WORKSHOP 8

1. Tell the difference between a free word group and a

phraseologically bound one.

A Phraseological unit (PU) can be defined as a non-motivated word-group

that cannot be freely made up in speech, but is reproduced as a ready-made
unit.

It is a group of words whose meaning cannot be deduced by examining the

meaning of the constituent lexemes. Phraseological units express a single
notion and are used in a sentence as one part of it. The individual
components of phraseological units do not seem to have any lexical meaning
outside the word group.

The essential features of PU are:

1) lack of motivation;

2) stability of the lexical components

Free word-groups are so called not because of any absolute freedom in

using them but simply because they are each time built up a new in the
speech process whereas idioms are used as ready-made units with fixed and
constant structures.

The ‘freedom’ of free word-groups is relative and arbitrary.

Nothing is entirely ‘free’ in speech as its linear relationships are governed,

restricted and regulated, on the one hand, by requirements of logic and
common sense and, on the other, by the rules of grammar and combinability.

A black-eyed girl but not of a black-eyed table.

The child was glad is quite correct, but a glad child is wrong.

FREE-WORD GROUPS vs PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS

The border-line between free or variable word-groups and phraseological

units is not clearly defined.

The free word-groups are only relatively free as collocability of their

member-words is fundamentally delimited by their lexical and syntactic
valency.

Phraseological units are comparatively stable and semantically inseparable.

 In free word-groups each of its constituents preserves its denotational
meaning.

In the case of phraseological units however the denotational meaning

belongs to the word-group as a single semantically inseparable unit. For
example, compare a free word-group a white elephant (белый слон) and a
phraseological unit white elephant (обуза, подарок, от которого не знаешь
как избавиться).

Distinctive features of free-word groups and phraseological units

free word-groups phraseological units

1. are formed in the 2. exist in the language side-by-

process of speech side with separate words;
according to the
standards of the
language;

2. are constructed in the 3. are reproduced in speech as

process of ready-made units;
communication by
joining together words
into a phrase;

3. substitution is possible; 4. no substitution is possible;

4. each of its components 5. the denotational meaning

preserves its belongs to the word group as a
denotational meaning; single semantically inseparable
unit;
 2. Why are phraseological units called word equivalents?

The problem of "phraseology and word" emphasizes two directions: the

lexical understanding of phraseology as an integral part of lexicology, the broad
understanding of phraseological units as word equivalents and phraseology as
an independent science.

Some proponents of the theory of complete equivalence consider

phraseological units to be lexical units that need special classification and
should be classified in the same way as words. A.İ. Smirnitsky includes
phraseology in lexicology. He recognizes phraseological units as "equivalents
of words." Prof. A. I. Smirnitsky states that a phraseological unit may be
defined as any exact word groups functioning as a word-equivalent. “The
phraseological units are single semantically inseparable units. They are used
in one function in the sentence and belong to one part of speech”. They are
given in special phraseological dictionaries and according to the scientist’s
notion these phrases convey an exact notion like words and are used in a
sentence and text as one part of it.

N.N. Amosova in her work, Amosova is skeptical of the theory of word

equivalence of phraseological units, noting "the relativity of phraseological
units to word equivalence and even different degrees of this relative equivalence
depending on the type of phraseological units." In this regard, N.M. Shansky.
The scientist describes the relationship of words and phraseological units as
follows: "words belong to most phraseological units as low-repetition language
units, higher reproducible language units: words are important elementary units
of language, morphemes, phraseological units are components of oral
character". N.M. Shansky also focuses on the different grammatical
arrangements of words and phraseological units, where the former are "single
compounds, while phraseological units act as separate compounds in language."
According to the researcher, phraseological units have a number of specific
features that distinguish them from freely meaningful words and expressions.

The professor A.V. Koonin who worked on these complex units for many years
has different idea on the equivalence of phraseological units. “The components
of phraseological units are mounted separately”- he said. “They cannot be used
in one function in the sentence. For example, He gets rid of it. The problem of
equivalency of phraseological units to words demands further investigation”. He
points out that phraseology must be an independent linguistic science and it
should not be considered as a part of Lexicology. Moreover, Phraseological
units are based on the functions in speech.

