2. A rolling stone b. deserves another
3. Fools rush in c. gathers no moss
4. He who pays the piper d. is in the eating
5. It takes all sorts e. make light work
6. Many hands f. makes Jack a dull boy
7. Needs must g. there's a way
8. One good turn h. to make a world
9. The proof of the pudding i. when the devil drives
10. Where there's a will j. where angels fear to tread

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

……. Only the person who gives money for something can decide how it
is spent.
……. You can say whether something is good or not only when you have
tried it.
……. Work is done easily if it is shared by many people.

……. It's good to have some relax instead of working all the time.

……. If someone has done something good for you, you should do the
same in return.
……. Inexperienced people try to do something too difficult or too
dangerous for them.
……. Someone who is determined to achieve something will always find
good means.
……. There's a place for people with all kinds of needs or preferences on
the planet.
……. A person who often changes their places of stay or work has no
responsibilities.
……. Sometimes you have to do something that you would not prefer to do.

82
67. PARAPHRASES
GLOSSARY
Rewrite the sentences using the appropriate idioms.
The original meanings of the sentences should be retained.

be riding for a fall meet sb halfway

hang by a thread pack the house
have a crush on sb poke one's nose into sth
hit the nail on the head split one's sides
keep a tight rein on sb/sth take sb for granted

1. It is not polite to interfere in other people's private matters, Bob.

…………………………………………………………………………………………
2. Do their concerts still attract so big an audience as they did before?
………………………………………………………………………………………… ?
3. You will be risking a failure if you entrust this serious task to Malcolm.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
4. I burst into laughter when I heard about Harry's adventure with the bull.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
5. The hiker's life was in serious danger when he was bitten by a
poisonous snake.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
6. With that comment of yours you did say what was exactly right.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
7. Finally, we reached an agreement by accepting some of our
partner's demands.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
8. As a young girl, I was strongly infatuated with my teacher of Spanish.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
9. It's crucial for us to control the juvenile inmates in a very strict way.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
10. Your husband doesn't show you much respect because you have
always waited on him hand and foot.
…………………………………………………………………………………………

83
68. ANIMALS
GLOSSARY
Do the crossword puzzle. Write in the names of animals.
DOWN
1. As an excuse for his truancies Jack gave the teacher one of his cock
and .................. stories about having been abducted by aliens. Of
course, she didn't believe it.
2. Judy never loses her temper. When her friends quarrel about things, she
is the person that will run with the ............... and hunt with the hounds.
3. I was getting tired of my boss screaming at me and running me down all
the time, and the accusation of embezzlement was the straw that broke
the ..................'s back. I quit the job.
4. It was silly of me to tell Dan about my investment plans. He cooked my
.................. by putting them in operation before me. Now, it's him who
runs a successful ice-cream shop.
5. During the first week, I felt like a/an .................. out of water because I
was new in the team. But, soon my new workmates accepted me and
started to respect my opinions.
8. 'Excuse me! How can I get to the nearest petrol station?' - 'As the
................. flies, it's six kilometres from here if you take this bumpy road.'
9. This machine is an old model. And the one that we're starting to produce
will be a completely different ............. . Ultra-modern and sophisticated.
10. Andy was as sick as a/an .................. when Sylvia refused to date him.
He'd been in love with her for years.
12. When you start a business, you should first earn some money and then
think about spending it on enjoyment. The other way round is like putting
the cart before the .................. .
14. These old buildings here are no use to man or ...................... . They are
ruined and may collapse at any moment.
15. Don't worry about Amy when you move your house. Children can adapt
to new conditions much faster than adults. You'll see she will take to it
like a/an ............................... to water.
20. Can you see those crowds at the box office? We don't have a/an
..................'s chance to see the performance tonight.

ACROSS
3. When our third child was born, we decided to buy a house. In that small
flat there was no room to swing a/an .................. any more.
5. This young man could easily find work in the shipyard, but he doesn't
want to work too hard. So, when he comes to beg for money, we usually
send him off with a ................................. in his ear.

84
6. Robert made an impression of a worried husband when his wife, Nicole,
was so seriously ill. But as soon as she got better, he turned into a
ruthless despot again. Now, I know he only cried ........................ tears.
7. Every time the boss goes on a business trip, everything in the office is in
the shambles. As they say, when the cat's away, the .............. will play.
11. Don't be such an eager ..........................., Paul. The old workmates don't
like a young apprentice to be too keen and make them look lazy.
13. ‘How did you manage to buy a ticket for the concert? When I went to buy
it, they were sold out.’
‘The early bird catches the .................. . Don't you know? I went there
early in the morning.’
14. Uncle Chuck is a real .................. of passage. He has moved his house
at least a hundred times in his life.
16. That elderly widow wearing those teenage clothes is a laughing stock in
our town. She is a/an ........................ dressed as a lamb.
17. With so many applicants for the job of a bodyguard, it was a useful idea
to carry out the tests of physical fitness. It helped us sort out the
................................. from the goats.
18. Why do you always ask your parents what you are supposed to do?
You're grown up now and can do anything you want. Come on! The
world is your .................. .
19. Don't expect Alex to change into a home bird just because he's married
you. He's always been a good-timer. A/an .................. cannot change
its spots, you know.
21. ‘One day I'll become an astronaut and will travel in space.' 'Sure you will.
And .................. might fly.'

85
69. NAMES AND SURNAMES
GLOSSARY

Fill the gaps with the appropriate names to complete the idioms.

Bill Jane Pandora

Bob Joe Bloggs Paul
Dick Joneses Pete
Harry McCoy Sam
Jack Robinson Midas Tom

1. The prime minister says that in order to increase the salaries of the
medical staff, the government might need to cut expenditure on public
safety. In other words, they will have to rob Peter to pay ...................... .
2. ‘You can ask me any question about economy. I know everything about it.’
‘Go on, then, clever ................. . How does deflation differ from inflation?’
3. ‘How long will it take you to fix my shoe heel?’
‘I’ll have done it before you can say ....................... madam.’
4. To change the batteries in the device, you unscrew the cover, take out
the used batteries, put in the new ones and ......................'s your uncle.
As easy as that.'
5. Aristocrats and wealthy people never make good politicians. How can
anyone who has always lived a life of luxury understand the needs of an
average ................. .
6. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the US
President Franklin D. Roosevelt decided that Uncle ...................... would
go to war.
7. Betty does not attract many men. She's a plain ...................., always in
the shadow of her more attractive sister, Lucy.
8. ‘It isn't an original paratroopers' jacket, is it?’ - ‘The real ....................... I
got it from my grandfather. He was an infantry paratrooper in Normandy.'
9. Look! Our car has been broken into. Let's call the Old ...................... .
10. By putting all blame for the riots on the Muslim minority, the chief of the
police opened up a real ......................'s box.
11. I need someone really good to do the job. Not just any Tom, Dick or ...... .
12. For ...............'s sake, why have you brought yet another stray dog home?
13. Let's get out of here before someone finds out we're here. Don't be a
peeping ...................... . Haven't you seen enough yet?
14. It's not easy to keep up with the ...................... in this neighbourhood.
Wealthy film producers and stars live here.
15. Every firm that she has established has done a roaring trade. She seems
to have the ...................... touch.
86
70. NATURE
GLOSSARY
Insert the nouns in the appropriate phrases.

air fog ice weather

clouds heaven shadow whirl
earth hell skies wind

1. You may reprimand Steven several times a day, but it will cut no
............................ with him. He's more obstinate than any other child.
2. Judging by the way the reporter praised the English tennis player to
the .............................., he must have been his great fan.
3. I have never done a roller coaster ride. It might be enjoyable, so next
time I am in the amusement park, I will give it a/an .............................. .
4. Once he ruled the corporation with an iron hand. But when he was
dismissed for affairs he lost his sense in life. Now, he's a/an ....................
of his former self.
5. It's rather unlikely that Hugh will work out any practical scheme. He's got
his head in the .............................. all the time. He's more of a dreamer
than a realist.
6. As a security officer, you must keep a/an ................................. eye open
for any sign of danger during the presidential visit.
7. When the confidential files disappeared from the cabinet, we were
prepared to move .............................. and earth to find them and never
let the information be leaked to the press.
8. The recent report of how real the danger of a terrorist attack may be has
put the .............................. up the country citizens.
9. One of the neighbours has given us .............................. for playing
football in the garden although it doesn't even belong to him.
10. We've been on the road for over two days. I haven't slept well and
haven't had a shower for all this time. I must look like nothing on
......................... .
11. When he came round in hospital, he was in a/an .............................. . He
had no idea what had happened to him.
12. The price he gave for the flat seems rather exaggerated. How did he get it?'
'He must have plucked it out of the ..................... , unreasonable as it is.'

