Advanced Conversation Vol.

1
Using Contemporary Idiom

Advanced Conversation Vol. 1

Using Contemporary Idioms
 Advanced Conversation Vol. 1
Using Contemporary Idiom

Contents
Dialog 1 : Turn Over a New Leaf
Dialog 2 : Mark my words
Dialog 3 : Open a Pandora’s box
Dialog 4 : Turn the tables
Dialog 5 : Girl Friday
Dialog 6 : Have the Midas touch
Dialog 7 : Save one’s breath
Dialog 8 : A jack-of-all-trades
Dialog 9 : Heard through the grapevine
Dialog 10 : Monkey business
Dialog 11 : Saved by the bell
Dialog 12 : Half-baked
Dialog 13 : A dose of your own medicine
Dialog 14 : Barking up the wrong tree
Dialog 15 : Dressed to kill
Dialog 16 : A babe in the woods
Dialog 17 : Go Dutch
Dialog 18 : Go bananas
Dialog 19 : In Seventh Heaven
Dialog 20 : Sleep like a baby
Dialog 21 : A fat cat
Dialog 22 : Black sheep
Dialog 23 : Sweet tooth
Dialog 24 : Copycat
Dialog 25 : Butterflies in your stomach
Dialog 26 : In a nutshell
Dialog 27 : Talk of the town
Dialog 27 : Talk of the town
Dialog 28 : Graveyard Shift
Dialog 29 : Raining Cats and Dogs
Dialog 30 : Break a leg
Dialog 31 : Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth
Dialog 32 : Couch potato
Dialog 33 : Cry over spilled milk
Dialog 34 : Apple of (someone’s) eye
Dialog 35 : In black and white
Dialog 36 : Once in a blue moon
Dialog 37 : With flying colors
Dialog 38: Teacher’s pet
Dialog 39 : Kill two birds with one stone
Dialog 40 : Out of the blue
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Dialog 1 : Turn Over a New Leaf

A: I heard he has just been released from the rehabilitation center.

B: Was an alcoholic?
A: Yes. He got frustrated that no movie producers are offering him jobs.
B: That’s sad. How long did he stay in the rehab?
A: For 6 months. And he’s turning over a new leaf already.

Explanation:
When a person turns over a new leaf, he starts to behave in a better way.

Example:
He promised the police that he’ll turn over a new leaf now.

Vocabulary:
Released (verb) - to be free
Rehabilitation (noun) - the process of restoring an individual (as a convict or drug addict) to a
useful place in society
Alcoholic (noun) - A person who drinks alcoholic substances habitually
Frustrated (adjective) – disappointed, saddened

Dialog 2 : Mark my words

A: I’m telling you I’m going to be rich.

B: How can you do that? You don’t even want to work.
A: Mark my words. Even if I don’t work I’m still going to have a lot of money.
B: You’re already drunk.
A: Of course I’m not. I still know what I’m saying.
B: OK. But I still don’t understand how you could be rich when you aren’t doing something.

Explanation:
Mark my words is an expression used to lend an air of seriousness to what the speaker is about
to say when talking about the future.

Example:
"Mark my words, if you do not finish your homework project you are not going to go out this
weekend."
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Dialog 3 : Open a Pandora’s box

A: My son is asking me to buy him a new car.

B: Oh, does he know how to drive already?
A: Yes, he sometimes takes out my car.
B: So, what’s the problem?
A: He’s a very careless driver. It has a lot of scratches now. I just bought it two months ago, but
it looks like a year old. He also sometimes uses it to sneak out and go to parties at night,
ithout my knowledge.
B: I think buying him a new car will open a Pandora’s box.

Explanation:
When you open a Pandora’s box, you are doing something that causes a lot of new problems
that you did not expect.

Example:
Sadly, the management’s decision to lay-off workers could open a Pandora’s box.

Vocabulary:
Careless (Adjective) – unconcerned about the consequences of some action
Scratches (noun) – mark, blemish, damage
Sneak (verb) - To go or move in a quiet, secretive way.
Knowledge (noun) - Familiarity, awareness, or understanding
Management (noun) - the person or persons controlling and directing the affairs of a business,
institution, etc.:
Expect (verb) – hope, await

Dialog 4 : Turn the tables

A: I can’t believe it. Kate won in the championship game.