3. Comment on existing classifications of phraseological units (V.

Vinogradov’s, L. Smith’s, N. Amosova’s).

● Vinogradov – Semantic Classification

The classification of V.V. Vinogradov is synchronic. His classification is

based upon the motivation of the unit, i.e. the relationship existing between the
meaning of the whole and the meaning of its component parts.

According to the type of motivation and the other above-mentioned

features, three types of phraseological units are suggested: phraseological
fusions, phraseological unities and phraseological combinations.

Phraseological fusions represent as their name suggests the highest stage

of blending together. The meaning of components is completely absorbed by the
meaning of the whole, by its expressiveness and emotional properties.
Phraseological fusions are specific for every language and do not lend
themselves to literal translation into other languages. (e. g. red tape, kick the
bucket, tit for tat, as mad as a hatter , white elephant, to kiss the hare’s foot, the
king’s picture).

Phraseological unities are much more numerous. They are non motivated.
The emotional quality is based upon the image created by the whole as in to
stick (to stand) to one's guns, i.e. 'refuse to change one's statements or opinions
in the face of opposition', implying courage and integrity. The example reveals
another characteristic of the type, namely the possibility of synonymic
substitution, which can be only very limited. Some of these are easily translated
and even international, e. g. to know the way the wind is blowing. (e. g. to show
one’s teeth, to wash one’s dirty linen in public, bring one’s pigs to the wrong
market, to play the first fiddle, to take the bull by the horns, to turn over a new
leaf, to dance on a tight rope).

Phraseological combinations are not only motivated but contain one

component used in its direct meaning while the other is used figuratively: meet
the demand, meet the necessity, meet the requirements, bosom friend, to get in
touch with. The mobility of this type is much greater, the substitutions are not
necessarily synonymical. In phraseological combinations variability of member
words is strictly limited: bear a grudge, bear malice, but not bear a fancy.

● Amosova – Contextual Classification

Amosova classifies phraseological units according to the type of context.

Phraseological units are marked by fixed context (i.e. a context characterized by
a specific and unchanging sequence of definite lexical components, and a
peculiar semantic relationship between them), which can’t be changed: French
leave (but not Spanish or Ukrainian).

Units of fixed context are subdivided into phrasemes and idioms.

Phrasemes are always binary: one component has a phraseologically

bound meaning, the other serves as the determining context (small talk, small
hours, small change, green eye, green hand, green years, green wound).

In idioms the new meaning is created by the whole, though every element
may have its original meaning weakened or even completely lost: in the nick of
time 'at the exact moment' (e.g. mare’s nest, red tape, to pin one’s heart on
one’s sleeve).They may be motivated or demotivated. A motivated idiom is
homonymous to a free phrase, but this phrase is used figuratively: take the bull
by the horns 'to face dangers without fear'. In the nick of time is demotivated,
because the word nick is obsolete. Both phrasemes and idioms may be movable
(changeable) or immovable.

● Smith – Thematic (Etymological ) Classification

Idioms are classified according to their sources of origin:

- the particular sphere of human activity (sailors, fishermen, soldiers,

hunters) : off the hook, a big fish in a small pond, smell fishy
- life of nature, of natural phenomena: out of the woods, beat about the
bush, nip sth in the bud, second nature
- domestic and wild animals: hold your horses, butterflies in your stomach,
snail mail
 - birds: like a duck to water, a little bird told me, early bird,
- agriculture: a hard row to hoe, rake your brain, when pigs fly
- cooking: have bigger fish to fry, let him stew in his own juice , a piece of
cake
- sports : start the ball rolling, a level playing field, score an own goal
- arts: drama queen, con artist, pretty as a picture, just picture it!