87
71. CARTOONS
GLOSSARY

Guess the idioms by analysing the cartoons and the definitions.

1 2

He's the kind of man who will use He looked really embarrassed
his influences to settle his matters. when that funny thing happened to
him.

3 4

That taxi driver deceived me by I'm dreaming of having a rest when

charging me more than he should I finish doing this horrible job.
have for the drive.

88
5 6

The Browns had a lavish party Some of us don't have a place

to celebrate their thirtieth to live.
anniversary.
7 8

They give him everything he To my horror, he challenged me

wants, and he is never grateful to fight him over Justine's hand.
for their kindness.
9 10

Al found it too hard to choose They drained quite a few bottles

between being a good-timer and to rejoice over the baby's birth.
a family man.

89
72. DEFINITIONS
GLOSSARY
Complete the idioms with the appropriate nouns.

bats cap corners measure straws

book chop dash muck stride
bubble cobwebs eggshells salt threads
buck complexion hump stakes veil

1. If you pull up ......................................... , you leave your home and start

living in a different place.|

2. If you pick up the ........................................... of your activity, you start it

again after a break.

3. If you go .................................................. in hand to someone, you beg

them respectfully for something.

4. If you bring someone to ................................... you make them face the

responsibility of their wrongdoing.

5. If you cut a .................................. , you impress people with your brilliant

appearance.

6. If you make a ............................................ of some activity, you do it in a

completely wrong way.

7. If you blow away the ......................................... you get or do something

that makes you feel refreshed and gives you energy.

8. If you rub ......................................... into someone's wounds, you

make their suffering more acute.

9. If you pass the ...................................... , you refuse to take responsibility

for a mistake and try to make someone else accept it.
90
10. If something puts a new ......................................... on a fact or situation,
it makes it look different.

11. If you draw a ................................................ over something unpleasant,

you avoid talking about it.

12. If you get the ............................................. you are dismissed from work.

13. If you are clutching at ............................................ , you are trying to find

a solution to a difficult situation by any means, even though you realize
you are likely to fail.

14. If something bursts your ...................................................... , it brings an

end to your hopes or dreams.

15. If you have got .......................... in the belfry, you are crazy or eccentric.

16. If you cut .................................................. , you do things quickly and in a

careless and easy way without giving them proper attention.

17. If you put someone off their .................................................. , you divert

their attention, so they stop doing their things well.

18. If you walk on ............................................ , you act in a very careful way

because you don't want to disturb or upset someone.

19. If you take the ............................. of someone, you test someone's value
and make an opinion about them in order to be able to deal with them.

20. If you give someone the ............................. , you make them very angry.

91
73. DIALOGUES
GLOSSARY
Join the appropriate phrases to make dialogues.

1. I've heard you're going to close down your shop. Why is that, Jimmy?
2. I had no idea you were so ill, Tom. What happened?
3. What did you do when they started arguing with each other?
4. I thought you and Frank were friends. But now I see it's the other way
round.
5. Why didn't you stay till the end? You missed the best part of the
celebration.
6. What did you do when you saw the boys painting graffiti on the house wall?
7. Why don't you step on it, dad? Look, the cyclists are overtaking us!
8. Why did you quit? Didn't your work in the factory give you enough
satisfaction?

A. I've had a down on him ever since he started spreading nasty gossips
about me.
B. And what do you think I did? I cut up rough.
C. Something laid me low for weeks. Still, I don't know what it really was.
D. I had to cut it short because I got a phone call from my pregnant wife.
E. To do it alone was the only thing I could do. I hate working under
someone.
F. I've been having a thin time of it for months.
G. Easy boy. I'd much rather play it safe than risk our lives.
H. I made myself scarce immediately. I had no wish to witness that.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

92
74. FOUR-LETTER WORDS
GLOSSARY

Write in the correct four-letter words to complete the idioms.

1. Nobody likes to do business with Tom. He is known to drive a _ a _ _

bargain.
2. Our voices may still be ignored, but we must keep the _ I _ _ flying.
We can't let the government forget about the needs of pensioners.
3. The baby's scream at night gave me a shock. I nearly jumped out of my
_ _ _ n.
4. I can't stand his hostile manner towards me. It drives me up the _ _I _ .
5. It was Roger who set my mind at _ _ _t with the comforting news about
my mother's health getting better.
6. Never before have the police carried out a large-scale investigation like
this in the country. They have really gone to _ o_ _ over it.
7. If you want to make Lisa angry, just ask her about: her former boyfriend.
It always gets a r_ _ _ out of her.
8. The sergeant was reprimanded strongly for pulling _ a_ _ on his
soldiers and making them buy him things at their cost.
9. You really put your _ _ _ t in it by asking Mrs Grace about her
husband's condition. Didn't you know he'd died two months before?
10. 'What's that man's name?'- 'Don't ask me. I don't know him from _d_ _.’
11. The TU leader's idea of going out on strike left most of us _ _I _ . None
of us wanted to risk losing the job by standing against the management.
12. 'How do you know they are planning to reduce the production line staff by
half?' - 'I got w_ _ _ of it when I was cleaning windows in their office.'
13. Nobody trusts politicians in the country. They're said to be rotten to the
__r_.
14. She never minces her words. And this time, too, she laid it on the _ _ _e
warning her subordinates against any cases of slacking in the office.
15. 'Did you and your guests enjoy the New Years' Eve party?'
'We really did. It went like a b_ _ _.'
16. I'm dying of thirst. A bottle of cold beer would hit the _ _ _t nicely.
We don't have any in the fridge, do we?
17. The film star made a clear statement at her press conference and cut all
speculations about her possible divorce in one _e_ _ swoop.
18. I'd rather keep the collection of the old coins, but if _ _s _ comes to
shove and we have nothing to live on, I will sell it.
19. It makes no _ _d _ to me which job offer you choose as long as you are
paid a good salary,
20. We did our utmost to avoid an open conflict, but when the chips were
_ o_ _ , we had no other choice but to take this matter to court.
93
75. OF - PHRASES
GLOSSARY
Complete the phrases with the appropriate words.

act cream glare labour sleigh

baptism flavour holy leave soul
code frame kiss salt stroke

1. the ……………… of the earth - someone good you can always trust and
rely on
2. a ……………… of love - work you do for pleasure, not for money

3. the ……………… of the crop - the best people/things in their group

4. an ……………… of God - a natural event that cannot be prevented or

controlled by people
5. ……………… of absence - an official permission to be away from work

6. ……………… of hand - something done with very skillful and fast

movements of the hands
7. the ……………… of holies - a special place that only certain people can
enter
8. a ……………… of practice - a set of rules or principles that should be
obeyed by certain people
9. a ……………… of fire - the first unpleasant experience of something
that someone has to deal with in life
10. a ……………… of mind - a particular way of thinking or feeling about
something
11. ……………… of the month - someone very popular at the very moment

12.the ……………… of discretion - someone who can be confided in

13.the ……………… of death - an action or event that seems good, but is

certain to lead to something unpleasant
14. a ……………… of luck - an example of unexpected luck

15. a ……………… of publicity - a permanent attention of the mass media,

especially if it is unwanted by someone

94
76. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES
GLOSSARY
Complete the prepositional phrases with the missing words.

