Other useful idioms and their explanation
Down-to-earth with no illusions; practical and realistic
Like gold dust difficult to find or obtain
Out of this world extremely enjoyable or impressive
Smth goes with a swing smth is successful and exciting
To be as good as gold to be of the highest reliability, exemplary in deportment
To be on good terms with smb to be friendly with smb
To break the ice to do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a strained situation
To get on with smb to like and have a friendly relationship with smb
To give smb credit for smth to acknowledge or praise smb for smth
To have smth in common with smb/ smth to share interests or characteristics; to resemble one another in specific ways
To have what it takes to have the necessary qualities for success
To hit the spot to be exactly what is required
To make the best of smth to use smth as well as possible
To pay attention to smb/ smth to take notice of smb/ smth
Proverbs
Proverbs
A hedge between keeps friendship green с соседями дружи, а тын городи.
All are not friends that speak us fair в очи льстит, а за глаза костит.
Civility costs nothing от учтивых слов язык не отсохнет.
Do well and have well когда хочешь себе добра, то никому не делай зла.
Handsome is as handsome does не тот хорош, кто лицом пригож, а тот, кто для дела гож.
EXERCISES
4.1 Combine the words from the box below to make seven idioms. Use each word once only.
4.2 Which idioms do the given pictures make you think of?
4.3 Complete each idiom in the following sentences.
1. Martin is a tactful guy who always pays .. to other peoples feelings.
2. Alice is our English teachers daughter; thats why mother praises any progress of hers
3. Bill has what .. to become a vet. Hes kind and likes to take care of the animals.
4. Tomorrow John is going to have a barbecue at his neighbors as he is .. terms .. them.
5. Good professionals with excellent qualifications and many years experience are .. dust.
6. Fred should .. Mary credit .. not snitching on him to parents for breaking his mothers favorite vase.
7. Troy is very polite, hard-working, and never complains. He is .. gold for his employer.
4.4 Rewrite each sentence using the word in brackets.
1. We havent spoken to each other for ages; I think its high time for me to be the first to make up. (ICE)
2. The atmosphere in this restaurant is absolutely amazing. (OUT)
3. Jeremy didnt know what to give Jill for her birthday, but, eventually, he made the right choice. (SPOT)
4. Bob believes in practical approach to things; he never gets involved in infeasible activities. (DOWN)
5. We organized a school play with national costumes and spectacular scenery. It was a success. (SWING)
6. Ann and Amanda are both interested in many things, such as shopping, sports, performing arts, and French cuisine. (COMMON)
4.5 Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending.
4.6 Correct the mistakes in these idioms.
1. The works of designers who use organic cotton, bamboo, hemp and soy, as well as reclaimed, recycled and vintage materials were raised to the skies.
2. All the neighbors are ready to help John in any situation because hes always there for them. Do well and get well.
3. You should give Mark credit on having taken part in that surfing competition instead of you.
4. Ann says very bad things about Sally when the latter is not around. All are not friends that tell us fair.
5. Tom tries to be in good terms with everybody as someday the qualities of being sensitive and tactful will help him to become a diplomat.
6. The chance of having a duplex apartment in the district that offers an array of parades, concerts and events for people of all ages is one in a hundred thousand.
4.7 Give appropriate and full answers to the following questions.
1. What kind of person do we call down-to-earth?
2. Do tests and exams have anything in common? What?
3. Have you ever broken the ice after a quarrel?
4. A hedge between keeps friendship green, doesnt it?
5. How should people in your country make the best of the natural resources?
6. Which professionals are like gold dust in the world today?
7. Should teachers pay attention to the interests of their students? Why?
8. Is it possible for the global community to get on well with one another?
9. Is there any gadget or technology that is out of this world, in your opinion?
10. When is it vital to have a head on ones shoulders?
4.8 Fill in the gaps with the information about you and your environment.