Smith points out that word-groups associated with the sea and the life of
seamen are especially numerous in English vocabulary. Most of them have long
since developed metaphorical meanings which have no longer any association
with the sea or sailors. Here are some examples.
To be all at sea – to be unable to understand; to be in a state of ignorance or
bewilderment about something (e.g. How can I be a judge in a situation in
which I am all at sea? I’m afraid I’m all at sea in this problem).
To sink or swim – to fail or succeed (e.g. It is a case of sink or swim. All
depends on his own effort.)
In deep waters – in trouble or danger.
In low waters, on the rocks – in strained financial circumstances.
To be in the same boat with somebody – to be in a situation in which people
share the same difficulties and dangers (e.g. I don’t like you much, but seeing
that we’re in the same boat I’ll back you all I can).
To sail under false colours – to pretend to be what one is not; sometimes, to
pose as friend and, at the same time, have hostile intentions.
To show one’s colours – to beatray one’s real character or intention.
To strike one’s colours – to surrender, give in admit one is beaten.
To weather (to ride out) the storm – to overcome difficulties; to have
courageously stood against misfortunes.
To bow to the storm – to give on, to acknowledge one’s defeat.
Three sheets in (to) the wind (sl.) – very drunk.
Half seas over (sl.) – drunk.

4. Explain the terms “semantic and structural cohesion”. (Може

хтось знайде більш точну відповідь, бо ні в інеті ні в книгах нічого
конкретного немає????)

In general, the term cohesion was used in early textlinguistic studies for
denoting the inherent means by which texts are linguistically connected.
 Cohesion is the grammatical and lexical linking within a text or sentence
that holds a text together and gives it meaning. It is related to the broader
concept of coherence.

There are two main types of cohesion:

- grammatical/structural cohesion: based on structural content

- lexical/semantic cohesion: based on lexical content and background
knowledge.

The term «structural cohesion» was introduced by A. Smirnitsky. In the

dictionary of linguistic terms «structural cohesion» is explained as
«indivisibility, integrity, impossibility of division into parts and insertion
between them other elements (units) of language...» A. Smirnitsky understands
structural cohesion in the way that even the least balanced according to its
structure word is closer in its design to a simple monolithic word than any free
phrase. Structural cohesion of the word is revealed in specific peculiarities of a
word inner structure in comparison with a free phrase structure, in peculiarities
that are defined by less completeness and design of the parts of a word in
comparison with the parts of a free phrase, i.e. with separate words.

Set expressions have their own specific features, which enhance their
stability and cohesion. These are their euphonic, imaginative and connotative
qualities. It has been often pointed out that many set expressions are distinctly
rhythmical, contain alliteration, rhyme, imagery, contrast, are based on puns,
etc. These features have always been treated from the point of view of style and
expressiveness. Their cementing function is perhaps no less important. All these
qualities ensure the strongest possible contact between the element s.

The degree of structural and semantic cohesion of words within word-

groups may vary. Some word-groups are functionally and semantically
inseparable, e.g. rough diamond, cooked goose, to stew in one's own juice. Such
word-groups are traditionally described as set-phrases or phraseological units.
Characteristic features of phraseological units are non-motivation for
idiomaticity and stability of context. The cannot be freely made up in speech but
are reproduced as ready-made units. The component members in other word-
groups possess greater semantic and structural independence, e.g. to cause
misunderstanding, to shine brightly, linguistic phenomenon, red rose. Word-
groups of this type are defined as free word-groups for free phrases. They are
freely made up in speech by the speakers according to the needs of
communication.
5.What are the distinctive features of proverbs and sayings?

A proverb is a short familiar epigrammatic saying expressing popular wisdom,

a truth or a moral lesson in a concise and imaginative way:

You can take the horse to the water, but you can’t make him drink.

If you sing before breakfast, you will cry before night.

A new broom sweeps clean.

Proverbs have much in common with set expressions because their lexical
components are also constant, their meaning is traditional and mostly figurative,
and they are introduced into speech ready-made. That is why some scholars
following V.V. Vinogradov think proverbs must be studied together with
phraseological units.

Another reason why proverbs must be taken into consideration together with set
expressions is that they often form the basis of set expressions.

E. g. the last strain; breaks the came Vs back : : the last straw, a drowning man
will clutch at a straw : : clutch at a straw, it is useless to lock the stable door
when the steed is stolen : : lock the stable door 'to take precautions when the
accident they are meant to prevent has al- ready happened'.