barrel cahoots dumps loggerheads skids

bat crook lick means sweat
books depth lieu pins tilt

1. Jake doesn't need to be reminded to clean his room, he usually does it

off his own ................................. .
2. Linda was in a cold ............................... when she saw the two big dogs
running straight onto her.
3. Since I agreed to lend Daniel my car, I've been in his good ................... .
4. In ................................ of the beautiful weather that had been forecast, it
rained all the time during our excursion.
5. The sculptor says he's got no more of genuine inspiration and so his
career is on the ....................................
6. What our party needs at present is support from the local population. We
must win it by fair ................................. or foul.
7. Since they have purchased the major part of our shares they have us
over a ............................... . We have nothing to say. It's them who rules
the firm now.
8. I'm out of my ................................... when someone talks about politics.
I don't know a thing about it.
9. The head of the corporation was arrested under the allegations of having
worked in ...................................... with a gang of criminals.
10. There was little we could do to stop the thieves. We only saw them go
away at full ................................... on their motorbikes.
11. Ervin is determined to become rich quickly, by hook or by .................... .
12. Let's do something to cheer George up. He's been so down in the
...................... since he failed his final exams.
13. My wife's political views are totally different from mine.
We are at .......................... with each other whenever politics is the case.
14. Before the policeman even thought about a chase, the motorcyclist was a
long way away. He must have been riding at a fair ...................................
15. 'For two ................................ , I'd go and tell your boss that he pays you
too little.' - 'Don't do that mom, please.'

95
77. PROVERBS & SAYINGS
GLOSSARY

Complete the sayings and proverbs with the appropriate words.

actions curiosity hope necessity pride

beauty familiarity ignorance practice truth

charity fortune love prevention variety

1. is only skin deep.

2. springs eternal.
3. is stranger than fiction.
4. is the mother of invention.
5. begins at home.
6. makes perfect.
7. is the spice of life.
8. speak louder than words.
9. is blind.
10. favours the brave.
11. comes before a fall.
12. is better than cure.
13. killed the cat.
14. is bliss.
15. breeds contempt.

96
78. ADJECTIVAL PHRASES
GLOSSARY
Fill the gaps in the phrases with the appropriate adjectives.

bumpy foregone long odd stony

cold foreign loose rough vested
dab inside mint soft wishful

1. Don't worry. I will ask Mike to fix your mincer. He is a/n ............................
hand at repairing home appliances.
2. My uncle's collection of the ancient artefacts is in .....................................
condition. He spends a lot of time making them look like new.
3. Considering Danny's determination to arrange a long-term loan for the
company, he must have a/an .............................. interest in keeping the
business alive.
4. It's no use asking these people to pay the rent. They are squatters and
certainly .................................... broke.
5. The police suspected that the theft was a/an ................................... job
because only the store workers knew the code deactivating the alarm.
6. Susan may not be as intelligent as her sister, but without doubt, she's the
most kind-hearted person you could ever meet. She is a real ...................
diamond.
7. Soon before the major action, a few of the young agents got ...................
feet as they hadn't been informed that the thrilling task was only a part of
their training.
8. Mr Cox has held the position of Attorney General for five years in
succession and it's a/an .......................... conclusion that he will stay for
another term of office.
9. The Browns have not yet paid us a penny of what they owe us, not by a
......................... chalk.
10. During the weekend, I typically do the ............................ jobs around the
house, like fixing or cleaning something.
11. The minister says he can reduce the rate of unemployment by half. But to
most people in the country it sounds like ........................... thinking only.
12. This rising rate of inflation is giving us a/an ................................. ride.
There's less and less money left in our pockets.
13. 'Are you very busy tonight, Danny?'
'No. I'm at a .................................. end, in fact.'
14. What people usually say to me is just ........................... soap. They only
do it as they hope to get some money out of me.
15. Tony's had that terrible pain in his eye since morning. I'm afraid some
.................... body must have got inside it and is bringing him discomfort.
97
79. CHOOSE THE WORD
GLOSSARY

Choose the appropriate words to complete the idioms.

1. There are more of these gnat-like insects in the vicinity of the lake than
you can shake a ............................ SWAT / STICK at.
2. Mark and Harry won't stop arguing unless someone goes in there and
pours .......................... OIL / ACID on troubled waters.
3. Mrs McGrath was the best accountant that we have ever had in the firm.
Since she quit the job, nobody has been able to hold a ...........................
CANDLE / LIGHT to her.
4. It is expected that the international company will prime the .....................
PUMP / GEAR in our mining industry with a new investment.
5. One of the party members suggested having an open TV debate to
confront the opposing opinions. Yet, surprisingly, the other parties did not
take up the ................................ SWORD / GAUNTLET.
6. Sean's testimony let me off the ............................... GALLOWS / HOOK.
He told the police I was out when the accident in the school laboratory
occurred.
7. I won't buy these dresses from you as they don't fit me. I'm too broad in
the ................................. BELT / BEAM to wear them.
8. Unfortunately, the remarks that the leader of the opposition made added
FUEL / COAL............................. to the fire and the hopes for a peaceful
settlement of the conflict faded away.
9. All my efforts have come full ................................. CIRCLE / ROUND as
after going through all these documents I found I had to read them again.
10. It's useless to ask Mick for a loan. It would be like getting blood out of a
..................................... ROCK/STONE.
11. He claims his scheme is flawless, but when you study it more closely you
will certainly find a ............................. SCRATCH / CHINK in the armour.
12. What the young assistant said at the meeting was ruled out of ...............
FORUM / COURT . It was not worth being considered at all.
13. I would like to know where all his riches come from. To my knowledge,
the man hasn't done a hand's ............................... TURN / SHIFT in his
whole life.
14. The atmosphere of tolerance makes it easier for people of a different
sexual orientation to come out of the .................... CLOSET / WARD
15. No witness's description of the thief could ever prove to be near the
…………….……. HINT / MARK as he would often change his disguise.

98
80. RESHUFFLED LETTERS
GLOSSARY

Rearrange the mixed letters into correct words.

1. 'You should be careful when you do business with Edward Wallace.'

'Don't worry. I've got his U B N R E M ................... . I know he can cheat.'
2. My brother's plans for the future are nothing but S L A T C S E ................
in the air. In fact, he has never done a thing to put them into practice.
3. As far as I know, Muriel is very fond of any kind of social activity, so I
expect she will go B V O R O E A D R ........................... about the charity
collection.
4. In his youth, he ran the whole U M T A G ............................ of medical
treatment as he used to suffer from a number of diseases.
5. Sensibility and the skill of taking prompt decisions are the most desirable
features of a good lifeguard. One must be able to keep his I S W T
........................ about him.
6. I was seething with indignation when I heard him spread the gossips.
That time I resolved that I was not going to pull my H U P C S N E
............................... .
7. The Barths never complain about their hard life. They certainly have
learned to make I T H L G ............................. of it.
8. I'm throwing a farewell party tonight. You're welcome to come, Alice. It's
the last G I F L N ........................... I'm having before I join the army for
the services.
9. We started to feel the I C P H N ............................. when the food prices
went up so drastically. Unfortunately, our salaries still remained at the
same low level.
10. Because the chairman failed to set the C R D R O E .............................
straight none of us could figure out what had really happened.
11. To make the A R D G E ........................... as a TV reporter, you need to
gain a lot of working experience and a little bit of good luck.
12. The police had been hot on the heels of the escaped prisoner for weeks,
but when he got to the mountains, he managed to give them the I S P L
.............................. .
13. We're not expecting anything wrong to happen during the President's
address, but it's always necessary to keep our E P R W D O ..................
dry.
14. If you want to tell me how I should behave, you haid better first put your
own U O E S H ............................. in order because you don't seem to
realize how many people you have hurt with your inconsiderate acting.
15. I don't need to be told what to do any longer. I think I'm old enough to be
able to paddle my own O E C N A ............................. .
99
81. CHOOSE THE VERB
GLOSSARY
Complete the idioms with the appropriate verbs
and match them with their definitions.

blaze buck dice labour let

pick right rub stake tug

1. with death
2. someone's brains
3. up your ideas
4. out your claim to something
5. the point
6. someone up the wrong way
7. fly at someone
8. at someone's heartstrings
9. a/the trail
10. your wrongs

A offend someone or make someone angry, usually without intention

B continue to explain or talk about something that is already clear
C do something to correct the bad things that you have done
D make someone feel sad or very emotional about something
E risk one's life by doing something very dangerous
F ask someone for information about a topic that they know a lot about
G be the first to do something important or exciting
H attack someone fiercely
I start to work harder and become more active
J say firmly that you have a right to own something

100
82. PARTS OF THE BODY
GLOSSARY

Write in the puzzle the names of the parts of the body that occur in the idioms.
The solution will be another idiom.

