o 0 Ula

n IS
rases
an
ioms
I. S. VLADOVSKAY A
Colloquial
English
Phrases
and
Idioms
DEFINED
AND EXEMPLIFIED
(with exercises)
IiIGHER SCHOOL PUBLISHING HOUSE
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TeJIbHO.
A
about
about - near; by or on (a person)
e.g. Have you got any money about you?
about - throughout
e.g. I go about the country a great deal.
be about to do something - be ready to do something; just
going to
e.g. He was about to knock when the door suddenly
opened.
What is she about to do now?
what about ... ? - what concerning ... ? what regarding ... ?
e.g. It's after twelve; what about lunch?
accident
by accident - unexpectedly, by chance
e.g. I met him quite by accident at the museum.
accord
of one's own accord - by one's own wish
e.g. No one forced him to take part in the discussion.
He did it of his own accord.
accordance
in accordance with - according to
e.g. We must play the game in accordance with the
rules.
5
according to
according to - in agreement with
e.g. You should work according to your plan.
account
account for - explain in a satisfactory way; tell the cause of
e.g. He was asked to account for his absence.
of no account - of no value; not important
e.g. These errors are of no account.
His opinion is of no account in this matter.
on account of - because of
e.g. We could not start on account of the thunderstorm.
on no account - under no circumstances
e.g. On no account you are to touch the electric ap-
pliance with wet hands.
take into account - consider, take into consideration
e.g. You should take into account all these facts.
addition
in addition to - as well as, besides
e.g. Margaret is studying French In addition to German.
advance
advanced in years - old, no l o n g ~ r young
e.g. He was well advanced In years when he started
his new experiments.
in advance - beforehand
e.g. I paid a month's rent In advance.
age
for ages, it's ages - for a long time
e.g. I haven't seen you for ages!
It's ages since I saw you last.
ahead
ahead of - in fron t of
e.g. He ran up the stairs ahead of me.
6
ahead of time - before an agreed or appointed time
e.g. I always like to arrive at my offiGe a little ahead
of time.
go ahead - 1) make progress
e.g. Things are going ahead.
2) move forward, go on
e.g. Go ahead and tell them that I anl coming.
air
in the air - uncertain, not definite
e.g. Our holiday plans are still in the air.
put on airs - behave as if one were better than others
e.g. I don't like that girl. She puts on airs.
all
after all - I) considering everything
e.g. He is not a bad student after all.
2) in spite of everything
e.g. She was right after all.
all at once-I) suddenly
e.g. Why did you leaVe the room all at once?
2) at the same time
e.g. Don't speak all at once.
all in all - on the whole
e.g. It will take you four hours all in all to do this
work.
all of a sudden - suddenly
e.g. All of a sudden the lights \vent out.
all over - 1) everywhere in
e.R. People all over the world want peace.
2) finished, conlpleted
e.g. The nleeting was all over when I got there.
all set - ready
e.g. Our plans for travelling are all set.
all the better - even better; much better
e.g. If we plant early it will be all the better for our
garden.
all the same - 1) of complete indifference
e.g. It is all the saIne to me whether we go to the
pictures today or tomorrow.
7
2) despite the fact; nevertheless
e.g. All the san1e I should enter College if I \vere you.
at all - 10 the stnallest degree (used in a negative context)
e.g. I don't like that performance at all.
at all costs - regardless of obstacles
e.g. We must arrive in time at all costs.
at all events - by all means; regardless of difficulties
e.g". I-Ie \vas detertnined to succeed at all events.
be all in - be tired, exhausted
e.p;. I had a hard day at the office. I'm all in.
first of all- before anything else
e.g. We should help him first of all.
Not at all - 1) a polite anS\\Ter to an expression of gratitude
e.f{. "Thank you very much." - "Not at all!" (Don't
mention it.)
2) you are \velcome
e.g. "Excuse me for troubling you so early." - "Not at
all. "
once (and) for all- for the last or only time
e.g. It's good time to settle this question once (and)
for all.
arms
with open arms -- \varn1Iy, with a hearty welcome
e.g. He was received with open arnlS when he returned
to his home town.
as
as far as - 1) to the extent or degree that
e.g. As far as I know he hasn't come yet.
2) up to this (or that) place
e.g. I'll go with you as far as the post-office.
as far as one is concerned - to the extent that one is con-
cerned
e.g. As far as I am concerned we can leave on Sunday.
as it were - so to speak, in other words
e.g. He became, as it were, a kind of hero in our
to\vn.
as (or so) long as - 1) provided that
e.g. We'll stay in the country as long as the weather
keeps fine.