A saying is any common, colloquial expression, or a remark often made:

Charity begins at home. It takes two to tango.

Sayings can be represented by

● affirmative sentences:

The world is a small place.

That is a horse of a different colour.

● interrogative sentences:

Do you see any green in my eye? Can the leopard change

his spots? Where do you hail from?;

● negative sentences: Don't trouble troubles till troubles trouble you.

Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
● imperative sentences: Put that in your pipe and smoke it!
Distinctive features :

● they are introduced in speech ready-made;

● their components are constant;
● their meaning is traditional and mostly figurative;
● many proverbs and sayings are metaphorical

6.What are the sources of phraseological units?

The main sources of native phraseological units are:

● terminology and professional lexics:

physics – center of gravity,

navigation – cut the painter ‘to become independent’,

lower one’s colours ‘to yield, to give in’;

military sphere – fall into line ‘conform with others’;

● British literature:

the green-eyed monster – ‘jealousy’ (Shakespeare);

fall on evil days – ‘live in poverty after having enjoyed

better times’ (Milton);

a sight for sore eyes – ‘a person or thing that one

is extremely pleased or relieved to see’ (Swift);

How goes the enemy? (Dickens);

● Present British traditions and customs:

baker’s dozen

● Superstitions and legends:

a black sheep

● Historical facts and events, personalities:

as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb ’ - according to an

old law a person who stole a sheep was sentenced to

death by hanging, so it was worth stealing something

more because there was no worse punishment

● Phenomena and facts of everyday life:

carry coals to Newcastle – Newcastle is a town in

Northern England where a lot of coal was produced.

• the Bible :

the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing

the kiss of Judas

doubting Thomas;

• Ancient legends and myths belonging to different religious or cultural

traditions:

to cut the Gordian knot

a Procrustean bed

the sword of Damocles,

Pandora’s box;

• Facts and events of the world history:

to cross the Rubicon

to meet one’s Waterloo

• Variants of the English language:

a heavy hitter – ‘someone who is powerful and has achieved a lot’ (AmE)

7.Read the passage and comment on it.

Set expressions have sometimes been called “word

equivalents” … word equivalents are similar to words in
so far as they are not created in speech but introduced
into the act of communication ready-made… the
integration of two or more words into a unit functioning
as a whole with a characteristic unity of nomination
(bread and butter ≠ butter and bread) is chosen for the
fundamental property, because it seems to permit
checking… by the substitution test.

The passage discusses the concept of set expressions, also known as "word
equivalents," in the context of communication. Set expressions are compared to
individual words in terms of their origin and use in speech. Unlike words, which
can be created in speech, set expressions are pre-existing and introduced into
communication as complete units.

The passage emphasizes the integration of multiple words into a cohesive unit
with a distinct meaning and naming convention. For example, the author
highlights the distinction between "bread and butter" and "butter and bread,"
suggesting that the order of the words in a set expression can affect its meaning.
This characteristic unity of nomination is considered fundamental because it
allows for verification through the substitution test, where one word or phrase is
replaced with another to determine if the overall meaning remains intact.

Overall, the passage provides a brief overview of set expressions, their

relationship to words, and the importance of their integrated structure and unity
of nomination.

PRACTICAL PART

Exercise 1. Distinguish between free word groups and phraseological units.

Green finger - phraseological unit (green finger - A figurative trait attributed

to someone who is a skilled gardener)

green apple – free word group;

green man - phraseological unit (??);

A Green Man is a sculpture, drawing, or other representation of a face

surrounded by or made from leaves. Branches or vines may sprout from the
nose, mouth, nostrils or other parts of the face and these shoots may bear
flowers or fruit. Commonly used as a decorative architectural ornament, Green
Men are frequently found on carvings in churches and other buildings (both
secular and ecclesiastical).