1. put your .......... to the wheel

have a chip on your .............
give sb the cold ...................
2. have a sharp ……….
bite your ....................
say sth with your .......... in your cheek
3. work your fingers to the .............
have got a ......... to pick with sb
be as dry as a .................
4. not lift your ................. to do sth
keep your .............. on the pulse
wrap sb around your little ...........
5. let your ............. down
tear your ........... out
make sb's .......... stand on end
6. be up to your ............ in sth
breathe down sb's ..............
stick your ..................... out
7. do sb's .................. good
feel sick at .............
do sth with a sinking ……
8. work ............. in glove with sb
bite the ........... that feeds you
show your ..............................
9. fly in the ................. of sth
laugh in sb's………..…….
set your ......... against sth
10. do sth in the .......... of risk/danger etc.
lie through your .................
get your ................ into sth
11. put your best ........... forward
get your .............. in the door
have got one..........in the grave
12. live from hand to .........................
put your head in the lion's ...........
be all ................. and no trousers

101
13. play your cards close to your ………
get sth off your .............
put hairs on your ..........
14. bury your ............. in the sand
give sb their ..............
be banging your ......... against a brick wall

102
83. COMPOUNDS DOMINO
GLOSSARY

Combine two appropriate words from the domino blocks to make the correct
compounds.
Example:

someone who likes to read books

BOOK TITLE WORM BUG very much

1 CAT DOG DOZE NAP a short sleep

a worker who refuses to join in a strike

2 RED BLACK LEG FOOT and continues to work

a soldier who has fought many battles

3 WAR BATTLE BULL HORSE and still enjoys war experiences

a gift of money that you get

4 STORM WIND THROW FALL unexpectedly

5 SIGHT EYE SORE WOUND an ugly object, especially a building

a girl who behaves like a boy and likes

6 TOM BOB BOY GUY to play with boys' toys

someone who comes to a party

7 DOOR GATE BREAKER CRASHER uninvited

someone who interferes in other

8 BUSY NOSY BODY FLESH people's private matters

a piece of news that is very unpleasant

9 BOMB BULLET SHELL POD and comes unexpectedly

the central and most important part of a

10 CLUE KEY GROUND STONE process or a concept

someone who belongs to a royal family

11 BLUE CYAN GORE BLOOD or nobility

12 JABBER CHATTER BOX CAN someone who talks too much

a girl or woman who does not attract

13 WINDOW WALL PLANT FLOWER men's attention at parties

103
 someone who spoils other people's good
14 KILL MURDER FUN JOY time

someone who agitates people to change a

15 FLAME FIRE BRAND MARK government or law

a time or event in history or in someone's

16 WATER AIR SHED SLOPE life when important changes occurred

17 HEAD BRAIN FLOW WAVE a sudden brilliant idea

a situation in which one cannot make any

18 DEAD GONE FINISH END progress or improvement

someone intelligent who spends most of

19 CREAM EGG BRAIN HEAD their time reading books and learning

something that one hopes will be very good

20 FOOL'S IDIOT'S GOLD JEWEL and attractive, but in fact is not

a difficulty or a problem that appears

21 HOLE PIT FALL DROP unexpectedly during a job or activity

the best product that a particular company

22 FLAG BANNER SHIP BOAT produces

something good that happens to you at the

23 LORD GOD GIFT SEND very moment when you need it

something very important on which

24 EDGE CORNER STONE ROCK everything else depends* a foundation

an exodus of qualified workers from their

25 BRAIN MIND PUMP DRAIN own country to where they earn more

the period of time when someone was very

26 HURRAY HEY DAY TIME popular or powerful

a famous actor or singer who attracts

27 SOUL HEART BEAT THROB attention of many women

someone who does the unimportant small

28 DOGS ANTS BODY BEING duties that nobody else wants to do

29 FACE HEAD WAY PATH progress or improvement

smth worse that you use only for a short

STOP WAIT SPARE GAP time until you find a better replacement for it
30

104
84. MISSING LETTERS
GLOSSARY

Write in the missing letters to complete the words in the idioms.

1. If you go into a _ u _ d _ e with someone, you move close to them

because you want to talk to them in private.
2. If you pick up the p_ _c _ s , you try to put things in order after a disaster.
3. If you beat the living _ _ y_ _ g _ _ s out of someone, you beat them
severely or frighten them very much.
4. If you make a _ i _ _ u _ of necessity, you act in a moral way because
you have no other choice in a particular situation.
5. If you carry _ _ a _ s to Newcastle, you bring something to a place
where there is already plenty of it.
6. If you turn up _ _ u _ _s , you offer (financial) help to someone who is in
desperate need of it.
7. If you mend your f_ _ _ _ s with someone, you find a way to bring an
end to a disagreement with them.
8. If you are in the _ _ r _ _ g line, you find yourself in a situation where
you are likely to be attacked or criticized.
9. If you send someone about their _ _ s _ _ _ _ s , you make them stop
interfering in other people's matters.
10. If you drop a _ I _ _ g _ r , you make an unsuitable and offensive
remark without intending to do so.
11. If you have a s _ _ b at learning Chinese, for instance, you try to do it.
12. If you take someone down a _ e _ , you prove their position is not as
remarkable or important as they consider it to be.
13. If you put a t _ _ I on someone, you have them followed by a private
detective.
14. If you jump on the b_ _d_ __ _ n , you try to do the same kind of activity
as many other people do because it is profitable or attractive.
15. If you take a _ h _ _ e to someone, you start to like them the moment
you meet them.
16. If you play the _ o _ t, you behave in a foolish way.
17. If you go over something with a fine-tooth _ _ _ b , you search or
analyse it very carefully.
18. If someone is as nutty as a f _ _ i _ c _ k _ , he or she is completely
crazy.
19. If you have got the m _ k _ _ _ s of something, you have the necessary
skills or qualities to become it or to do a particular job.
20. If a large group of people raise the _ o _ f , they make a great noise.

105
85. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES
GLOSSARY
Fill the gaps with the appropriate prepositions.

AT FOR IN OFF ON ROUND UNDER

1. As we were in an urgent need of syringes and other medical equipment,

the aid organisation promised to deliver them ....................... the double.
2. I think our neighbour, Mr Cranks, has gone ……………………. the bend.
He's been sitting on the roof and singing songs since morning.
3. The elderly woman says she doesn't feel lonely living ........................ the
bosom of her pet animals.
4. Only after a few minutes of the discussion did we realise we were ...........
cross purposes talking about completely different matters.
5. The Chancellor didn't want his remarks to be quoted by the press as they
were rather ................................. the record.
6. It's been kept ............................ wraps where the famous actress is
going to be accommodated for the sake of her own safety.
7. 'Why did you steal the bicycle, young man?' 'Just .................... kicks, sir.'
8. 'Was it you who ordered the unit to march across the hills all day round?'
'Of course not. They must have done it ................................. some other
officer's bidding.'
9. Just wait until the concert is ............................. full swing, you'll certainly
find it enjoyable.
10. Since the time of the bloody rebellion, the mountainous regions of the
country have been ................................ the heel of the guerilla forces.
11. As usual, the Turners have organised a clearance sale in their stores this
spring. You can get even high-quality goods ........................... the cheap.
12. I cannot remember why and since when, but it's definitely a long time
since Spike and Jules have been ............................ daggers drawn with
each other.
13. 'When do you think the new models of your cars will come .......................
stream?'
'As soon as the funds are allocated, we'll start the production.'
14. In a place like this danger lurks everywhere. We'd better be …..................
our guard.
15. Several of the new bills are still ......................... the pipeline. That is why
the enactment of the new penal code has been delayed.
106
86. GUESS THE MEANING
GLOSSARY
Match the phrases in italics with the idioms expressing
a synonymous meaning.

