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English
Conversations
Speak English Like a Native
 Forward
You may have asked yourself whether there is some effective method that can make you speak
English fluently, efficiently and with confidence.
Well, there is such a method!
ACTIVE ENGLISH will first and foremost help you gain mastery and command of those tricky
idioms and phrases that are so common in English. In this book you are going to be
acquainted with 100 active dialogues that present the language functionally. In other words,
you are going to learn exactly where and how to use the phrases effortlessly and with ease.
All you need to do is to do the exercises below the dialogues and subsequently create similar
dialogues on your own. This will integrate the phrases in your head in the form of a network.
As a result, you are expected to master all the idioms and the phrases practically.
ACTIVE ENGLISH is designed to make a difference in the field of acquiring English as a
Second Language.
READ & SUCCEED
Set (1) - I’ve swallowed the bait
Set (2) - Let bygones be bygones
Set (3) - Live within your means
Set (4) - I’m fed up with cutting corners
Set (5) - He should crack the whip
Set (6) - I just couldn’t put up with those silly pranks
Set (7) - She’s a whistleblower
Set (8) - All I need is a bit more leeway
Set (9) - Determination pays off
Set (10) - They must be bugging us!
Set (11) - They can serve a purpose
Set (12) - University is a thing of the past!
Set (13) - Quit keeping up with the Joneses
Set (14) - Please do and get me off the hook!
Set (15) - You mean she was pulling my leg!
Set (16) - This is a hard pill to swallow
Set (17) - It seems to have vanished into thin air!
Set (18) - I’ve already greased his palm
Set (19) - Thinking out of the box pays dividends!
Set (20) - It’s worth giving it your best shot!
Set (21) - You guys ’ve gone too far this time!
Set (22) - Do you think I’m jumping the gun?
Set (23) - Let’s jump at the chance
Set (24) - Let’s not waste our breath
Set (25) - Here we go again!
Set (26) - I did, but they turned a blind eye to it!
Set (27) - You’re such a high-maintenance woman!
Set (28) - That’s nothing but smoke and mirrors
Set (29) - She deserves a pat on the back
Set (30) - My holiday plans fell apart
Set (31) - I beg to differ
Set (32) - Don’t knock yourself out
Set (33) - I was breaking up a fight!
Set (34) - This rat race is getting me down
Set (35) - The pay is well worth it
Set (36) - I need to brush up on some of the m
Set (37) - I’m doomed to learn it the hard way!
Set (38) - I wasn’t able to get through
Set (39) - I’m not that strong-willed!
Set (40) - Our company is footing the bill
Set (41) - You’re fiddling while Rome burns
Set (42) - Dad's illness turned out to be a blessing in disguise
Set (43) - That’s beside the point!
Set (44) - She’s feeding you lies
Set (45) - Does this stand to reason?
Set (46) - Appearances are deceiving!
Set (47) - Why don’t we track them down?
Set (48) - She gave me a cold shoulder!
Set (49) - Who filled you in on that?
Set (50) - They aren’t on the same wavelength
Set (51) - Assuming responsibility is easier said than done
Set (52) - It's a bit of a stretch
Set (53) - Just what the doctor ordered
Set (54) - Nothing but a counter attack can save the day!
Set (55) - It takes two to tango
Set (56) - The sunshine today is just the ticket
Set (57) - Go figure!
Set (58) - Way to go!
Set (59) - It could be right under your nose!
Set (60) - I can kiss it goodbye now!
Set (61) - You just cut to the chase!
Set (62) - The hustle and bustle of cities
Set (63) - It’s time to turn over a new leaf!
Set (64) - Let’s not take it to heart anyway!
Set (65) - I've been whistling a different tune!
Set (66) - Nib it in the bud
Set (67) - Don't rub it in!
Set (68) - He’s only a freeloader
Set (69) - None had the backbone to stand up to him
Set (70) - At least to save face
Set (71) - Getting me down against my will!
Set (72) - Kill them with your kindness
Set (73) - He’s panic-stricken after he got a sideswip e
Set (74) - He dwells on unnecessary stuff
Set (75) - Can’t you put it off?
Set (76) - 30 lashes with a wet noodle
Set (77) - What do you make out of it?
Set (78) - We have to tap into the key problems
Set (79) - Let’s split the difference
Set (80) - You took the words right out of my mouth!
Set (81) - I had better back out of this commitment
Set (82) - Hold yourself together!
Set (83) - Tell me about it!
Set (84) - You double-crosser! Quit playing with fire
Set (85) - Enough of these prompt replies!
Set (86) - I’m kicking myself for leaving her
Set (87) - He’s getting hold of the wrong end of the stick!
Set (88) - Should we sleep on this as well?
Set (89) - Better late than never
Set (90) - Where is the common sense in that?
Set (91) - You’re barking up the wrong tree, dude!
Set (92) - I was on the edge of my seat all along!
Set (93) - Put your best foot forward
Set (94) - This time they will sink or swim
Set (95) - It's either feast or famine!
Set (96) - Stop milking it for heaven’s sake!
Set (97) - One swallow doesn't make a summer!
Set (98) - He doesn’t want to play the game
Set (99) - A big fish in a small pond!
Set (100) - It’s a dog-eat-dog world
Set (1) - I’ve swallowed the bait
Dialogue
Mike : What’s wrong with you these days John? You have always kept your nose clean!
John : It’s all a hoax . I must admit that I’ve swallowed the bait .
Mike : How come !
John : Unfortunately; I barked up the wrong tree when I counted on Jessie. It turned
out that she had also been planning to get rid of me.
Mike : Oh; I don’t believe it. That’s pathetic .

Vocabulary
Keep one’s nose clean : to stay out of trouble.
A hoax : a plan to deceive someone.
Swallow the bait : to respond to someone's actions or words in the way that they intended.
How come : used to ask about the reason for something.
Bark up the wrong tree : to be wrong about the reason for something or the way to achieve
something.
Count on : to depend on someone or expect something.
Turn out : prove to be the case.
Get rid of : take action so as to be free of (a troublesome or unwanted person or thing).
Pathetic : making you feel sad or upset.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases:
keep one’s nose clean how come
bark up the wrong tree a hoax swallow the bait
turn out count on get rid of pathetic
a . Vic made a ……………............ attempt to apologize.
b . If there's anything I can do, ……………………….. me.
c . So ………….. you got an invitation and not me?
d . He described the deception as a cruel …………….
e . The bomb threat ……………………. to be a hoax.
f . He’s a shrewd fox! He won’t ……………………. this easy.
g . He shook the blankets vigorously to ………………. the dust.
h . Sid's got to ……………………… or he'll end up back in prison.
i . I ……………… when I applied to such good colleges with my average grades.

Answers
Set (2) - Let bygones be bygones
Dialogue

Anne : Our agent’s let us down and spilled the beans . Our secret recipe is the talk of
the town right now.
Suzan : Well, no wonder . Excuse me Anne; but you’re having a taste of your own
medicine . You’ve already played a trick on your boss to get the job.
Anne : Let’s skip it and let bygones be bygones .
Suzan : Then, treat me to a coffee.

Vocabulary
Let someone down : to fail to support or help someone as they had hoped
Spill the beans : to tell people secret information.
The talk of the town : to be what everyone is talking about.
No wonder : it is not surprising.
To have a taste of one’s own medicine : when someone gets the same bad treatment that
he has been giving others.
Play a trick on : to deceive someone.
Skip it : used to say that one does not want to do something, talk about something, etc.
Let bygones be bygones: to allow the unpleasant things that have happened in the past be
forgotten.
Treat (someone or oneself) to (something): to pay for or provide something to someone or
oneself as a special gift or treat.
Exercise ;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions:
let someone down no wonder spill the beans
the talk of the town to have a taste of one’s own medicine
play a trick on skip it let bygones be bygones
treat (someone or oneself) to (something)
a. I've heard enough about your job, so………….!
b. He got ………………………… when she decided to turn up late.
c. John and Marta …….. us …….. a delightful evening at their home.
d. ……………. he is not hungry; he has been eating sweets all day.
e. They decided to …………………. and made peace with each other.
f. She ………………… him out of sheer devilment.
g. He was ……………. and many newspapers printed his lectures.
h. Trust her to ………………., she never could keep a secret.
i. The team didn't want to …………….. the coach.
Answers
Set (3) - Live within your means
Dialogue
Eric : It’s such a shame we are so broke . Everyone is splurging out there; I feel like two
cents.
Carl : Tomorrow is our pay day and we’re going to be loaded . Aren’t we?
Eric : What we earn is just a drop in the ocean compared to Steven.
Carl : That guy is born with a golden spoon in his mouth . It’s time you came down to
earth and learned how to live within your means.

Vocabulary
Broke : (adj) having little or no money.
Splurge : (v) spend (money) freely or extravagantly.
Feel like two cents : to have a feeling of complete worthlessness or unimportance.
Loaded : (adj) having a lot of money; wealthy.
A drop in the ocean: a very small amount.
Born with a golden spoon in one’s mouth : Born into a wealthy family.
Come down to earth : to become realistic.
Live within one’s means : to spend less or only as much money as one is earning.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with appropriate expressions :
live within one’s means splurge
loaded a drop in the ocean feel like two cents
come down to earth broke
born with a golden spoon in one’s mouth
a. I'm glad to have finally broken up with Steven, he always made me …….
b. Billionaires swarmed into Nice to ……. millions during the summer holidays.
c. Most of the students at the exclusive private college were ………
d. Her new boyfriend's absolutely ……………...
e. We're just …………….. compared to the big investors
f. He began to save money when he finally learned to …………….
g. I was excited to book a vacation, but I ……… when I checked my nearly-depleted bank
account.
h. He went ………….. owing two million pounds

Answers
Set (4) - Fed up with cutting corners
Dialogue
Mary : The New Year is just around the corner . It’s time to shop around for bargains.
Suzan : Yeah, you’re right. Everything is sky-high nowadays and I’m fed up with cutting
corners just to make ends meet .
Mary : Why don’t you cut down on smoking then?
Suzan : You may say I’m making excuses . But it does give me some solace .
Mary : Get out of here !

Vocabulary
Around the corner: very near.
Shop around: to go to several shops before you decide what to buy.
Sky-high: very high.
To be fed up with: annoyed, unhappy, or bored, especially with a situation that has existed
for a long time.
Cut corners: do something perfunctorily so as to save time or money.
Make ends meet: to have enough money to buy what you need to live.
Cut down on: to do or use less of something.
Make an excuse : to give a reason for doing something you shouldn't do.
Give solace: to help and comfort when you are feeling sad or worried.
Get out of here !: used to express disbelief.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expression;
cut corners sky-high make ends meet cut down on
around the corner shop around be fed up with
give solace get out of here make an excuse
a. …………………… . She would never say such a thing about me.
b. When you're buying a flight, you should always …………. for the best deal.
c. One approved applicant has a dazzling credit report with a ……… rating.
d. The Chancellor of the Exchequer says that economic recovery is just ……….
e. Rail passengers ………….. cancellations and delays.
f. The government …………… when they built the school with bad materials, and put everyone
in danger.
g. She ………….. all sorts of ………. for not getting her work done
h. They could hardly ……………. and their debts were piling up.
i. Music was the only thing to ……….. him ……….. during his illness.
Answers
Set (5) - He should crack the whip
Dialogue
Mike : Why are you down in the dumps ?
Suzan : Carl has foiled all our plans . I was going to take a few days off work but he
turned down my request on the pretext of a due deadline and that they cannot do
without me for the time being .
Mike : You’re kidding ! If your husband heard that, he would hit the ceiling .
Suzan : He must step in and put a stop to Carl’s arrogance. He’s the company’s owner
after all and he should crack the whip .

Vocabulary
Down in the dumps : discouraged, depressed, or sad.
Foil a plan : to spoil a plan; to cause it to fail.
Take time off : to take a break from one's employment or school.
Turn down : to refuse someone's request.
On the pretext of : a false reason used to explain why you are doing something.
A due deadline : the time something should be delivered.
Do without : to manage without.
For the time being : for the present; until some other arrangement is made.
You’re kidding : You cannot be serious; I don't believe it; this can't be true.
Hit the ceiling : to explode in anger; to go crazy.
Step in : to become involved in a difficult situation, especially in order to help.
Put a stop to : to cause to end.
After all : used to add information that shows that what you have just said is true.
Crack the whip : to use your authority to make someone else behave better or work harder.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions:
take time off turn down on the pretext of
down in the dumps hit the ceiling after all
crack the whip do without Step in
You’re kidding for the time being
a due deadline foil a plan Put a stop to
a. ……………. me! That guy couldn't manage his way out of a paper bag!
b. I'm going to ………… the corruption in this department once and for all!
c. For partnership returns, the ….... is March 15 and the 15th day of the third month.
d. He spun some tale about needing to ………………… work.
e. The world is but a little place, …………………….
f. We can't …………….. the help of your organization.
g. He asked her to marry him but she ……. him ………….
h. She's been …………….. ever since she lost the match
i. Man, my old lady is really ………………. on me to get the lawn mowed.
j. He used to spend hours at her house ……… giving her Japanese lessons.
k. Dad will …………….. when he finds out I've left school.
l. Palace officials asked the government to ………………….
m. Fortunately, the police were able to ……… the kidnapper's …………….
Answers
Set (6) - I just couldn’t put up with those silly pranks
Dialogue

Eric : Did you enjoy the show?

David : No, it was rubbish . Wasn’t it?
Eric : I just couldn’t put up with those silly pranks ; they just weren’t my cup of tea ,
but I had to stick it out because I was with two of my friends.
David : Well, make sure you see the trailers next time.
Eric : Can you do me a favor and cancel tonight’s tickets. The whole thing is a kind of
pouring money down the drain .
David : With pleasure .

Vocabulary
Rubbish : (noun) something that is of bad quality.
Put up with : to tolerate; endure.
Prank : (noun) a trick that is intended to be funny.
Not one’s cup of tea : not what one likes or is interested in.
Stick it out : to continue to the end of a difficult or unpleasant situation.
Trailer : (noun) a series of extracts from a film or broadcast, used for advance publicity.
Do someone a favor : to do something for someone as an act of kindness.
Pour money down the drain : to waste money; to throw money away.
With pleasure : gladly (used to express polite agreement or acceptance).
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
rubbish put up with prank
not one’s cup of tea stick it out trailer
do someone a favor pour money down the drain
with pleasure
a. He hates the job but he has to ………… because he needs the money.
b. A. Take these guys to jail right away. B. ………………..
c. I saw a ………. for the new series of "Game of Thrones" last night.
d. I thought I'd save some cash buying a second-hand car, but I've ……………… trying to get it
working
e. The incident was a …………….. that went wrong.
f. Only a saint can ……………… her children.
g. Thank you for the invitation, but long-distance cycling just …………
h. The food at that restaurant is complete ……………...
i. Hey, ……………… and take these bags into the kitchen while I get the others from the car.

Answers
Set (7) - She’s a whistleblower
Dialogue
Sam : I can’t believe how Clare goes around with Alice.
Kathy : Why is that? What’s wrong with Alice?
Sam : She’s a whistleblower and she rats on others in her department.
Kathy : Then, we have to warn Clare as soon as possible lest she slips up .
Sam : Yeah, the sooner the better .
Kathy : Actually! I’m afraid Clare is the villain of the piece but not the other way round.
Obviously; she is covering up by spreading rumors about Alice.
Sam : You don’t say !

Vocabulary
Go around with : to go places and do things with a particular person.
A whistleblower : a person who tells someone in authority about what is happening.
Rat on : to inform on (someone).
Lest : for fear that.
Slip up : make a careless error.
The sooner the better : right away; the sooner something [referred to] gets done, the better things
will be.
You know what : used to indicate that one will say something interesting or surprising.
The villain of the piece : is someone seen as being the cause of trouble.
The other way round : the opposite of what is expected or supposed.
Cover up : to prevent people from discovering mistakes or unpleasant facts.
Spread rumors : to spread unverified information of uncertain origin
You don’t say : used to express amazement or disbelief.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
go around with whistleblower rat on
lest slip up the sooner the better
you know what the villain of the piece you don’t say
the other way round cover up spread rumors
a. He tried to ………….. his mistakes but in vain.
b. When you oil your beard, don't oil it too much, ……… it soil your clothing.
c. If he is indeed ……………., as the police claim he is, he should have been more carefully
watched.
d. He ……………. some of the local lads.
e. The ………… was fired for exposing the conditions in mental hospitals.
f. Some people even …….….. and fabricated stories with ulterior political motives.
g. Wow, it looks like the accountants must have really ………… this time.
h. A; “She ran off with another man." B; "………………!"
i. Sometimes I cook and she does the dishes and sometimes it is ……….
j. The kidnapper is a man we must catch and ………………….
k. ……………..! I’ve got a feeling that she won’t show up.
l. The criminal ……………. his accomplices to avoid jail time.
Answers
Set (8) - All I need is a bit more leeway
Dialogue
Sam : I’m racking my brains to find a way to get the work done before noon.
Kathy : I will give you a hand . I didn’t know you were hard up .
Sam : Honestly; I’ve had enough of this job and I’m doing my best to get a better one so
that I can stand on my feet .
Kathy : You mean you are going to change you line of work !
Sam : No, not at all. All I need is a bit more leeway . I just feel that I’m boxed-in inside
this office. I need some space and a change of air .
Kathy: Go for it !

Vocabulary
Rack ones brains : to make a great effort to think of or remember something.
Give someone a hand : to help, aid, or assist.
Hard up : (adj.) in desperate need of something.
Have enough of (something/ someone) : used when somebody/something is annoying you
and you no longer want to do, have or see them/it.
Do one’s best : to do all one can.
Stand on one’s feet : to be financially independent or physically healthy again.
Line of work : the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money.
Leeway : the amount of freedom to move or act that is available.
Boxed-in : to be restricted or feeling stuck due to one's limited options.
A change of air : a different climate, as a means of improving one's health.
Go for it : Go ahead! Give it a good try!
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;

rack ones brains give someone a hand hard up

have enough of do one’s best stand on one’s feet
line of work leeway boxed-in
a change of air go for it
a. My …………….. is entirely unrelated to politics.
b. To the sick the doctors wisely recommend …………… and scenery.
c. She is always …………. because she doesn't lay out her money wisely.
d. A ; "I'm thinking of applying for that job." B ; "…………………!"
e. She'll have to get a job and learn to …………………. sooner or later.
f. I've been ……………….. trying to recall where we put the key.
g. We have a little ………… to make up here and there in efficiency, but we are more or less all
right.
h. Please ……… all our dedicated volunteers ……… for their hard work.
i. Clare moved to the countryside because she felt ……………
j. My father always ……………… to meet our needs.
k. It’s time to get rid of this piece of junk. I’ve ………………………. It.
Answers
Set (9) - Determination pays off
Dialogue
Bill : Sally is dropping out of school. She’s getting married in two weeks.
Mike : She’s a nitwit if she thinks that marriage is a picnic . That’s no joke .
Bill : But, her husband is a business tycoon . He’s going to back her up for good .
Mike : Well, I have to change my mind . It makes sense to take shortcuts to success in
this tough and rough world.
Bill : I remember when she said that she would make her dreams come true one way or
another.
Mike : I must admit that determination pays off !

Vocabulary
Drop out of : to abandon a course of study.
Nitwit : (adj) idiot.
A picnic : a pleasant and easy activity.
No joke : a difficult or serious matter:
Tycoon : a wealthy, powerful person in business or industry.
Back someone up : to support
For good : permanently; forever.
Change one’s mind : to adopt a different opinion or plan.
Make sense : be intelligible, justifiable, or practicable.
Take shortcuts : a method or means of doing something more directly and quickly than and
often not so thoroughly as by ordinary procedure.
One way or another : in any way that is possible
Pay off : to yield good results; succeed.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions ;
drop out of nitwit picnic no joke
tycoon back someone up for good
change one’s mind make sense take shortcuts
one way or another pay off
a. I never liked mushrooms before, but you really ……………… with this dish.
b. It's ……………… when your brakes fail on the motorway.
c. I have hopes that my perseverance will ……………… one day.
d. After she found out about his latest relapse with drugs, she decided it was best to leave him
……………………
e. Early pacemakers often ………………… a race before the finish.
f. After all, he became a …..…… as well as a doctor; he must be rolling in money.
g. I've tried asking him but his explanations aren't …………………….
h. That job was no ………. . They gave us a hard time indeed.
i. Don't be a …………….—wear a seat belt!
j. We'll get out of this mess ………………………….
k. Mistakes were made because too many ……….. were ……………..
l. My family …………………. in my fight for compensation.
Answers
Set (10) - They must be bugging us!
Dialogue
Emily : Enough already (1)! I heard you the first time!
Julie : Fair enough ! If I were in your shoes , I would also be out of my mind.
Emily : How on earth do you give away (1) such secrets about our business?
Julie : Believe it or not . Someone else, other than me and you, has already (2) informed
them about our plans.
Emily : Already ? (3) Who on earth could be that third party ?
Julie : They must be bug ging us or else how will they figure out that we are giving away
(2) free samples?

Vocabulary
Already (1): used as an intensifier to express exasperation or impatience.
Fair enough : used to admit that something is reasonable or acceptable.
In one’s shoes : in someone’s else place or situation.
Out of one’s mind : to be crazy and irrational.
On earth : used after question words to emphasize that you are surprised or annoyed.
Give away (1): to tell information or facts that you should keep secret.
Believe it or not : this is surprising but true (Used to introduce a surprising fact)
Other than: apart from; except.
Already (2): previously
Already (3): so soon.
Third party : a third person other than the two involved.
Bug : to place or hide a listening device inside something.
Or else : used to say what will happen if another thing does not happen
Give away (2): give people stuff without pay.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;

already (impatience) fair enough in one’s shoes

out of one’s mind on earth give away (inform)
believe it or not other than already (previously)
already (so soon) third party bug
or else give away (donate)
a. The sharing of information with the ……………….. is required.
b. A. "Unless you finish your homework you can’t to go outside." B. "………” .
c. What’s the matter? Are you quitting …………….?
d. Make sure you aren’t ……………… while talking to them.
e. Holidays ………….. those in this brochure do not have free places for children.
f. Make sure you are strapped in very well, ……………. you will fall out.
g. My head is spinning. Be quiet ………………!
h. …………….………, I ended up painting the house myself.
i. He decided to ……………… everything he possessed to charities.
j. Don’t ……………… the content of this session, please.
k . Never mind me! I’ve …………….. had plenty of cookies.
l. If I were …………………., I'd probably want an explanation.
m. I must have been …………….. when I agreed to join them!
n. Who ………….. is Mike? Is he the owner?
Answers
Set (11) - They can serve a purpose
Dialogue
Emily : What have you got in that box?
Julie : Some odds and ends . They can serve a purpose when I go out of town .
Emily : I admire those handy and practical people. They are really dependable .
Julie : Aren’t you buttering me up?
Emily : Far from it. You just remind me of my uncle. He was literally a Jack-of-all-trades
. He used to spend the lion’s share of his time fixing stuff.
Julie : Why don’t you introduce me to him? At least we have something in common.
Emily : Don’t hold your breath . He passed away years ago.

Vocabulary
Odds and ends : miscellaneous articles or remnants.
Serve a purpose : to have a use.
Out of town : away from home; out of one's town of residence.
Dependable: (adjective): trustworthy and reliable.
Butter up : to praise or flatter someone in order to make him or her more receptive or
willing.
Far from it : no; not at all; almost the opposite is true.
Literally : in a literal manner or sense; exactly.
Jack-of-all-trades : (noun) someone who can do many different jobs.
The lion’s share : the largest part of something.
Have something in common : to share the same interests.
Don’t hold your breath : to tell someone that an event is not likely to happen.
Pass away : to die.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
odds and ends serve a purpose out of town
dependable butter up far from it pass away
literally Jack-of-all-trades the lion’s share
have something in common don’t hold your breath
a. Mike repairs cars, he paints houses, he makes furniture. He's a real ……….
b. She was …………. at the end of her rope, so flight into the woods was unwise.
c. Men ……………, but their deeds abide.
d. She put in some clothes………………., and make-up.
e. He's established himself as a ……………… source of information.
f. A; “Do I think you need to replace this car?” B; “………….. . It works like a clock.”
g. We don't have a spading fork but this shovel should …………………..
h. The bank has to …….. investors because it is in a fiercely competitive market.
i. She said she'd get back to us, but ………………….!
j. The ball club will be playing ………………….. next week.
k. They are wasting ………………… of their income by paying rents.
l. Bob and Mary ……….. a lot ……..….. . I can see why they like each other.
Answers
Set (12) - University is a thing of the past!
Dialogue
Sally : I'm sure my university days seem happier in retrospect than they really were.
Doesn’t that sound weird?
Mark : Well, go easy on yourself. University is a thing of the past!
Sally : Go easy on the popcorn then; we are running short of it already.
Mark : I always teach you to see the beauty of life, but all you teach me is to hold a
grudge.
Sally : Don’t you see that you’re pushing it ! I’ll throw you out unless you watch your
words.
Mark: Why does it always end up like that?