"The Green Man" is also a popular name for English public houses and various
interpretations of the name appear on inn signs, which sometimes show a full
figure rather than just the head.

green with envy – phraseological unit (very jealous of another person.;

wishing to have someone’s possession)

green back - phraseological unit (slang In the US, a $1 bill. So named for the
green color of the back of the bill)

green card - phraseological unit

1. A card issued by the US government allowing an alien to work at most jobs

in the United States.

2. A green-colored card shown to the captain of a women's lacrosse team by a

referee, indicating a delay-of-game penalty.

green leaves - free word group

green house - phraseological unit

1. A structure, primarily of glass or sheets of clear plastic, in which temperature

and humidity can be controlled for the cultivation or protection of plants.

2. Slang A clear plastic bubble or shell covering part of an aircraft.

green eye - phraseological unit (green-eyed - jealous or envious)

green eyes – free word group.

Exercise 2. State the difference between phraseological combinations and

phraseological unities.

Do one’s hair; do the room; make something clear; make a mistake; make
friends; make allowances; make some sandwiches; make a cake; make a (good)
husband; make a bed (for a kitten); go over to the offensive; open hostilities;
meet somebody half way.

Do one’s hair - phraseological combination (to arrange one's own or another

person's hair in a particular style)

do the room - phraseological combination (it means to clean the room)

make something clear - phraseological unit (to make something easy to
understand, or to express yourself clearly)

make a mistake - phraseological combination (If you make a mistake, you do

something which you did not intend to do, or which produces a result that you
do not want)

make friends - phraseological combination (to start a friendly relationship; to

become friends with someone)
make allowances - phraseological combination (to consider something when
making a plan or doing a calculation, to accept behaviour that you would not
normally accept because you know why someone has behaved that way)

make some sandwiches - phraseological combination

make a cake - phraseological combination

make a (good) husband - phraseological combination (It means that the

person would be a good husband if he got married)
make a bed (for a kitten) - phraseological combination

go over to the offensive - phraseological unit (to begin to attack or criticize

someone who you think is attacking you)

open hostilities - phraseological combination (Open hostility definition:

Hostility is unfriendly or aggressive behaviour towards people or ideas)
meet somebody halfway - phraseological unit (to do some of the things that
someone wants you to do, in order to show that you want to reach an agreement or
improve your relationship with them)

Exercise 3. State the difference between phraseological unities and

phraseological fusions.

Smell a rat – phraseological unit (It means ‘to recognize that something is not
as it appears to be or that something dishonest is happening’)

snap one’s finger – phraseological unit (It means ‘to treat with contempt,
scorn, disregard’)

show the white feather – phraseological fusion (It means ‘to act in a cowardly
manner’)
wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve – phraseological unit (It means ‘to make your
feelings and emotions obvious rather than hiding them’)

beat about the bush – phraseological unit (It means ‘to avoid getting to the
point of an issue’)

open one’s cards – phraseological unit (It means ‘to be honest with other
people and to tell them one's thoughts, plans, etc., in a very open way’)

play the first fiddle – phraseological unit (It means ‘to have a leading,
commanding, or controlling role, position, or part (in something)’)

break the ice – phraseological unit (It means ‘to make people who have not
met before feel more relaxed with each other’)

skeleton in the cupboard – phraseological unit (It means ‘a scandalous fact or

event in the past that is kept secret’)

turn over a new leaf – phraseological unit (It means ‘to change your behavior
in a positive way’)

speak with one’s tongue in one’s cheek – phraseological unit (It means ‘to
speak in a way that is not serious and that is meant to be funny’)

take the bull by the horns – phraseological unit (It means ‘to deal with a
difficult situation in a very direct or confident way’)

drop a curtsy – phraseological unit (It means ‘to make reverence consisting of
a slight lowering of the body with bending of the knees’)

drop one’s eyes – phraseological unit (It means ‘to look down’)

pay a visit – phraseological unit (It means ‘to visit someone’)

take care – phraseological unit (It means ’to handle a situation or be

responsible for something or someone’)

take revenge – phraseological unit (It means ‘to hurt someone in return for
being hurt by that person’)

a pretty kettle of fish – phraseological unit (It means ‘a very difficult and
annoying situation’)

to cut off with a shilling – phraseological fusion (It means ‘to exclude or
disinherit one from someone's will or the fortune of one's family’)
dead as a doornail – phraseological unit (It means ‘to be clearly and obviously
dead’)

Exercise 4. Decide upon the source of the phraseological units.