2) for a long time
e.g. You may play here as long as you like.
as soon as - immediately, not later than
e.g. We shall start as soon as the sun rises.
as to (or for) - with regard to
e.g. As to (for) me I do not agree with you.
as yet - up to no\v
e.g. There has been no change as yet.
at
at best - under the best circurnstances
e.g. At best, the men \vill finish the job next week.
at last - finally
e.g. We waited and waited till at last he arrived.
at least - in the least degree
e.g. Everyone should sleep at least eight hours a night.
at most - at maximum
e.g. I shall return this book in two days at most.
at once - immediately
e.g. She told him to leave the room at once.
at times -- occasionally
e.g. At times Bob does much better work.
attend
attend to - 1) take care of
e.g. The patient was attended to by the best doctor at
the hospital.
2) see to
e.g. My secretary attends to my mail.
B
back
be back - return
e.g. Henry will be back in a few minutes.
bad
too bad - a pity
e.g. It's too bad you can't come to see us.
9
beat
beat around (or about) the bush - avoid saying openly
e.g. Instead of answering my question, he began to
beat around (or about) the bush.
because
because of - on account of
e.g. He stayed at home because of the rain.
before
before long - soon
e.g. I hope to see you before long.
long before - a long time earlier
e.g. He left long before the end of the play.
begin
to begin with - in the first place, firstly
e.g. To begin with, he is too young for that job.
beside
be beside oneself (with) - be extremely excited
e.g. She was beside herself with fear.
bit
a (little) bit - a little
e.g. Just a minute, let me think a bit.
not a bit - not in the least
e.g. When I asked her whether she \vas tired she an-
s\vered: "Not a bit."
black
in black and white - in writing
10
e.g. I won't believe it unless I see it In black and
\vhite.
blue
be in the blues, feel (or look) blue - be sad, depressed
e.g. I'm feeling rather blue today.
You look blue. What's the matter?
once in a blue moon - very rarely
e.g. A thing like that happens once In a blue moon.
bring
bring to reason - convince through logical argument
e.g. It was very difficult to bring Mary to reason. She
is very stubborn.
bring up children - take care of and train
e.g. Mrs. Brown has brought up two children.
broken
broken English - incorrect and imperfect English
e.g. This foreigner speaks such broken English that I
found it difficult to understand him.
brush
brush up (on) - review, learn it up again
e.g. Before I go to France I must brush up (on) my
French.
burst
burst into crying (or laughing) - begin to cry (or laugh)
suddenly
e.g. The ne\vs seen1ed so rid iculous to her that she
burst out laughing.
burst into tears (or laughter) - begin to cry (or laugh)
suddenly
e.g. The little girl burst into tears (or laughter).
but
but for - if it were not for
e.g. But for your help, we should have failed.
11
nothing but - nothing except
e.g. I saw nothing but the waves and heard nothing
but the wind.
by
by and by - soon, before long
e.g. Father will be home from the office by and by.
by and large - in general
e.g. Mary has some faults but by and large she's a
nice girl.
by oneself - 1) alone
e.g. I have to leave early. My little daughter is by her-
self at home now.
2) \\'ithout help
e.g. He made the bookshelf all by himself.
bygones
let bygones be bygones - let the past be forgotten
e.g. "Irene," he said, "let bygones be bygones."
c
call
call in - ask to come, summon (a specialist, a doctor)
e.g. Your father is very ill. You should call in a doc-
tor.
call (something) off - cancel
e.g. Mi llie called her party off because her mother fell
ill.
calion - visit
e.g. Robert was not at home when I called on him.
call out (names, items) - speak loudly
e.g. He called out my name three times, but somehow
I failed to hear him.
call up - telephone, ring up
e.g. I'll call you up (at) about seven o'clock.
12
calm
calm down - become quiet
e.g. Since there \vas no reason to get nervous (excited),
I asked her to calm down.
The sea calmed down after the storm.
carry
carried away - 1) inspired, overcome by emotion
e.g. The audience \vas completely carried away by her
beautifu I voice.