Vocabulary
In retrospect : thinking now about something in the past.
Go easy on someone : to treat someone in a gentle way.
A thing of the past : a thing that no longer happens or exists.
Go easy on (something) : to not take or use too much of something.
Run short of (something): something that no longer happens.
Hold a grudge : not let it go when you feel someone's insulted or wronged you.
Push it : to continue to do or to try to do something when one should stop.
Unless : if not
Watch one’s words : be careful about what you say.
End up : to finally be in a particular place or situation.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
in retrospect go easy on someone
a thing of the past go easy on (something)
run short of hold a grudge
push it unless watch one’s words end up
a. I promise to think over your proposal, but don't ……………..
b. If he carries on driving like that, he'll …………. Dead.
c. …………….., the old man wished he had traveled more during his younger days.
d. Their bodies may …………….. calcium and magnesium.
e. Jane still ……………….. against me for refusing to lend her some money.
f. …………………… otherwise you might get into trouble!
g. I won't pay …………. you provide the goods immediately.
h. The doctor told me to ……………… the spicy food for a while.
i. ………………. Bill. He’s still too young to manage that on his own.
j. Those stores are ……………—their parent company filed bankruptcy a few years ago.
Answers
Set (13) - Quit keeping up with the Joneses
Dialogue
Steve : Why don’t you mind your own business and quit keeping up with the Joneses ?
You’re just wasting your time.
Tom : Because of my wife. She keeps moaning and squawking about money.
Steve : Some people are bound to learn it the hard way. I can’t stand hearing such
nonsense.
Tom : I’ve tried hard to point out the fact that we different but to no avail . She is a
jealous woman. Isn’t she your sister? Why don’t you talk her round ?
Steve : What? Sure, it’s getting overcast . Isn’t it? I had better get home before it gets
dark.

Vocabulary
Mind your own business : to concern oneself only with what is of interest to oneself and not
interfere in the affairs of others.
Keep up with the Joneses : try to equal your neighbors' lifestyle.
Moan : to complain.
squawk : to complain.
To be bound to do something : Be certain or destined to do something.
Learn something the hard way : to discover what you need to know through experience or
by making mistakes.
Can’t stand : to hate; to dislike.
Point out : to explain or to tell someone something.
To no avail : without success.
Talk someone round : to convince; to persuade.
Overcast : (of the sky or weather) marked by a covering of grey cloud; dull.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions ;
mind your own business keep up with the Joneses
moan squawk be bound to do something overcast
learn something the hard way can’t stand
point out to no avail talk someone round
a. The baby never stopped …………….. all night.
b. All his shouting was ………………; no one could hear him,
c. I know how to deal with my problems. You better ………………..
d. I ………………. it when she leaves her dirty socks on the floor.
e. We were all ……………… about the cold, rainy weather.
f. Toward evening the sky became ……………. and it began to thaw.
g. Don’t resist young boy! You ……….……………… to lose.
h. She tried in vain to ………………. to him the unfairness of his actions.
i. How you could ……………….? he was very decided!
j. Starting your own business is really tough. I had to ………………
k. I'm thinking about getting a third car, just to ……………………….
Answers
Set (14) - Please do and get me off the hook!
Dialogue

Diana : You're clueless about how to deal with your new assignment. Aren’t you?
Anne : Yeah. I’m completely helpless.
Diana : Never mind , I’ll work overtime and show you the ropes . I know this type of
things inside out . Or probably I can take over tomorrow.
Anne : Please do and get me off the hook!
Diana : Well; I have got a full plate today . I’ll give you a hand tomorrow. Okay?
Anne : Thanks Diana. You’ve truly saved the day !

Vocabulary
Clueless : no nothing about
Deal with : to take action to do something, especially to solve a problem.
Never mind : not to worry or not to be upset about something.
Overtime : extra hours that someone works at their job.
Show someone the ropes : to teach someone how to do something.
Know something inside out: know something very thoroughly.
Take over : to begin to have control of something.
Get someone off the hook : to get out of the awkward or unpleasant situation that they are
in.
Have a full plate : o have a schedule or workload that is filled to capacity with obligations,
tasks, or problems.
Save the day : find or provide a solution to a difficulty or disaster.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;

clueless deal with never mind

overtime show someone the ropes save the day
know something inside out take over
get someone off the hook have a full plate
a. He was doing a lot of ……………….. to save for his vacation.
b. They resent any hint that he will be …………… because of his privileged position.
c. The new president is certainly going to ……………. when he gets into office.
d. They had forgotten the knife to cut the wedding cake, but Elizabeth arrived with one and
…………….. .
e. We must ……………….. the situation before it gets out of hand.
f. If you study this material for weeks, you'll …………….. by the test date.
g. He will …………………. the project from me when I go on leave.
h. The kids were so perceptive at one moment and …………………. the next.
i. Jack has been here for years – he'll ………………………..
j. I want to get this for your kids, ……………….. the cost!
Answers
Set (15) - You mean she was pulling my leg!
Dialogue

Jack : Don’t be such a gullible person. Did you truly believe that Jessie got the tender for
the hospital project?
Tony : You mean she was pulling my leg !
Jack : Without doubt. I don’t deny that she is an ambitious girl and bold enough to go to
extremes but this deal is definitely beyond her means .
Tony : Then, she making fun of me!
Jack : Not exactly. She is trying to get you worked up so that you give up trying.
Tony : She is such a dirty rat !

Vocabulary
Gullible : (adj) easily persuaded to believe something; credulous.
Pull someone’s leg : to deceive someone playfully; tease someone.
Without doubt : Without question; certainly; definitely.
Go to extremes : to do something much more than is usual or reasonable.
Beyond one’s means : beyond (or within) one's budget or income.
Make fun of someone : to mock or direct insults at someone or something.
Worked up : (adj) upset or very excited about something.
Give up : to stop trying to do something before you have finished.
Dirty rat : Any malicious act against you or your friends can qualify the perpetrator to be
called a dirty rat.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
gullible pull someone’s leg without doubt
go to extremes beyond one’s means dirty rat
make fun of someone worked up give up
a. So you've changed sides! That’s not fair. You ……………!
b. The …………… woman gave all her money to a fake charity.
c. He was very worked up about seeing his family again after so many years.
d. A second vacation this year is well …………………...
e. I ………………….. Karl's ……….. when I said Marissa wanted to go out with him.
f. You can ……………….. me all you want, but I love these shoes.
g. I hope you won't ……………… playing the piano after that defeat.
h. She had ………………… to avoid seeing him.
i. He was ……………….. the very worst kind of reporter.
Answers
Set (16) - This is a hard pill to swallow
Dialogue
Jessie : I've been meaning to paint the shed all summer, but I keep letting it ride .
Rebecca : Why is the delay? Unless you take action soon, it’s going to run down and
collapse in a few days.
Jessie : I’m just in no mood to lift a finger . I just feel lonely and this is a hard pill to
swallow.
Rebecca : Oh, poor Jessie. Your recent break-up must have ruined you.
Jessie : On top of that I’m getting more and more absent-minded . Yesterday I had a
near miss . I was almost hit by a truck.
Rebecca : That’s awful.

Vocabulary
Let it ride : take no immediate action over something.
Take action : do something to achieve an aim or deal with a problem.
Run down : gradually deteriorate (or cause to deteriorate) in quality.
In no mood to do something : not feeling like doing or experiencing something.
Lift a finger : make the slightest effort to do something.
A hard pill to swallow : something that is difficult to accept.
Break-up : the end of a relationship.
On top of that : In addition to; besides.
Absent-minded : (adj) distracted; forgetful or inattentive
A near miss : a narrowly avoided collision or other accident.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions ;
let it ride take action run down
in no mood to do something lift a finger
a hard pill to swallow break-up
on top of that absent-minded a near miss
a. That my own son could have done something so horrible is ……………..
b. Without much care, the property had been allowed to ……………..
c. She turned to drugs after the ………………… of her marriage.
d. He drove like a maniac. We had one …………….. after another.
e. Don’t bother with it now. ………………. for a day or two
f. keep it down; boys! Mother is ………………….. put up with our arguing.
g. She is a very ……………….. child who forgets things and loses things.
h. Jane told Bill he was dull. …………………, she said he was unfriendly.
i. If there is a breach of regulations, You’re supposed to …………… right away.
j. She does all the work in the house. Nobody else ………………..

Answers
Set (17) - It seems to have vanished into thin air!
Dialogue
John : Can’t you wipe those crumbs from your mouth? You’re turning my stomach!
Tom: Oops, sorry!
John : You know what? The children are up to something . They keep sneaking into and
out the kitchen every now and then . I’m starting to smell a rat.
Tom : Alright, I’ll go and take a look.
John: OMG . Where is my wallet? Tom; leave the kids alone and come back.
Tom : What’s wrong with you.
John : My wallet disappeared. It was beside the television. I’ve searched for it everywhere
but it seems to have vanished into thin air !

Vocabulary
Turn one’s stomach : To cause one to become nauseated or disgusted.
To be up to something : doing something wrong or secret.
Sneak into; To enter some place in a quiet, sneaky, inconspicuous manner.
Sneak out : to leave furtively and stealthily.
Every now and then : from time to time; occasionally.
Smell a rat : to begin to suspect trickery or deception.
OMG : used to express surprise, excitement, disbelief, etc.
Leave someone alone : to refrain from disturbing or interfering with someone.
Vanish into thin air : to disappear suddenly and completely.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;

turn one’s stomach to be up to something

sneak into sneak out every now and then
smell a rat OMG
leave someone alone vanish into thin air
a. …………….! If my parents find out they will go mad!
b. When he died, investigators were called in and soon ………………
c. The sight of Joe eating raw fish is enough to …………………...
d. She'll manage very well if you just …………………….
e. To everyone’s complete surprise, in a few minutes the ship …………………….
f. Steve’s putting on a smile. I bet he’s ……………….
g. The burglar …………….. without making a sound.
h. The lecture was boring and many students ……………….
i. We still meet for lunch …………………., but not as often as we used to.

Answers
Set (18) - I’ve already greased his palm
Dialogue
Carl : Hey Alice! You look pleased with yourself today. What’s up?
Alice : I’m gonna meet the mayor. It’s such a big deal (1) for me because I will ask him to
grant me an exception.
Carl : Big deal ! (2) Seriously!
Alice : You know I need to get a license for the new shop. I bet he won’t disappoint me and
we’ll find some loophole for this issue.
Carl : Don’t be very overoptimistic. I heard he’s such a big-headed guy.
Alice : Leave it to me . I’ve already greased his palm . Oh, by the way, I heard your team
won last night – congrats!
Carl : No big deal ! we were against a pretty weak team. But thanks all the same !

Vocabulary
Big deal (1): something important.
Big deal (2): used to express one's contempt for something regarded as impressive or
important by another person.
I bet : used for saying that you are sure about something.
A loophole : a means of escape or evasion, esp. a means or opportunity of evading a law,
contract, etc.
Big-headed : (adj) conceited or arrogant.
Leave it to me : let me handle it or take care of it.
Greased one’s palm : to bribe.
No big deal : not important.
All the same: despite what has just been said.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;

big deal (important) big deal (contempt) I bet

loophole big-headed leave it to me
grease one’s palm no big deal all the same

a. She knew they had meant it kindly, but it had hurt …………………..
b. What an arrogant, ………………. man, she thought.
c. They don't make a …………….. out of minor irritations.
d. “I'll give you an allowance,” he said. ‘……………….,’ she thought
e. To get that kind of job or promotion you would have to ……………….
f. Good for her! She took advantage of a ………………. in the tax law.
g. I acted like it was………………….., when really it was breaking my heart.
h. Boss : I need someone to get my wife when she arrives from the airport.
Employee : …………………… ​
i. Why is your face all bruised! ……… you were in the middle of a fight.

Answers
Set (19) - Thinking out of the box pays dividends!
Dialogue
Carl : Good opportunities always come my brother's way , whether he works hard for
them or not. Sounds like things are looking up for him all the time.
Alice : No wonder. He thinks out of the box and he doesn’t mind taking on more
responsibility. In short, Steven is cut out to be a leader.
Carl : You’ve got a point there! Thinking out of the box pays dividends!
Alice : For the record , I’ve made up my mind to get married and settle down.
Carl : Really? What wonderful news! Obviously, I’m the only loser here.
Alice : Cheer up , man. Things are bound to look up sooner or later.

Vocabulary
Come one’s way : present itself, happen to.
Things are looking up: things are improving or becoming better.
Think out of the box : to think differently, unconventionally, or from a new perspective.
Not to mind doing something: to be happy or willing to do something.
To be cut out to be/for something: To be well-suited for a certain position or role.
You’ve got a point there! Your point of view or opinion makes sense.
Pay dividends : to cause good results at a time in the future.
For the record : So that the true facts about something are clear or known.
Make up one’s mind to : to take a decision to do something.
Settle down : live a quieter life by getting married or staying permanently in a place.
Cheer up : to start to feel happier.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions ;
come one’s way things are looking up
think out of the box not to mind doing something
to be cut out to/for you’ve got a point there!
pay dividends for the record
make up one’s mind to settle down cheer up
a. One day I'll want to ……………….. and have a family.
b. ……………….! It can't be as bad as all that.
c. I can't ………………. where to take my vacation.
d. I am trying to ……………… to make this event a success.
e. I really hope this promotion …………….... because it sounds fascinating.
f. …………….. for families across the country as the economy continues to rebound.
g. I ……………….. going if no one else wants to.
h. With his skinny build, he is just not ……………………. a linebacker.
i. A: "It's snowing—should we really go out for ice cream?" B: "Hmm, ………….."
j. …., it was she who approached me about such a deal, not the other way around.
k. Taking time out to get fit will ………………… in the long run.

Answers
Set (20) - It’s worth giving it your best shot!
Dialogue
David : This day is a big day for me. I’ve been assigned to give a speech on behalf of our
company in front of the minister.
Michael : I bet you’re ill at ease already.
David : No, not at all. I’ve been used to giving talks since university days. It’s a breeze
for me. I’ve never messed things up when it comes to speaking in public.
Michael : Lucky you. I would have think twice before I could take on such a tough task.
David : I truly bank on this great opportunity to get a promotion.
Michael : Then, it’s worth giving it your best shot!

Vocabulary
Assigned to : to designate someone as responsible for doing something.
On behalf of : as a representative of or a proxy for.
Ill at ease : (adj) uncomfortable or embarrassed.
Be used to something/doing something : to be familiar with a condition or activity.
A breeze : a thing that is easy to do or accomplish.
Mess up : to do something badly; to mishandle a situation.
Think twice : consider a course of action carefully before embarking on it.
Bank on : to rely on confidently.
Give it one’s best shot : do the best that one can.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;

assigned to on behalf of ill at ease

be used to something/doing something a breeze
mess up think twice bank on
give it one’s best shot

a. Don't think that learning Dutch or any other language will be …………………….
b. I'm usually ………………… when addressing a large crowd of people.
c. An experienced detective was …………………….. the case.
d. Never mind me! I ………………….. having my sleep interrupted.
e. Henry ………………………, but the board still denied his proposal.
f. A previous divorce can make you ……………….. about getting married again.
g. ……. my client, I would like to remind you of your obligations in this matter.
h. You can ……………… him to hand you a reasonable bill for your services.
i. If you cancel now you'll ………………….. all my arrangements.

Answers
Set (21) - You guys ’ve gone too far this time!
Dialogue

Max : Thanks, Bill. I’ll make up (1) for the missing work on Friday. I’m tied up right today.
Bill : Did you and John make up (2)? You guys ’ve gone too far this time!
Max : Yeah. We met and hanged out for hours last night.
Bill : Good. You two make up (3) half our team! We need you to be friends.
Max : Wow! This book is made up of twelve separate stories. Can I borrow it?
Bill : Yeah. I made up (4) half of them myself. I’ve got a knack for writing stories.

Vocabulary
Make up (1): to compensate for something lost, missed, or deficient.
To be tied up : to be busy or being used, with the result that you are not available for
anything else.
Make up (2): to reconcile; to be friendly with someone after an argument.
Go too far : to exceed the limits of what is reasonable or acceptable.
Hang out : to spend time relaxing or enjoying oneself.
Make up (3): to form; to combine together.
Make up (4) to create; to invent.
Have a knack for : to be exceptionally proficient at (doing) something.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
make up (compensate) tied up make up (reconcile)
go too far hang out
make up (form) make up (create) have a knack for

a. The teacher asked the students to ………….. short dialogues by themselves.

b. He leans over backwards to ……………… for what he has lost.
c. Road accident victims …………….. almost a quarter of the hospital's patients.
d. We often quarrel but we always ………… it ……………. soon after.
e. It's all very well having a joke but sometimes you ………………..
f. Do you ……………. coming up with ideas? If so, we would love to hear from you.
g. Guys play basketball, goof off, gamble, ………………, argue and ignore their women.
h. I'm afraid I 'll be ……………. tomorrow at ten.

Answers
Set (22) - Do you think I’m jumping the gun?
Dialogue

Peter : I can’t wait to see the new boss. I’m sure I’m gonna make a hit with him. I’ve great
ideas that are bound to knock him out .
Bob : Let’s keep our fingers crossed , anyway.
Peter : Do you think I’m jumping the gun ?
Bob : Not exactly, but it makes sense to sit tight till things come to light . Otherwise, you
may end up losing face .
Peter : Oh! How did this slip my mind? Others may think that I’m a bootlicker .
Bob : Yeah, because you’re a well-intentioned guy, others will think that you’re buttering
him up.
Peter : Right! At least we got rid of Clare; she used to give me the creeps .

Vocabulary
Can’t wait : Be very eager, anxious, or impatient.
Make a hit : make success or become popular.
Knock someone out ; greatly impress; surprise.
Keep one’s fingers crossed : wish for good luck.
Jump the gun : to act before the proper or appropriate time.
Sit tight : to wait patiently and take no action.
Come to light : to become known; to get clearer.
Lose face : to be humiliated or come to be less highly respected.
Slip one’s mind : to be overlooked or forgotten.
A bootlicker : to behave like a sycophant toward (someone).
Well-intentioned : (adj) having or showing good intentions.
Give someone the creeps : to make one feel wary or uneasy.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions ;
can’t wait make a hit knock someone out
keep one’s fingers crossed
jump the gun sit tight come to light
lose face slip one’s mind a bootlicker
well-intentioned give someone the creeps
a. Even the most ……………….. doctors can forget to suggest routine tests.
b. We will be ………………. that a quick thaw is on its way
c. I stay away from that old house on the corner, it ……………………!
d. That movie really ………… me ………….—I didn't expect it to be so good!
e. You will …………………. at the party in your new dress.
f. Mom ………………….. for the flowers to bloom and brighten up our yard.
g. I meant to pick up the seats but it just ………………………..
h. The code of conduct required that he strike back or …………………..
i. Fresh evidence has recently … that suggests that he didn't commit the murder.
j. When we took the test, Tom ………………… and started early.
k. We're advising all our investors to ……………… till the market improves.
l. He got the promotion just because he was ………………… to the higher-ups.
Answers
Set (23) - Let’s jump at the chance
Dialogue

Sarah : I have recently called on my aunt. She lives in a cabin which was built above the
lake, and it has got a view to die for .
Emily : Speaking of views, I’m dying for a holiday. I just need to clear my head .
Sarah : What’s wrong with you?
Emily : Our next-door neighbors are very loud. And their dog is barking day and night .
I’m truly craving quietness and tranquility.
Sarah : Then let’s jump at the chance . My aunt is travelling abroad. What do you say
we spend a few days out there?
Emily : That’s a big favor. Sarah; you’re second to none.

Vocabulary
To die for: (adj) to be extremely attractive, enjoyable, or desirable.
Call on : pay a visit to.
Speaking of : used to introduce a remark about a topic previously mentioned.
Be dying for something : wanting to have/do something so much that you do not want to
wait.
Clear one’s head : to stop worrying or thinking about something.
Next-door : (adj) living or situated next door.
Day and night : all the time.
Crave : to feel a powerful desire for (something).
Jump at the chance : to quickly take advantage of a new opportunity.
What do you say ? used to make a suggestion or offer.
Second to none : (adj) as good as or better than all others.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
to die for call on speaking of
be dying for something clear one’s head
next-door day and night
crave jump at the chance what do you say
second to none
a. It is only natural for youngsters to …………… the excitement of driving a fast car.
b. His meeting with the Holtzes seemed to have refreshed Alvin and …………
c. And then this brother lived …………….. and his wife popped in and out.
d. They were hounded ………………. by the press.
e. He has compiled a record ……………. in its wretchedness.
f. There are women who have silver hair …………………
g. Freddie ………………. a glass of water—he was so thirsty.
h. An old friend ……………….. me the day before yesterday.
i. …………………. hamburgers, I am as hungry as a hawk.
j. ……………….. to going to the theatre tonight?
k. Members of the public would ……… to become part owners of the corporation.
Answers
Set (24) - Let’s not waste our breath
Dialogue
Sarah : Michael is a brain . I’m sure he’s gonna get the job. I read all the applications; and
he’s unquestionably the cream of the crop .
Emily : But there’s something fishy about him. I just can’t put my finger on it.
Sarah : Come on! Aren’t you judging a book by its cover ?
Emily : I just can’t put up with people who are full of themselves .
Sarah : We can’t turn him down anyway. You know he’s Mary’s cousin and she’ll pull some
stings to get him hired.
Emily : As long as our hands are tied , let’s not waste our breath .
Sarah : Obviously; You can hardly ever find a person who has made their own way these
days. It’s all favoritism and patronage.

Vocabulary
A brain : an intelligent person.
The cream of the crop : the best among others.
Fishy : (adj) arousing feelings of doubt or suspicion.
To put one’s finger on (something) : to discover the exact reason why a situation is the way
it is, especially when something is wrong.
Judge a book by its cover : make judgments depending on appearances.
Put up with : to tolerate; to endure.
Full of oneself : very self-satisfied and with an exaggerated sense of self-worth.
Pull strings : secretly use influence or power.
Hands are tied : unable to act freely.
Waste one’s breath : to speak or argue without result.
Make one’s own way : to rely on one’s own abilities.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions ;
a brain the cream of the crop fishy
to put one’s finger on (something) judge a book by its cover
put up with full of oneself
pull strings hands are tied
waste one’s breath make one’s own way

a. There's something odd about him, but I can't quite …………………

b. The researchers and institutions in this network are …………………….
c. We’ve got the best ……………… in the country working on this problem.
d. He tried to ……………… with people he knew to avoid being called up.
e. This country prides itself on letting people ……………, relying on no one else's work but
their own.
f. I'm convinced there is something …………… going on.
g. I've far better things to do than …………………. Arguing.
h. I'd like to help you, but my ………………….
i. I'm too tired to …………………. any nonsense.
j. Learn about the saying! You can't …………………….
k. She doesn't care about other people's feelings. She's ……………………..

Answers
Set (25) - Here we go again!
Dialogue
Sarah : Now, I would like to discuss your behavior in the party yesterday.
Peter : (to himself) Here we go again !
Sarah : You’ve made a laughingstock of me. You just kept putting me down .
Peter : Oh, dear! I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings . I’m really sorry and ready to pay
for it .
Sarah : Look; I’m gonna ridicule you next weekend and then we get even.
Peter : Well done! You’re good at taking your revenge .
Sarah : Fair is fair.

Vocabulary
Here we go again : something familiar, and often unpleasant or unwelcome, is happening
again.
Make a laughingstock of : to subject someone to a mockery or ridicule;
Put someone down : to criticize someone; to belittle; to degenerate.
Hurt one’s feelings : to make someone feel bad.
Pay for it (mistake) : to be punished for doing something bad to someone else.
Get even : inflict similar trouble or harm on someone to that which they have inflicted on
oneself.
Take revenge : to hurt or punish the person who wronged you.
Fair is fair : used for saying that someone should accept something because it is fair.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;

Here we go again make a laughingstock of

put someone down hurt one’s feelings
pay for it (mistake)
get even take revenge fair is fair
a. We all ……………… our mistakes in some way at some time.
b. Do not ………………, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath.
c. He …………… in front of my own employees. He won’t get away with it!
d. I felt I was ………………. myself, wearing such a silly costume in broad daylight.
e. After she insulted me, all I thought about was how I could …………….. with her.
f. You may not like her, but …………………, she's a good teacher.
g. I don’t mean to ………………… but the fact is you’re the one who is left out.
h. Fred : We must continue our discussion of the Wilson project. Sue ……………!
Answers
Set (26) - I did, but they turned a blind eye to it!
Dialogue
Steven : Here we go again — another train cancelled. This is getting ridiculous!
Peter : Why don’t we make a complaint to the city council? Typically , it takes the bus
ages to get to the stop let alone the cancellations. Not only this, but the buses are all out
of date .
Steven : I did, but they turned a blind eye to it every time. And to crown it all , I was
warned not to falsify the facts once more.
Peter : That’s ridiculous. We had better see the mayor.
Steven : The who? He’s such a grumpy man. Forget about it.