1. It goes without saying. – Other languages (classical and modern). It means

‘said to mean that something is so obvious that it does not need to be said or
explained’. This expression, which often is followed by exactly what
supposedly need not be said, is a translation of the French proverb Cela va sans
dire, which at first was directly adopted into English and later was translated (in
the last half of the nineteenth century).

2. The bed of Procrustes – Ancient legends and myths belonging to different

religious or cultural traditions. It means ‘a scheme or pattern into which
someone or something is arbitrarily forced’. According to Greek mythology,
Procrustes was a robber who killed his victims in a most cruel and unusual way.
He made them lie on an iron bed and would force them to fit the bed by cutting
off the parts that hung off the ends or by stretching those people who were too
short.

3. The horn of plenty – Ancient legends and myths belonging to different

religious or cultural traditions. It means ‘cornucopia’. The earliest reference
is found in Greek and Roman mythology, which dates back nearly 3,000 years
ago. The name itself comes from Latin, cornu copiae, which translates to horn
of abundance. The most likely source of the horn of plenty symbol is a story
related to the Greek Zeus, king of all the gods.

4. The apple of discord – Ancient legends and myths belonging to different

religious or cultural traditions. It means ‘a subject of contention and envy’.
This expression refers to the Greek myth in which a golden apple inscribed ‘for
the fairest’ was contended for by the goddesses Hera, Athene, and Aphrodite.

5. The fifth column – Other languages (classical and modern): Spanish

borrowing (< quinta columna). It means ‘a group of people who support the
enemies of the country they live in and secretly help them’. The term originated
with a Nationalist general who served under Franco during the Spanish Civil
War. As Mola Vidal was marching on Madrid with four columns of his own
army, he announced that he also had a “fifth column” of supporters who were
working to help him from within the capital.

6. To cross the Rubicon – Facts and events of the world history. It means ‘To
commit to a particular plan or course of action that cannot be reversed’. The
phrase refers to how Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon river and became
embroiled in civil war with Rome.
7. Cakes and ale – British literature. It means ‘a time or activity when you
enjoy yourself greatly and have no troubles’. The first use of this common
idiomatic phrase occurred in 1602 in a now-famous work of Shakespeare
called Twelfth Night. This phrase is more widely used in the UK than it is in the
US.

8. The Gordian knot – Ancient legends and myths belonging to different

religious or cultural traditions. It means ‘a difficult problem or situation’. In
Greek and Roman mythology, the Gordian knot was an extremely complicated
knot tied by Gordius, the king of Phrygia in Asia Minor who predicted the one
to loosen it would rule Asia.

9. Between Scylla and Charybdis – Ancient legends and myths belonging to

different religious or cultural traditions. It means ‘a situation where you have
to choose between two possible actions, but both are dangerous or unpleasant’.
These two creatures were monsters from Greek mythology thought to inhabit
the Straits of Messina, the narrow sea between Sicily and the Italian mainland.
Odysseus famously had to negotiate a passage through their deadly clutches in
Homer's Odyssey.

10. The sword of Damocles – Ancient legends and myths belonging to

different religious or cultural traditions. It means ‘a bad thing that might
happen at any time’. The expression comes to us from the writings of the
Roman politician, orator, and philosopher Cicero and alludes to the legend of
Damocles. The king, weary of Damocles' obsequious flattery, invited him to a
banquet and seated him under a sword hung by a single hair, so as to point out
to him the precariousness of his position.

11. The Golden Age – Ancient legends and myths belonging to different
religious or cultural traditions. It means ‘a period of time, sometimes
imaginary, when everyone was happy, or when a particular art, business, etc.
was very successful’. Originally, the term golden age came from ancient Greek
mythology and referred to the time before organized societies when all people
lived in peace, prosperity, and happiness without having to work. This was an
age that never existed.