A blot your copybook I lay down the law

B build bridges J overplay your hand
C do a bunk K run out of steam
D drop your bombshell L stick your oar in sth
E find fault with M sweat blood
F hit home N take the gilt off the gingerbread
G give sb a roasting O turn the corner
H give sb a wide berth

1. The sappers made a great effort to clean the fields of land mines.

2. You have only yourself to blame, Fred. It's your recklessness that has
ruined your reputation.

3. I decided to quit my cooperation with the agent. He never stopped

criticising the music I composed.

4. Don't you think the fact that the most beautiful pieces of Mozart were
performed by an amateur pianist really made the performance less
attractive?

5. We lent Tom a lot of money for his business and he promised to give it
back. So, we were distraught when he suddenly told us the bad news.
He was bankrupt.

6. The way he approaches us really drives me crazy. He will give orders in

this domineering manner to everyone as if he were in authority here.

7. Ed's condition had been critical for weeks. But when he was treated by
the Chinese healer he went through the worst part of the illness and
started to get better.

107
8. At first most of the kids enjoyed acting in the school theatre. But when the
other children started making fun of them, they lost their enthusiasm.

9. Mark considered himself to be much better than the other

candidates and did not prepare well for the job interview. That's why he
lost his chance of becoming the branch manager.

10. I must hurry with the task. If I don't keep the deadline, my boss will
reprimand me strongly again.

11. In your report, you can't forget to mention senator Levinson's effort to
establish more friendly relationships between the sides of the conflict.

12. I don't think Joe's aim is to give advice. He's simply interfering in the
dispute for the reasons that I don't understand.

13. By the way Nigel's behaviour has improved, I can see that my
reprimands and criticism of him really made him understand his
mistakes.

14. Whenever I see Paul, I try to avoid meeting him.

He's such a crashing bore.

15. The lady says she only caught a glimpse of the two fair-haired men
escaping through the balcony door with her valuable paintings.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

108
87. ADJECTIVE + NOUN
GLOSSARY

Fill the gaps in the phrases with the missing adjectives and nouns.

acid hot open sea blow dip flame hours

short sticky vicious + shot spot suit tooth

1. blind something you find difficult to understand

2. test the test of the true value of something

3. big an important and influential person

4. sesame an easy way to achieve something

5. small the earliest time of a new day

6. end miserable and violent death

7. sweet fondness of sweets

a set of problems that cause the same
8. circle problems again and again
9. old someone that you loved in the past

10. spot a place of common fights and conflicts

11. bitter an unpleasant thing that you must accept

12. fuse the quality of getting angry very quickly

13. strong something that you are good at

14. change a great change in something

15. lucky a situation fully dependent on good luck

109
88. PAIRS
GLOSSARY
Fill the gaps in the sentences with the appropriate paired idioms.

air and graces fire and water hustle and bustle

an arm and a leg hammer and tongs ins and outs
beer and skittles hand and foot meat and drink
care and attention heart and soul nook and cranny
cats and dogs house and home odds and ends

1. The knight's determination in protecting the princess's life was

immeasurable. He would go through ........................................... for her.
2. Don't trust Wes. He's a slick trickster. He's only giving himself ..............
......................................................... to make a good impression on you.
3. Dave says he wants a wife that will wait on him ......................................
.............................................. . Perhaps, that's why he is still a bachelor.
4. I looked in every ................................................................ in the house,
but couldn't find my wallet.
5. Ed may earn well as a stuntman, but this kind of life is not all ...............
............................................................ .
6. It was all ..................................................................... in the headquarters
as the notice about the President's visit had only been delivered one hour
before his arrival.
7. We had to give up going climbing as it was raining ..................................
8. We remember that party very well. The guests ate us out of ..................
........................................................... .
9. According to the new regulations, motorists accused of driving without
due ...................................................... are subject to much stricter fines.
10. 'Have you bought anything special?' - 'Rather not. Only some ..................
.......................................................... . Mostly for the kids.'
11. Turning that old decrepit house into a modern luxurious villa must have
cost the owners ....................................................................... .
12. Nothing else seems to give David so much pleasure as his diving hobby.
It's really ............................................................................. to him.
13. If you want to learn to make your own wine, talk to uncle Pete. He knows
all the ................................................................................. of it.
14. They both went at it ...................................................... . We could hardly
make them calm down after several minutes of a fierce row.
15. When she realized that more and more people listened to her music,
Sheila threw herself ....................................................................... into her
singing career. She wanted to be the queen of pop.
110
89. PROVERBS & SAYINGS
GLOSSARY
Use the appropriate proverbs and sayings
as comments on the described situations and opinions.

Accidents will happen

A new broom sweeps clean
A trouble shared is a trouble halved
Better to be safe than sorry
Let sleeping dogs lie
One swallow does not make a summer
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence
There's no smoke without fire
There's one born every minute
The road to hell is paved with good intentions
Waste not, want not
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink

1. Jenny says she'd rather live in Italy. She thinks life's much easier there.

2. Sam always promises never to cheat on me again, but he does it. I know it.

3. I don't understand why I should put on the life jacket. I can swim, can't I?
Don't complain, Max.
4. Everyone says it was Joe who stole the bike. But I can't believe it was him.
The people may be right.
5. Do you think I should ask Lucy about her quarrel with the boss?
No, don't do it. You'd better
6. Sue paid the man a thousand pounds for the ring. He told her it was gold.
How stupid!
7. I'm sorry, Alice. I have just broken your flower pot.
Don't worry, Tim.
8. Mom, I don't want any more of the sandwich. I will throw it away.
Don't ever throw your food away, son.
9. Can you believe it? We've won the game. What a victory!
Easy boy. It doesn't mean you'll win the Cup.
10. She's only been with us for a month, but has introduced many changes.
Good for the department.
11. We've paid a lot of money for Alan's studies, but he doesn't want to learn.

12. Do you think I should tell someone about my worries?

You can tell me, Sally.
111
90. CHOOSE THE MEANING
GLOSSARY
Choose the answer that explains the meaning of the idiom.
1. If a Prime Minister goes to the country,
she/he dissolves the government
she/he declares a general amnesty
he/she holds a general election
2. If you have a field day,
you have a bad day at work or school
you have to do a hard physical work
you enjoy doing what you like best
3. If you are a good mixer,
you like meeting and talking to people
you interfere in other people's matters
you make a mess of everything you do
4. If you lick your wounds after a defeat,
you try to gather strength and confidence
you pity yourself to a great extent
you spend time recovering in hospital
5. If your efforts come to naught,
you achieve a great success
you fail to achieve your goals
you are not willing to make any effort
6. If you go into raptures about sth
you are very worried about it
you are very mad about it
you are very enthusiastic about it
7. If you spread your wings,
you escape from your home
you have a rest during a car journey
you develop and take up new activities
8. If you come out of the woodwork,
you come to take advantage of a situation
you appear suddenly to scare someone
you come to wish someone good luck
9. If you keep someone on a string,
you show them a way to their destination
you have a full control over them
you place all your confidence in them

112
10. If you never set the world on fire,
you never pollute the environment
you never express your opinions openly
you never do anything exciting or unusual
11. If you live beyond your means,
you live on more money than you earn
you are rich but live a modest life
you share your money with people in need
12. If you flip your lid,
you refuse to talk to anyone
you turn very angry
you reveal the truth about your past
13. If you are nobody's fool,
anyone can make a fool of you
you behave in a silly and irresponsible way
you are clever and hard to cheat
14. If you push the panic button,
you react in an irrational way to a danger
you manage to avoid getting into a panic
you have a control over a danger situation
15. If you are onto a good thing,
you are about to become a parent
you are likely to achieve a success
you are in a beneficial position
16. If you carry the can for someone,
you set a trap for them
you take their blame upon yourself
you leave them when they need help
17. If you come running,
you do everything without care
you understand things very quickly
you gladly do everything someone wants
18. If you put a premium on something,
you consider it valuable or important
you exaggerate the worth of it
you pay too much attention to it
19. If you go down in the world,
you die
you go on a trip to your dream destination
you lose your prestige or become poor
20. If you take the plunge,
you are beaten by someone
you decide to do something risky
you lose money on bad investments
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91. -ING ADJECTIVES
GLOSSARY