Vocabulary
Typically ; in most cases; usually.
Take ages : to take a long time
Let alone : not to mention.
Out of date : (adj) old-fashioned.
Turn a blind eye to it : to ignore something that you know is wrong.
To crown it all : to make things worse.
Falsify the facts: to give a false representation of the facts.
Grumpy : bad-tempered and irritable.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;

typically take ages let alone out of date

turn a blind eye to to crown it all
falsify the facts grumpy
a. Regulators ……………………. those infractions, and thousands of consumers suffered for it.
b. Sam is as ………………… as ever as he contends with unrequited feelings.
c. It rained, it snowed, and, …………………., our flight was canceled.
d. Everything in her wardrobe must be hopelessly …………………..
e. David lit up many gatherings with his ……………… forthright comments.
f. It’s the worst cover up I have ever seen - you're …………………….
g. Whenever we're going to a party, it ……….. my wife ………. to get ready.
h. He was incapable of leading a bowling team, ……………… a country

Answers
Set (27) - You’re such a high-maintenance woman!
Dialogue
Charles : I’ve been cooking for three days in a row . Are you taking advantage of my
kindheartedness and goodwill? Enough is enough.
Diana : But the food you make is out of this world . You should go into business selling
it. Believe me, you are gonna make a bundle unless someone beats you to the punch .
Charles : Enough already. I’m in no mood for joking.
Diana : Darling; You’ve got a heart of gold indeed.
Charles : Come on! What else do you want?
Diana : Please do the dishes after you clear the table.
Charles : You’re such a high-maintenance woman! But I love you.

Vocabulary
In a row : one after another without a break.
Take advantage of : to exploit for one's own benefit.
Enough is enough : no more will be tolerated.
Out of this world : (adj) extremely good or impressive.
Go into business : to begin to work in a certain field of activity.
Make a bundle : to earn a great deal of money.
Beat someone to the punch : to do/say something before someone else does it.
To have a heart of gold : have a generous nature.
High-maintenance : (adj) (of a person) demanding a lot of attention.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;

in a row take advantage of enough is enough

out of this world go into business
make a bundle beat someone to the punch
to have a heart of gold high-maintenance
a. I hear Sarah is ………………….. with sales from her latest novel.
b. If I'm inside for three days ………………., I go crazy.
c. His ……………. girlfriend refuses to get engaged without a ring and diamond earrings to
match.
d. It's unfair to ………………….. other people's misfortunes.
e. Wow, that performance was ………………………… !
f. You think Tom stole your watch? Impossible! He …………………………..
g. I wanted to have the new car, but Sally ………………………….
h. Steve dropped out of school and ………………….. as a car dealer.
i. Enough humiliation already! Someone has got to stand up and say …….

Answers
Set (28) - That’s nothing but smoke and mirrors
Dialogue
Charles : Sarah said nothing was stolen! that's a ridiculous a cover-up .
Diana : Probably her husband has a finger in the pie !
Charles : But as far as I know he’s a straightforward fellow who is keen to keep his nose
clean.
Diana : Excuse me; Charles but you don’t seem to see farther than the end your nose .
I wasn’t born yesterday to believe such a hoax.
Charles : What do you mean?
Diana : Everything is as plain as day . They’re playing the victim to divert attention
from their bankruptcy.
Charles : That’s nothing but smoke and mirrors .

Vocabulary
Cover-up : concealment that attempts to prevent something scandalous from becoming
public.
Have a finger in the pie: to have a role or to be involved in something.
Keen to : very interested, eager, or wanting (to do) something.
Not to see farther than the end one’s nose : to be narrow-minded; to lack understanding
and perception.
Not to be born yesterday : to have enough experience to not be easily tricked.
As plain as day : Very obvious, quite clear.
Play the victim : to claim or pretend to be undergone or wronged.
Divert attention from : to try to keep people from noticing or thinking about something.
Smoke and mirrors : a strategy of deception and cover up.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
cover-up as plain as day have a finger in the pie
keen to not to see farther than the end one’s nose
not to be born yesterday play the victim
divert attention from smoke and mirrors
a. They're only proposing the law to …………………… important issues.
b. The raw generation is very ………………. get education.
c. You burned your arm on purpose! Stop ……………..
d. People would suspect a ……………….. if public hearings aren't held.
e. It's ……………. that they must sell their house before they can buy another.
f. The candidate has been accused of using ……………… during the debate to undermine the
credibility of his opponent.
g. Don't think you can fool me with that old ruse - I ………………., you know.
h . Mom is now calling me every hour, and I'm sure you ………………… - what exactly did you
tell her?
i. The world’s destiny is being dictated by leaders who ……….…………….……

Answers
Set (29) - She deserves a pat on the back
Dialogue
Charles : This is the second time I’ve failed her driver's test, and I'll do the next time unless
I practice parallel parking.
Diana : Oh come on! That’s not the end of the world . You are one of millions in the
same boat . You don’t really have to despair.
Charles : Jenny’s passed it from the first time. She deserves a pat on the back .
Diana : Jenny is going a long way because she’s a go-getter .
Charles : Anyway; I have to get out of some of my commitments to do some practice. I’m
always beat . You know.
Diana : Well; I’m afraid the driver’s test committee are taking you for a ride . I heard they
make more money when people fail.

Vocabulary
Not the end of the world : not the worst thing that could happen.
In the same boat : sharing a particular experience or circumstance with others.
A pat on the back : (noun) praise.
Go a long way : to make success; to be adequate.
Go-getter : (adj) ambitious.
Get out of : to try to avoid or escape (a duty or responsibility).
Beat : (adj) completely exhausted.
Take someone for a ride : to deceive or cheat someone.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions ;

not the end of the world In the same boat

a pat on the back go a long way
go-getter get out of
beat take someone for a ride
a. You want to be known as a ………………… who gets the job done well.
b. Don't worry about the dent. It's …………………….
c. The only reason she stays late at work is to receive …………. from her boss!
d. Thank you for your generous donation; I'm sure it will ……………………...
e. It's amazing what people will do to …………………… paying taxes.
f. Oh man! I can’t lift up my head. I’m completely ……………..
g. We were two mums ……………….. and able to make each other feel better.
h. Obviously, you've been ……... Why did you give him five thousand francs?

Answers
Set (30) - My holiday plans fell apart
Dialogue
Josh : Oh, Not again. My holiday plans fell apart (1) . My wife is gonna go nuts . She
always accuses me of not keeping my word .
Bill : Do you often go back on your word ?
Josh : When the vase fell apart (2) last month, I promised to buy a new one. But I’m still
broke!
Bill : Don't let on to her yet. Maybe everything will turn out okay.
Josh : The point is my wife is counting a lot on this holiday. She has already informed all
friends about it. I can’t just overlook that.
Bill : Man! marriage is no a bed of roses !
Josh : Looking back on my bachelorhood days, I can obviously say that marriage is
heaven in comparison. Al least I got rid of the dog’s life .

Vocabulary
Fall apart : to fail.
Go nuts : to become very angry or very excited.
Keep one’s word : do what one has promised.
Go back on one’s word : fail to keep a promise.
Fall apart (2): break into pieces.
Let on : to reveal; to inform; to tell.
Count on : to hope or expect that something will happen.
No bed of roses : there are unpleasant things to deal with as well as the pleasant ones.
Look back : to think about a time or event in the past.
Heaven : (Uncountable noun) something that gives you great pleasure.
Dog’s life : a very unhappy and unpleasant life.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions ;

fall apart (fail) go nuts keep one’s word

go back on one’s word fall apart (break) let on
count on no bed of roses look back
heaven dog’s life
a. We hope we can ………………….. your continued cooperation and support.
b. I just lay in the sun for a week and did nothing - it was ……………….
c. Tom always …………., so if he promised to help you move, then he'll be here.
d. I had a great childhood and ………………. on those days very fondly.
e. Their marriage ……………. when she found out about her husband's affair.
f. The watch parts …………….. and jumbled up.
g. The old lady will ……………… if still no news comes from her son.
h. Don't ……………… about our arrangements. At least for a couple of days.
i. Poor Mike! He's been leading a ………………….. since his wife left him.
j. ………………………… makes you a liar.
k. This job is ………………….., the pay is good but my boss is a real Simon Legree.

Answers
Set (31) - I beg to differ
Dialogue
Josh : Albert is a top-notch manager who never backed out of any agreement.
Bill : Well; I beg to differ . You'd better wash your hands of this affair before you end up in
jail.
Josh : What? Jail! Do you think I’m sticking my neck out by this partnership?
Bill : Don’t you see that you’re asking for trouble by selling smuggled cars? Are you out
of your mind?
Josh : I have to. Sales have fallen off and all I can do is sitting around twiddling my
thumbs . Business stinks .
Bill : You’re right. Money doesn’t grow on trees .

Vocabulary
Top-notch : (adj) excellent; the best.
Back out of : not to do something that you had said you would do.
I beg to differ : a way of saying "I do not agree" that is polite.
Wash one’s hand of : to get out of: to refuse responsibility for.
Stick one's neck out : to expose oneself to some risk, danger, or responsibility.
Ask for trouble : to act in a way that is likely to incur problems or difficulties.
Fall off : to drop off; to decrease.
Twiddle one’s thumbs : be bored or idle because one has nothing to do.
Stink : to be of extremely bad quality, to be terrible.
Money doesn’t grow on trees : it is not easy to get money.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;

top-notch back out of I beg to differ

wash one’s hand of stick one's neck out
ask for trouble fall off twiddle one’s thumbs
stink money doesn’t grow on trees

a. She put me on hold and left me ………………….. for ten minutes.

b. I'm going to ………………….. for you and present your idea to the boss.
c. Find yourself a ……………. university, preferably one with room to spare.
d. The government is trying to …………………. its commitment to reduce pollution.
e. Giving him such a powerful car when he's only just learned to drive is …………..
f. The trash really …………… - why don't you take it out?
g. I …………………. with you, but you have stated everything exactly backwards.
h. Orders slowed; causing sales to ………………. dramatically.
i. I've done all I can for him, and now I'm ………………………….. him.
j. I can’t give you any more pocket money, Alice. ………………, you know.
Answers
Set (32) - Don’t knock yourself out
Dialogue
Linda : England had been knocked out (1) of the World Cup by West Germany.
Lucy : Really! This news will knock James out (2). He is a big fan of Germany.
Linda : I also heard that the storm knocked out (3) power supplies in many parts of the
city. Two people passed away and 1o were knocked out (4) .
Lucy : Don’t knock yourself out reporting such news. I’m in no mood to hear them right
now. Don’t you see that you’re getting a news junkie !
Linda : It’s all because of the dead-end conditions we are going through .
Lucy : Don’t be so morbid and gloomy for Heaven’s sake! Things aren’t that bad.

Vocabulary
Knock out (1): to make someone leave a competition by defeating them.
Knock someone out (2): to impress someone.
Knock out (3): to destroy something, or to stop it working.
Knock out (4): make someone unconscious.
Knock oneself out : make a lot of efforts to do something.
Junkie : a person with a compulsive habit or obsessive dependency on something
Dead-end : (adj) permitting no opportunity for progress or advancement.
Go through : to experience; to undergo.
Morbid : (adj) showing a strong interest in subjects such as death that most people think are
unpleasant.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
knock out (defeat) knock someone out (impress)
knock out (destroy) knock out (become unconscious)
knock oneself out junkie dead-end
go through morbid
a. It’s time you quit that ……………… job and find a more rewarding one.
b. The storm …………………. the phones all around the country.
c. Those sleeping pills ………………me ……….. for ten hours.
d. The response to my work has absolutely ………….. me ……………...
e. Mark my words! We’ll ………… them ……….. from the first round.
f. Don’t ……….. yourself ……………. . The battery’s dead.
g. Thomas is a computer ………………. . He works hours and hours nonstop!
h. My mind was filled with ………….. thoughts of death.
i. He's amazingly cheerful considering all he's had to go through.

Answers
Set (33) - I was breaking up a fight!
Dialogue
Lucy : Why is all your face black and blue like this? Have you had a fight?
Mike: Actually; I was breaking up a fight ! My cousin has recently got married but he and
his wife are having arguments all the time. Sounds like they are going to break up soon.
Lucy : They should handle their arguments with kindness and love. Otherwise, their life is
bound to turn upside down .
Mike : The point is my cousin is a flirt . He keeps teasing girls. This is the heart of the
matter.
Lucy : Then; she has to teach him a lesson . A flirt! Huh!
Mike : You women are all cut from the same cloth .

Vocabulary
Black and blue : (adj) covered in bruises, (as if) from a severe beating.
Break up a fight : to bring a fight to an end.
Sound like : to seem, from what has been said, as if something were so.
Break up : to end a relationship.
Turn upside down : to (cause something to) change completely and in a bad way.
A flirt : (noun) somebody who behaves towards others in a way that shows that he/she is
sexually attracted to them.
The heart of the matter : the basic, central or critical point of an issue.
Teach someone a lesson: to punish or hurt someone as a deterrent or warning.
Cut from the same cloth : of the same nature; similar.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;

black and blue break up a fight (break it up)

sound like break up turn upside down
a flirt the heart of the matter teach someone a lesson
cut from the same cloth
a. …………. is that the relevant economic context is not Europe but globalization.
b. Peter was a shameless ………………………. with all the girls in school.
c. He felt appalled by the whole idea of marriage so we …………………….
d. He ………………. the whole house ……………… looking for his checkbook.
e. That kitten ……………….. a human baby.
f. He earned good money being beaten ………………. as a prize fighter.
g. She and her brother are ……………………… . They both tell lies all the time.
h. The point is they were …………………….. for daring to complain.
i. When the teacher saw the two boys shove each other, she came running over to try to
…………………...

Answers
Set (34) - This rat race is getting me down
Dialogue
Lucy : Oh! This rat race is getting me down . I can’t help biting more than I can chew.
Mike : Poor Lucy! You seem to be truly running around in circles .
Lucy : Yeah; right! John keeps telling me to simmer down and take it easy , but I don’t
want to be kicked out . Yet, I’m just going nowhere and I feel that I’m selling myself
short.
Mike : Well; I have to say that you should come clean about your issues with your seniors
and then you’ll have a clear conscience .
Lucy : I’ll give it a try.

Vocabulary
Rat race : a way of life in which people are caught up in a fiercely competitive struggle for
wealth or power.
Get someone down : to depress or demoralize someone.
Bite more than one can chew : to take more responsibility than one can handle.
Run/Go around in circles : to keep doing or talking about the same thing without achieving
anything.
Simmer down : to slow down.
Take it easy : to make little effort; to rest.
Kick out : to remove one from a place or expel someone from an organization.
Go/Get nowhere : to make no progress.
Sell oneself short : to underestimate.
Come clean : to be completely honest; to keep nothing hidden.
Clean/clear conscience : to feel free of guilt or responsibility.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
rat race get someone down
bite more than one can chew run/go around in circles
simmer down take it easy kick out
go/get nowhere sell oneself short come clean
a clean/clear conscience
a. The movie theater ………………….. that guy for sneaking food inside.
b. Don't ………………………… — your writing is really excellent!
c. He and I dated for a while, but it ……………………..
d. I didn't do it. I swear to that with a ………………………….
e . My children always …………………. about making the mess in the house.
f. She is still so young, it is sad to see her being so caught in the ……………...
g. You don't have to ………………… by accepting the job in Alaska while winters.
h. The thought of working for a faceless corporation really …………………….
i. In the absence of adequate data, the surveyors are just ………………..
j. Children, recess is over , so ……………………. and take your seats, please.
k. I'm going to put my feet up and ………………… this afternoon.

Answers
Set (35) - The pay is well worth it
Dialogue
Jenny : I hear you’re moving to Sydney.
Rob : Yeah! I’ve got a job offer there. And the pay is well worth it .
Jenny : Can you give me a ballpark figure of the salaries there? I heard they pay big
bucks .
Rob : Well; don’t get carried away . It’s 3000 bucks give or take .
Jenny : Don’t forget to drop me a line when you get there.
Rob : I’ll keep you posted .
Jenny : Well; I look forward to hearing from you soon. Good luck!

Vocabulary
Well worth : worth the work involved to attain it.
A ballpark figure : An acceptable, roughly accurate approximation.
Big bucks : large sums of money.
Get carried away : to become overly excited and to take things too far.
Give or take : approximately.
Drop someone a line : to send someone a note or letter in a casual manner.
Keep someone posted : keep someone informed of the latest developments or news.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;

well worth ballpark figure big bucks

get carried away give or take drop someone a line
keep someone posted
a. You should not …………………. by success or get disappointed by failure.
b. The art of Early American furniture painters is ……………… studying.
c. Right now, her condition is stable. We promise to ……………. as she improves.
d. I'll ………… you …………. once I get settled in at school.
e. Sports stars earn ………………. for pushing everything from shoes to soft drinks.
f. We'll have to go away and cost this carefully, but as ……………….. I'd say that it'll be about
two million dollars.
g. …………………. a few years, they are contemporaries.

Answers
Set (36) - I need to brush up on some of them
Dialogue
Peter : Let’s back up ! Where was I?
Rob : You’re talking about your poems and that you don’t have your notes on you . You’re
going to think of it right off-hand . Aren’t you?
Peter : You know what! Sounds like I need to brush up on some of them.
Rob : What? Is it possible that all of them just slipped your mind all at once ?
Peter : Come on; Rob! Don’t be silly. I just I can't think of the lines off the top of my head
. Give me a break for heaven’s sake!
Rob : Man! You always end up in such awkward positions ! That’s what you get out of
blowing your own horn !

Vocabulary
Back up : to return to an item previously mentioned.
To have on : to carry something on one's person.
Off-hand : Without preparation or forethought; extemporaneously.
Brush up on : to improve one's existing knowledge or skill in a particular area.
Slip one’s mind : to be forgotten.
All at once : suddenly; all at the same time.
Off the top of one’s head : without careful thought or investigation.
Give someone a break : to stop putting pressure on someone about something.
In an awkward position : in a situation or scenario that could prove to be embarrassing or
damaging to one's reputation.
Blow one’s own horn : to show off; to brag; to boast.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
back up have on off-hand
brush up on slip one’s mind all at once
off the top of one’s head give someone a break
in an awkward position blow one’s own horn
a. Oh! I can’t afford this now. I don’t …………… enough money ……… me.
b. How do you say we backed out of the weekend arrangement without asking me first? Good
for you! You’re really brilliant and putting me ……………………………!
c. He's seven times as quick and he's only 20 years old—………….. me ……………..!
d. I'm sorry I didn't call you back sooner, it totally ………….. my …………………
e. It's a lot of information to absorb ……………….
f. I know of two people who are coming …………………, but I'm pretty sure more said they'd be
here.
g. I can't quote the exact statistics for you …….……, they're in this report.
h. Wait—…………….. a little. What did you say that phone number was?
i. It does make sense to ………………. my French before I go to Paris.
j. I don't mean to ………………, but this pasta sauce I made is quite delicious!

Answers
Set (37) - I’m doomed to learn it the hard way!
Dialogue
Peter : Once we cleared the air , we found that it had just been a simple
misunderstanding. Stacy always makes a mountain out of a molehill .
Rob : See! It does go a long way to open up and come clean.
Peter : You’re right. Getting into disagreements has wiped me out . It’s no simple matter
. I feel like I’m on the edge .
Rob : You should avoid trouble and mind your own business.
Peter : Man! fair enough; I’m doomed to learn it the hard way!

Vocabulary
Clear the air : to get rid of doubts or hard feelings.
Make a mountain out of a molehill : to treat a minor problem as if it were a very serious
problem; to overact.
Open up : to speak candidly; to reveal one's inner thoughts or emotions.
Wipe someone out : to exhaust or tire someone.
No simple/easy matter : something that is not easy to do.
On the edge : very anxious and about to become distraught.
Be doomed to : likely to have an unfortunate and inescapable outcome.
Learn it the hard way : to learn by making mistakes through trial and error.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions ;

clear the air make a mountain out of a molehill open up

wipe someone out no simple/easy matter on the edge
be doomed to learn it the hard way

a. The silent treatment isn't helping the situation between you two, so just ………….. already!
b. As time passed, and with the continuous urging, she finally …………. to me.
c. Starting your own business is really tough. I had to ………………...
d. After the horrible events of the last week, we are all ………………...
e. It's ………………… to find a decent place to live in this city.
f. Standing in lines …………. me ………… . Please fill the forms yourself.
g. Those who do not know history ………………….. repeat it.
h . Don't make a ……………….., you only lost one chance. You can give it a another .
Answers
Set (38) - I wasn’t able to get through
Dialogue
John : I tried to get a hold of Bill last night, but I wasn’t able to get through . He’s
getting more and more indifferent these days.
Linda : Well; don’t get him wrong . Probably his phone is out of order . Why didn’t you
leave him a message ?
John : He was locked out of his apartment last week because he had left the keys inside!
Linda : Oh! That’s weird. There must be something out of the ordinary in his life.
John : Nothing unusual. He’s simply head over heels in love .
Lind : Already! let me know when is the big day !

Vocabulary
Get hold of someone : to communicate with someone, esp. by telephone.
Get through : to succeed in talking to someone on the phone
Get someone wrong : make an incorrect estimation or assessment of.
Out of order : broken; not working; not functioning.
Leave someone a message : to leave information for someone you haven't been able to meet
or talk to.
Out of the ordinary : not what is considered to be normal; unusual; strange.
Head over heels in love : madly in love.
Let someone know : to inform someone.
The big day : the day when you get married.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;

get hold of someone get through get someone wrong

out of order leave someone a message out of the ordinary
head over heels in love let someone know the big day
a. I didn't observe anything …………………… about her behavior that day.
b. An old friend might well be able to ………………… to her and help her.
c. Be sure to ……………………. if anything changes between now and then.
d. I haven't talked to her in years, so I wouldn't know how to ………… her anymore.
e. Sorry, the vending machine is …………… . You'll have to go across the street to get a snack.
f. Sam was obviously …………… with his new bride, and Martha was clearly content.
g. He was fastidious in his preparation for ………………..
h. Unless you get through to Steve by phone, just …………………… . He will catch up later
on.
i. You've ……………………— I know he seems gruff, but he's a total sweetheart.

Answers
Set (39) - I’m not that strong-willed!
Dialogue
Diana : This smell stinks ! Oops! I’ve forgot to put the food in the fridge. It’s rotten .
Charley : Good for you ! Just fix anything. I’ve lost my appetite , anyway.
Diana : Oh dear; I’ll make it up for you. I promise.
Charley : Alright, let’s eat out on second thought .
Diana : But I’m on a diet . I’m trying to lose weight and I can be easily tempted. You know
I’m not that strong-willed !
Charley : Enough already ! My head is spinning. I just need to grab a bite .

Vocabulary
Stink: to have a strong unpleasant smell.
Rotten : (adj) decomposing or decaying; putrid; tainted, foul, or bad-smelling.
Good for you ! Well done (sarcastic meaning; the speaker is not impressed)
Lose one’s appetite : to no longer feel hungry.
Eat out : to eat in a restaurant.
On second thought : resulting from a revised opinion or change of mind.
On a diet : following a specific nutritional plan.
Lose weight : to become thinner.
Strong-willed : (adj) determined to do as one wants.
Enough already : used to indicate unwillingness to tolerate any more of something
undesirable.
Somebody’s head is spinning : to feel as if they might faint.
Grab a bite : To get something to eat.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
stink rotten Good for you! lose one’s appetite
eat out on second thought on a diet
lose weight strong-willed enough already
somebody’s head is spinning grab a bite
a. You shouldn't be eating that burger as long as you’re trying to ………..
b. Let’s slow down for heaven’s sake! My …………………..
c. My doctor put me …………….. of nothing but fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
d. Hearing the gruesome details of the murder made me ……………………..
e. She wondered why ……… Miranda was going along with what Adam wanted.
f. Let’s get the ball rolling; boys - ………………… with making excuses!
g. How on earth could she stay there? The place …………….. like a sewer!
h. Bob ; “Well, I have to confess that I made a mess of the event”. Luna : “………….!”
i. Bob often tries to …………….. between meetings.
j. …………………, I see by doing this we might be in for another failure.
k. The wood was so ………………. you could put your finger through it.
l. I used to eat out in the evening when my parents were on nightshifts.
Answers
Set (40) - Our company is footing the bill
Dialogue
Martin : Here is some spending/pocket money from your mother for your trip.
Charles : Thanks! Our company is footing the bill for everything anyway. I was also
elected to speak on behalf of our department.
Martin : Big Deal ! Sounds like you’re on the winning streak these days.
Charles : A pay raise is also on the horizon . How about your transfer?
Martin : It’s up in the air . To my bad luck the sales are going to the dogs.
Charles : Well; I heard from my sources that your boss is gonna leaving. So rest assured
that a breakthrough is coming up.