2) transported, removed
e.g. The wounded men were carried away.
carry out - fulfil, complete
e.g. He promised that he would carry out all experi-
ments in the laboratory.
case
in case of - in the event of
e.g. Refer to your dictionary in case of difficulty.
cast
be (or look) cast down - be (or look) sad or depressed
e.g. He seemed to be cast down as a result of his fail-
ure at the examination.
catch
catch cold - become sick with a cold
e.g. If I sit in a draught I always catch cold.
catch fire - begin to burn
e.g. Be careful with that match. That straw catches fire
easily.
catch up (with) - overtake
e.g. It'll take him some time to catch up with the rest
of the group.
We walked very fast and she couldn't catch up
with us.
13
chal'lce
by chance - accidentally, by accident
e.g. If by chance you see Henry, tell him I want to
see him.
change
change - put on different clothes
e.g. It won't take me long to change.
for a change - for variety
e.g. I'ln tired of goi ng to the pictures every Sunday.
Let's go to the theatre for a change.
charge
be in charge of - be responsible for
e.g. Who is in charge of this exhibition?
free of charge - free, without cost
e.g. Medical services are free of charge In the Soviet
Union.
take charge of - look after
e.g. Henry will take charge of this department \vhile
Jack is a\vay.
come
come across - meet or find unexpectedly
e.g. Last \veek I came across a rare book at the library.
come easy (or naturally) to one - be simple for one to do
or to learn
e.g. Learning COines easy (or naturally) to Helen.
come from - be born and reared in
e.g. "Where does that man come from?" - :'He comes
from London."
come on - 1) hurry, make haste
e.g. Come on, boys! Don't lag behind.
2) come along
e.g. Come on to the pictures with me!
come true - prove to be correct, happen to be true
e.g. Some day your dream will come true.
come what may - despite whatever may happen
e.g. Come what may, I shall join the expedition.
14
command
have a good command of - have skill and fluency In
e.g. He has a good command of English.
common
in common - sharing the same interests
e.g. They should get along well together because they
have much in common.
contrary
on the contrary - just the opposite
e.g. He is not lazy, on the contrary, he IS very dili-
gent.
count
count on - rely on
e.g. You can always count on my assistance.
course
of course - certainly, naturally
e.g. "Do you study hard?" - "Of course, I do."
crack
a hard nut to crack - a very difficult problem, person or
thing to deal \vith
e.g. This problem is a hard nut to crack.
He always seemed to me a hard nut to crack.
crack a joke - make a joke, say amusing things
e.g. John cracked several jokes from time to time.
cry
cry over spilt milk - weep about something that is unalter-
able
e.g. You can't have your lost money back, so it's no
use crying over spilt milk.
15
cup
cup of tea - a sort of thing that pleases or appeals to one;
hobby
e.g". Of course, I'll go hunting with you. That's just
my cup of tea.
D
date
out-of-date - gone out of fashion
e.g. That dance used to be very popular but no\v it is
out-of-date.
up-to-date - modern, new
e.g. This technical article IS not up-to-date. It was
published some years ago.
day
all day long - the whole day
e.g. It has been raining all day long.
day by day - gradually
e.g. Day by day he seems to gro\v a little stronger
after his illness.
day in and day out - day after day
e.g. He does the same thing day in and day out.
have (or take) the day off - be free from \vork, have (or
take) a holiday
e.g. He took a few days off to see his parents.
one of these days - in a fe\v days, some time in the future
e.g. She'll leave for the North one of these days.
rainy day - a period of scarcity and want
e.g. One should put a little money aside for a rainy
day.
some day - at some time in the future
e.g. I'll tell you all about it SOllle day.
the other day - a few days ago
e.g. We Inet Jack in the park the other day.
despair
be in despair (about) - lose all hope
e.g. Mrs. Wells was in despair about her child's h'ealth.
16
dine
dine in - eat at home
e.g. On Sundays we always dine in.
dine out - eat away from home in a restaurant or hotel
e.g. No, we were not at home last night. We dined
out for a change.
do
do a favour - do someone a kindness
e.g. He did me a great favour by coming today.
do a place - visit a place and see all objects of interest
e.g. Have you done Paris yet?
Did you do the British Museum?
do harm - 1) damage
e.g. The storm did much harm on land and sea.
2) injure or hurt bodily or morally
e.g. Some hard work wouldn't do him any harm.
do justice - treat fairly
e.g. To do him justice, we must admit that his inten-
tions were good.
do one's best - do everything in one's po\ver
e.g. I'm sure you'll do your best to help them.
do one's hair - arrange one's hair (This expression lS used
only by girls and women.)
e.g. She had her hair done at the hairdresser's.
do over - do again, repeat
e.g. Please do that exercise over until it is perfect.
do someone good - benefit, have some good result
e.g. This fresh air will do you good after being in the
house all day.
do the room (flowers, window, etc.) - arrange, clean
e.g. Will you do the room while I do the flowers?
do well - 1) make progress
e.g. She's doing well in English.