Insert the adjectives in the appropriate phrases.

besetting nodding slanging staying turning

fighting shrinking sleeping sticking whipping
going sitting stamping stumbling working

1. a …………………… chance - a small but real chance of success

2. a …………………… duck - someone who is easy to deceive or attack

3. a …………………… violet - a shy person who can be easily scared

4. a …………………… point - an obstacle to reaching an agreement

5. a …………………… match - an angry and noisy argument

6. a …………………… power - an ability to pursue your goals till the end

7. a …………………… sin - a particularly bad habit or feature

8. a …………………… boy - a person who takes someone else's blame

9. a …………………… block - an obstacle that prevents making progress

10. a …………………… partner - an owner of a business who does not

take active part in running it
11. a …………………… knowledge - good practical knowledge of a subject

12. a …………………… price/rate - the usual rate or price you pay for sth

13. a …………………… ground - your favourite place where you often go

14. a …………………… point - the time when important changes occur

15. a …………………… acquaintance - a casual familiarity with someone

114
92. PARAPHRASES
GLOSSARY

Rewrite the sentences using the appropriate idioms.

The original meanings of the sentences should be retained.

1. My boss criticised me for not keeping my deadlines.

My boss hauled .............................................................................................. .
2. Since I had this argument with William, we haven't spoken to each other.
Since I crossed ................................................................................................ .
3. You must do anything you can to make the negotiations successful.
You must pull out ............................................................................................ .
4. Children enjoy unwrapping their Christmas presents. (a kick)
………………………………………………………………………………………… .
5. When simultaneous interpreting is the matter, Mia can do it much better
than the other interpreters. (rings)
………………………………………………………………………………………… .
6. You lost the game because you failed to give the good answer to the
question.
You lost the game because you missed ........................................................ .
7. He hid the truth about the matter because he didn't want to lose his
high position.
He swept ...................................................................................................... .
8. When I asked him about the money, he suddenly turned very angry.
.................................................................................................... the deep end.
9. The prisoner grabbed the keys and ran quickly towards the door. (a bolt)
………………………………………………………………………………………… .
10. She's only happy when somebody does all her jobs for her.
She's only happy when somebody dances ..................................................... .
11. For two years, the company was in a difficult position making nothing
but losses.
...................................................... a bumpy ride ............................................
12. When he made friends in the new place, Ron became less shy and
reserved.
................................................................................................................. shell.
13. As I expected, my designs have outdone the designs of the other
architects.
.................................................................................................... a cocked hat.
14. Before you start working on the project, first finish doing the minor jobs.
Before you start working on the project, first clear ......................................... .
15. It's my last night before joining the army, so I’m going to enjoy myself a lot.
......................................................................................................... the razzle.
115
93. MULTIPLE CHOICE
GLOSSARY
Choose the correct answer.

1. 'Why do turtles lay eggs deep under ground?'

'I don't know. I haven't the foggiest .....................'
A clue C idea
B thought D notion

2. Since his father left on holiday, Jeffrey has been throwing his ................
about in the shop.
A weight C figure
B mass D body

3. I've had to forget about gambling. I've been down on my ....................

since I lost my job.
A fate C money
B luck D fortune

4. Take the doctor's advice into consideration. He's in .............. earnest

about the epidemic.
A mortally C deadly
B fatally D gravely

5. I knew the frown on the constable's face .................. ill for me.
And indeed, I got a ticket for parking my car in the wrong place.
A boded C pointed
B stood D hinted

6. The policeman got on his .................. horse when the driver who was
caught speeding questioned his authority.
A big C clever
B fat D high

7. It's true I am late for the meeting, but by ................ of excuse let me tell
you that my plane was delayed in Hannover.
A means C way
B aid D reason

8. It was Neil Armstrong who ……… history as the first human to put his
foot on the moon.
A fulfilled C made
B led D underwent
116
9. After the revolution, the Emperor of China, his family and many other
aristocrats .......... on hard times and ended up as poor ordinary people.
A moved C dropped
B landed D fell

10. We'd better not stick our necks out at the moment. In the ................. of
time, we will take steps to regain control over the region.
A rightness C greatness
B fullness D correctness

11. Most of the students were shaking in their ................. at the thought of
having to take the exam again with professor Adams.
A trousers C shirts
B suits D shoes

12. The boys could not take their eyes off Sheila at the party.
She was dressed to …………… .
A murder C execute
B kill D die

13. The newspapers wrote that our team had given a good ................. of
themselves in the semi-final.
A performance C achievement
B display D account

14. The place we stayed at was horrible. There were no tourist attractions,
our hotel was no hotel at all, and to ......... it all, we all got food poisoning.
A top C total
B sum D peak

15. The TV interview was a perfect chance for the farmers to .............. their
grievances about the inadequate financing of their farms.
A blow C puff
B wind D air

16. However he managed to keep his ........... up while suffering so much

during the therapy is a mystery to me.
A end C frame
B self D edge

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94. MISPRINTS
GLOSSARY

Correct the misprinted words in the idiomatic phrases.

1. If you do not turn a FAIR, you stay completely calm when something
dangerous or surprising is happening.
2. If you put your SLATES on, you hurry up.
3. If you stick to your GUMS, you carry on with your activity or maintain
your views despite being criticised or troubled by something.
4. If you give HEEL to something, you pay careful attention to it.
5. If you put someone through the MILE, you make them go through a
hard experience.
6. If you do not do a STRIKE of work, you do no work at all.
7. If you are at the top of the HEAT, you have a high social position.
8. If something drops into your TAP, you obtain it without any effort.
9. If you lay your head on the CLOCK, you expose yourself to criticism.
10. If you make a NOD for your own back, you do something that will bring
you trouble or punishment in the future.
11. If something suits your LOOK, it is useful and convenient for you.
12. If you stir your STAMPS, you start to hurry.
13. If you have got something down to a fine ARM, you accomplish the
skill of doing it with perfection.
14. If you make a DIRT for some place, you move quickly in this direction.
15. If your arrangements go by the BEARD, they are rejected or not
practical any longer.
16. If problems or mistakes come out in the WASP, they are not worth
being worried about because they will be solved in the future.
17. If someone pulls the HUG out from under your feet, they suddenly
stop giving you help and support.
18. If some medicine holds a disease in CHEEK, it prevents it from
developing any further.
19. If you take someone to TUSK about something, you reprimand them
strongly for not doing it correctly.
20. If you hide your FIGHT under a bushel, you are a modest person and
do not boast about what you are good at.

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95. MISCELLANEOUS PHRASES
GLOSSARY
Complete the phrases with the appropriate nouns.
bottom colours hand love snowball's
breath deal hell manna stick
coin ground honour rub streets

1. Fifty pounds from the local administration is not .............................. from

heaven, but we can take it as a token of good luck for our charity.
2. Mary wasn't the only client who was given a raw ................................. by
the disrespectful official. There were more complaints about his behavior.
3. You needn't thank us. We felt ................................. bound to help you in
those hard times.
4. The project of the human settlement on another planet doesn't seem to
have a ................................... chance in hell of being put into practice in
this century.
5. Their debts may be high, but the other side of the ..................................
is that they keep making large-scale investments in the protection of the
natural habitats in Africa.
6. Considering their mutual hatred, there's no ...................................... lost
between Peter and Rob.
7. Jerry Blair used to be a top performer, but since the quality of his records
reached rock ...................................... his popularity has been declining.
8. This is the first time in my life that I have been caught in a cleft
........................................ like this. Believe me, I have no idea how to get
out of this horrible situation.
9. Controversial as it is, the jury have awarded the first prize to Mr Cohen
although the other competitors’ knowledge was …............... ahead of his.
10. The young criminal told the court he attacked much younger and smaller
children just for the ................................................. of it.
11. On entering the hall in the maternity ward, the doctors saw a few men
waiting with bated ..................................... for any news from their wives.
12. There's only one man I know who can tune pianos with such unmatched
mastery. It's Mr Tandy, he's an old ........................................... at the job.
13. Mark's victory in the snooker tournament surprised everyone. He must
have had the ............................... of the green for he's only a beginner.
14. We only needed a few days to recognise Sean's true ............................. .
He is neither hard-working nor ambitious.
15. There's nothing to be seen in this museum. It is just a dumping
.......................................... for worthless finds.