Vocabulary
Spending money : money available to be spent on pleasures and entertainment.
Foot the bill : to pay the bill for something
Big Deal !: said when you do not think that what someone has said or done is important or
special.
Winning streak: a series of victories, successes, or instances of good fortune.
On the horizon : imminent or just becoming apparent.
Up in the air : uncertain; subject to change.
Go to the dogs : to deteriorate or go awry.
Rest assured : To be certain or confident (about something).
Breakthrough : (noun) an important development or achievement.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
pocket money foot the bill big deal
winning streak on the horizon up in the air
go to the dogs rest assured breakthrough
a. You can ……….. that we will do everything we can to get your money back.
b. The average amount of ……….. received by teenagers fell to ￡ 4 a week .
c. Police believe the items are a major …………….. in the six-week-old inquiry.
d. A. “I will be the one in charge for the last quarter”. B. “…….……..!”
e. Many analysts warned that an economic crash was …………………, but none of the world's
governments paid any mind.
f. This firm has …………………. since the new management took over.
g. The proposal to build a golf course next to the airport is still ……………...
h. We've finally started having a bit of a ……………….. with our latest products.
i. Don't be angry, I will ……………….. for damage to your car.
Answers
Set (41) - You’re fiddling while Rome burns
Dialogue
Martin : Jessie; for your information ; you’re fiddling while Rome burns . You were put
in charge of the whole event.
Jessie : weren’t I? How come? Why didn’t they inform me earlier. There’re only three days
left. We’re so pressed for time . Sounds like I’m always destined to race against time to
get things done.
Martin : Stop moaning and let’s get our priorities right—first things first .
Jessie : Then; you have to put forth a plan for the rules of procedure. In the meantime ; I
will set up a teamwork.

Vocabulary
For your information : So you know or are aware of something.
Fiddle while Rome burns: To take little to no productive action during a crisis.
In charge of : in control or with overall responsibility.
Pressed for time : Having a small or limited amount of time available; in a hurry.
Race against time : to hurry to beat a deadline.
First things first : important matters should be dealt with before other things.
Put forth : to suggest.
In the meantime : while something else is happening.
Set up : to organize or plan something such as an event or system.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
for your information fiddle while Rome burns in charge of
pressed for time race against time first things first
put forth in the meantime set up
a. I know we have a lot to discuss, but ………..……. — has anyone heard back from the printer?
b . This scientist has ………………. a new theory in his research field
c. The lobbyists don't seem to be doing anything to stop this tax bill. They're …...
d. You are not ………………….. the universe; you are in charge of yourself.
e. When you're …………. and need to look stylish, black will always save the day.
f. The mountaineers ……………… their base camp at the foot of the mountain.
g. The doctor will be here soon. …………………., try and relax.
h. Jen's going to have to ………………. if she wants to get her story in tomorrow's newspaper—
it's almost time to send it to the publisher!
i. ……………………, I've worked as a journalist for six years. I know this stuff inside out.
Answers
Set (42) - Dad's illness turned out to be a blessing in disguise
Dialogue
Stephen : Dad's illness turned out to be a blessing in disguise ; it brought the family
together for the first time in years.
Carl : They say every cloud has a silver lining .
Stephen : He also found out his painting talent. And contrary to all expectations , he
announced that he wouldn’t go back to work anymore !
Carl : In spite of his illness, he’s unshaken and still making decisions! I thought his life will
turn upside down .
Stephen : At least he’s been able to get over it.

Vocabulary
A blessing in disguise : something that seems bad or unlucky at first but causes something
good to happen later.
Bring together : to cause (people) to join or meet; to unify.
Every cloud has a silver lining : every difficult or sad situation has a comforting or more
hopeful aspect, even though this may not be immediately apparent.
Find out : to gain knowledge of (something); learn.
Contrary to expectations : although people thought it would be different.
Anymore : to any further extent; any longer.
Unshaken : (adj) not disturbed; steadfast and unwavering.
Turn upside down : to put in disorder, mix or mess up
Get over it : to start to feel happy or well again after something bad has happened to you.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;

a blessing in disguise bring together

every cloud has a silver lining find out
contrary to expectations anymore
unshaken turn upside down get over it
a. The world is being ………….. by the string of multimedia technologies coming down the
pike.
b. My car broke down again, but maybe it was ………………; I've been wasting too much time
driving around anyway.
c. ………………………, the level of retail sales fell in January.
d. But his character remained serene and ………………. in dignity.
e. I was curious to ………………… what she had said
f. He's trying to ………………….. various strands of radical philosophic thought.
g. When I'm going through a hard time, I try to remind myself that ……………
h. You need to …………………. and focus on winning today's game
i. He's been wrong several times before, so I don't put much stock in what he says
………………….
Answers
Set (43) - That’s beside the point!
Dialogue
Stephen : Hey Michael; get over here ! How was today’s test?
Michael : As usual; I blew it! I told you French is just over my head .
Stephen : If you didn’t cut class frequently, you’d do better. Above all, you’re always
messing around and slacking off . No wonder!
Michael : In short; I can’t stand the teacher. She takes side and favors Linda over others.
That’s not fair.
Stephen : That’s beside the point ! Why don’t you study hard and turn the tables on
them ? Then, we’ll see if she’s unfair.
Michael : Oh! My stomach hurts; I’m gonna throw up .

Vocabulary
Get over here : used for telling someone to come.
Blow something ; to ruin or waste something.
Over one’s head : beyond someone's ability to understand.
Cut class : to absent oneself from a class; to miss classes on purpose.
Mess around : behave in a silly or playful way.
Slack off : to do something with less effort or energy.
Can’t stand : to dislike; to hate.
Take sides : to support one person or opinion over another.
Beside the point : not relevant; not important.
Turn the tables : to change a situation so that you now have an advantage.
Throw up : to vomit.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
get over here blow something over one’s head
cut class mess around slack off can’t stand
take sides beside the point turn the tables throw up
a. I could never be a doctor or nurse—I just …………… the sight of blood.
b. I had no idea what they were arguing about! the discussion was ………..
c. If you want to …………….., feel free to now, that would make you feel better.
d. Bob was being considered for the promotion, but he …………. when he came in late to work
each day this week.
e. draw a seat and ………………….. . I would like to have a word with you.
f. No one knows how many children ……………….. to work in sweatshops.
g. She ………………….. on her rival with allegations of corruption.
h. Whether you had insurance is ……………………..; the accident is your fault.
i. Parents are not supposed to ………………. in their children's quarrels.
j. Companies just want to make sure their employees aren't ………………...
k. Quit ………………….. and work on your book report already, Scotty!
Answers
Set (44) - She’s feeding you lies
Dialogue
Sam : Michael unless you stop overstepping your bounds and messing with me, I’m
gonna wipe you out! Enough is enough!
Michael : Oh boy! I’m shaking in my little boots !
Sam : I heard you’re going out with Kathy.
Michael : Yeah! I’m trying to prove to you that she’s a worthless girl. How many times
should I warn you that she’s feeding you lies ?
Sam : Come on! I feel down ! You’ve ruined all my dreams. I just can't get her off my
mind .
Michael : You’re really too emotional. You’ve got to come to your senses !

Vocabulary
Overstep one’s bounds : to go further or do more than one is permitted.
Mess with : to meddle or interfere with.
Wipe out (someone) : to eliminate someone; to kill someone.
Be shaking in one’s little boots : (sarcastic) to be trembling with fear.
Go out with someone : to go on a date with someone.
Feed something to someone : to tell to someone something that is untrue.
Feel down : to feel sad and depressed.
Get someone/something off one’s mind : to stop thinking about or wanting someone or
something.
To come to one’s senses : to begin to think in a sensible or correct way after being foolish
or wrong.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
overstep one’s bounds mess with feel down
wipe out (someone) be shaking in one’s little boots
get someone/something off one’s mind feed something to someone
go out with someone to come to one’s senses
a. I was ………………. when I didn't get the thing I was waiting from long time.
b. She had been ………………….. him for three years before they got married.
c . The local city council has ………………..... by imposing this steep new income tax on
residents
d. Don't try to ……………….. that nonsense ………….. me! I know it isn't so.
e. He finally ……………… and gave up his plans to quit his job and become an artist.
f. That song is so darn catchy—I can't ……………………..!
g. Ooh, I'm really scared of you! I'm ……………………, you frighten me so! Huh!
h. The storm ruined the corn crop and ………………. everyone in the county.
i. Sarah's a very sensitive kid, so don't ……………….. her.
Answers
Set (45) - Does this stand to reason?
Dialogue
Albert : I’ve had it up to here with Clare. She’s getting under my skin in the true
sense of the word.
Jason : Did she put you on the spot again?
Albert : Much worse! She’s bossing me around as if she was the head of the department
not me! Does this stand to reason ?
Jason : Well; time to crack down , I suppose.
Albert : If I did, I’d be shooting myself on the foot .
Jason : Then, all you can do is to smooth things over so that you can adjust to the
status quo.

Vocabulary
Have it up to here with someone : not endure any more of someone or something .
Get under one’s skin : to annoy or irritate someone intensely.
In the true sense of the word : totally; utterly; in every possible way.
Put someone on the spot : to cause them embarrassment or difficulty by forcing them to
answer a difficult question or make an important decision.
Boss someone around : tell someone what to do, give orders.
Stand to reason : to be logical or rational.
Crack down : to become more strict.
shoot oneself on the foot : to foolishly harm one's own cause.
Smooth things over : make better or more pleasant.
Adjust to : to get used to a new situation by changing the way you do things.
Status quo : the existing state of affairs; the present situation.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
have it up to here with someone get under one’s skin
adjust to in the true sense of the word
put someone on the spot crack down
boss someone around stand to reason
shoot oneself on the foot smooth things over status quo
a. Would you like me to try to ……………….. between you and your parents?
b. I know he's bothersome, but don't let him ……………………..
c. It …………………… that it'll be colder in January than it is in November.
d. Why does Kerry always …………………. by saying the wrong thing?
e. The Act contained provisions designed to preserve the …………………...
f. David complained that his older sister was always ………………….
g. The council has announced its intention to …………….. on parking offences.
h. He ……….. because he invited me in front of his mum and I didn't want to go.
i. How do you call the station behind my back? I ……………………… - get out!
j. It took her a while to ………………….. living alone after the divorce.
k. It’s a remote and stranded area. There are no people ……………………
Answers
Set (46) - Appearances are deceiving!
Dialogue
Suzan: Get a load of that little girl. She’s a true troublemaker.
Jenny : Is she? But she doesn’t look so. As they say appearances are deceiving !
Suzan : She’s not that bad. But she’s spoiled because my uncle gets a kick out of her.
She keeps him in stitches .
Jenny : But he shouldn’t give in to all her acts. She’ll eventually go out of control .
Suzan : That’s right! You hit the nail on the head . I said that over and over again but
my words fall on deaf ears !

Vocabulary
Get a load of : take a look at (to draw attention to someone or something).
Appearances are deceiving : Things can look different from the way they really are.
Spoiled : (adj) (of a person, especially a child) harmed in character by being treated too
leniently or indulgently.
Get a kick out of : to get a sense of enjoyment, amusement, or excitement.
In stitches : laughing uncontrollably.
Give in : to finally agree to what someone wants.
Go out of control : no longer possible to manage.
Hit the nail on the head : to describe exactly a situation/ problem.
Over and over again : again and again.
fall on deaf ears : (of a statement or request) be ignored.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;

get a load of appearances are deceiving spoiled

get a kick out of in stitches give in go out of control
hit the nail on the head over and over again fall on deaf ears
a. Kids are bound to end up …………….. if their parents are too easy-going.
b. Her pleas for mercy …………….; the judge gave her the maximum sentence.
c. You've found the problem, Sid! You ……………………….!
d. I can't stop singing this one verse ……………………….. in my head.
e. ………………………. George over there. That dude knows how to dress!
f. Jane may look like she doesn't understand you, but she's really extremely bright.
……………………...
g. One seller admits she …………………… tricking people.
h. Everyone was frightened to death as the car ………………..
i. Here's a book that will have you ……………….
j. I don't think he will …………….. to your requests if you keep pestering him.

Answers
Set (47) - Why don’t we track them down?
Dialogue
Bill : It’s a shame we lost touch with most of our university friends.
Peter : Why don’t we track them down ? Haven’t you kept in touch with or come across
any of them?
Bill : A few! Some have settled down, some are tied down , some are living it up and
others are in a rut . Recently, I touched base with Steve; but he’s always on the go .
Peter : I hope one day we can get together and hark back to the good old days .
Bill : Yeah; I truly yearn for them.

Vocabulary
Lose touch : to cease to be in communication.
Track down : to find something or someone after looking for them.
Keep in touch with : to maintain communications with someone.
Come across : to meet or find by chance.
Tied down : (adj) to be restricted by responsibilities.
Live it up : To really enjoy oneself.
In a rut : in a fixed, rather boring way of doing things.
Touch base : briefly make or renew contact with someone.
On the go : Constantly in motion, active, or working.
Hark back to : to mention or remember (something from the past).
The good old days : a past period of better times.
Yearn for : to long for someone or something; to desire someone or something strongly.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
lose touch track down keep in touch with
come across tied down live it up
in a rut touch base on the go hark back to
the good old days yearn for
a. Do you get very nostalgic about ………………………..?
b . The police have so far failed to …………………. the attacker.
c. Others may ……… life on a more even keel but they do not feel entitled to it.
d. I’ve lived in the US for 10 years, so I’ve somewhat ………… with British politics.
e. The newest styles hark back to the clothes of the Seventies.
f. She is constantly ………….., running around, pushing other kids, throwing toys.
g. Ken doesn't want to be ………………. to any one woman.
h. They …………………. their members by issuing a quarterly newsletter.
i. The western cowboys usually went to town so Saturdays to ……………...
j. If you're …………….., go see an inspiring movie or go to the theater.
k. Turn up your dictionary when you …………………. difficult words.
l. Being there gave me a chance to ……………… with three some friends.
Answers
Set (48) - She gave me a cold shoulder!
Dialogue
Wendy : When it comes to friendship, you’re more than lucky. I like your friend Kathy. She’s
really terrific and down-to-earth .
Jessie : You’re right. We really hit it off . I wish all other friends were like her.
Wendy : You mean those fair-weather ones!
Jessie : By the way, do you still see Samantha? The other day I came across her and she
gave me a cold shoulder !
Wendy : On and off . Obviously, I steer clear of her now because she looks down her
nose at me after she got married that guy and became well-off .

Vocabulary
Down-to-earth : (adj) practical, reasonable, and friendly.
Hit it off : to get along well.
A fair-weather friend : a person whose friendship cannot be relied on in times of difficulty.
The other day : a few days ago.
Give someone a cold shoulder : to intentionally ignore someone or treat someone in an
unfriendly way.
On and off : once in a while, every so often; intermittently.
Steer clear of : to take care to avoid or keep away from.
Look down one’s nose at someone : to regard (someone) with a feeling of superiority.
Well-off : (adj) wealthy; rich.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions ;
down-to-earth hit it off a fair-weather friend
the other day give someone a cold shoulder on and off
steer clear of look down one’s nose at someone well-off
a. Simran is looking for a loyal friend, not a …………………………...
b. She is very ……………. person, not at all attracted by the glamour world.
c. I had to leave — I didn't really …………………… with the new manager.
d. I was still working ……………………… as a waitress to support myself.
e. History suggests several steady, reliable ways to become …………. or even wealthy.
f. They rather ………………………….. anyone who couldn't speak French.
g. His doctor advised him to ………………… alcohol.
h. Just ………………… I was saying to Bob that I'd love to travel to France.
i. I thought she really liked me, but the next day she ………………………..
Answers
Set (49) - Who filled you in on that?
Dialogue
George : I truly pity Mike! This guy is completely dominated by his wife. She simply leads
him around by the nose !
Carl : You’re such a pushover ! Who filled you in on that? Things are not always what
they seem.
George : What do you mean?
Carl : Mike does have a mind of his own but she is putting the screws on him after she
caught him cheating on her.
George : Yeah! They used to be at odds with each other most of the time and could never
see eye to eye !
Carl : I know Mike well. He’ll stand up for himself one way or another.

Vocabulary
Leads someone around by the nose : to completely control a person.
A pushover : a person who is easy to overcome or influence.
Fill someone in on : to give someone extra or missing information.
Have a mind of one’s own : be capable of independent opinion or action.
Put the screws on someone : to force somebody to do something, especially by frightening
and threatening them.
Cheat on someone : to secretly have sex with someone other than your husband, wife, or
partner.
At odds : in conflict or at variance.
See eye to eye : be in full agreement.
Stand up for oneself : to speak or act in support of.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;

leads someone around by the nose a pushover

fill someone in on have a mind of one’s own
put the screws on someone cheat on someone
at odds see eye to eye stand up for oneself

a. Please …………………… what happened last night.

b . She gave him a sweet smile, totally at ………………. the look of dislike in her eyes.
c. Dad's a ……………….. . He'll let me do anything I want.
d. Though they work as a team, they often don't ………………. on most issues.
e. You've got to …………………………., stop being such a mama's boy.
f. I can't stand the way your mother …………….. like that and tells you what to do!
g. The electricity company is really …………………. . We've got a week to pay before our supply
is cut off!
h. Her parents want her to go to college, but she …………………. and insists on trying to
become an actress.
i. The magazine claims that almost half of Britain's women …………. their partners.

Answers
Set (50) - They aren’t on the same wavelength
Dialogue

George : You know what! I don’t like gossiping but there are some rumors circulating
around that Jessie and Sam’s marriage is on the rocks .
Carl : There’s nothing of the sort! It could be a false alarm . You know; people are very
brilliant at blowing stuff up .
George : But Clare did tell Jessie that their marriage had been on shaky ground and they
were on the edge of splitting up !
Carl : I wonder who’s at fault ?
George : Contrary to Sam’s desire, Jessie doesn’t want to have a bun in the oven . Simply,
they aren’t on the same wavelength .

Vocabulary
On the rocks : experiencing difficulties and likely to fail.
A false alarm : A signal or warning that is groundless.
Blow something up : exaggerate the importance of something.
On shaky ground : weak and likely to break down, collapse, or fail.
Split up : to end a relationship; to break up.
At fault : responsible for an undesirable situation; in the wrong.
Have a bun in the oven : to have a baby; to be pregnant.
On the same wavelength : to share the same perspective with someone else.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
on the rocks a false alarm blow something up
on shaky ground split up at fault
have a bun in the oven on the same wavelength
a. His business is …………………. because of his poor marketing policies.
b. I am sure he will be gratified to learn that we are ……………………...
c. Throwing a baby shower is one of the best ways to announce that you …..
d. He thought he might be having a heart attack, but his chest pains were just a ………………..
e. I'm sure he didn't mean anything by that comment—don't ………….. too much.
f. His hypothesis has been ……………… to since the beginning, so I'm not surprised that he
couldn't prove it in the lab.
g. When they ……………….. she flung herself into her work to try to forget him.
h . The party ………………… in a court case usually pays the other party's legal costs.

Answers
Set (51)- Assuming responsibility is easier said than done
Dialogue

Harry : Thanks for making some time for me Sarah. I thought the new position would
change you! You’ve got a heart of gold indeed.
Sarah : Obviously, assuming responsibility is easier said than done . I have to sort out
everything from scratch .
Harry : If the worst comes to worst hire an assistant to share the workload.
Sarah : Well, let’s not jump the gun . So far, things are under control.
Harry : Anyway, try not to lose your head while dealing with Anne. She has got a one
track mind .
Sarah : No hard feelings !

Vocabulary
Make time : arrange one's schedule for doing something or seeing someone.
Have a heart of gold : have a generous nature.
Easier said than done : be more easily talked about than put into practice.
From scratch : from the very beginning.
If the worst comes to the worst : if the situation develops in the most serious or unpleasant
way.
Jump the gun : act before the proper or appropriate time.
Lose one’s head : To lose one's composure and act emotionally or irrationally.
Have a one track mind : think only about one subject.
No hard feelings ; no feeling of being upset; no offense.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
make time have a heart of gold easier said than done
from scratch if the worst comes to the worst jump the gun
lose one’s head have a one track mind no hard feelings
a. The Leader of the House should …………….. next week for this urgent matter to be
discussed.
b. We talk about reducing our costs, but it's ……………………………..
c. The plan’s completely ruined, so we'll have to start …………………...
d. He …………………. and booked a seat for me even before I had confirmed that I was coming.
e. He ………………….. completely when his wife left him over his drinking habit.
f. He has a ………………… when he's working on a project — he thinks of nothing else.
g. I'm sorry that things ended this way. ………………………..?
h. We should be in when you arrive, but ………………….., the neighbors have a spare key and
will let you into the house.
i. Sarah always goes out of her way to help everyone she can—she really ……
Answers
Set (52) - It's a bit of a stretch
Dialogue

Chris : I'm not a fan of taxes, but it's a bit of a stretch to claim they are the cause of all
our problems.
Diana : Yeah; that’s no brainer . But you know; people are used to taking it on the
circumstances.
Chris : You’re right! It’s quite hard to cope with the fact that we’re responsible for our
failures.
Diana : We should learn what is truly worth our while rather than sitting idly by .
Chris : Honestly, it’s like pulling teeth trying to lay these facts out for others.
Diana : Well, don’t beat yourself up; everyone knows their stuff!

Vocabulary
A bit of a stretch : a mild exaggeration beyond the truth or what is likely the case.
No brainer : something which requires little or no mental effort.
Take it out on : to make someone else suffer or be responsible for your own mistakes, anger,
sadness, etc.
Cope with : to endure something, usually something unpleasant or undesirable.
Worth one’s while : Good enough for one to spend time, effort, or money on.
Sit idly by : to see something bad happening without trying to prevent it.
Like pulling teeth : used to convey that something is extremely difficult to do.
Lay out : to explain a plan of action or a sequence of events.
Know one’s stuff : to be good at doing something because you know a lot about it.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;

a bit of a stretch no brainer take it out on

cope with worth one’s while sit idly by
like pulling teeth lay out know one’s stuff
a. I feel so guilty for …………… while my son was going through such a difficult time in his life.
b. That last test question was a complete ……………...
c. I get that you're upset, but why are you …………… that poor pillow? What did it ever do to
you?
d. Diana sold all her shared? Well, that’s ……………………
e. She was finding it hard to ………. her son's increasingly antisocial behavior.
f. Getting her to tell me about her childhood was ………………...
g. These documents …………….. the principles clearly enough.
h. I think Nicole is our best candidate for the job—she really ……………. when it comes to
corporate accounting.
i. Staying up late tonight won't ………………. because then I'll be exhausted the whole rest of
the week.
Answers
Set (53) - Just what the doctor ordered
Dialogue

Chris : How is the new course going?

Diana: Just what the doctor ordered . The teacher is competent and I’m making a lot of
progress . How about yours?
Chris : So far I can’t complain . But the content doesn’t measure up to my expectations.
Diana : Don’t be too critical! You were dying to apply for it. I know you’re going to end up
making a fool out of yourself as usual. Look! unless you pick something and stick with
it, you’ll never hit the jackpot .
Chris : Easy on me Diana - I’ll get the ball rolling, anyhow.

Vocabulary
Just what the doctor ordered : exactly what is wanted or needed.
Make progress : to move forward in one's work or activity; to develop or improve.
Can’t complain : Things are fine. A casual response to questions like "How are you?" or
"How've you been?"
Measure up : to meet a particular requirement, standard, or expectation.
Not make a fool of oneself : To do something that makes someone or oneself seem stupid or
ridiculous.
Stick with : to persevere or continue with.
Hit the jackpot : to have a big success.
Get the ball rolling : set an activity in motion; make a start.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions ;
just what the doctor ordered make progress
can’t complain measure up not make a fool of oneself
stick with hit the jackpot get the ball rolling
a. A short nap is ………………. . You'll feel refreshed in no time.
b. A. “How are things?”. B. “I …………………, it can’t be better”.
c. He said that he was going to …………….. the traditions established by his grandfather.
d. We have no more time to waste. Let’s …………………………..
e. I'm not going to dance too much at the party because I don't want to ……………………. in
front of my coworkers.
f. I went through all the people called Lasalles in the Sydney phone book until I
……………………...
g. The medical community continues to ………………….. in the fight against cancer.
h. This meal doesn't …………………….. to my expectations.
Answers
Set (54) - Nothing but a counter attack can save the day!
Dialogue

George : Losing today’s match is gonna be a bitter pill to swallow.

Mike : The new lineup isn’t that adequate. Our dependable players aren’t included and the
team’s Achilles heel is the right wing , I suppose.
George : Great! Our best striker David is having a go at goal from the free kick but it’s
just wide .
Mike : Thomas’ outswingers near the penalty spot has also missed the target !!
George : Oh! That silly foul by Gerard led to the free kick and the final whistle will be
blown in no time!
Mike : Man! We’re in a rut - nothing but a counterattack can save the day!