2) keep good health
e.g. Mother and child are both doing well now.
do with - put up with, manage
e.g. I could do with a little less money.
do without - get along without
e.g. If there is no coffee, I'll do without it.
That will do! - Stop! Enough! (an expression of impatience)
17
e.g. "That will do, TomnlY. I've had enough of your
mistakes. "
will do - \vill suit
e.g. This room will do me quite well.
doubt
in doubt - not certain
e.g. When in doubt about the meaning of a word, con-
sult your dictionary.
no doubt - doubtlessly
e.g. No doubt he wanted to help you.
without doubt - definitely, unquestionably
e.g. Don't be anxious, he will come without doubt.
drive
drive at - hint, mean
e.g. I could not make out what she was driving at.
drop
drop in - visit infornlally
e.g. Why don't you drop in on your way home?
drop the subject - cease to talk about
e.g. Let's drop the subject and talk of something else.
duty
be off duty - be not at work, be not at service
e.g. The nurse will be off duty at 8 o'clock. She will
go home then.
be on duty - be at work, at service
e.g. Who is on duty today?
E
eager
be eager (to do something) - be very anxious (to do some-
thing)
e.g. Everybody was eager to go skating.
18
ear
be all ears - be very attentive
e.g. Go on speaking, I am all earsl
be up to one's ears - be immersed in
e.g. This month I am up to my ears in work.
by ear - by sound; without ever reading printed music of
the pieces played
e.g. She plays the piano by ear.
give (an) ear to -listen attentively
e.g. I do wish you would give an ear to my remarks.
have an ear for - have a keen perception for
e.g. Henry has a good ear for music.
earnest
in earnest - serious; not joking
e.g. Do you think Sam said that In earnest or was he
joking?
ease
feel (or be) at ease - feel (or be) comfortable, relaxed
e.g. She is quite at ease in your company.
easy
easy going - amiable in manner, easy to get on with
e.g. Alice is an easy going person who gets along well
wi th peap 1 e.
take it easy - don't trouble much about things
e.g. Take it easy, we have plenty of time.
else
or else - otherwise
e.g. Hurry, or else you'll be latE;.
ever
ever so much - very much
e.g. Thank you ever so much for this book.
19
every
every now and then - from time to time
e.g. I meet him every now and then at the club.
every other - every second one
e.g. The buses stop at every other corner.
every other day - every second day
e.g. We go to the swimming pool every other day.
in every way - in all respects
e.g. This composition is in every way better than that.
extent
to an (some, any, a certain) extent - to a degree or point
e.g. To some extent he reminds me of his brother.
eye
give an eye to - keep an eye on
e.g. Would you mind giving an eye to my garden
while I am on holiday?
keep an eye on - watch, guard carefully
e.g. Would you keep an eye on my child while I go
shopping?
see with half an eye - see easily because it is obvious
e.g. I can see with half an eye that you are not at all
we 11 to-day.
up to the eyes - deeply engaged (in work, in studies)
e.g. I can't attend to you now, for I am up to the (or
my) eyes in work.
F
face
in the face of - confronted by
e.g. What could we do in the face of all those hard-
ships?
meet face to face - confront one another
e.g. Coming out of the bus we met face to face.
20
fact
in fact - really, indeed
e.g. Fred is a nice boy. In fact, he is one of the nicest
boys in our group.
fall
fall asleep - pass suddenly frOITI a waking to a sleeping
state
e.g. She was very tired and fell asleep at once.
falJ beh ind - 1) lag behind
e.g. I've fallen behind with my work lately.
2) be unable to keep up with others
e.g. He always falls behind when we go uphill.
fall ill - become ill
e.g. He fell ill last week and has been in bed ever
SInce.
fall in love (with) - become enamoured with
e.g. Joe fell in love with an actress.
fall to pieces - disintegrate
e.g. The vase fell down on the floor and fell to pieces.
far
by far - to a great degree
e.g. This is by far the best painting.
far and wide - in many distant places
e.g. The explorer'S name is known far and wide.
so far - up to now; until now
e.g. So far this month we have learned four lessons.
fed
be fed up with - be bored to the point of irritation
e.g. I am fed up with his carelessness.
feel
f e ~ 1 like doing - be inclined to
e.g. Do you feel like taking a walk or are you too
tired?