Exercise 5. Memorise the phraseological units from the Bible.

A drop in the bucket- a very small amount compared to the amount needed:

What we were paid for our work was a drop in the bucket compared to what the
company earned.”
 eye for eye, tooth for tooth -said to show that you believe if someone does
something wrong, that person should be punished by having the same thing
done to them

The passage in Leviticus states"And a man who injures his countryman – as he

has done, so it shall be done to him fracture under/for fracture, eye under/for
eye, tooth under/for tooth. Just as another person has received injury from him,
so it will be given to him."

a thorn in the flesh- : a person or thing that repeatedly annoys someone or

something or causes problems

A relentless campaigner, he was a thorn in the government's side for a number

of years.

the apple of one’s eye- the person who someone loves most and is very proud of

“Mark is her only grandchildren and he is the apple of her eye.”

forbidden fruit- something, especially something sexual, that is even more

attractive because it is not allowed

He was always drawn to other men's wives - the forbidden fruit.

a Judas’ kiss- false love; an act of betrayal.

Do not trust her because her love is a Judas kiss.

a prodigal son- a man or boy who has left his family in order to do something
that the family disapprove of and has now returned home feeling sorry for what
he has done

The prodigal son has returned to the team after a three-year absence.

a wolf in sheep’s clothing- a person with a pleasant and friendly appearance

that hides the fact that they are evil

My grandfather was a wolf in sheep’s clothing – he looked like a sweet old

man, but he was really mean.
Matt. 7. [15] Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing,
but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Exercise 6. Memorise the individual creations.

Aesop: the lion’s share- the largest part or most of something

Reputable charities spend the lion's share of donations on aid and a tiny
fraction on administration.

the last straw - the latest problem in a series of problems, that makes a situation
impossible to accept

The last straw was when the company fired most of the managers.

the dog in the manger- someone who keeps something that they do not want in
order to prevent someone else from getting it

We asked our neighbor for the fence posts he had left over, but, like a dog in the
manger, he threw them out rather than give them to us

to cherish a viper in one’s bosom-(пригріти змію на грудях) A friend, lover,

or relation who proves to be traitorous, untrustworthy, deceitful, or ungrateful

I thought our love was not only mutual but indestructible; and yet, I have
nursed a viper in my bosom all these years: my darling husband has cast me out
and run off with a younger woman.

Shakespeare: to one’s heart’s content- If you do something to your heart's

content, you do something enjoyable for as long as you want to do it

You've got a whole week to yourself and you can read to your heart's content.

the green-eyed monster- is an embodiment of the human emotion of jealousy.

Not only do they have a huge mutual respect – they never utter a bad word to
one another – there’s absolutely no place in the relationship for the green-eyed
monster

cakes and ale -Simple material pleasures; fun or lively enjoyment in general
Kids these days think only of cakes and ales—and not of the hard work they
need to put in to be successful.

that’s flat- used to tell someone that the decision you have just announced will
not change even if they try to persuade you to change it

I'm not coming, and that's flat!

beauty lies in lover’s eyes- beauty doesn't exist on its own but is created by
observers

I don't see why he finds her attractive, I think she is downright ugly; but, beauty
is in the eye of the beholder, as they say.

Julius Caesar:

I cross the Rubicon-To make an irrevocable decision; it comes from the name
of the river Julius Caesar crossed with his army, thereby starting a civil war in
Rome.

Many European countries have crossed the Rubicon and taken the euro as their

currency.

Exercise 8. Point out the implication of the proverbs.

1. Let us call a spade a spade: This proverb implies the importance of being

straightforward and honest in expressing one's opinions or describing a situation

without using euphemisms or sugar-coating. It suggests that it is better to be

direct and honest, even if the truth may be uncomfortable or unpopular.

2. When in Rome do as the Romans do: This proverb advises adapting to the

customs, practices, and behavior of the people or culture in which you find

yourself. It suggests that when you are in a different environment, it is wise to

conform to local norms and traditions rather than insisting on your own ways.