Vocabulary
Lineup : people that have been selected to form a team or take part in an event.
Achilles heel : a weakness or vulnerable point.
Right wing : the right side of a team on the field in soccer, rugby, etc.
Striker : the player who is to strike the ball in a game.
Have a go : to try to do something.
Free kick : an opportunity to kick the ball without the other team getting involved, allowed
when a player from the other team has broken one of the rules.
Wide : far from a particular or intended point or target.
Outswinger : a ball bowled with a swerve or swing from the leg to the off side.
Penalty spot : the point within the penalty area where penalty kicks are taken.
Miss the target : to not achieve or reach the goal.
Blow the final whistle : to end the game.
Counterattack : an attack made in response to one by an opponent.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
lineup Achilles heel right wing striker
have a go free kick wide outswinger
penalty spot miss the target
blow the final whistle counterattack
a. I'm ………… at doing my own taxes to save on the cost of hiring an accountant.
b. The corrupt minister is the government's ……………. and is expected to resign.
c. In the championship final, he scored the winning ……………………….
d. The referee …………………….. to signal that the game is finished.
e. The men had relinquished their position at the first serious …………………….
f. Relying on incorrect assumptions, they ended up …………………..
g. He wanted to mix his …… and see how different players performed together.
h. He did his best, but the shot went ……………...
i. You get a real sense of achievement from a blistering drive or an unplayable …
j. He plays on the ………………….. and has pace as well as skill.
k. They will be without …………………………, Ridvan Dilmen, who has a leg injury.
l. Luton conceded a ………………….. on the edge of the penalty area.

Answers
Set (55) - It takes two to tango
Dialogue
Jack : Oh man! Our new product is taking the country by storm . We’re literally
cornering the market .
Kevin : Have you ever heard of something called viral marketing ?
Jack : Are you teasing me ? It’s a is a given.
Kevin : Then can’t you twist your arm to keep track of our webpage? There’re hundreds
of messages without response!
Jack : No wonder I will be behind in my work. I can’t handle all these messages by myself.
Why don’t you give me a hand? It takes two to tango .
Kevin : I will. It’s a deal.

Vocabulary
Take by storm : to win or gain huge and widespread success /popularity rapidly.
Corner the market : to sell or produce something so successfully as to overshadow all others
in the same field.
Viral marketing : a method of marketing whereby consumers are encouraged to share
information about a company's goods or services via the Internet.
Tease : make fun of or attempt to provoke (a person or animal).
A given : a known or established fact or situation.
Twist one’s arm : to pressure or force one into doing something.
Keep track of : to make certain that you know what is happening.
Be behind in : to be late with; not progressing quickly enough with.
It takes two to tango : requires two people to do certain things.
It’s a deal : used to express one's assent to an agreement.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
take by storm corner the market viral marketing tease
a given twist one’s arm keep track of be behind in
it takes two to tango it’s a deal
a. It takes two to tango. I cannot do this all alone, neither can you - ……….
b. The singing star ………………. the audience in each town …………...
c. It's a …..…. that the writer of short stories will be keeping his day job.
d. I didn't want to go to the exhibition, but Linda ……………..
e. I won’t join you this evening guys! I am ………………. my studies.
f. How do you …………………… time if you don't wear a watch ?
g. …………………. I will clean the garage if you stop bothering me about it.
h. I knew …………….. was a great way to get our product some exposure because everyone is
online and on Facebook.
i. The other children …………………… her because she was wearing braces.
j. They've more or less ………….. the fast-food ………… - they're in every big city in the world.
Answers
Set (56) - The sunshine today is just the ticket
Dialogue
Sally : The sunshine today is just the ticket ! Right? You’re totally lost on thought !
Kevin : I’m thinking how we lost the match by a hair !
Sally : The other guys simply played well and won fair and square. Your team are used to
painting themselves into a corner . By the way; I heard the coach is gonna leave.
Kevin : Not on my watch ! This won’t take place even if it is the last thing I do. You mark
my words
Sally : And for the record ; you’ve been fired as well.
Kevin : What? They will pay for it! I’ll definitely cut my nose to spite my face !

Vocabulary
Lost in thought : absent-minded; showing a forgetful or inattentive disposition.
Just the ticket : exactly what is needed; exactly right.
By a hair : by an extremely short or slim margin (of distance, time, etc.).
Paint oneself into a corner : Get oneself into a difficulty from which one can't extricate
oneself.
Not on my watch : That will not happen while I am in charge or on the lookout.
Mark one’s words : tell someone about something that you are certain will happen in the
future:.
Take place : to happen; to occur.
For the record : so that the true facts are recorded or known.
Cut one’s nose to spite one’s face : to use self-destructive means in an attempt to solve a
problem or fix a situation.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
lost in thought just the ticket by a hair
paint oneself into a corner not on my watch mark one’s words
take place for the record cut one’s nose to spite one’s face
a. You can refuse to talk to her if you like, but you're just …………………
b. The race was neck and neck till the very end, but Sally won it ……………….
c. The discussion ……………………. in a famous villa on the lake's shore.
d. I really …………………….. by leaving this essay till the last minute!
e. You're going to dig a hole in the yard? ………………………!
f. ……………….., it was she who approached me about such a deal, not the other way around.
g . This van is ……………………….. for carrying all our luggage
h. It's no use trying to talk to Helen when she's ………………… like that; it's as if we don't even
exist!
i. They're going to regret firing me, you ………………………. !
Answers
Set (57) - Go figure!
Dialogue
Sally : Mike is a stand-up guy but his brothers are all sourpusses .
Sarah : Go figure !
Sally : But when any of them steps out of line , he steps in to work it out .
Sarah : They’re trying to set him up and lay their hands on his company. Actually, they
have a long track record of scams.
Sally: It gives me goosbumps just talking about them!

Vocabulary
Stand-up : (adj) loyal to friends and beliefs.
A sourpuss : a bad-tempered or habitually sullen person.
Go figure : It's really strange.; Just try to figure it out.
Step out of line : behave inappropriately or disobediently.
Work out : to solve a problem by considering the facts.
Set someone up : to deceive someone so that they do or fall victim to something.
Lay one’s hand on : to get someone or something, especially to do harm.
Track record : all a person’s or an organization’s successes or failures in the past.
Goosebumps : Bumps on one's skin where one's body hair stands on end as the result of an
intense feeling of cold, nervousness, anxiety, excitement, or fear.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions ;
stand-up a sourpuss go figure
step out of line work out set someone up
lay one’s hand on track record goosebumps
a. There's a …………. comedian, and my sources tell me he is about to go stellar.
b. I don't believe your situation is as hopeless as you think. If you love each other, you'll
…………………...
c. It's a terrible movie and it made $200 million. ………………………!
d. I'm sorry about last night, I ………………… when I made those demands.
e. I do not Even want to go near that grouchy old ………………. . He gives me the creeps!
f. When she told me that she loved me, I got ……………….
g. The job needs someone with a good ………………….. in investment.
h. There have been reports recently of scam artists trying to ……… customers …… so that
they divulge their bank account details over the phone.
i. He couldn't wait to …………….. on her money no matter how hard he tried!
Answers
Set (58) - Way to go!
Dialogue
Sally : Unlike his dad who is all thumbs , Rob is a handy boy. He never throws away any
second hand tool. For him even the smallest screw can serve a purpose .
Sarah : I wish I had a boy like Rob. It takes forever to get things fixed never mind the fact
that I spend a fortune on that. Currently, my TV is on the blink .
Sally : Why don’t you get a new one and spare yourself the trouble ?
Sarah : To say I’ve had enough of those broken stuff is an understatement ! I’ve already
ordered a new one.
Sally : Way to go !

Vocabulary
All thumbs : very awkward with your hands; clumsy.
Handy : (adj) able to use something skillfully.
Second hand : not new; having been used in the past.
Serve a purpose : to have a particular use or function in some way.
Spend a fortune : to spend a large amount of money.
On the blink : (of a machine) not working properly; out of order.
Spare yourself the trouble : to avoid going through difficult experiences.
Understatement : (noun) the act or an instance of stating something in restrained terms, or
as less than it is.
Way to go : Well done! Good job!
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
all thumbs second hand serve a purpose
spend a fortune on the blink
spare yourself the trouble understatement
way to go handy
a. Harry tried to fix the chair, but he was …………………
b. I don't know why they've added all this information but it probably …….
c. It's not necessary to ……………….. to have a wonderful party.
d. Thankfully, private organizations can …………….. them …………… .
e . To call Michael Lawrence a high flyer would be ……………… . He’s a genius!
f. Have you seen this ……………….. little gadget - it's for separating egg yolks from whites.
g. Mary: "Dad, I got an A+ on my midterm exam!" Bill: "……………, sweetie!"
h. I can't hear the news since my radio went ……………...
i. Almost all the equipment on offer will be ……………., but warranties are offered on most
products.
Answers
Set (59) - It could be right under your nose!
Dialogue
Peter : Steven you’re such a slob ! How many times should I warn you not to pile
everything up and scatter stuff around ? The place is a complete mess !
Steven : Here we go again! I bet you’ve lost your glasses. Haven’t you?
Peter : Of course not! This time my wallet is missing. I’ve looked high and low but to no
avail.
Steven : Just stop nagging and it’ll turn up ! It could be right under your nose !
Peter : Here it is ! On the TV. Anyway, I’m gonna straighten the flat out .

Vocabulary
A slob : (noun) a person who is lazy and has low standards of cleanliness.
Pile up : to accumulate; to put things on top of each other
Scatter around : carelessly put in different places.
A mess : (noun) disorderly, cluttered condition; bad or confused situation.
Look high and low : to look everywhere.
Nag : harass (someone) constantly to do something that they are averse to.
Turn up : to appear.
Right under someone’s nose : in an obvious, nearby place.
Straighten something out : to make something tidy or organized.
Here it is /they are !: said when you've found something you're looking for.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
a slob pile up scatter around
a mess look high and low nag turn up
right under someone’s nose straighten something out
here it is /they are !
a. Getting out of this mess was going to require a fair degree of ingenuity.
b. There were several brightly colored rugs ………………………. .
c. Boats often ……………….. on the rocks in the shallow water.
d. He leaves his germ - laden , dirty tissue on the table because he is ………..
e. I don't know why you couldn't find it—it's ………………………!
f. With the aid of a professional investigator; all the missing documents ………
g. Jackie constantly …………… her daughter about getting married
h. I've been …………………… for that certificate and I still can't find it!
i. A. ”Have you seen my key?” B. “Yeah! In my pocket! ……………. .
j. The project got so muddled that they had to bring in an outside advisor to ………..

Answers
Set (60) - I can kiss it goodbye now!
Dialogue
Ben : You’ve been fiddling around with this washing machine for hours! Aren’t you fed up
already? Maybe you won’t doctor it up this time! Will you?
James : You’re right! I can kiss it goodbye now.
Ben : Good for you! You’re cut out to be a technician!
James : Stop ridiculing and help me remove this screw. It needs a lot of elbow-grease !
Ben : I told you all along that the panel is broken but you took no notice ! You’re as
stubborn as a mule .

Vocabulary
Fiddle around : to play with or idly handle (something) improperly.
Doctor something up : to fix superficially or temporarily.
Kiss something a goodbye : to see something ruined or lost.
Elbow-grease : hard physical work, especially vigorous polishing or cleaning.
All along : from the beginning.
Take no notice : to pay no attention to someone or something.
Stubborn as a mule : extremely obstinate.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
fiddle around doctor something up kiss something a goodbye
elbow-grease all along take no notice stubborn as a mule
a. You'll never get Rich to change his opinion—he's …………………… .
b. The legislature has …………………. while our schools are falling apart.
c. I …………. the photo ………….. to make myself look younger.
d. Nothing would shift it however much ………………. we used
e. As I had suspected …………………. , he was not a real policeman.
f. Don’t waste your breath! They will …………………. of your advice!
g. After my horse lost in the final race, I …….. all the money I'd won that day at the track
…………..
Answers
Set (61) - You just cut to the chase!
Dialogue
Peter : I saw the mayor and told him that the state's Sunday law is a dead letter as many
stores open and conduct business on that day.
Ben : Well done! You just cut to the chase!
Peter : Regarding our license, I was informed that we still need two signatures to be home
free . Steven is tracking it and he assured me that it is in good hands .
Ben : What’s the point of all this red tape ? They’re just holding us back ! When on
earth will we get rid of these time-worn rules?
Peter: When the pigs fly !

Vocabulary
Dead letter : an existing law or agreement that is no longer obeyed or enforced.
Cut to the chase : to reach the most important points quickly.
Home free : to succeed without difficulty or obstacles.
In good hands : In competent or safe care.
What’s the point of : to ask about the reasons for something in a negative way.
Red tape : obstructive official routine or procedure; time-consuming bureaucracy.
Time-worn : belonging to, existing, or occurring in times long past.
When the pigs fly : that will never happen.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;
dead letter cut to the chase home free in good hands
what’s the point of red tape time-worn when the pigs fly
a. No one does anything about it and the law becomes a ……………….
b. Because of all ……………… at immigration I missed my connecting flight
c . …………….. studying math in school anyway? No one ever uses it in real life.
d. He gave us the same ……………. speech about the need to work hard.
e. A. “Jerry said she would quit smoking”. B; “Yeah! ……………”
f. I didn't have time to chat, so I told Ben to ………….. and just tell me what he wanted.
g. I'm so relieved that the scans are clean. After months of treatment, I'm finally …………!
h. The company is ………………. . It will be successful for many years, because the managers
are all very smart and capable people.
Answers
Set (62) - The hustle and bustle of cities
Dialogue
Lucy : I can’t take it anymore! Living in this run-down (1) building is like hell . I’m
completely run-down (2) . Besides, we’re in the middle of nowhere .
Jenny : Isn’t it better than living amidst the hustle and bustle of cities?
Lucy : Not on your life ! As soon as we pay off our loan, I’ll move back to the city. I have
had enough of this life!
Jenny : Won’t you give me a rundown (3) of the new semester’s schedule?
Lucy : Provided you take over the cooking tomorrow.
Jenny : touché

Vocabulary
Run-down (1); (adj) old; ancient; in a poor or neglected state.
Hell : a situation or place of evil, misery, discord, or destruction.
Run-down (2): tired and rather unwell, especially through overwork.
In the middle of nowhere : a place that is very remote.
Hustle and bustle : large amount of activity and work, usually in a noisy surrounding.
Not on your life: No way.
Rundown (3): (noun) an analysis or summary of something.
Take over : to begin to do something that someone else was doing
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases ;
run-down (old) hell run-down (tired) in the middle of nowhere
hustle and bustle not on your life rundown (analysis) take over
a. The army is/are threatening to …………….. if civil unrest continues.
b. A. “You’re going to pick up the equipment. Aren’t you?” B.” ………………..”
c. I can give you a brief ………………. on each of the job applicants
d. He buys up …………… properties, fixes them up and resells them.
e. We're completely ………………… and need a thorough rest.
f. Shell Cottage provides the perfect retreat from the ……………… of London.
g. One time we got stranded in a little town ………………………..
h. With the presence of this blabbermouth, work is sheer ………………
Answers
Set (63) - It’s time to turn over a new leaf!
Dialogue
Lucy : Won’t you patch it up with Sam? It’s time to turn over a new leaf ! The whole
matter isn’t worth it!
Jenny : Not in the short run at least! He’s such a bootlicker and keeps sucking up to
Thomas just to gloss over his under-the-table deals.
Lucy : That’s weird! He used to be on the level and never stepped out of line.
Jenny : Being surrounded by corrupt people made of him a carbon copy of them.
Lucy : As they say; dogs of the same street bark alike!

Vocabulary
Patch up : to settle (a quarrel).
Turn over a new leaf : to start behaving in a better way.
Suck up : to kowtow; behave obsequiously, especially for one's own advantage.
gloss over : to overlook: to ignore: to avoid considering.
Under-the-table : (adj) Secret (often because what is being done is illegal).
On the level : honest; straightforward.
A carbon copy : a person or thing identical or very similar to another.
Dogs of the same street bark alike : People of the same background have the same
behaviour.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases ;
patch up turn over a new leaf suck up gloss over
under-the-table on the level a carbon copy
dogs of the same street bark alike
a. Steven and Peter went to the same school and are of the same neighborhood. They have
almost identical habits and interests. Well, it’s true that ………… .
b. I need to you to be ………. with me: do I have any chance at this promotion?
c. A few tabloid newspapers got hold of this ……………….. gossip.
d. That particular trip was more or less a ………………… of the previous one.
e. Jackie and Bill are still trying to ………………….. their marriage.
f. After years of drifting from job to job, Danny …….. and got himself a steady gig.
g. You don’t have to …………… to them anymore. We have got the upper hand already!
h. Some foreign governments appear happy to ……….. continued human rights abuses.
Answers ;
Set (64) - Let’s not take it to heart anyway!
Dialogue
David : I’ve made up my mind to quit. James’s such a nag . He keeps hounding me.
Steven : We’re in the same boat. Jessie won’t get off my back as well. She’s bossing me
around as if I’m a little kid.
David : At least Jessie is a bit open-minded . You can simply ask her to knock it off .
Steven : Right! James is a pill . He is constantly harping on the same stuff. He’s going to
send you to the Looney bin if you don’t put a stop to his farce .
David : Let’s not take it to heart anyway! If Jessie keeps nitpicking , you should take
what she says with a pinch of salt .

Vocabulary
A nag : a persistently urging person.
Hound someone : to bother; to annoy
In the same boat : in a similar situation.
Get off one’s back : to leave someone alone, don't bother.
Boss someone around : to give orders to another person rudely.
Open-minded : (adj) willing to consider new ideas; unprejudiced.
Knock it off : to stop.
A pill : an annoying, disagreeable person.
Harp on : to dwell on one subject, repeat, persist.
Looney bin : insane asylum; mental hospital.
Farce : an event or situation that is absurd or disorganized.
Take something to heart : to consider seriously.
Nitpicks : to find faults in details that are not important.
take something with a pinch of salt : regard something as exaggerated; believe only part of
something.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases;
a nag hound someone in the same boat
get off one’s back boss someone around open-minded
knock it off a pill take something with a pinch of salt
harp on Looney bin farce
take something to heart nitpicks
a. The way mechanics charge for their services sometimes seems like a …………..
b. If you spent less time ……………… , you'd get more work done.
c. I shall keep ………………… about it until we get the answers.
d. You can't …………… me ………….. just because Mom isn't here!
e. He kept …………….. her until she agreed to see the movie.
f. You have to ……. everything she says ………., because she tends to exaggerate.
g. Don't ask her! Do you want to send your mum to the …………….. ?
h. Doctors these days tend to be more ……………. about alternative medicine.
i. The press ……. the president about the country's involvement in the foreign war.
j. He really ………………….. when I asked him to reconsider.
k. ……………….., you two! I don't want to see any more fighting.
l. If you lose your job, I'll lose mine, so we're both …………………...
m. I guess I can be ………. sometimes, but I really do appreciate your concern.
n. He wanted his mom to ………………….. about marriage.
Answers
Set (65) - I've been whistling a different tune!
Dialogue
James : I used to be very pessimistic, but ever since surviving that car wreck, I've been
whistling a different tune !
Bill : You used to have a chip on your shoulder as well. What about this?
James : Well, let bygones be bygones ! Oh; What are you getting at ?
Bill : Previously, you would dish it out but you couldn’t take it !
James : I know what you mean; I have already cleared the air with Steven. By the way
save your wisecracks for yourself. I still need to settle accounts with you. Little jerk!
Bill : Old habits die hard, indeed!

Vocabulary
Whistle a different tune : to change one's opinion or behavior.
Have a chip on your shoulder : to have quarrelsome attitude; quick to anger.
Let bygones be bygones :
Get at : to mean; to hint; to imply.
Dish it out : to criticize other people.
Take it : to endure trouble, criticism, abuse, pressure.
Clear the air with : to calm anger and remove misunderstanding.
A wisecrack : (noun) a sarcastic or nasty remark.
Settle accounts : to avenge a misdeed.
Old habits die hard : people find it difficult to change their accustomed behavior.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases;
whistle a different tune have a chip on your shoulder get at
let bygones be bygones dish out take it clear the air with
a wisecrack settle accounts old habits die hard
a. He made some …………… about my lack of culinary ability.
b. They decided to …………….. and made peace with each other.
c. He never used to support that political candidate, but he’s …… all of a sudden.
d. She still seems to …………….. about the argument she had with her partner.
e. Look, there are no …………………. with you or anything, so let's just let bygones be bygones,
OK?
f. Ross is better at ………………. criticism than receiving it himself.
g. Tell me what you really thought of my play—be honest, I can …………!
h. Can you get to the point? I don't know what you're …………………!
i. A former police officer proved ……………. after detaining a violent teenager who attacked
him.
j. The silent treatment isn't helping the situation between you two, so ……………. already.
Answers
Set (66) - Nib it in the bud
Dialogue
Thomas : OK, that's the last straw ! I told Mark to stop irritating his mates, but he’s taking
no notice of that. I’ll teach him a lesson.
Diana : Come on! You’re making a big thing of it! He’s still too young to lay the blame
on him.
Thomas : I know, but unless we nib it in the bud , he’ll end up going astray .
Diana : You’re right, but please don’t make waves . Or else we’re gonna be the talk of the
town!
Thomas : Yeah, the last thing we need is to make the fry fly . I’ll hand him over to you;
anyway.

Vocabulary
The last straw : the last of a succession of irritations or troubles that leads to a loss of
patience, a disaster, etc.
Teach someone a lesson : punish or hurt someone as a deterrent or warning.
Make a big thing of : to exaggerate.
Lay the blame on : to blame.
Nip something in the bud : suppress or destroy something at an early stage.
Go astray : to go out of the right, good, or expected way; into error.
Make waves : to cause trouble; to create a disturbance.
The talk of the town : to be what everyone is talking about.
Make the fur fly : to cause a fight or an argument; to create an uproar.
Hand over : to delegate authority or responsibility to someone or something.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases ;
the last straw teach someone a lesson make a big thing of
lay the blame on nip something in the bud go astray
make waves the talk of the town make the fur fly hand over
a. Many politicians ………………. in order to be kept in the media.
b. The public seems to be ………….… the data breach about the company's lax security
measures.
c. She has been unhappy with him for a long time but when he crashed her car, it was
……………...
d. The strange behavior of the new mayor is …………………...
e. By arresting all the leaders, they ……… the rebellion ……………...
f. John tripped me, so I punched him. That ought to ………………..
g. My mom will ………………. if she finds out we took her car without asking.
h. Teens who have a conducive family atmosphere to fall back on hardly ever …..
i. Don't ………… such a ………….. missing the bus: there'll be another one along in a minute.
j. The soldiers were ordered to ……………….. their guns.
Answers
Set (67) - Don't rub it in!
Dialogue
Mike : They are trying to teaching me a lesson for turning down the report! I feel like
knocking my head against the wall trying to point it out but they just won’t listen! See!
That’s what you get out of your goodwill.
Peter : It serves you right because you’ve allowed them to walk all over you .
Mike : Don't rub it in ! I don't like getting the short end of the stick .
Peter : What I want to say is unless you’re giving them the green line , they won’t dare
to take you for granted .
Mike : Do you think it’s too late to turn the tables on them?
Peter : Not at all! It’s never too late to take the gloves off .

Vocabulary
Knock one's head against the wall : to waste time in futile effort to improve or change
something.
Serve someone right : be someone's deserved punishment or misfortune.
Walk all over someone : to take advantage of someone.
Rub it in : to constantly refer to a mistake or fault.
Get the short end of the stick : to receive unfair, unequal treatment.
Give the green line : to allow.
Take for granted : To underestimate or undervalue someone or something.
Turn the tables : to change or reverse something dramatically.
Take the gloves off : To begin to behave in a more hostile or tenacious way.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases ;
knock one's head against the wall walk all over someone
rub it in get the short end of the stick take for granted
turn the tables take the gloves off serve someone right
a. I feel like I've been ………………... trying to understand this math equation.
b. It …… John ……… that Dave threw him out of his party last night. He was acting like such a
jerk!
c. She …………. on her rival with allegations of corruption.
d. It is an undeniable fact that I ruined the performance, but there's no need to ……………...
e. Up until now the game has been quite friendly, but now all seem to ………….!
f. A comfortable bed to sleep in is a luxury that we ………………..
g. They might be the number one seed, but we're determined not to let them ………….
h. As usual it's the consumer who ………………….
Answers
Set (68) - He’s only a freeloader
Dialogue
Jerry : Paul certainly deserves credit for the work he did on the project.
Peter : No he doesn’t! He’s only a freeloader - He doesn’t know the first thing about
diagrams but he’s very good at talking big .
Jerry : A free rider !
Peter : Never mind him; I’ll put him in his place . I know how to hit him where it hurts
and I know well which side his bread is buttered .
Jerry : How do you mean ? What will you do?
Peter : You’ll see when the time’s ripe !