B: Yeah. I was very surprised too. I never thought she’d win.
A: I guess she turned the tables this year. She didn’t win any game last year.
B: I heard she trained hard and she has a new coach.

Explanation:
When someone turned the tables, it means that you change a situation so that someone’s
position is the opposite of what it was. You cause a complete reversal of the situation.

Example:
I am waiting for the right time to turn the tables on her.

Vocabulary:
Coach (noun) - a person who trains an athlete or a team of athletes
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Dialog 5 : Girl Friday

A: I’ve read the advertisement in the newspaper. You’re looking for a girl Friday.
B: Yes, we’re looking for one. Are you interested in the job?
A: Yes, I am. What shall I do?
B: My boss will tell you the things you’ll do. Just wait here and I’ll inform my boss that
you’re interested in the job.

Explanation:
A girl Friday is a person who does many different types of usually not very interesting work in
an office.

Example:
The girl Friday they hired is very hardworking.

Dialog 6 : Have the Midas touch

A: I wish I have the Midas touch.

B: Me too. I’ll tour Europe and buy a mansion if I have the money.
A: No matter what I do, I still can’t seem to put any money into savings.
B: I promise myself I’ll be able to save $1,000 this month.
A: I bet you couldn’t do that. You spend too much when we’re going out.

Explanation:
When you have the Midas touch, you have the ability to make a lot of money.

Example:
He convinced the young women in the village that they have Midas touch.

Vocabulary:
Mansion (noun) – a very large house
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Dialog 7 : Save one’s breath

A: I’ve talked with the director of the hospital.

B: What did he say?
A: He told me to get the money, of course. He doesn’t want us to go until the bill is
settled.
B: Did you tell him that we’ll just pay by installment?
A: Yeah, I did. But he doesn’t want that kind of arrangement.
B: You should have saved your breath. He doesn’t listen to pleadings.

Explanation:
You don’t say anything when you save your breath.

Example:
You should save your breath. I already made a decision and that’s final.

Vocabulary:
Installment (noun) - a payment of part of a debt; usually paid at regular intervals
Arrangement (noun) - an agreement or settlement
Plea (noun) – a request

Dialog 8 : A jack-of-all-trades

A: I don’t know how this thing works. Can you help me?
B: I’m sorry. I don’t know how it operates.
A: I need this to finish my report.
B: Ask Peter. He can fix anything. He’s a jack-of-all-trades.
A: Can you help me find him?
B: Sure. I saw him at the pantry a while ago.

Explanation:
A jack-of-all-trades is a person who can do many different kinds of work.

Example:
Sam can do the gardening, driving, carpentry and plumbing—he’s really a jack-of-all-trades.
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Dialog 9 : Heard through the grapevine

A: I haven’t seen Mary for a month now.

B: I heard through the grapevine that she was pregnant.
A: Really? I don’t know that. Who’s the father of the child she’s carrying?
B: I don’t know anything more. But I think that’s the reason why she immediately resigned.
A: I hope she’ll not be a single parent.
B: I agree. It’s so hard to raise a child when you’re alone.

Explanation:
When you hear something through the grapevine, you hear the news from someone who
heard the news from someone else.

Example:
I heard through the grapevine that the Joneses are planning a tour around Europe next
summer.

Vocabulary:
Grapevine (noun)- a vine that bears grapes
Raise (verb) – to take care of

Dialog 10 : Monkey business

A: Mother was so mad at John and Joshua this afternoon.

B: Why?
A: The two did some monkey business while she was out. She was so mad.
B: Oh. What did she say?
A: She did not allow them to go and play outside for a whole week.
B: That’s too bad. The two will be missing a lot.
A: Yeah. But they should have not done that, so they won’t be punished.

Explanation:
Monkey business is a silly behavior or a dishonest behavior.

Example:
There was a monkey business involved in renovating the city hall with some officials getting
secret payments from builders.

Vocabulary:
Punish (verb) - To subject to a penalty for an offense, sin, or fault.
Silly (adjective) - weak-minded or lacking good sense; stupid or foolish
Dishonest (adjective) – not honest; lies, cheats
Renovate (verb) - to restore to good condition; make new or as if new again; repair.
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Dialog 11 : Saved by the bell

A: Mother asked me who broke the antique jar.