119
96. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES
GLOSSARY
Match the prepositional phrases with the italicised parts
of the sentences that express a similar meaning.

a. at a premium i. on the nod

b. at large j. on the sly
c. in bad odour with sb k. on the trot
d. in mothballs l. on the warpath
e. in the first flight m. up the pole
f. in the works n. up to scratch
g. in two shakes o. up the spout
h. on the cards

1. Would you mind waiting a minute? I'll come down in a short while.
2. All the money we paid for Terry's rehabilitation was wasted. It didn't help
him a bit.
3. A scandal broke out in the intelligence agency when one of the
secretaries was caught copying classified documents secretly.
4. Someone must have told Alexander I criticised his appearance. I've been
in his disfavour since then.
5. In spite of the hot pursuit, the escaped convict is reported to be still free.
6. Because of the heavy snowfall, flight cancellations are quite likely to
happen.
7. During the great crisis, all kinds of commodities were difficult to obtain.
8. Thanks to the pioneering training techniques, the German ski jumper won
the world championship three times in succession.
9. Lots of these celluloid tapes are stored unused in the institute cellar.
10. The report says that the security at the airport is not at the expected
standard.
11. Don't say a thing about Mickey's mistakes or he'll be furious and ready
to argue.
12. 'Were there any protests against the notion in the parliament?'
'Actually, not. It was accepted by a general agreement'
13. The price of the digital camera may be exorbitant, but you can't deny it's
of the best quality.
14. People say that Mr Buchanan is a bit crazy. But I have never seen him
behaving in a strange way.
15. 'Is the amendment to the penal code ready yet?'
'No. It's still being prepared.'
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

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97. ADJECTWE + NOUN
GLOSSARY
Choose the appropriate adjectives to complete the phrases.

1. a DEAD KILLED DUCK a plan, idea or project that has become a

failure
2. HOT COLD AIR promises that sound impressive, but are
worthless
3. a LIGHT SOFT TOUCH someone easy to deceive and take advantage
of
4. a CLEAN PLAIN SHEET a period of work when no mistakes have been
made
5. a CLOSE NEAR MISS a situation in which an accident is only just
avoided
6. a ROARING HOWLING SUCCESS a great success

7. a/an SENIOR OLD WOMAN a man who worries too much about
unimportant things
8. a GUMMY STICKY WICKET a situation in which you cannot defend yourself
against an attack or criticism
9. a FIRM STIFF DRINK a strong alcoholic drink

10. PRICKLY ITCHY FEET a desire or habit of travelling or moving to new

places very often
11. a WIDE FAT BOY someone who cheats at business

12. a SOLE RARE BIRD someone or something very unusual because

of their unique qualities
13. a DAMP SOGGY SQUIB an event / activity that is expected to be very
special / exciting, but is boring and usual
14. SMALL TINY BEER something unimportant

15. a PLASTIC PAPER TIGER someone who is less powerful or dangerous

than they appear to be
16. COLD FOGGY COMFORT something that is expected to make you feel
better or relieved, but which fails to do so
17. a SMART WISE ALEC(K) someone who is irritating because he/she
claims to know everything better
18. the ICY SLIPPERY SLOPE the way of acting that is likely to lead to a
disaster or danger
19. a WET DRY BLANKET someone who doesn’t enjoy anything and pre-
vents other people from enjoying themselves
the way of dealing with something or someone
20. a STIFF HARD LINE very strictly

121
98. VARIOUS IDIOMS
GLOSSARY

Do the crossword puzzle by completing the idioms with the correct words.
DOWN
1. There was nobody to show me how to operate the Caterpillar tractor.
So I had to fly by the seat of my ................................. to do the job.
2. For sure, Howard Black is not the only ............................. on the beach.
The other candidates' skills should also be taken into consideration.
4. As there was no demand for carpet-cleaning services in the area, the
Smith and Company soon went .............................. .
5. The poor mother hasn't heard from her daughter for two months now. No
wonder she's been on the ........................... .
8. I never really know what professor Beckers is talking about. He tends to
go off at a/an ........................... quite often.
9. Susan started her career in the company as a mere messenger, but after
three years she's come up through the .......................... . Now, she's a
manager.
11. The school record reads that you must either mend your ........................
or you'll be expelled from the college.
12. One of the party members decided to blow the ..................... on some of
his colleagues when he discovered they were telling lies to their voters.
13. Did she tell you it was a deadly infection? Don't worry. She tends to pile
on the ........................... whenever she catches a cold.
17. As you can see, I'm not in the first ................................. of enthusiasm
after having failed the driving test so many times.
18. Betty looks a bit out of .............................. this morning. We'd better not
disturb her until her mood changes for more cheerful.
22. There are so many problems that need to be solved. You should put
your thinking ...................... on if you want to keep your business going.

ACROSS
3. Eric's victory in the tournament was more by accident than ....................
He's not a professional tennis player.
6. Most of the younger scouts who joined our pack last year have fallen by
the ................................ . Our rules must have been too strict for them.
7. Seeing that the accusations against Robert were unfair, I decided to take
up the ............................. for him. I knew he was an honest person.
10. Don't be so stiff, Jim. You needn't stand on ............................. cause it's
not an official meeting. It's a party. Enjoy yourself!
11. Look at the documents. It's going to be a hard job of separating the
............. from the chaff. But we need to know which of them are rubbish.
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14. Jason has been walking ............................... . But he certainly has got a
reason. He's been promoted to branch director.
15. I'm afraid that by advocating Steven to carry the ................. for his work-
mates' offences, the defence just want to make a scapegoat out of him.
16. You are the one who has drawn the short ............................. Nick. It's
your duty to clean the toilets.
19. Arresting the sect leaders without any tangible evidence against them
will be nothing short of jumping the .............................
20. When his older brother Gregory went to prison, Mike was automatically
tarred with the same ........................... as everyone considered him a
troublemaker, too.
21. The major sponsor's sudden withdrawal from the charity collection has
played ........................... with all the arrangements that had been made
by that time.
23. The political negotiations have brought no consensus as yet. The parties
are still .............................. apart.
24. I'm ready to answer any questions related to taxes.
I know the subject off ………………………… .

123
99. PARTS OF THE BODY
GLOSSARY

Complete the idioms with the appropriate names of parts of the body.

arm face heel nose

back fingers hip palm
bone hand lips skin
cheek head mouth teeth
ear heart nerve thumbs

1. If you twiddle your ...................................... you waste your time doing

nothing useful.

2. If you were born with a silver spoon in your ................................, you

were born in a rich family and live the life of luxury and wealth.

3. If you come to .................................. you start obeying rules and orders.

4. If you strain every .............................., you make a big effort to achieve

your goals.

5. If you are ...............................by jowl with someone, you are very close
to them.

6. If you show your .............................., you do something that reveals your

intentions.

7. If you are out on your ................................, you are dismissed from work
or forced to leave the place where you are staying.

8. If you bite someone's ................................... off, you speak to someone

angrily even though you have no good reason to do so.

124
9. If you put someone's ........................................ up, you cause great
annoyance to them.

10. If you keep your ................................ crossed, you are hoping for good
luck.

11. If you get your ................................. into something, you do it with great
enthusiasm because it interests you very much.

12. If you work your fingers to the ................................ you work very hard.

13. If something gets up your ................................., it makes you angry and

annoyed.

14. If you have someone in the ............................... of your hand, you have
a full control over them.

15. If you chance your .......................................... you risk doing something

although the likelihood of a failure is big.

16. If you fall flat on your .................................... your attempts at achieving

something turn into a spectacular failure.

17. If your ..................................... goes out to someone, you feel sympathy

for them.