Vocabulary
Deserves credit for : to be owed recognition for doing something.
A freeloader : a person who has the advantage of something given, such as money, food, or a
place to stay, without offering anything in exchange.
Not to know the first thing about : to know nothing about.
Talk big : talk boastfully or overconfidently..
A free rider : a person or company that gets an advantage without paying for it or earning it.
Put someone in his place : To humble or lower the dignity of one.
Hit someone where it hurts : To attack one in the area that is most vulnerable or that will
result in the most harm. (Usually does not refer to physical violence).
Know which side one’s bread is buttered : know what to do.
How do you mean? used for asking someone to explain what they have said
Time is ripe : when it is the suitable time.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases;
deserves credit for a freeloader not to know the first thing about
talk big a free rider time is ripe put someone in his place
hit someone where it hurts know which side one’s bread is buttered
how do you mean
a. We are unlikely to deliver the project on time as long as ……………… outnumber us.
b. Doctors …………………. switching to cheaper, but equally effective drugs
c. Leave these little alone for heaven’s sake! You ………………. farming.
d. He has some deep need to ……………., but it's just talk—no action.
e. Jerry always helps out his boss; he …………………..
f. He's always worrying about his weight, so if you want to ………………, tell him he's looking a
bit fat
g. ‘She wasn’t at all like I expected.’ ‘…………………………?’
h. With prices so low, the ……………… to buy up real estate in the city.
i. His quips at the party aimed to ………… the CEO ……………. .
j. We should take care of the people in need, but not the ……………..
Answers
Set (69)-None had the backbone to stand up to him
Dialogue
Charles : James was suspected for cheating but none had the backbone to stand up to
him .
Mike : Well, I have every confidence that the new inspectors will get to the bottom of it
in no time.
Charles : What if they proved him guilty and lowered the boom ?
Mike : Then, he would get what’s coming to him . They must set him an example for
other jerks. I’m a strong proponent of the rule of law, not the law of the jungle
Charles : But bear in mind that the drama queen , his mom, will raise Cain !

Vocabulary
Backbone: (noun) courage.
Stand up to someone : to be brave to confront someone.
Get to the bottom of it : to determine the cause or source of something.
Lower the boom : to punish someone or something harshly.
Get what’s coming to one : to receive what one deserves.
Set an example : show a standard of work or behavior for others to follow.
The law of the jungle : the principle that those who are strong and apply ruthless self-
interest will be most successful.
Bear in mind : to remember.
Drama queen : A person (usually a woman) who is given to exaggerated, disproportionate
emotional reactions to relatively minor events or situations.
Raise Cain : to cause a commotion, to create a disturbance, to make trouble.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases;
backbone stand up to someone get to the bottom of
lower the boom get what’s coming to one set an example
the law of the jungle bear in mind drama queen raise Cain
a. Well, Mom ……………. and grounded me for a month because I came home after curfew
again.
b. Jenny has finally ……………….. her as a result her dirty deals
c. Before you ask for a raise, ……………… that the company isn't doing well financially right
now.
d. The police daren’t go into certain parts of the city. It’s …………… in there.
e. Ah, don't be such a ……………., Tom, they're not going to fire you for a simple mistake like
that.
f. The customer has been ……….. about the service charge we included on his bill.
g. You shouldn’t use bad language in front of your children — it …. a bad …………..
h. The new regulations give workers the confidence to ………. their employers.
i. Investigators are trying to …………. what went wrong.
j. I wonder if he has the ………….. to tell them what he thinks!
Answers
Set (70) - At least to save face
Dialogue
Simon : Peter should never cry uncle - He has to keep right on going. At least to save face
.
Emilie : But his opponents are totally unprincipled . They’re resorting to mudslinging .
Simon : It’s a complete a battle of nerves . It’s an asymmetrical one as well.
Emilie : Will he take it lying down ? I’m afraid he’s gonna go down swinging .
Simon : All I know is that Peter will have the upper hand as long as he’s sticking to his
guns . Period.

Vocabulary
Cry/say uncle : to surrender; to admit defeat; to throw in the towel.
Save face : to avoid humiliation.
Unprincipled : not acting in accordance with moral principles.
Mudslinging : scandalous allegations about an opponent to damage their reputation.
Battle/war of nerves : psychological warfare used to wear down an adversary's resolve
through fear tactics.
Asymmetrical : (adj) unbalanced; uneven; out of line.
Take something lying down : to suffer without a fight
Go down swinging : to lose but fight until the end.
Have the upper hand : to have an advantage.
Stick to one’s guns : to refuse to compromise or change, despite criticism.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases;
cry/say uncle save face unprincipled mudslinging
battle of nerves asymmetrical take something lying down
go down swinging get/have the upper hand stick to one’s guns
a. The union has been fighting a ………………. with the management over pay.
b. Bright colors and ……………… design make Horton Plaza an amusing place.
c. He insulted me publicly. You don't expect me to ……………………, do you?
d . Now, mutual recriminations, personal attacks on leaders and …………….. are the order of
the day.
e. If you …………………. right now, I'll let you go first in the next game.
f. I was late to the meeting but tried to …………… by blaming an urgent call.
g. But while admitting that his means were sometimes …………….., it must be recollected that
his real ends were high and noble.
h. The prosecution is going to try to trip you up with your statement and your alibi, but so
long as you ……………………, there's nothing to worry about.
i. The pace was frenetic as neither man wanted to let the other …. ……..
j. I would rather ……………. knowing that I did everything I possibly could.
Answers
Set (71) - Getting me down against my will!
Dialogue
Lucy : Although we are making good profits there is one cloud on the horizon — the
government may increase taxes in the near future.
Tina : Don’t be so gloomy; every dark cloud has a silver lining .
Lucy : The terrible news is getting me down against my will ! I can’t help but cloud up -
I wish I had a million dollars. I will lay back all day and watch TV.
Tina : Get your head out of the clouds and watch where you are driving! You're going to
kill us.
Lucy : You’re very good at smashing my dreams into pieces! Aren’t you? The thought of
millions sends me to cloud nine .

Vocabulary
Cloud on the horizon : an omen that something bad or problematic will happen in the near
future.
Every dark cloud has a silver lining : it is possible for something good to come out of a bad
situation.
Get someone down : depress or demoralize someone.
Against someone’s will : contrary to a person's choice or desire.
Cloud up : to become very sad or upset.
Lay back : to relax and rest on your back.
Get your head out of the clouds : stop daydreaming.
(to be on) Cloud nine : to be blissfully happy.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases;
cloud on the horizon every dark cloud has a silver lining
get someone down against someone’s will cloud up
lay back get one’s head out of the clouds (to be on) cloud nine
a. She put her arms under her head and ………………, looking up at the sky.
b. Come on, man, ……………………..—we only have an hour left to cram for the test!
c. Kitty was on ………………….. when she heard the good news
d. Her face ………………… at the mention of her ex-girlfriend.
e. Financial analysts believe that the sudden drop in oil prices points to a ……………… for the
national economy.
f. When I'm going through a hard time, I try to remind myself that ………………
g. The thought of working for a faceless corporation really ………………..
h. The attacker forced the woman into his car …………………..
Answers
Set (72) - Kill them with your kindness
Dialogue
Harry : Hey Donald! You aren’t really with it today! What’s wrong?
Donald : Oh! Those loud neighbors! They’re giving me sleepless nights. They’re renovating
their kitchen and making a great racket !
Harry : Why don’t you talk to them and ask them to keep it down ?
Donald: Well, I did but I’m going nowhere . We seem to have reached a standoff .
Harry : Why don’t you change your tune and kill them with your kindness ?
Donald : How do you mean?
Harry : Consider treating them to a meal or bring some gifts for their kids.

Vocabulary
With it : alert; responsive.
Racket : (noun) an unpleasant loud continuous noise
Keep it down : to be quitter.
Go/get nowhere : make no progress.
Standoff : a situation in which agreement in an argument does not seem possible.
Change one’s tune : express a very different opinion or behave in a very different way.
Kill someone with kindness : to be enormously kind to someone.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases ;
with it racket keep it down get/go nowhere
standoff change one’s tune kill someone with kindness
a. He'd soon ………………. if he thought she'd lost interest.
b. The downward move came as fears eased that the hostage ………… could spiral out of
control.
c. Might it not be more effective to exercise some discretion by ignoring them, or perhaps
trying to ……………………….?
d. If you start worrying about people's feelings, you ……………….
e. Excuse me boys – I won’t join you! I'm just not …………. today.
f. If Miss Field and her neighbours cannot bear the ……………., they should consider moving
out to the silent suburbs.
g. ……………….. before the neighbors call the police!
Answers
Set (73) - He’s panic-stricken after he got a sideswipe!
Dialogue
Steven : The design of this car appeals to me. I wonder whether it is roadworthy !
Mark : Actually, it has some wear and tear , but it is in pretty good shape .
Steven : Well, I must confess that I’m kind of a road hug , but I never smacked into
someone or had a fender-bender .
Mark: Speaking of roads - the other day I was riding Albert with me. He wiped me out by
his observations. In short, he’s such a backseat driver .
Steven : That’s right. He’s panic-stricken after he got a sideswipe !
Mark : Yeah. As far as I remember he used to love speeding up as well.
Steven : the truth is driving fast takes its toll on the car engine. I’m not a big fan of that.

Vocabulary
Appeal to : to resonate with one's specific interests or feelings.
Roadworthy : (adj) (of a motor vehicle or bicycle) fit to be used on the road.
Wear and tear : normal deterioration and minor damage from frequent use.
In good shape : in a good condition.
A road hug : person who takes too much room on the road.
Smack into : to collide; to hit.
Fender-bender : a dent in the fender. A minor accident.
Backseat driver : a passenger who tell you how to drive.
Panic-stricken : (adj) affected with panic; very frightened.
Sideswipe : to hit the side of the car.
Take its toll on : to affect, especially negatively; to damage or degrade.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases;
appeal to roadworthy wear and tear in good shape
a road hug smack into fender-bender backseat driver
panic-stricken sideswipe take its toll on
a. That style of architecture just doesn't …………….. me.
b. ………………….. princes wrote to them for political assistance or pecuniary aid.
c. She was going too fast and ……………… a parked car.
d. Heavy smoking and drinking will ………………. a person's health.
e. Daisy is such a ………………, she needs to stop interfering – no one asked for her advice
f. This would be the first practical, ………………. car that could run on solely renewable energy
g. I wasn't looking where I was going and walked ………………. a lamppost.
h. This sofa shows a lot of …………………; we should replace it.
i. This car isn't ………………….. I'd like to have one that's in better condition.
j. Why don’t you stick with one side? You are such a ………………
k. The new one was a ……………… item, and Jenny could push it around the grounds.
Answers
Set (74) - He dwells on unnecessary stuff
Dialogue
Clare : Charles brought it on himself! What do they call the feeling of joy when others
suffer?
Mark : Schadenfreude . But don’t be silly - I know he’s a blabbermouth ; poor Charles.
He’ll have hard feelings about this for a long time because he truly loves Jenny.
Clare : It serves him right, I suppose. He dwells on unnecessary stuff and ends up giving
full rein to his mouth .
Mark: The point is Jenny is oversensitive . She couldn’t stand hearing him talking trash.
Clare : Jenny is very kind-hearted and forgives easily but she is fuming right now.
Mark : It’ll blow over anyway.

Vocabulary
Bring something on oneself: to cause; to produce.
Schadenfreude : taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.
Blabbermouth : a person who talks excessively or indiscreetly.
Hard feelings : feelings of anger and bitterness.
Dwell on : talk and think about something all the time.
Give full rein to someone/something : to give them a lot of freedom.
Oversensitive : (especially of a person or an instrument) excessively sensitive.
Talk trash : to talk nonsense; to utter complete fabrications.
Fume : to be angry.
Blow over : to end; to pass.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases ;
bring something on oneself schadenfreude blabbermouth
hard feelings dwell on fume blow over
give full rein to someone/something oversensitive talk trash
a. I'm not sympathetic because he ………………. by mismanaging his money.
b. When the winning team saw their rivals saddened by defeat, they felt a sense of
…………………...
c. John's remarks after the ceremony caused a lot of …………………..
d. She didn't have time to …………….. her final victory.
e. I'm such a ……………… that I couldn't keep the news from friends and coworkers.
f. The scandal will soon …………….. if they don’t make a big thing of it.
g. We sat there waiting for him, ……………. with anger at the delay.
h. There are too many radio shows featuring idiots who call in and ……………. all day.
i. He is …………… – it's difficult to establish a rapport with him.
J. He was ………………. manage the project as he wished.
Answers
Set (75) - Can’t you put it off?
Dialogue
Clare : Hey Mark! I just wanted to have a word with you before you’re off .
Mark : I’m really pressed for time. Can’t you put it off ?
Clare : Please Mark! I won’t hold you up . It really can’t wait ! Well; Jessie is inquiring
about the position you told her about.
Mark: Tell her not hold your breath in the short run. It would be much better if she takes
matters into her own hands and searches for another job.
Clare : Yeah; she wants me to ask you what should she take up ?
Mark : Well, I’ll look into it when I’m available. Please, don’t hold me back anymore. I
need to dash .

Vocabulary
Have a word : speak briefly to someone.
Off : to leave a place.
Put something off : to delay; to postpone.
Hold up : to delay; to postpone.
Something can’t wait : to be urgent.
Hold one’s breath : to wait for something specific to happen.
Take matters into one’s own hands : to deal with a problem yourself.
Take up : begin an activity.
Look into something : to investigate; to check.
Hold someone back : to restrain people from moving forward.
Dash : to run or travel somewhere in a great hurry.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases;
have a word off put off
hold up something can’t wait take matters into one’s own hands
look into hold back hold one’s breath
dash take up
a. I'll …………… doing the laundry until tomorrow. I must talk to her about this.
b. Supposedly loyal workers suddenly upped and ……………… to the new firms
c. At the scene of the fire all …………… towards the exit.
d. The electrician said he'd be here before noon, but I won't ……………...
e. She ………………. tennis at the age of 11
f. Your fears are really ………… you ………….. in life.
g. When the police failed to catch her son's murderer, she decided to ………...
h. I just ……………… with Stu and he said he'll join us tonight.
i. I wrote a letter of complaint, and the airline have promised to ………. the matter.
j. I ……………… to see you and the girls—it's been way too long!
Answers
Set (76) - 30 lashes with a wet noodle
Dialogue
George : You deserve 30 lashes with a wet noodle because you’re such a wet noodle.
How do you let them push you around?
Sam : I can’t! I mean I wimp to confront them; that’s not fair - If I do, I’m toast .
George : What’s wrong with you? Use your noodle ! Defend yourself at least. Don’t let
them take advantage of you.
Sam: I can’t figure out why are they green with envy to that extent ? Is it because I get
better scores?
George : Never mind. I know how to put a stop to all this farce.
Sam : Alright, I count on you.

Vocabulary
Lashes with a wet noodle : to punish someone for something small.
A well noodle : a dupe; a wimp.
Wimp : fail to do or complete something as a result of fear or lack of confidence.
Toast : to be or be likely to become finished, defunct, or dead.
Use your noodle : to think.
Figure out : to try to understand; to solve.
Green with envy : very envious or jealous.
To that extent : so far, to that degree.
Put a stop to : to cause to end.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases;
lashes with a wet noodle well noodle wimp toast
use your noodle figure out green with envy
to that extent put a stop to
a. The one who fails to get a better score is going to get ……………
b. I'm going to …………… the corruption in this department once and for all!
c. Come on, Dean, I know you can figure this out on your own. ……………… for a change!
d. They are in a real rut! Let's …………… a way to help.
e. Anyone who ……………… out because of the weather missed the experience of a lifetime
f. My daughter loves being on stage, so she is just ……………….. that Alice got the lead in the
school play.
g. Pollution is horrible but not ………………. in such a closed area.
h. Mark my words! If you come here again, you're ……………. !
i. You are literally a ……………… - How come you pay all this sum in advance?
Answers
Set (77)- What do you make out of it?
Dialogue
David : I'd appreciate your help with that if you can get to it, but don't go out of your way.
Martina : It’s a pleasure to put myself out for you! You’re the one who stimulates me to go
the extra mile and never finds fault with me.
David : By the way, Rebecca gave away her possessions! That floored me indeed.
Martina: They say she is out of her mind after losing her son, but I guess that’s an earful
. What do you make out of it ?
David : Well, let me give her a call and discover the lowdown .
Martina : Yeah, it makes sense to clear up this mystery before it’s too late.

Vocabulary
Go out of your way : to make a special effort to do something.
Put someone out : to bother; to inconvenience.
Go the extra mile : to make a special effort to achieve something.
Find fault with someone : to complain; to criticize.
Floor : to baffle (someone) completely; to confuse.
Out of one’s mind : having lost control of one's mental faculties.
Earful : gossip, especially of an intimate or scandalous nature.
Make out of : to interpret, to figure out, to think of.
Lowdown : the true facts or relevant information about something.
Make sense : be intelligible, justifiable, or practicable.
Clear up : to make clear or understandable.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases ;
go out of one’s way put someone out go the extra mile
find fault with someone floor out of one’s mind
earful make out of lowdown make sense
clear up
a. Can you …………. any sense …………… this note that Jeffrey left behind?
b. I can’t judge anything unless you give me the ………….. on the situation.
c. It ……………….. to start saving early for higher education
d. Here is another email from Steven - he wanted to ……………… some misconceptions.
e. Pence heard an ………………. from senators last week as uncertainty mounted.
f. I was taken off-guard - the question ……………… me completely.
g. How could you …………….. this project? It met all of the requirements on the rubric.
h. After yet another sleepless night, I'm starting to feel like I'm …………. with exhaustion.
i. Suzy always ……………….. to make my birthday special.
j. During Sara’s stay in London, Mrs Mott ……………… to be courteous to her.
k. Would it ……………….. too much to let her visit you for a couple of hours?
Answers
Set (78) - We have to tap into the key problems
Dialogue
James : This report scratches the surface of the migration problem! The worse is yet to
come.
Peter : Simply because the people working on this issue are not up to scratch . We have to
tap into the key problems in home countries.
James : They say those people have to start their life here from scratch .
Peter: Well, I am scratching my head why our authorities are not nipping the issue from
the bud.
James : Who knows! They may have been colluding with their leaders to create this mess!

Vocabulary
Scratch the surface : to deal with only a very small part of a subject or problem.
Up to scratch : as good as what was expected; satisfactory or adequate.
Tap into : to access a resource or object.
From scratch : from the beginning.
Scratch one’s head : to show that one is puzzled, doubtful, or uncertain.
Collude with : to cooperate in a secret or unlawful way.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases ;
scratch the surface up to scratch tap into
from scratch scratch one’s head collude with
a. Central banks have been accused of making plans to …………….. one another in order to
control the world economy.
b. We had only two weeks to tour the country, which was hardly enough time to
…………………...
c. His decision to pull the plug on the lucrative program has everyone ……………….
d. It's completely ruined, so we'll have to ……………….
e. We'll have to bring the house ………………… before we sell it.
f. The challenge for all of us is to ………………. these gifts and use them for our benefit and for
all mankind.
Answers
Set (79) - Let’s split the difference
Dialogue
Maggie : We have been falling out a lot recently - I think it’s time we clear it up. Let’s
get everything out of our chests and have a heart-to-heart talk.
John : I will do provided you don’t hold anything back . What really matters is to get
things straight and avoid getting into such arguments later on.
Maggie: Alright, your constant tangential remarks are trying my patience .
John : What about your leading questions ? Don’t you see that you always try to get me
cornered?
Maggie : Well, let’s split the difference . You don’t meddle in my private affairs nor do I
in yours.

Vocabulary
Fall out : have an argument; to be at odds.
Clear up : to alleviate tension in a particular situation.
Get something out of one’s chest : unburden oneself; tell what's bothering you.
Hear-to-heart : candidly, intimately.
Hold back : to conceal, to hide.
Get something straight : to make a situation clear reaching an understanding.
Tangential : only slightly related to what you are doing or discussing.
Try one’s patience : to annoy one by continued unwanted behavior.
Leading question : a question that prompts or encourages the answer wanted.
Get someone cornered : to make someone talk to you when they have been trying to avoid
this.
Split the difference : to find and agree upon the point halfway.
Meddle : to interfere in something that is not one's concern.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases;
fall out clear up get something out of one’s chest
hear-to-heart hold back get something straight
tangential try one’s patience
leading question get someone cornered
split the difference meddle
a. Apparently, Gina ………….. with Dave last week, and now they're not talking to each other
at all.
b. She asked me when I was going to take her out on a date, and I was taken aback at such a
……………….
c. Sometimes you have to ……………… your anger and tears and walk away.
d. Let’s …… one thing ……….. . I’m the boss and I tell you what to do.
e. See your GP about treatment options to help them to ……….. more quickly.
f. Won’t you give up this nasty habit of ……………………. in front of strangers?
g. I had spent two months worrying about it and I was glad to ……………..
h. The matter you raise is rather ………………. to this discussion.
i. You have to be more sensible – no more …………….. in others’ affairs.
j. It’s time Jessie became a bit punctual – her constant lateness is …………….
k. Nothing like a …………………. talk in making peace among lovers.
Answers
Set (80) - You took the words right out of my mouth!
Dialogue
Mike : This report is too long! It’s has to be boiled down into two pages.
Jackie : You took the words right out of my mouth ! I had the same observation.
Mike : Then; the ball is in your court , darling.
Jackie : What do you mean? Why don’t you bring it back to its original owner, Kathy? She
claims that she’s a ball of fire . She has got her nose up in the air!
Mike : Kathy pales in comparison to you - you’re literally the backbone of this
department.

Vocabulary
Boil down: to simplify, summarize, or shorten.
Take the words out of someone’s mouth : say something someone else was going to say
The ball is in someone’s court : to be someone else's move, play, or turn.
A ball of fire : a person full of energy and enthusiasm.
Pale in comparison : to seem less impressive or important when compared to someone or
something else.
Backbone : the part of something that makes it successful or strong.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases;
boil down backbone
take the words out of someone’s mouth
the ball is in someone’s court pale in comparison
a ball of fire
a. It's not Daniel's fault the deal isn't finished, he made the last offer. ………………Harry’s
……… now
b. The problem ……………… to one thing - lack of money.
c. Farming and cattle-raising are the …………………… of the country's economy.
d. You ……………….. my ………………. — I think she looks gorgeous, too!
e. I thought I was badly treated but my experiences ……………… with yours.
f. I always knew that Lauren would grow up to be successful—she was a real ………………… as
a kid.
Answers
Set (81) - I had better back out of this commitment
Dialogue
Mike : It’s time I put my cards on the table ; I have no intention of marrying her.
Jackie : Didn’t you say that you would move mountains to be with her?
Mike: That was a thing of the past .
Jackie : I’m not siding with her, but the fact that you’re wishy-washy will leave you
holding the bag someday.
Mike : Honestly, I have no guts to take responsibility. I had better back out of this
commitment before I’m trapped in marriage forever.
Jackie : Go away! You’re such a wimp !

Vocabulary
Put one’s cards on the table : be open and honest, reveal one's intentions.
Move mountains : to do or achieve something that is incredibly difficult.
A thing of the past : a thing that no longer happens or exists.
Side with : to favor or support one position in a dispute.
Wishy-washy : (adj) having no definite opinion; unable to decide.
Leave someone holding the bag : to put someone in an awkward position, leave someone
else to take blame.
Guts : courage; bravery.
Back out of : to withdraw from.
Trapped : to be caught in.
A wimp : (noun) spineless, non-assertive person.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases;
put one’s cards on the table move mountains
a thing of the past side with wishy-washy
leave someone holding the bag guts
back out of trapped a wimp
a. The world's our atlas if we have the ………….. to flip a coin and take a chance.
b. She could not, in good conscience, …………………. her deal with him
c. Rescuers used a special device for finding people ……………. collapsed buildings.
d. It was the only country to ………… the rebel group, offering them military and financial aid.
e. Although there are certainly a lot of positives to homeschooling, none of them matter if you
feel …………….. about your decision.
f. After the accident, he just vanished and …………………….
g. I'm afraid I'm ……………….. when it comes to climbing up ladders.
h. His fans …………………… to catch as many of his performances as possible
i. In today's society, it certainly seems like manners are becoming ……………..
j. I would have a confrontation with him and ………………………
Answers
Set (82) - Hold yourself together!
Dialogue
Jerry : Did you see the doctor? Is your sister out of the woods ?
Sarah : Oh Jerry! I’m at my wit ends ; I’m afraid she’s going from bad to worse - it has
been two hours!
Jerry: Snap out of it ! She’ll be fine. I’m sure she’ll.
Sarah : I’m really going into pieces : I can’t help being worried sick about her. You know
she’s at death’s door .
Jerry : Oh dear! Hold yourself together ! You just need to pray for her and keep a stiff
upper lip.
Sarah : Look look! Why are the doctors in a huddle ? She must have passed away!