B: What did you say?
A: Luckily, I was saved by the bell. Her cellphone rang. She didn’t notice me leaving.
B: I guess she’ll be talking to you when you get home tonight.
A: No, she’ll be gone for a week. She has a business trip.
B: Just pray that she won’t remember it when she comes back.
A: It’s her favorite piece. She won’t forget it.

Explanation:
When you are saved by the bell, you are rescued from an unwanted situation.

Example:
Jonathan was saved by the bell when his brother walked in and asked him to go with him at the
baseball practice.

Vocabulary:
Antique (adjective) - any piece of furniture or decorative object or the like produced in a
former period and valuable because of its beauty or rarity
Rescue (verb) – saved

Dialog 12 : Half-baked

A: The boss didn’t want his proposal. It was half-baked.

B: It’s the first time it happened. He’s always ready and prepared when he makes reports.
A: This time he isn’t. I heard he has a problem.
B: What do you know?
A: His wife’s filing a divorce.
B: I understand now. I hope his job won’t be affected too much.

Explanation:
Something is half-baked when it is not thought about or planned carefully.

Example:
The idea was half-baked. It won’t work.

Vocabulary:
Proposal (noun) - a plan or scheme
Divorce (noun) – one that releases the husband and wife from all matrimonial obligations
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Dialog 13 : A dose of your own medicine

A: I saw Mark in the lobby. He asked me to tell you that he’s waiting there for an hour already.
B: I know. I just don’t want to go down yet.
A: But why?
B: I want to give him a dose of his own medicine. He’s always turning up late for me.
A: He won’t like it for sure.

Explanation:
When you give someone a dose of his own medicine, you do the same bad thing to him that he
has often done to you in order to show him how unpleasant it is.

Example:
Why don’t you give him a dose of his own medicine so that he’ll learn?

Vocabulary:
Lobby (noun) - A hall or waiting room at or near the entrance to a building, such as a hotel or
theater

Dialog 14 : Barking up the wrong tree

A: Why did the police arrest him?

B: They said he’s one of the men who robbed the convenience store around the corner.
A: I know he’s a nice guy. I can’t believe he’s a robber.
B: Yes, I think Stella’s talking with the police right now. She said she was talking with him at
Starbucks when the incident at the convenience store happened.
A: So the police is barking up the wrong tree.
B: Maybe. We don’t know that for now.

Explanation:
If you are barking up the wrong tree, it means that you have completely misunderstood
something or you are believing the wrong explanation for something.

Vocabulary:
Arrest (verb) - to capture or take hold of (a person) because he or she has broken the law
Conveniences store (noun) - a retail store that carries a limited selection of basic items, as
packaged foods and drugstore items, and is open long hours for the convenience of
shoppers.
Rob (verb) - taking possessions by unlawful force or violence
Incident (noun) – an event
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Dialog 15 : Dressed to kill

A: I didn’t attend Sam’s party last night.

B: Why? I heard they all had fun.
A: I saw them at the gate and they were all dressed to kill. I’m just wearing my jeans and a
shirt.
B: You should have joined them. I’m sure they won’t mind your dress. They are your friends.

Explanation:
When someone is dressed to kill, they are wearing clothes that are intended to make people
notice you.

Example:
Cathy was dressed to kill at the party. Everybody is staring at her.

Dialog 16 : A babe in the woods

A: I won’t allow Joanne to study in the university in the city. She’s still a babe in the woods.
B: You worry too much. She won’t learn if you won’t allow her.
A: You can’t blame me. Anything might happen to her. You’ll never know.
B: She’ll learn to be independent when she gets there.

Explanation:
A babe in the woods is someone who has not had much experience and trusts other people too
easily.

Example:
When it comes to business, she is still a babe in the woods.

Vocabulary:
Babe (noun) – a baby or child
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Dialog 17 : Go Dutch

A: My colleague invited me to eat lunch in the nearby restaurant.

B: What restaurant is that?
A: In Coniere’s. The food is really delicious, but it’s very expensive.
B: Who paid the bill?
A: We went Dutch. I want to come there again tomorrow. Would you want to come with me?