21
figure
figure on - 1) intend
e.g. I was figuring on leaving at 8 o'clock.
2) expect, rely on
e.g. I am figuring on your support.
figure out - 1) understand, make out
e.g. The article is so badly written that I can't figure
out what the writer means exactly.
2) calculate
e.g. How long did it take you to figure out the cost of
operating that device?
figure up - add up, calculate
e.g. Ask the waiter to figure our bill up. I want to
leave.
fill
fill in - complete (usually said of something left blank or
missing)
e.g. You must fill in the questionaire (the form).
fill up - fill to the top, make quite full
e.g. Fill up a glass, please!
find
fault-finding - critical; nagging
e.g. He is so fault-finding that it is difficult to \vork
with him.
find fault with - be critical, nagging
e.g. She always finds fault with her typist.
find out - get the information
e.g. Try to find out all the details, please.
finger
have a subject at one's fingers' ends (or finger-tips)-
know thoroughly, have at one's command
e.g. Why should you be afraid of the finals? You have
everything at your fingers' ends.
have (or put) a finger in every pie - like to be concerned
or mixed in every affair (generally in a Ineddlesome way)
e.g. This young lady always likes to have a finger in
every pIe.
22
first
at first - at the beginning
e.g. At first I was nervous, but in a few minutes I
felt relaxed.
at first sight - at first glance
e.g. I did not like that man at first sigh t but now I
have changed my opinion.
first - for the first time
e.g. When did you first see that film?
first of all - before anything else
e.g. We shall first of all discuss what to do next.
from the first - from the start
e.g. I liked the story from the first.
fit
(as) fit as a fiddle - well and cheerful
e.g. Another month and you \vill be (as) fit as a fiddle.
be fit for - be good enough for, be suited for
e.g. That man is not fit for heavy work.
by (or in) fits and starts - in sudden outbursts of energy;
irregularly
e.g. It serves you right; you always do things by (or
in) fits and starts, John.
fi t in with - accord with
e.g. How will my arrangements for holidays fit in with
yours?
fix
fix up - 1 j repair
e.g. Can you fix my radio-set up?
2) arrange
e.g. Please fix up your room for her In the morning.
Please, fix up your hair (tie).
3) settle di fferences, a quarrel
e.g. We have fixed up our little differences satisfacto-
rily.
fond
be (or become) fond of - like; take pleasure in
e.g. I have become very fond of your children.
She is fond of painting.
23
foot
on foot - walking, not riding
e.g. Our car is being repaired now, so we went all the
way home on foot.
for
for all I know - as far as I know
e.g. For all I know, she may already have left for
India.
for all that - in spite of all that has been said, done, etc.
e.g. He says that I can't do it, but I will do it for all
that!
for certain - for sure
e.g. I don't know for certain whether it is true or not.
for ever - for always
e.g. She returned to her home town for ever.
for good - for always
e.g. They have gone to the North for good.
for my part - as to me
e.g. For my part I have no objection to your plan.
for nothing - 1) without reason
e.g. They C]uarreUed for nothing.
2) in vain
e.g. We had all our trouble for nothing.
3) without cost
e.g. I got this little booklet for nothing.
full
in full swing - at the height of activity
e.g. The party was in full swing when we arrived.
Everybody was having a good tin1e.
fun
in fun (or for fun) - as a joke, not seriously
e.g. Don't get angry! I said that just in (or for) fun.
make fun of - laugh at, ridicule
e.g. Don't make fun of that boyl
24
G
gain
gain (in weight) - put on (wE'ight)
e.g. I have gained two pounds this summer.
general
in general- on the whole
e.g. In general he is quite a satisfactory student.
get
get - 1) used in the sense of "become"
e.g. Sit by the fire and you will soon get warm.
2) used in the sense of "catch" or "understand"
e.g. I don't quite get what you mean.
get accustomed to - get used to
e.g. He soon got accustomed to his work at the factory.
get along - 1) manage
e.g. We can't get along without water and food.