Vocabulary
Out of the woods : no longer in danger, in the clear.
At one’s wit ends : frantic, anxious; not knowing what to do next.
Go from bad to worse : from a bad state or condition to a worse condition.
Snap out of it : to stop experiencing something unpleasant or stop behaving in a negative
way.
Go into pieces : to become unable to think clearly and control your emotions.
Worried sick : Extremely anxious.
At death’s door: to be seriously ill.
Hold oneself together : To calm oneself down and begin to think or act appropriately.
Keep a stiff upper lip : to remain stoic during difficult situations.
In a huddle : conferring confidentially.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases:
out of the woods at one’s wit ends go from bad to worse
snap out of it go into pieces worried sick at death’s door
hold oneself together keep a stiff upper lip in a huddle
a. I know you're stressed out, but you need to ………………. and get this report done!
b. Despite all of the hardships he faced, John always …………………. and didn't let anything
bother him.
c. We are not …………………… but we have been thrown a lifeline.
d. Poor Aunt Jenny! She ………………… at the funeral.
e. I was depressed, and I couldn't ………………. without a long vacation.
f. I'm already ……………….., so if this train gets delayed too, I'm going to scream.
g. Contrary to expectation; Things ……………………….. in a matter of days.
h. You must be ………..……….. about me by now, I'm sorry I wasn't able to write or call you
earlier.
i. The team went ………………….. at half-time to discuss their tactics.
j. The family dog was ……………………… for three days, and then it finally died.
Answers ;
Set (83) - Tell me about it!
Dialogue
Rob : The story seems to be far-fetched , unreal; yet it happened.
Edie : I’m afraid it’s one of those stories that smooth-talking snake-oil salesmen employ to
take people for a ride .
Rob: Not at all! The person who told it is as true as steel - she has never stretched the
truth . It’s Rebecca!
Edie: You don’t say ! Rebecca literally lives in the fantasy world .
Rob : Well, I could be wrong, but I never witnessed her telling lies!
Edie : Don’t go hard on yourself, dude! Tell me about it !

Vocabulary
Far-fetched : unlikely and unconvincing; implausible.
Snake oil : a valueless or fraudulent cure, remedy, or solution.
Take someone for a ride : to deceive or cheat someone.
As true as steel : very loyal and dependable.
Stretched the truth : to say something that is not completely honest in order to make
someone or something seem better than it really is.
You don’t say : used to express amazement or disbelief.
Fantasy world : something existing solely in the imagination (but often mistaken for reality)
Tell me about it : a way of stating that they're talking about something you know very well
or agree with.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases :
far-fetched snake oil take someone for a ride
as true as steel stretched the truth You don’t say!
fantasy world tell me about it
a. Here Rod continues his struggles in a ……………… he's created, this time pursuing dark
wizard Malraun and encountering an army of evil in the process.
b. While some of his tools are a little ……………., many are actual tools of the trade.
c. Through all my troubles, my husband has been …………………...
d. A: "Going on vacation with three kids is a lot of work." B: "……………………….."
e. He was accused of …………………………. about how much he had helped in the project.
f. Some kelp products are ………………., but the good ones promote plant growth
g. A: "My wife's cousin is the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots." B:
"…………………….! Have you ever met him?"
h. It's not pleasant to find out you've been …………………. by someone you trusted.
Answers ;
Set (84) - You double-crosser! Quit playing with fire
Dialogue
Mike : Her lifestyle as a tightwad had given her a handsome bank account and no one to
share it with!
Luna : On top of that she’s on the verge of kicking the bucket ! Go figure!
Mark: I should make use of this opportunity and tie the knot at her. And then, I end up
the sole heir and come into all her fortune.
Luna : You double-crosser ! Quit playing with fire .
Mark : Did I slip up or anything?
Luna : You just keep it up and see what happens!!

Vocabulary
Tightwad : (adj) a mean or miserly person; stingy; Scrooge.
Kick the bucket : to die; to pass away.
Make use of : to benefit from.
Tie the knot : to get married (to each other).
Sole heir : the person who inherits the whole heritage.
Come into : to inherit; to receive money as a result of a relative’s death.
Double-crosser : (adj) traitor; disloyal.
Play with fire : to do something that could cause you trouble.
Slip up : to make a careless error.
Keep it up : Just keep acting that way and see what happens to you.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases :
tightwad kick the bucket make use of tie the knot
sole heir come into double-crosser play with fire
slip up keep it up
a. Some people are born lucky! Mike ……………… an enormous inheritance!
b. They often …….………….. when it came to spelling because of the heavy workload.
c. Moshweshwe now presented himself as ……………….. to a line of landholders
d. There's no point in asking Joe to pay for it - he's a real ………………...
e. When the old girl finally ……………….. there was no mention of yours truly in the will.
f. They were educated enough to ……………… further training.
g . We …………………. in a little chapel on the Arkansas border.
h. I'll make sure that dirty ……………….. never works in this town again, if it's the last thing I
do.
i. Jen swears she's being safe when she experiments with drugs, but I think she's
………………………..
Answers ;
Set (85) - Enough of these prompt replies!
Dialogue
David : Look, Tom, everything is going fine here - don't rock the boat !
Tom : As if I was the only one here! Why don’t talk to those spoiled brats ?
David: Enough of these prompt replies ! Remember! A still tongue makes a wise head .
Tom : Let’s put our cards on the table - I’m truly fed up because of this double standard
treatment.
David : Cut it out ! You’re a true pain in the neck ! What did you just say?
Tom : I was saying I had to drop the matter, anyway!

Vocabulary
Rock the boat : to do or say something that might endanger a stable situation or upset the
status quo.
Spoiled brats : badly-behaved children.
Prompt reply : quick answers.
A still tongue makes a wise head : It is much wiser to speak only when it is appropriate.
Double standard : a rule or principle which is unfairly applied in different ways to different
people or groups.
Cut it out : stop doing this.
A pain in the neck : someone or something that is very annoying.
Drop the matter : to cease discussing or dwelling upon something.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases :
rock the boat spoiled brat prompt reply
a still tongue makes a wise head double standard cut it out
a pain in the neck drop the matter
a. He behaved like a ……………….., his power unchecked and uncontrolled.
b. I would appreciate a ……………….. so that I can take action immediately.
c. Writing long essays on uninteresting topics is ………………….
d. Look, we can't afford a new car right now, so just let the ……………… already!
e. Sue: “Why, I think you have a crush on Mary!” Tom: “……………..!”
f. She argued that society applies a ………………….. in dealing with women who commit
adultery.
g. She was told to keep her mouth shut and not ………………..
h. Don't chatter about whatever comes to your mind. …………………………….
Answers ;
Set (86) - I’m kicking myself for leaving her
Dialogue
Charlie : It's been three years since we broke up, but I still can't seem to put her out of
my head!
Steven : Weird! You kept saying that she used to be double-faced and stabbed you in the
back! Have you changed you mind already?
Charlie: Actually, I wouldn't put it past her once more after that incident! But deep
down , I still feel deep affection for her!!
Steven : Boy! You’re shooting yourself on the foot ! Come on! Put yourself together - are
you aware of the consequences of what you say?
Charlie : Honestly; I’m kicking myself for leaving her.
Steven : Oh! You’re such a headache ! You’ll send me to the loony bin.

Vocabulary
Put someone/something out of one’s head : to make an effort to forget or stop thinking
about someone or something.
Double-faced : (adj) tending to say one thing and do another; deceitful.
Stab someone in the back : betray someone.
I wouldn't put it past (someone) : you would not be surprised if they did it.
Deep down : in one's inmost feelings, despite appearances to the contrary.
Feel deep affection for someone : to love.
Shooting oneself on the foot : to foolishly harm one's own cause.
Kick oneself : be annoyed with oneself for doing something foolish or missing an opportunity.
A headache : someone or something annoying; a hassle.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases :
put someone/something out of one’s head a headache
double-faced stab someone in the back
wouldn't put it past (someone) deep down
feel deep affection for kick oneself
shooting oneself on the foot
a. It was very competitive, with everyone ………………………….
b. I was happy on the outside, but ………………. I was devastated
c. Jack has a long record of offences! I ………………….. to slip something into the drinks.
d. I guess we had better give up already – trying to persuade him is a real ..….
e. I immediately regretted having said this — I could have ………………….
f. She ……………………. that country and its people.
g. You need to ………. that idea right ……………..……—it will only bring us trouble.
h. I don’t think you have to go into business with Carl. He’s a ……… boy.
Answers ;
Set (87) - He’s getting hold of the wrong end of the stick!
Dialogue
Kathy : Oh, you can't believe a word that guy says—he's full of hot air .
Jenny : But he’s rolling in money ! He thinks people believe him hook, line and sinker.
Kathy: I had his number from the start - He’s as sly as a fox ! Period.
Jenny : Do you think he’s getting off on the wrong foot with that speech? Or probably
he’s getting hold of the wrong end of the stick !
Kathy : He’s doing that deliberately . I bet he’s playing the victim to win sympathy and
attention.
Jenny : Aha! Now I got what he was getting at !

Vocabulary
Hot air : lies, exaggerations, or nonsense.
Rolling in money : very rich.
Hook line and sinker : without question or doubt.
Have someone's number : know what kind of person someone is.
Sly as a fox : exceptionally clever, cunning, or shrewd, especially in devious or underhanded
ways.
Get off on the wrong foot : make a bad start.
Get (hold of) the wrong end of the stick : to misunderstand something.
Deliberately: purposefully; intentionally.
Play the victim : a person that always pretends to be the underdog.
Get at : to imply something; to hint.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases:
hot air get at rolling in money hook line and sinker
have someone's number sly as a fox get off on the wrong foot
deliberately play the victim
get (hold of) the wrong end of the stick
a. Oh, don't worry — I won't let him cheat me. I ……………………….
b. Once we get this plan underway, we'll be ………………. in no time!
c. She lifted her chin in a gesture that …………….. exposed the line of her throat.
d. Their relationship had ……………….., but the bond between Packer and Singleton grew
stronger over time.
e. I think I …………………. maybe she was pointing out someone else, not me.
f. There is no harm to ……………….. as long as your good will is there.
g. She may come off as nothing but smiles and sunshine, but trust me—she's …………….!
h. His promises turned out to be so much ………………..
i. Will you get to the point? I don't know what you're ………………….
j. The moment I met my wife, I fell for her ……………………….
Answers ;
Set (88) - Should we sleep on this as well?
Dialogue
George : That guy always dominates the class discussion with his rambling and inane
thoughts like he's some genius.
Jane : I know! No one seems to cut him down to size ! His behavior is the pits .
George: Plus, he has made it to the next year by the skin of his teeth. Should we sleep
on this as well?
Jane : Absolutely not! Unless he changes his tune, I’m going to give him a taste of his own
medicine.
George : Put him out of your mind! He’s not worth it .

Vocabulary
Inane : (adj) lacking sense or meaning; silly.
Cut someone down to size : to show someone that they are not as clever or important as
they think.
The pits : the worst, anything that is very bad.
Make it : to succeed in doing something.
By the skin of one’s teeth : by a very narrow margin; only just.
Sleep on something : think about, consider, decide later.
Worth it : be worth the time, money, effort, risk, etc. you have spent/taken doing something.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases:
inane cut someone down to size the pits
make it by the skin of one’s teeth sleep on something
worth it
a. Oh man, my car wouldn't start this morning—I just made it here ……………..
b. The old couple likes to act …………… by dancing around in front of the children.
c. I worked as a telemarketer one summer, and it was ………………….
d. This tool set cost me an entire paycheck, but it has been ………….—I've already used it for
six different projects.
e. Someone should ……………………….! He’s going too far!
f. I'm still not sure if I'm ready to spend that much money. Can I ………… it?
g. I can't believe we ……………………—I thought for sure that we would miss the flight!
Answers ;
Set (89) - Better late than never
Dialogue
George : I wish I read this book long before - How did I let it go unnoticed ?
Jane : Don’t beat yourself up ! Better late than never .
George: It’s no exaggeration to say that this book is worth its weight in gold.
Jane : Is it? I’m getting curious! Do you mind if I borrow it for a while ?
George : I’m afraid not. Don’t get me wrong but the topics raised in it are over your head -
If you read it on your own, you may lose it .
Jane : Hand it over to me already! You’re underestimating my intellectual capabilities.
Aren’t you?
George: Far from it. That’s out of the question !

Vocabulary
Go unnoticed : to not be seen or noticed.
Beat (oneself) up : to continually criticize or question oneself, usually about something that
one cannot change.
Better late than never : it is better to do something or arrive after the expected time than
not do it or arrive at all.
Worth its weight in gold : so useful, helpful, or valuable.
For a while : for some time.
Get someone wrong : to misunderstand.
Lose it : to become deranged or mentally disturbed.
Underestimate : to rate something lower than its real/actual value.
Out of the question : not allowed; not permitted.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases:
go unnoticed beat (oneself) up better late than never
worth its weight in gold for a while get someone wrong
lose it underestimate out of the question
a. If his sudden wealth had ……………………, he wouldn't have been caught.
b. The baby was quiet ……………….., then burst out crying.
c. You can't go to Florida this spring. We can't afford it. It's ……………….
d. Oh, honey, I know you're upset about failing the driver's license test, but try not to
……………… too much.
e. You've …………him……..—I know he seems gruff, but he's a total sweetheart.
f. Observers of black swans tend to overestimate the analyzable and ………………… the non-
explainable.
g. After two weeks, I finally got a return phone call from that company. ………………, I guess.
h. She used to turn heads wherever she went, but I think she's ………….. a little as she's aged.
i. A computer system that didn't crash all the time would ……………….. around here!
Answers ;
Set (90) - Where is the common sense in that?
Dialogue
Suzan : My mom raised a stink when the store refused to accept her return without a
receipt.
Josef : She shouldn’t have! No receipts no returns; that’s a simple rule of thumb .
Suzan: Really! Where is the common sense in that? They know her very well. She’s one of
their most loyal customers - That’s why she was offended .
Josef : Well, I don’t want to be judgmental , but well-respected shops aren’t supposed to
go hard with their customers.
Suzan : That’s right. After long argument, the seniors stepped in and helped us.
Josef : Yeah; I’d say ! It’s all because of these greenhorn sales people.

Vocabulary
Raise a stink : to be very vocal in one's displeasure; to make a scene.
Rule of thumb : an easily learned and easily applied procedure or standard, based on
practical experience.
Common sense : sensibility; good sense and sound judgment.
Offended : resentful or annoyed, typically as a result of a perceived insult.
Judgmental : (adj) forming opinions of people and situations very quickly.
Go hard with : to be difficult, problematic, or unpleasant for someone.
I’d say : it is my estimate or opinion.
Greenhorn : a person who is new to or inexperienced at a particular activity.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases :
raise a stink rule of thumb common sense offended
judgmental go hard with I’d say greenhorn
a. Knowing the state of the rails, though, it'll only take half an inch to stop the trains from
running, so the chances are fair to good, ……………...
b. I questioned him without trying to be ……………… but the hurt tone was definitely there.
c. A ………………… is to leave at least 18 inches below a towel ring so a hand towel can hang
freely.
d. One of the customers is ……………….. about the service charge we included on his bill.
e. If these people play fair and use discretion and ……………….., they shall have my full
support
f. There are step-by-step instructions to help you if you are a ………………...
g. It will ……………….. John if he doesn't realize that Tommy is only interested in him for his
money.
h. I felt a little …………….. by their lack of respect.
Answers ;
Set (91) - You’re barking up the wrong tree, dude!
Dialogue
David : Hey man! Won’t you grab a bite before you leave? What’s the hurry?
Stewart : Mum’s the word - I’m on a diet and I’m trying to avoid any food that’s out of
season .
David: That’s a hogwash ! Your problem isn’t food. What you need is food for thought .
Stewart : We had better not wash our dirty linen in public ! I suppose.
David : You chump ! What are you driving at ?
Stewart : Your crazy cravings! your sweet tooth ! You’re barking up the wrong tree ,
dude! All you need is a bit of workout .

Vocabulary
Grab a bite : to get something to eat.
Mum’s the word : (as a request or warning) say nothing; don't reveal a secret.
Out of season : not grown or available at the time of year in question.
Hogwash : nonsense.
Food for thought : ideas that are worth considering.
Wash one’s dirty linen in public : to talk to other people or in front of other people about
personal things that should be kept private.
Chump : a foolish or easily deceived person.
Drive at something : to try to explain or say something.
Sweet tooth : a great liking for sweet-tasting foods.
Be barking up the wrong tree : be pursuing a mistaken or misguided line of thought or
course of action.
Workout : exercise.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases:
grab a bite mum’s the word out of season
hogwash food for thought workout
wash one’s dirty linen in public chump
drive at something sweet tooth
be barking up the wrong tree
a. My uncle reads the newspaper to get some ………….. about the current on-goings in the
world.
b. Now, I don't want anyone to know that I'm pregnant yet, so …………..
c. A typical morning ………….. consists of a 12-kilometer paddle, a 10k run, and weight
training.
d. If you think I'll help you cheat, you're definitely …………………..!
e. There are two lodges for skiers to rest, warm-up, and ……………. to eat.
f. Pass lemon squares for those indulgent diners with a …………………….
g. What exactly are you ………………. with a critical statement like that?
h. We shouldn't …………........... and if I was in his position, I'd say nothing at all.
i. After clearing the final fence, the young …………….. took the WRONG turning.
j. All this stuff about poisons in the water supply is a load of ……………..,
k. The restaurant uses local produce, and menu changes if something is ………...
Answers ;
Set (92)- I was on the edge of my seat all along!
Dialogue
Jessie : What a spine-chilling movie! I was on the edge of my seat all along!
Martin : So was I! I was shook-up as well - It gave me the jitters !
Jessie: That ruthless giant wiped out tens of people. I caught on that he would be the
villain the first scene he appeared.
Martin : He bumped off all of them without blinking an eye !
Jessie : What made him go berserk in your opinion?
Martin : The rats, of course. It’s no-brainer .

Vocabulary
Spine-chilling : (adj) terrifying, thrilling.
On the edge of one’s seat : in nervous suspense.
Shook-up : nervously upset : agitated.
The jitters : anxiety, nervousness.
Wipe out : to kill.
Catch on : to understand.
Bump off : to kill.
Without blinking an eye : not showing any reaction to something, especially to something
strange or shocking.
Go berserk : to become very angry, crazy, and violent.
No-brainer : something that requires or involves little or no mental effort.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases:
spine-chilling on the edge of one’s seat shook-up
the jitters wipe out catch on bump off
without blinking an eye go berserk no-brainer
a. The Great Depression and Dust Bowl …………… millions of people financially.
b. If you ask me, it's a ……………. . Of course you should accept the job.
c. They tried to …….... her ………, but she was too clever and got away.
d. She …………….. and began shouting at everybody on the platform.
e. Thanks for explaining that concept to me—I think I'm ………….. now.
f . Be careful—guys like that will kill you ………………………..
g . He just got a foreclosure notice, so he's all ……………… right now.
h. The tabloids took up the call and printed the ………… news in bold type.
i. It's hook me up too, I still have ……………...
j. I've been ……………………. waiting for my acceptance letter.
Answers ;
Set (93) - Put your best foot forward
Dialogue
Thomas : I wonder if I can get my own car before I lose my head ! I’ve had enough of
these irritating jam-packed buses.
Martin : I told you over and over to start your own business, do your best to make a go of
it and rest assured you will be on easy street .
Thomas: Yeah; I need some guts! I’m fed up with the dog’s life - Why don’t you become my
partner?
Martin : Excuse me Thomas! You’ve got commitment issue - Simply you can’t stick to your
guns! I will say it boldly; you’re a quitter! You just end up on skid row !
Thomas : This time is different! It’s going to be the turning point in my life.
Martin : Then; put your best foot forward .

Vocabulary
Lose one’s head : to lose one's composure and act emotionally or irrationally.
Jam-packed : overcrowded; full.
Make a go of : to attempt to achieve success with something.
On easy street : having a pleasant, secure life.
A dog’s life : a life that is difficult, unpleasant, or boring.
Stick to one’s guns : refuse to compromise or change.
Turning point : a time at which a decisive change in a situation occurs, especially one with
beneficial results.
On skid row : a life marked by poverty and squalid circumstances.
Put your best foot forward : embark on an undertaking with as much effort and
determination as possible.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases:
lose one’s head jam-packed make a go of
on easy street dog’s life stick to one’s guns
turning point put one’s best foot forward on skid row
a. The box office success of his first movie put him and his family …………….
b. It's amazing that, after nearly five years …………….., he's now one of the biggest names in
show business.
c. Winning that game was the ……………….. of the team's season.
d. You whipper-snappers think you've got a bright future ahead of you, but it's a …………….., I
tell you!
e. I really admire Jess for ………………….. during college, and not submitting to the peer
pressure of those around her to drink or do drugs.
f. You really need to ……………………….. in the interview if you want to get this job.
g. You need to calm down before you talk to Larry. You don't want to ……………………… before
finding out his side of the story.
h. His room was …………………. with fruit, flowers, gifts and posters.
i. She was determined to …………………….. her programming business.
Answers ;
Set (94) - This time they will sink or swim
Dialogue
Thomas : Despite a stellar cast, the film turned out to be a real train wreck .
Martin : Why don’t they have a go at a comeback ? This time they will sink or swim.
Thomas: Do you think they have what it takes ? That film is probably their swan song.
Martin : Do you think they are going to the dogs ?
Thomas : Who knows? I heard they’re recruiting some has-been performer who may save
the day.

Vocabulary
Stellar : (adj) featuring or having the quality of a star performer or performers.
Train wreck : a major or total failure, disaster, or catastrophe.
Have a go at : to try, often after others have failed.
Comeback : an attempt to reclaim a respected position, be successful again.
Sink or swim : fail or succeed by your own efforts.
Have what it takes : any ability for a job; courage.
Swan song : final appearance.
Go to the dogs : something is becoming worse than it normally was.
Has-been : person once popular but no longer in public favor.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases :
stellar train wreck have a go at
comeback sink or swim have what it takes
swan song go to the dogs has-been
a. The pastrami offering at Langer's Deli is a ………………. example of hot sandwich
achievement.
b. I thought the recipe in the book looked good and we shall have …………… it ourselves.
c. This building turned out to be the …………………. of Victorian architecture.
d. This project has become an absolute ………………. . We've wasted so much time and money
already, I don't know how we'll make up the losses.
e. This firm's …………………… since the new management took over.
f. She's pretty talented—I think she might ……………….. to become a Hollywood actress.
g. The young actor constantly sought media attention because he feared becoming a
……………. too early in his career.
h. Now that we've bought the farm, we'll have to make a go of it, ……………….
i. The team was trailing after the first half, but they made a …………….. and won in the second
half.
Answers ;
Set (95) - It's either feast or famine!
Dialogue
Jessie : Yesterday two hundred showed up at the fair, today two dozen - it's either feast
or famine !
Jane : Bear in mind that David has got lots of fans! If he was here, thousands would be
around.
Jessie: Good idea! But do you David would string along with us through thick and thin
?
Jane : Should I give him a ring now?
Jessie : Sure! The sooner the better !
Jane : Look who is there. That’s Mary. Isn’t she? It’s a small world ?

Vocabulary
Show up : to arrive.
Either feast or famine : either too much or too little, too many or too few.
String along with : stay with or accompany a person or group.
Through thick and thin : under all circumstances, no matter how difficult.
Give someone a ring : to call someone on the telephone.
The sooner the better : it should be done as soon as possible.
It’s a small world : used to express surprise at meeting an acquaintance or discovering a
personal connection in a distant place or an unexpected context.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases:
show up either feast or famine string along with
through thick and thin give someone a ring
the sooner the better It’s a small world!
a. Lucy is my right arm - She has stuck with me ………………….
b. ………………………. tonight, and we'll work out the details.
c. Mike is getting more and more indifferent! I invited him for eight o'clock, but he didn't
……………… until nine-thirty.
d. Freelance projects always seem to be ……………………, unfortunately—this line of work is
very unpredictable.
e. I found a copy of my novel at a used bookstore in Paris. …………………, isn't it?
f. A new candidate will probably have to be found, …………………………..
g. Okay. I will ……………….. you this time, but I don't know about the future.
Answers ;
Set (96) - Stop milking it for heaven’s sake!
Dialogue
Jessie : I bent over backwards for you, and you showed no thanks!
Jane : Did you? I wonder when will you grow out of your wheeling and dealing ?
Jessie: You insist on your being ungrateful! I went out of my way to take care of you while
you were sick!
Jane : Stop milking it for heaven’s sake! How many time should I return this favor?
Jessie : Come on! All I need is attention and recognition.
Jane : Well; I’ll make it up for you. But I’m against the concept of you scratch my back
and I’ll scratch yours!