18. If something makes your ................................... crawl, it makes you feel

frightened.

19. If something is on everyone's .................................., then everyone talks

about it.

20. If you shoot from the ........................................ you react quickly without
thinking first.

125
100. COMPARISONS
GLOSSARY

Complete the comparisons with the appropriate words.

ABC clam fiddle mule Punch

bell clockwork hatter mustard rock
bone dog hills nails sin
brass doornail houses peacock silk
button dust life post whistle

1. Nobody likes the girl. She is as proud as a ..............................

2. Jack is not afraid to criticise his boss. He is as bold as .........................
3. Don't shout. He won't hear you. He's as deaf as a...............................
4. He won't move. He's as dead as a...............................
5. I'd never date that girl. She's as ugly as...............................
6. Tommy is a wonder kid. He is as bright as a...............................
7. It won't take me long to repair the brakes. It's as easy as.........................
8. Everyone knows this story. It's as old as the...............................
9. He always does the same things in the morning, as regular as ................ .
10. When I returned from the spa, I felt as fit as a...............................
11. You won't convince her. She's as stubborn as a...............................
12. There's no water in the well. It's as dry as a...............................
13. She's passed all her exams! She's as happy as a...............................
14. And I have passed my driving test! I am as pleased as .......................
15. Don't expect much sympathy from Bob. He's as hard as ........................
16. 'How is your health, Nicky?' - 'Fine. I'm as sound as a ..........................’
17. I'm awfully bored. This performance is as dry as ...........................
18. He would never do anything illegal. He's as clean as a......................
19. Mr Banks is really crazy. He's as mad as a .............................
20. Believe me, I saw her in the cafe with some boy, as large as ...................
21. Sue really wants to go on the expedition. She's as keen as .....................
22. I must have eaten something stale. I was as sick as a ........................
23. Just touch the baby's skin. It's as smooth as ......................, isn't it?
24. I've parked your car in the backyard. It's as safe as ..................... there.
25. The house may be old, but its structure is still as solid as a .....................

126
101. PROVERBS & SAYINGS
GLOSSARY

Choose the proverbs or sayings that can be used in place of the following
phrases.

A All is not lost K One man's meat is another man's poison

B A stitch in time saves nine L Out of the frying pan and into the fire
C A watched pot never boils M Pride comes before a fall
D Beggars can't be choosers N Strike while the iron is hot
E Blood is thicker than water O The devil makes work for idle hands
F Every cloud has a silver lining P The pot calling the kettle back
G Every dog has its day Q There's many a slip 'twixt cup and lip
H It's the thought that counts R There's safety in numbers
I Look before you leap S Two wrongs don't make a right
J Once bitten, twice shy T You can't keep a good man down

1. The risk is much lower if you do not do something dangerous only by yourself.
2. It is your own family that matters more than any other people.
3. If you have made a mistake doing something, another time you are more careful.
4. You are mad at Tom because he got up late, but you, too, didn't get up till 12 am.
5. Our situation is not so bad as it looks. We still have a chance to win.
6. Something bad may happen if you are too confident of your success.
7. You should be satisfied with what you get as you do not have another choice.
8. Anything can happen and you can't be absolutely sure that things will go well.
9. If you like something, it doesn't mean that everybody else likes the same.
10. There is a time for everyone in life to have good luck or achieve a success.
11. It's senseless to do harm to someone just because they have done harm to you.
12. It always takes longer for something to happen if you are too impatient.
13. If the opportunity is good, take advantage of it immediately!
14. It’s not the gift that matters, but the fact that you remembered about my birthday.
15. If something goes wrong, act immediately, before the situation gets much worse.
16. She’ll succeed for sure because she's very determined and nothing can stop her.
17. Before you do something risky, first think well about the possible consequences.
18. The people who have nothing serious to do, may start doing something wrong.
19. No matter how bad a situation may be, there's always something good about it.
20. She had divorced the man who beat her, then she married another monster.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

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102. DEFINITIONS WITH VERBS
GLOSSARY

Complete the idioms with the appropriate verbs.

blow fly pale screw steal

bluff heap pick set tear
fish hedge run spare touch

1. ............... into insignificance - appear to be much less important

than some other matter
2. ............... scorn on someone - criticise or look down on someone

3. ............... for compliments - encourage someone to say nice

things about you
4. ………… up one's courage - force oneself to find enough
courage to do something brave
5. ............... one's way out - succeed in doing something by
deception
6. ............... around in circles - try to do something very hard but
achieve no success in it
7. ............... the gaff - reveal a secret

8. ............... into a rage - suddenly become very angry

9. ............... your sights high/low - have high/low expectations or

ambitions in your life
10. ............... a fight with someone - provoke a quarrel with someone

11. ............... your bets - try to avoid losing all your money
by investing it in different ways
12. ............... your forelock - show too much respect to a person
in authority
13. ............... a march on someone - do something secretly or quicker to
gain advantage over them
14. ............... no expense - spend as much money as necessary

15. ............... someone off a strip - criticise someone for something

wrong they have done

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103. ADJECTIVES & ADVERBS
GLOSSARY

Complete the idioms with the appropriate adjectives and adverbs.

cold easy good low smooth

dear fast hard proud sour
dumb flat just short thick

1. The hosts of the small seaside hotel were very hospitable. They did us
............................ with every service they could offer.
2. Do you remember that you've promised to buy me a pearl necklace if I
agree to become your wife? Does your promise still hold ...................... ?
3. William was sold ....................... by being offered the job of a junior clerk.
Undoubtedly, he deserves a more attractive and responsible position.
4. You are always shouting at your employees and reprimanding them.
Why don't you go ................................ on them one day for a change?
5. After a few years, our relations with the neighbours turned ......................
as some of them were spreading nasty gossips.
6. Adrian thinks it's fun to bully younger children. I can't wait to see him
getting his ......................... deserts from someone stronger than him.
7. With only four minutes left we had to run .............................. out to catch
our bus.
8. As most of the soldiers of were laid .............................. with measles the
maneuvers had to be cancelled.
9. You'll get a .............................. ear if you don't stop fooling around, Jack.
10. We were struck .................. when we heard the news of the plane crash.
11. It was not until the government had changed in the country that the
political prisoners were set free. They did take a few ................. knocks.
12. Don't ever give him any money. He's not a poor man. He's just trying to
pull a .............................. one on people.
13. Just listening to the terrifying story of your adventure in the jungle made
my blood run ............................ .
14. The camping site was quite good and although it lacked basic amenities
the scouts were well prepared to take the rough with the ..................... .
15. It was a bad decision to withdraw from the negotiations. I'm afraid it may
cost us .............................. in the future.

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104. COMPOUNDS
GLOSSARY
Add the appropriate prepositions to complete the compounds.

ABOUT BACK BY DOWN IN OFF ON OUT THROUGH UP

1. .................... take - the amount of food or drink that you take

2. .................. come - the final result of an action, negotiations etc.
3. take- .................... - the moment when a plane leaves the ground
4. line- .................... - the team of players taking part in a game
5. break.................... - an escape from prison
6. ............... -product - an additional unexpected result of an activity
7. .................... shoot - a new branch of an organization or company
8. hold- .................... - a delay in traffic or an obstacle to something
9. .................... set - the beginning of a process or activity
10. .................... start - a young disrespectful and cheeky person
11. pile-..........,......... - a traffic accident involving many vehicles
12. break.................... - an important discovery or advancement
13. .................... let - a shop or store where products are sold
14. knock.................... - someone or something very attractive
15. set .................... - an arrangement or a secretly made trap
16. lay .................... - a very lazy person who avoids work
17. .................... set - the beginning of something bad like illness
18. .................... pass - a major road that goes round the town
19. crack.................... - radical steps or action taken against crime
20. run- .................... - a short practice before an exam, play etc.
21. .................... shot - the final result of a situation or action
22. draw.................... - a disadvantage or obstacle
23. .................... put - the amount of goods produced by a factory
24. set .................. - a problem that makes a situation worse
25. .................... turn - an increase or a change for better
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105. CARTOONS
GLOSSARY

Guess the idioms by analysing the cartoons and the definitions.

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