Explanation:
If you go Dutch in a restaurant, you pay equal shares for the meal.

Example:
I thought my sister will treat me out in a restaurant for dinner, but when we were there, we
went Dutch.

Dialog 18 : Go bananas

A: Where did you put my book?

B: I just put it in your desk.
A: It’s not there. Why don’t you look for it?
B: I told you I put it in your desk last night. Maybe you put it in your bag already.
A: You look for it, or I won’t lend you the video game you want.
B: Don’t go bananas. You’re just being careless.

Explanation:
You become very angry when you go bananas.

Example:
She’ll go bananas if she sees the litter in the backyard.

Vocabulary:
Careless (adjective) - not paying enough attention to what one does; having no care or concern
Litter (noun) - rubbish carelessly dropped or left about (especially in public places)
Backyard (noun) - the portion of a lot or building site behind a house, structure, or the like,
sometimes fenced, walled, etc.
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Dialog 19 : In Seventh Heaven

A: Hi John! How are you today?

B: Great! I feel in seventh heaven.
A: That’s nice to hear. But why?
B: I’ve asked Alice yesterday if we could have a date, and she agreed.
A: Who’s Alice?
B: She’s our new neighbor. She’s from the Canada.

Explanation:
When you are in seventh heaven, you are extremely happy.

Example:
She was in seventh heaven when she learned that she passed the board exam.

Dialog 20 : Sleep like a baby

A: Where is Janice?
B: She’s in her room, sleeping like a baby.
A: What time did she get home last night?
B: Almost midnight. I was so worried. I thought something bad already happened to her.
A: The traffic is so heavy. It’s because of the rain.
B: That’s the reason she gave me.

Explanation:
When someone is sleeping like a baby, that person is sleeping very well.
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Dialog 21 : A fat cat

A: All of us are so busy today. I’m so tired already.

B: I don’t think many tourists are coming. What makes you busy?
A: A fat cat from New York will be staying in the hotel. The manager wants to impress him.
B: How long will he be staying?
A: Just a few hours. He’ll be talking with some business partners.

Explanation:
A fat cat is a person who makes a lot of money and enjoys a privileged position in society.

Example:
Mr. Antonio is just another fat cat—a corporate tycoon from Chicago.

Vocabulary:
Privileged (adjective) – enjoying benefits

Dialog 22 : Black sheep

A: Why aren’t you going home?

B: I don’t want to. My parents don’t like me there.
A: What do you mean?
B: They regard me as the black sheep of the family. They don’t understand me. All they do is
find faults in everything I do.

Explanation:
A black sheep is someone who doesn’t fit into a group or family because their behavior or
character is not good enough.

Example:
The black sheep returns home after three years of staying in England.
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Dialog 23 : Sweet tooth

A: Can you please come with me in the convenience store?

B: What are you going to buy?
A: I’m craving for chocolates.
B: You have such a sweet tooth. You have just eaten a bar a while ago.

Explanation:
A person with a sweet tooth likes eating food with sugar in it.

Example:
You can always bribe him with cakes and ice cream. He has a sweet big tooth.

Vocabulary:
Bribe (verb) – to give, offer or promise something such as money or a favor

Dialog 24 : Copycat

A: Is that Madonna?
B: No, of course not. Look at her clearly.
A: She’s Madonna, of course.
B: She’s just a copycat. Look at her nose and mouth. They’re different from Madonna’s.
A: Yeah, I think you’re right.

Explanation:
A copy cat is one that closely imitates or mimics another.

Example:
She has no originality. She’s a copycat.

Vocabulary:
Imitates (verb) - To copy the actions, appearance, mannerisms, or speech
Mimics (verb) - To copy or imitate closely, especially in speech, expression, and gesture
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Dialog 25 : Butterflies in your stomach

A: I’m going to have a job interview this afternoon.

B: Really? Good luck! What position are you applying for?
A: As a marketing associate.
B: You’re good. I know you can do it. You have been working as an associate for many
years now.
A: I can’t help it. There are still butterflies in my stomach.
B: Oh, come on. I know you are well qualified for the job. Just be confident.