3. A drowning man catches at a straw: This proverb illustrates the desperate

measures a person may resort to in a dire situation. It suggests that when

someone is in a desperate or hopeless condition, they may grasp at any small

chance or opportunity, even if it is unlikely to be effective.

4. A stitch in time saves nine: This proverb emphasizes the importance of

taking prompt action to address a problem or issue before it worsens. It suggests

that investing a little effort or time in fixing a problem early on can prevent it

from becoming much bigger and more difficult to resolve later.

5. Let bygones be bygones: This proverb advises forgiving and forgetting past

grievances or conflicts. It suggests that it is better to leave behind past mistakes

or disagreements and move forward without dwelling on them, promoting

harmony and reconciliation.

6. Take care of the pence and the pounds will take care of themselves: This

proverb highlights the importance of being diligent and attentive to small or

seemingly insignificant matters, as they can accumulate and have a significant

impact in the long run. It suggests that by managing small details or taking care

of small savings, one can achieve financial stability or success.

7. The game is not worth the candle: This proverb implies that the effort or

resources invested in a particular endeavor or activity outweigh the potential

benefits or rewards it offers. It suggests that it is not wise to pursue something

that will yield little value or satisfaction in return.

9. He that lies down with dogs must rise up with fleas: This proverb warns that

associating or getting involved with people of questionable character or habits

can lead to negative consequences or troubles. It suggests that one should be

cautious about the company they keep to avoid being influenced or affected

negatively.

10. It never rains but it pours: This proverb expresses the idea that when

troubles or difficulties arise, they often come in rapid succession or intensify. It

suggests that unfortunate events tend to occur together, compounding the

challenges one faces.

11. Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow: This proverb suggests that it is

preferable to have a small benefit or gain immediately rather than waiting for a

larger benefit that may or may not materialize in the future. It emphasizes the

value of present opportunities over uncertain future prospects.

12. Better a lean peace than a fat victory: This proverb highlights the notion

that a peaceful resolution or compromise, even if it means making some

sacrifices, is preferable to achieving a triumphant outcome through conflict or

aggression. It suggests that harmony and stability are more valuable than

achieving absolute success at any cost.

13. A leopard doesn't change his spots: This proverb conveys the idea that a

person's inherent nature or character traits are unlikely to change over time. It

implies that people tend to retain their fundamental qualities, habits, or

behaviors despite attempts to alter them.

14. Every cloud has a silver lining: This proverb signifies that even in difficult

or challenging situations, there is often a positive aspect or outcome to be

found. It suggests that one should remain optimistic and look for the potential

benefits or opportunities that may arise from setbacks or adversity.

15. Still waters run deep: Still waters run deep: This proverb implies that quiet

or reserved individuals often possess hidden depths of wisdom, knowledge, or

complexity. It suggests that people who appear calm and unassuming on the

surface may have a rich inner world or a depth of character that is not

immediately apparent. It serves as a reminder not to underestimate the depth or

capabilities of someone based solely on their outward demeanor.

16. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth: The implication of this proverb is that

when someone receives a gift or a favor, it is impolite or ungrateful to scrutinize

or question its value or quality. Looking at a horse's teeth is a way to assess its

age and overall health, so inspecting a gift horse's mouth would imply doubting

or being critical of the gift. The proverb advises accepting and appreciating

what is given without questioning its worth or conditions.

17. Every family has a black sheep: This proverb suggests that in every family

or group, there is often one member who behaves differently or deviates from

the norm. The "black sheep" represents an individual who stands out due to
their unconventional or troublesome behavior compared to the rest of the

family. The implication is that it is common for families to have a member who

doesn't conform to societal or familial expectations. It acknowledges the

diversity and individuality within families and highlights that not everyone will

fit the same mold.

Exercise 9. Restore the correct version of the proverb, used in fiction in a

changed way:

1. Soames didn’t let the grass grow under his feet (J. Galsworthy).

let grass grow under one's feet

2. The iron was hot and Richards was striking on it (Ch. Dickens).

To strike while the iron is hot(strike the iron while it’s hot)

3. Never do today what can be put off till tomorrow (Gr. Greene).

Never leave for tomorrow what you can do today