Vocabulary
Bend over backwards : to work very hard to accomplish something.
Grow out of : become too mature to retain (a childish habit).
Wheel and deal : to operate or manipulate for one's own interest.
Go out of one’s way : to try especially hard to do something good or helpful.
Milk it : to try to get as much of something from someone else.
Make it up : to do something good for someone you have upset, in order to become friends
with them again.
You scratch my back and I scratch yours : used to tell someone that if they help you, you
will help them.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases :
bend over backwards grow out of wheel and deal
go out of one’s way milk it make it up
you scratch my back and I scratch yours
a. The entire staff really needs to ……………….. while the CEO is visiting our office.
b. They found a little bit of celebrity when their book was published a couple years ago, and
they've been …………….. ever since.
c. I'm sorry I missed your game. How about …………… to you with some ice cream?
d. Thanks for the file. Here’s your money—…………………………………., remember?
e. I thought she would have …………………. temper tantrums by now.
f. You need to thank Monica—she really ………………….. to get you this job interview.
g. You need to cool it with the ………………………… and just let the process work as it is
supposed to. You'll be judged on your qualifications, not who you know.
Answers ;
Set (97) - One swallow doesn't make a summer!
Dialogue
Peter : How embarrassing! Did I ever put my foot in it —I just congratulated Sarah's
sister on being pregnant. She isn't.
Alice: You don’t say! Haven’t you heard the proverb that says “look before you leap ”?
Peter : She just walked away - I wish the ground would have swallowed me !
Alice : Never mind; I’ll straighten it out. But make sure you don’t screw it up once more.
Peter : I’ll have to apologize to her as soon as possible or do her a big favor - You know;
one swallow doesn't make a summer !
Alice: Fine then! You don’t have to go hard on yourself anymore.

Vocabulary
Put one’s foot in it : to unintentionally say something foolish, tactless, or offensive.
Look before you leap : think of the consequences before you act.
Wish the ground would swallow someone : to wish one could have an escape or some
instant relief from being mortified or extremely embarrassed.
Screw up : to completely mismanage or mishandle a situation.
One swallow doesn't make a summer : a single fortunate event does not mean that what
follows will also be good.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases:
put one’s foot in it look before you leap
Wish the ground would swallow someone screw up
one swallow doesn't make a summer
a. Hershel just asked me out in the middle of class in front of everyone. I
……………………………………
b. I …………………… the cake when I forgot to add eggs to it.
c. If you deceive your boss now, what do you think will happen if he finds out about it? I mean,
……………………………!
d. A lot of things went right for us this year, but …………………………….—we still have a long
ways to go before our finances are back in order.
e. He just tends to ………………………… when he's forced to speak for too long, so try to get
him off stage as soon as possible.
Answers ;
Set (98) - He doesn’t want to play the game
Dialogue
Allan: I'll send one of my strong men around to him tomorrow to tighten the screws on
him. Then we'll see if he's still so sure he won't sign the contract.
Jerry: Don’t dare you! You’re going to make a mess of the whole deal.
Allan : He’s going to sigh willingly or unwillingly .
Jerry : What on earth is making him standing his ground after like this?
Allan : He doesn’t want to play the game because he observed our enthusiasm.
Jerry : He’ll give in sooner or later.

Vocabulary
Tighten the screws : exert strong pressure on someone.
Don’t dare you : used for telling someone not to do something, when you are warning them
that you will be very angry if they do it.
Make a mess of : ruin or spoil (something).
Willingly or unwillingly : either by one’s own will or against it.
Stand one’s ground : to hold to one’s position; to refuse to give in.
Not play that game : to refuse to adhere to, participate in, or be a part of what is expected
or wanted by others, especially because one is suspicious.
Give in : to cease fighting or arguing; admit defeat.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases:
tighten the screws don’t dare you make a mess of
willingly or unwillingly not play that game
give in stand one’s ground
a. She should know that I’m going to bring the children ……………….
b. ………………….. touch that autographed baseball—it's worth a lot of money!
c. Under the threat of a strike, the management ……………….. and agreed to reinstate annual
pay increases for all employees.
d. He kept offering me less money, but I …………………….. and got the full asking price.
e. I'm ……………………, Rob. If there's something wrong, just say it—don't just keep alluding to
it passive aggressively.
f. The bank has really started ……………………… on me ever since I began missing my
mortgage payments.
g. I'm afraid the accounting department ……………………. these numbers. We'll need to re-tally
the entire ledger.
Answers ;
Set (99) - A big fish in a small pond!
Dialogue
Carl: Where’s the head honcho ? Has he left yet?
Kathy: Yeah, he has - the coast’s clear ! Come on! Let’s get going .
Carl : Did you bring the burgers? I’m starving hungry .
Kathy : Are you sure we’ll get away with this?
Carl : Stay loose ! It’s all under control. I feel myself the big cheese here not that empty-
headed nerd .
Kathy : I see! You’re literally a big fish in a small pond !

Vocabulary
Head honcho : the boss; the person in charge of a place or an organization.
The coast is clear : there is no danger of being observed or caught.
Get going : to start taking some action.
Starving hungry : very hungry.
Get away with : escape blame, punishment, or undesirable consequences for (an act that is
wrong or mistaken).
Stay loose : to relax and stay calm; take it easy.
Empty-headed : lacking intelligence or knowledge; foolish; brainless.
Nerd : a foolish or contemptible person who lacks social skills or is boringly studious.
A big fish in a small pond : A person who is important in a limited arena.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases:
head honcho the coast is clear get going
starving hungry get away with stay loose
empty-headed nerd a big fish in a small pond
a. Who called this an ………………. young girl – She’s a pain in the neck!
b. Let’s stop by one of these shops; I’m ………………..
c. Ever since David was transferred to that village, he felt like ………………..
d. I have a playlist of music that I listen to that helps me ………… before a game.
e. Come on, kids, let's ………………..—the party starts in 20 minutes.
f. That decision is above my pay grade. You'll have to ask the …………….
g. You got lucky when you ran that red light. Next time you might not …………….. it.
h. Let’s not hang out for long after dinner. I can’t stand Steven’s observations – He’s such a
………………
i. As soon as ………………………. he climbed in through the window.
Answers ;
Set (100) - It’s a dog-eat-dog world
Dialogue
Jack: You should think big , dear! Food, clothing, and shelter are the bare necessities of
life. What about humanities and culture?
Alice: But unless you bare your teeth , you’ll end up the one who is left out .
Jack : You’re right! When James says it’s a dog-eat-dog world, I don’t blame him.
Alice : Above all, only few are content to make a living by the sweat of their brow!
Jack : You know what? The thought of this rat race gives me a lump in my throat!

Vocabulary
Think big : to be ambitious.
Bare: the smallest or least possible.
Bare one’s teeth : to display an angry, violent, and/or threatening reaction to or against
something or someone.
Left out : not included in something.
Do-eat-dog : a situation of fierce competition in which people are willing to harm each other
in order to succeed.
Make a living : to earn enough income to support oneself.
By the sweat of their brow : through one's own efforts or hard work.
Have a lump in one’s throat : a feeling that one is unable to speak due to sadness, anxiety,
or another strong emotion.
Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases:
think big bare bare one’s teeth left out
do-eat-dog make a living by the sweat of their brow
a lump in one’s throat
a. I had a …………………. as I watched the casket of the fallen soldier return home.
b. It's clear that the company was ………………. when they came up with the idea for this
product.
c. Don't expect this kind of consideration in the real world—it's …………………. out there.
d. This pair of entrepreneurs has created a billion-dollar company ……………………
e. Of course I felt ………………… when you guys went to the concert without me!
f. There isn't much time, so I'll just give you the ………………. details.
g. I will ……………………… to anyone who tries to take away my land.
h. If you quit your job at the hospital, how on earth will you ……………………..?
Answers ;
 Answers
Set (1)
a. pathetic b. count on c. how come d. hoax e. turned out
f. swallow the bait g. get rid of h. keep his nose clean i. barked up the wrong tree.
Set (2)
a. skip it b. a taste of his own medicine c. treated/to d. No wonder
e. let bygones be bygones f. played a trick on g. the talk of the town
h. spill the beans i. let down
Set (3 )
a. feel like two cents b. splurge c. born with silver spoons in their mouths
d. loaded e. a drop in the ocean f. live within his means
g. came down to earth h. broke
Set (4 )
a. Get out of here b. shop around c. sky-high d. around the corner
e. are fed up with f. cut corners g. makes/ excuses
h. make both ends meet i. give/ solace
Set (5 )
a. You're kidding b. put a stop to c. new due date d. take time off
e. after all f. do without g. turned/down h. down in the dumps
i. cracking the whip j. on the pretext of k. hit the ceiling l. step in m. foil/ plan
Set (6 )
a. stick it out b. with pleasure c. trailer d. poured so much money down the drain
e. prank f. put up with g. isn't really my cup of tea. h. rubbish i. do me a favor
Set (7 )
a. cover up b. lest c. the villain of the piece d. goes around with
e. whistleblower f. spread rumors g. slipped up h. You don't say
i. the other way round j. the sooner the better k. You know what l. ratted on
Set (8 )
a. line of work b. a change of air c. hard up d. Go for it
e. stand on her own two feet f. racking my brain g. leeway h. give/ a hand
i. boxed-in j. did his best k. had enough of
Set ( 9)
a. changed my mind b. no joke c. pay off d. for good. e. drop out of
f. tycoon g. making any sense h. picnic i. nitwit j. one way or another
k. shortcuts/taken l. backed me up
Set (10 )
a. third party b. fair enough c. already d. bugged e. other than
f. or else g. already h. Believe it or not i. give away j. give away
k. already l. in her shoes m. out of my mind n. on earth
Set (11 )
a. jack of all trades b. literally c. pass away d. odds and ends e. dependable
f. Far from it g. serve the purpose h. butter up
i. don't hold your breath j. out of town
k. the lion's share l. have / in common
Set (12 )
a. push it b. end up c. In retrospect d. run short of
e. holds a grudge f. watch your words g. unless
h. go easy on i. Go easy on j. a thing of the past
Set (13 )
a. squawking b. to no avail c. mind your own business d. can't stand
e. moaning f. overcast g. are bound to h. point out
i. talk him round j. learn that the hard way. k. keep up with the Joneses
Set (14 )
a. overtime b. get off the hook c. have a full plate
d. saved the day e. deal with f. know it inside out g. take over
h. clueless i. show you the ropes. j. never mind
Set (15 )
a. dirty rat b. gullible c. worked up d. beyond our means
e. was just pulling/ leg f. make fun of g. give up
h. gone to extremes i. without doubt
Set (16 )
a. a hard pill to swallow b. run down c. break-up d. near miss
e. Let it ride f. in no mood to g. absent-minded
h. On top of that i. take action
Set (17 )
a. OMG b. smelled a rat c. turn your stomach d. leave her alone
e. vanished into thin air f. up to something g. snuck in
h. slipped out i. now and then
Set (18 )
a. all the same b. big-headed c. big deal (important)
d. Big deal (contempt) e. grease their palms f. loophole
g. not a big deal h. leave it to me i. I bet.
Set ( 19)
a. settle down b. Cheer up c. make up my mind d. think outside the box
e. comes my way f. Things are looking up g. don't mind h. cut out to be
i. you've got a point there j. For the record k. pay dividends
Set (20 )
a. a breeze b. ill at ease c. assigned to d. am used to
e. gave it his best shot f. think twice g. On behalf of
h. bank on i. mess up
Set (21 )
a. make up (create) b. make up (compensate) c. make up (form)
d. make/up (reconcile) e. go too far f. have a knack for g. hang out h. tied up
Set (22 )
a. well-intentioned b. keeping our fingers crossed c. gives me the creeps
d. knock/out e. make a hit f. can't wait g. slipped my mind. h. lose face
i. come to light j. jumped the gun k. sit tight l. a bootlicker
Set (23 )
a. crave b. cleared his mind. c. next-door d. day and night
e. second to none f. to die for g. was dying for h. called on
i. Speaking of j. What do you say k. jump at the chance
Set (24 )
a. put my finger on it b. the cream of the crop c. brains d. pull strings
e. make their own way f. fishy g. waste my breath h. hands are tied
i. put up with j. judge a book by its cover k. too full of herself
Set (25 )
a. pay for b. take revenge c. put me down d. making a laughingstock of
e. get even f. fair's fair g. hurt your feelings
Set (26 )
a. turned a blind eye to b. grumpy c. to crown it all
d. out of date e. typically f. falsifying the facts
g. takes/ages h. let alone
Set (27 )
a. making a bundle b. in a row c. high-maintenance d. take advantage of
e. out of this world f. has a heart of gold g. beat me to the punch h. went into business
Set (28 )
a. divert attention from b. keen to c. playing the victim d. cover-up
e. plain as day f. smoke and mirrors g. wasn't born yesterday
h. had a finger in the pie i. see no further than the end of their own noses
Set (29 )
a. go-getter b. not the end of the world c. a pat on the back
d. go a long way e. get out of f. beat g. in the same boat h. taken for a ride
Set (30 )
a. count on b. heaven c. keeps his word d. look back e. fell apart
f. fell apart g. go nuts h. let on i. dog's life
j. Going back on your promise k. no bed of roses
Set (31 )
a. to twiddle my thumbs b. stick my neck out c. top-notch
d. back out of e. asking for trouble. f. stinks g. beg to differ
h. fall off i. washing my hands of j. Money doesn’t grow on trees
Set (32 )
a. dead-end b. knocked out c. knocked/ out
d. knocked/ out e. knock/ out f. knock/ out g. junkie h. morbid
Set (33 )
a. The heart of the matter b. flirt c. broke up d. turned/upside down
e. sounds like f. black and blue g. cut from the same cloth
h. teaching me a lesson i. break it up
Set (34 )
a. kicked out b. sell yourself short c. went nowhere d. clean conscience
e. come clean f. rat race g. bite off more than you can chew
h. gets me down i. going around in circles j. simmer down k. take it easy
Set (35 )
a. get carried away b. well worth c. keep you posted d. drop/a line
 e. big bucks f. a ballpark figure g. Give or take
Set (36 )
a. have/on b. awkward positions c. give/ a break d. slipped/ mind
e. all at once f. off the top of my head g. offhand h. back up i. brush up on
Set (37 )
a. clear the air b. open up c. learn that the hard way d. on the edge
e. no easy/simple matter f. wipes/out g. are doomed to h. mountain out of a molehill
Set (38 )
a. out of the ordinary b. get through c. let me know d. get hold of
e. out of order f. head over heels in love g. the big day
h. leave him a message i. got him wrong
Set (39 )
a. lose weight b. head is spinning c. on a diet d. lose my appetite
e. strong-willed f. enough already g. stank h. Good for you
i. grab a bite j. On second thought k. rotten l. eat out
Set (40 )
a. rest assured b. pocket money c. breakthrough d. Big deal e. on the horizon
f. gone to the dogs g. up in the air h. winning streak i. foot the bill
Set (41 )
a. first things first b. put forth c. fiddling while Rome burns d. in charge of
e. pressed for time f. set up g. In the meantime h. race against time i. For your information
Set (42 )
a. turned upside down b. a blessing in disguise c. Contrary to expectations
d. unshaken e. find out f. bring together g. every cloud has a silver lining
h. get over it i. anymore
Set (43 )
a. can't stand b. over my head c. throw up d. blew it
e. get over here f. cut class g. turned the tables h. beside the point
i. take sides j. slacking off k. messing around
Set (44 )
a. feeling down b. going out with c. overstepped its bounds
d. feed/ to e. came to his senses f. get it off (out) my mind
g. shaking in my boots h. wiped out i. mess with
Set (45 )
a. smooth things over b. get under your skin c. stands to reason
d. shoot herself in the foot e. status quo f. bossing him around
g. crack down h. put me on the spot i. have had it up to here with you
j. adjust to k. in the true sense of the word
Set (46 )
a. spoiled b. fell on deaf ears c. hit the nail on the head
d. over and over again e. Get a load of f. Appearances can be deceiving
g. gets a kick out of h. went out of control i. in stitches j. give in
Set (47 )
a. those good old days b. track down c. yearn for d. lost touch
e. hark back f. on the go g. tied down h. keep in touch with i. live it up
j. in a rut k. come across l. touch base
Set (48 )
a. fair-weather friend b. down to earth c. hit it off d. on and off
e. well-off f. looked down their noses at g. steer clear of h. the other day
i. gave me the cold shoulder
Set (49 )
a. fill me in on b. odds with c. pushover d. see eye to eye
e. stand up for yourself f. leads you around by the nose
g. putting the screws on h. has a mind of her own i. cheat on
Set (50 )
a. on the rocks b. on the same wavelength c. have a bun in the oven
d. false alarm e. blow it up f. on shaky ground g. split up h. at fault
Set (51 )
a. make time b. easier said than done c. from scratch d. jumped the gun
e. lost his head f. one-track mind g. No hard feelings
h. if the worst comes to the worst i. has a heart of gold.
Set (52 )
a. sitting idly by b. no-brainer c. taking it out on
d. a bit of a stretch e. cope with f. like pulling teeth g. lay out
h. knows her stuff i. be worth my while
Set (53 )
a. just what the doctor ordered b. can’t complain c. stick with
d. get the ball rolling e. make a fool out of myself f. hit the jackpot
g. make progress h. measure up
Set (54 )
a. having a go b. Achilles heel c. penalty kick d. blew the final whistle
e. counterattack f. missing the target g. lineup h. wide
i. outswinger j. right wing k. top striker l. free kick
Set (55 )
a. it takes two to tango b. took/ by storm c. given d. twisted my arm
e. behind in f. keep track of g. It's a deal h. viral marketing
i. teased j. cornered/ market
Set (56 )
a. cutting off your nose to spite your face b. by a hair c. took place
d. painted myself into a corner e. Not on my watch f. For the record
g. just the ticket h. lost in thought i. mark my words
Set (57 )
a. stand-up b. work it out c. Go figure d. stepped out of line
e. sourpuss f. goosebumps g. track record h. set/up i. lay his hands
Set (58 )
a. all thumbs b. serves a purpose c. spend a fortune d. save/the trouble
e. an understatement f. handy g. Way to go h. on the blink i. second hand
Set (59 )
a. mess b. scattered around c. pile up d. a slob
e. right here under your nose f. turned up g. nags
h. looking high and low i. Here they are j. straighten it out
Set (60 )
a. stubborn as a mule b. fiddled around c. doctored/ up d. elbow grease
e. all along f. take no notice g. kissed/ goodbye
Set (61 )
a. dead letter b. red tape c. What's the point of d. time-worn
e. when pigs fly f. cut to the chase g. home free h. in good hands
Set (62 )
a. take over b. not on your life c. rundown d. run-down e. run-down
f. hustle and bustle g. in the middle of nowhere h. hell
Set (63 )
a. dogs of the same street bark alike b. on the level c. under-the-table
d. carbon copy e. patch up f. turned over a new leaf g. suck up h. gloss over
Set (64 )
a. farce b. nitpicking c. harping on d. boss/around e. nagging
f. take/with a pinch of salt g. loony Bin h. open-minded
i. hounded j. took it to heart k. Knock it off l. in the same boat
m. a pill n. get off his back
Set (65 )
a. wisecrack b. let bygones be bygones c. whistling a different tune
d. have a chip on her shoulder e. accounts to settle f. dishing out
g. take it h. getting at i. old habits die hard j. just clear the air
Set (66 )
a. make waves b. laying the blame c. the last straw d. the talk of the town
e. nipped/in the bud f. teach him a lesson g. make the fur fly
h. go astray i. make/big thing (out) of j. hand over
Set (67 )
a. knocking my head against the wall b. serves/right c. turned the tables
d. rub it in e. have taken the gloves off f. take for granted
g. walk all over us h. gets the short end of the stick
Set (68 )
a. free riders b. deserve credit for c. don't know the first thing about
d. talk big e. knows which side of his bread is buttered
f. hit him where it hurts g. How do you mean h. time is ripe
i. put/ in his place j. freeloaders
Set (69 )
a. lowered the boom b. got what’s coming to c. bear in mind
d. the law of the jungle e. drama queen f. raising Cain
g. sets/example h. stand up to i. get to the bottom of j. backbone
Set (70 )
a. war of nerves b. asymmetrical c. take that lying down
d. mudslinging e. say uncle f. save face g. unprincipled
h. stick to your guns i. get the upper hand j. go down swinging
Set (71 )
a. lay back b. get your head out of the clouds c. cloud nine d. clouded up
e. cloud on the horizon f. every dark cloud has a silver lining.
g. gets me down h. against her will
Set (72 )
a. change his tune b. standoff c. kill them with kindness d. get nowhere
e. with it f. racket g. Keep it down
Set (73 )
a. appeal to b. Panic-stricken c. sideswiped d. take its toll on e. backseat driver
f. roadworthy g. smack into h. wear and tear i. in good shape
j. road hug k. roadworthy
Set (74 )
a. brought this on himself b. schadenfreude c. hard feelings d. dwell on
e. blabbermouth f. blow over g. fuming h. talk trash
i. oversensitive j. given free rein to
Set (75 )
a. put off b. offed c. dashed d. hold my breath e. took up
f. holding/back g. take matters into her own hands h. had a word
i. look into j. can't wait
Set (76 )
a. 40 lashes with a wet noodle b. put a stop to c. Use your noodle
d. figure out e. wimped f. green with envy g. to that extent
h. toast i. wet noodle
Set (77 )
a. make/out of b. lowdown c. makes sense d. clear up e. earful f. floored
g. find fault with h. out of my mind i. goes the extra mile
j. went out of her way k. put you out
Set (78 )
a. collude with b. scratch the surface c. scratching their heads
d. start from scratch e. up to scratch f. tap into
Set (79 )
a. fell out b. leading question c. hold back d. get/straight e. clear up
f. getting me cornered g. get it off my chest h. tangential
i. meddling in j. trying my patience k. hear-to-heart
Set (80 )
a. The ball is in/court b. boils down c. backbone
d. took the words right out of/mouth e. pale in comparison f. ball of fire
Set (81 )
a. guts b. back out of c. trapped in d. side with e. wishy-washy
f. left me holding the bag g. a wimp h. move mountains
i. a thing of the past j. put my cards on the table
Set (82 )
a. hold yourself together b. kept a stiff upper lip c. out of the woods
d. went to pieces e. snap out of it f. at my wits' end g. went from bad to worse
h. worried sick i. into a huddle j. at death's door
Set (83 )
a. fantasy world b. far-fetched c. as true as steel d. Tell me about it
e. stretching the truth f. snake oil g. You don't say h. taken for a ride
Set (84 )
a. came into b. slipped up c. sole heir d. tightwad e. kicked the bucket
f. make use of g. tied the knot h. double crosser i. playing with fire
Set (85 )
a. spoiled brat b. prompt reply c. a pain in the neck d. matter drop
e. Cut it out f. double standard g. rock the boat h. A still tongue makes a wise head.
Set (86 )
a. stabbing everyone else in the back b. deep down c. wouldn't put it past him
d. headache e. kicked myself f. developed a deep affection for
g. put/ out of your head h. double-faced
Set (87 )
a. 've got his number b. rolling in money c. deliberately
d. started off on the wrong foot e. get hold of the wrong end of the stick
f. play the victim g. sly as a fox! h. hot air i. getting at j. hook, line, and sinker
Set (88 )
a. by the skin of my teeth! b. inane c. the pits
d. worth it e. cut that man down to size f. sleep on g. made it
Set (89 )
a. gone unnoticed b. for a while c. out of the question d. beat yourself up
e. got / wrong f. underestimate g. Better late than never
h. lost it i. be worth its weight in gold
Set (90 )
a. I'd say b. judgmental c. good rule of thumb d. raising a stink
e. common sense f. greenhorn g. go hard with h. offended
Set (91 )
a. food for thought b. mum's the word c. workout d. barking up the wrong tree
e. grab a bite f. sweet tooth g. driving at h. wash our dirty laundry in public
i. chump j. hogwash k. out of season
Set (92 )
a. wiped out b. no-brainer c. bump/off d. went berserk e. catching on
f. without even blinking an eye g. shook up h. spine-chilling
i. the jitters j. on the edge of my seat
Set (93 )
a. on easy street b. on skid row c. turning point d. dog's life
e. sticking to her guns f. put your best foot forward g. lose your head
h. jam-packed i. make a go of
Set (94 )
a. stellar b. to have a go at c. swan song d. train wreck
e. gone to the dogs f. have what it takes g. has-been
h. sink or swim i. comeback
Set (95 )
a. through thick and thin b. Give me a ring c. show up d. feast or famine
e. It's a small world f. the sooner the better g. string along with
Set (96 )
a. bend over backwards b. milking it c. making it up
d. you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours e. grown out of
f. went out of her way g. wheeling and dealing
Set (97 )
a. wish the ground would swallow me up b. screwed up
c. look before you leap d. one swallow does not make a summer e. put his foot in it
Set (98 )
a. willingly or unwillingly b. Don't you dare c. gave in d. stood my ground
e. not playing that game f. tightening the screws g. made a mess out of
Set (99 )
a. empty-headed b. starving hungry c. a big fish in a small pond
d. stay loose e. get going f. head honcho g. get away with
h. nerd i. the coast was clear
Set (100 )
a. lump in my throat b. thinking big c. dog eat dog
d. by the sweat of their brows. e. left out f. bare g. bare my teeth h. make a living
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Get in touch with the author;
m.a.l.a2014.am@gmail.com