Explanation:
If you are feeling nervous before something important or stressful is known, you have
butterflies in your stomach.

Example:
I felt there are butterflies in my stomach when the President talked to me.

Vocabulary:
Nervous (adjective) - afraid
Stressful (adjective) - full of stress or tension

Dialog 26 : In a nutshell

A: Can you explain what you said in a nutshell?

B: Of course. It just means that we need to lay off workers.
A: I don’t think that’s a good idea.
B: I’ve already explained the pros and cons of my proposal.
A: Can you repeat it? I didn’t understand what you said.

Explanation:
In a nutshell means summary.

Example:
She discussed the report in a nutshell.

Vocabulary:
Lay off (verb) - to dismiss (an employee)
Pro (noun) - an argument or consideration in favor of something]
Con (noun) - an argument or opinion against something.
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Dialog 27 : Talk of the town

A: The commissioner will be the talk of the town this week. They said that he used the
company’s money for personal uses. It involves a lot of money.
B: I saw the police surrounding his house.
A: Maybe he’s out of the country by now. He’ll be hiding.
B: I think so, too. I never expected he’ll be involved in such a serious crime.
A: I saw his daughter crying so hard. And his wife too.
B: I wonder where he is now.

Explanation:
When everybody is talking about particular people and events, they are the talk of the town.

Example:
Turning up drunk at the ball will certainly make you the talk of the town.

Vocabulary:
Commissioner (noun) - a government official or representative in charge of a department or
district

Dialog 28 : Graveyard Shift

A: What time are you going to the office?

B; I’m working in the graveyard shift.
A: Is it difficult?
B: Yeah, it is. I feel so sleepy every time. I always have to drink coffee to be awake.
A: Will that be your permanent schedule?
B: I hope not.

Explanation:
If you have to work very late at night, it is the graveyard shift.

Example:
I never want to work in the graveyard shift.

Vocabulary:
Permanent (adjective) - lasting; not temporary
Schedule (noun) - a series of things to be done or of events to occur at or during a particular
time or period
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Dialog 29 : Raining Cats and Dogs

A: Will you be able to go here? It’s raining cats and dogs.

B: There’s heavy flood. I can’t go out.
A: I understand. Let’s just postpone the meeting.
B: I’m really sorry. I didn’t expect this. What time are you free tomorrow?
A: At 8 AM. I hope it won’t rain anymore.
B: Yeah. I hate this weather.

Explanation:
When it is raining cats and dogs, it is raining heavily.

Example:
It was raining cats and dogs by the time I got to the office.

Vocabulary:
Postpone (verb) - To delay until a future time

Dialog 30 : Break a leg

A: I’m nervous. I don’t know if I will be able to deliver my lines perfectly.

B: Of course you will. You have rehearsed that for many times already.
A: What if I forget my lines?
B: Don’t worry too much. It’s going to be perfect.
A: The director is calling my attention now. I’ll go and see him.
B: OK. Break a leg!

Explanation:
Break a leg means “good luck”.

Example:
“Break a leg!” the director called to the lead actor.

Vocabulary:
Rehearse (verb) - To practice (a part in a play, for example) in preparation for a public
performance
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Dialog 31 : Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth

A: Why does she always have new clothes and new shoes when she comes to school? She
never wore the same clothes over two months.
B: Of course. She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.
A: She’s so lucky she has rich parents.
B: Yeah. His father owns the hotel and two restaurants in town.
A: What’s her mother’s job?
B: She’s a doctor.

Explanation:
A person born with a silver spoon in his or her mouth is born wealthy.

Example:
She’s born with a silver spoon in her mouth so she doesn’t know how to feel hungry.

Dialog 32 : Couch potato

A: Can you please call Sam in his room? Dinner’s ready.

B: I already did. But he says he’ll eat later.
A: Your brother is such a couch potato. What is he watching this time?
B: Cartoons. He says he doesn’t want to miss this episode.
A: He didn’t eat his lunch. I’ll go and fetch him.

Explanation:
If you are spending a lot of time watching television, you are a couch potato.

Example:
My sister is a couch potato and she never wants to leave her house.

Vocabulary:
Couch (noun) – a sofa
Fetch (verb) - to go and bring back
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Dialog 33 : Cry over spilled milk

A: Why are you crying?

B: I lost my brother’s favorite book. I’m sure he’ll be mad when he learns this.
A: Where did you leave it?
B: I think I put it in my bag this morning, but it’s not there anymore.
A: Maybe you’ve misplaced it.
B: I’ve searched everywhere, but I cannot find it.
A: Don’t cry over spilled milk. Just tell your brother about it and we’ll decide what to do.

Explanation:
When someone is crying over spilled milk, he is crying or complaining about something that
has already happened.

Example:
You should not cry over spilled milk. You cannot bring back the past nor change it.

Vocabulary:
Spilled (verb) - To cause or allow (a substance) to run or fall out of a container

Dialog 34 : Apple of (someone’s) eye

A: Why are you looking at her like that?

B: She’s the apple of my eye.
A: Do you know her?
B: Not yet. But I am planning to introduce myself if I get the courage.
A: Why not now?
B: I still don’t know the right things to say.

Explanation:
The apple of one’s eye is someone or something that one likes a lot.

Example:
The little girl is the apple of her grandmother’s eye.
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Dialog 35 : In black and white

A: If you have a complaint, please write it in black and white.

B: Do I really need to do that?
A: It will be better if you do that. We’ll send it directly to the manager.
B: Can’t I just go and talk to him now?
A: I’m afraid you can’t do that. He has a business meeting at the moment.

Explanation:
Something is in black and white if it is in writing or official.

Example:
I sent them my request for new computers in black and white.

Vocabulary:
Complaint (noun) - an expression of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment

Dialog 36 : Once in a blue moon

A: Where are you now?

B: I am in an Italian restaurant with my mother.
A: What time are you going home?
B: I don’t know. I want to have fun tonight. My mother and I only go out together once
in a blue moon. Why are you asking?
A: I’m thinking of coming over to your house.
B: Why?
A: Nothing much. I’ll just come tomorrow.

Explanation:
When something happens once in a blue moon, it happens very rarely.

Example:
We only meet once in a blue moon, and I don’t know when he’s coming back.
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Dialog 37 : With flying colors

A: Your parents must be very proud of you. You graduated with flying colors.
B: They are. They told me they’re coming over and they want to celebrate.
A: I think that’s a good idea. When are they coming?
B: Maybe tomorrow. The flights are full since yesterday. They haven’t got a ticket yet.
A: I’ll go with you at the airport when you meet them.

Explanation:
When you did something with flying colors, you accomplished it with total success.

Example:
My friend passed the licensure exam with flying colors and she now is a doctor.

Dialog 38: Teacher’s pet

A: Don’t you notice? Our teacher always favors Matt.

B: Yeah. I notice that too. She always listens to whatever he says, and always gives him
high grades.
A: That’s what happens when you are a teacher’s pet.
B: I was a never a teacher’s pet. How about you?
A: Never. I guess I was never lovable.

Explanation:
The teacher’s favorite student is the teacher’s pet.

Example:
My sister was always the teacher’s pet when we are in elementary school.
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Dialog 39 : Kill two birds with one stone

A: Excuse me. Are you busy?

B: I’m finishing my report and I’m talking with a big client on the phone.
A: I see. You’re killing two birds with one stone.
B: Can you just talk to me after I finish this?
A: I’m sorry. I should have not interrupted.
B: It’s OK. I’ll just go to my office later.

Explanation:
When you kill two birds with one stone, you accomplish two things with one action.

Example:
I killed two birds with one stone and saw some old classmates while I was in France visiting a
friend.

Vocabulary:
Interrupt (verb) - to stop a person while he is saying or doing something
Client (noun) – a customer

Dialog 40 : Out of the blue

A: I was really impressed with your idea. Where did you get it?
B: I don’t know. It just came to me out of the blue.
A: I think we should tell our boss immediately about this. I’m sure he’ll like your new proposal.
B: I want to review it and then we’ll tell him.
A: OK. If that’s what you want.

Explanation:
If something happens out of the blue, it happens suddenly and you are not expecting it.

Example:
From out of the blue I asked my girlfriend if she wanted to get married.

Vocabulary:
Impressed (adjective) – deeply affected or influenced