2) make progress, succeed
e.g. How are you getting along at school?
get along in years - grow quite old
e.g. Her grandfather is getting along in years.
get along with - live or \vork in harmony with
e.g. He gets along well with everybody in the office.
get behind - fall behind in one's normal schedule of work
or studies
e.g. I was ill and got behind in my school work. Now
it is difficult to catch up.
get better (or worse) - become better (or worse)
e.g. Is your headache getting better or worse?
get down - descend
e.g. Mrs. Alling told Jimmy to get down from the tree.
get down to (work, business) - attend seriously to
e.g. The holidays are over; we must get down to work
again.
get in - 1) arrive (about a train)
e.g. What time does the train get in?
2) enter a vehicle (a bus, a tram, a train, a car,
etc.)
25
e.g. Get in, I'll drive you to the station.
get into trouble - cause to be in trouble
e.g. He will get into trouble if he comes late again.
get off - 1) remove
e.g. I can't get the ring off my finger.
2) leave or alight from a vehicle
e.g. The driver told me to get off at the next stop.
get on - 1) enter (a vehicle); board (a ship)
e.g. She got on the bus and rode home.
2) mount (a horse)
e.g. Here is your horse, get on!
3) make progress, succeed
e.g. How are you getting on in physics this term?
get on in years - grow very old
e.g. My dog is getting on in years.
get on one's nerves - make one nervous
e.g. Don't talk so loudly. I t is getting on my nerves.
get on (with) - live in a friendly way (with)
e.g. They get on with each other very well.
get out of - leave a vehicle
e.g. We got out of the car and took a short walk.
get over - recover from (a shock, bad news or illness)
e.g. That was a bad cold you had; I hope you've got
over it.
get rid of - get free of
e.g. It took me a week to get rid of my cough.
get through - 1) finish
e.g. Let me use your pen when you get through with
your writing.
2) pass a course or examination
e.g. Jack got through all subjects except chemistry.
get to a place - arrive at
e.g. It was very late when I got to my friend's house.
get up - 1) stand up
e.g. He got up from the chair.
2) arise from a bed
e.g. She gets up at seven a.m. and her children get up
a t seven thirty.
get up out of the wrong side of the bed (or get out of bed
on the wrong side) - arise in a bad or unpleasant mood
e.g. You are bad tempered today. You Inust have got-
ten up out of the wrong side of the bed.
26
get used to - get accustomed to
e.g. I can't get used to hot climate.
give
give away - reveal, expose (one's feelings, a secret)
e.g. His voice gave him a\vay.
Don't give away my secret to anybody, please.
give birth - bring forth a child
e.g. Jackson's wife gave birth to her second child yes-
terday.
give in - submit
e.g. Keep on trying, don't give in!
give rise to - cause
e.g. The blockade gave rise to widespread misery.
give up - 1) abandon, stop doing
e.g. Henry says he is going to give up smoking.
2) surrender
e.g. The enemy gave up almost without resistance.
go
be going to do something - intend
e.g. How long is she going to stay In France?
be on the go - be very busy and active
e.g. Helen is so tired. She is always on the go.
go along with - accompany
e.g. I'll go along with you as far as the museum.
go away -leave, depart
e.g. When is your husband going away?
go down - 1) become lower (when speaking about prices)
e.g. Prices of all farm products are expected to go
down S0011.
2) be remembered
e.g. He will go down in history as a hero.
3) sink (of a ship) or be drowned (of persons)
e.g. The ship went down with all on board.
I saw the swimmer go down.
go for a ride (or walk) - go out and have a ride, a walk,
etc.
e.g. We went for a ride through the field.
go from bad to worse - become even worse than before
e.g. His marks at school are going from bad to \vorse.
27
go in for - have a hobby, specialize in
e.g. My brother goes in for football, but J go in more
for tennis and basket-ball.
go into effect - become effective
e.g. The new time-table will go into effect next month.
go (or look) into the matter (or details) - examine care-
fully, discuss
e.g. Let's go into the matter (or details) and make a
final decision.
go on - 1) continue
e.g. I hope it won't go on raining all day.
2) persevere
e.g. Go on with your work!
3) pass
e.g. As time went on, she became impatient.
4) happen
e.g. All people want to know what is going on in the
world.
go out - 1) cease burning
e.g. The match went out in the wind.
2) leave one's residence for entertainment
e.g. Paul goes out a great deal lately.
go over - 1) check, examine
e.g. The teacher went over the quiz and discussed the
students' mistakes.
2) re-study, repeat carefully
e.g. Go over your home \vork again: I'm sure you'll
find some mistakes in it.
go round - pay a visit
e.g. I went round to see him last night.
go round (or around) - be enough in number or amount
e.g. I should like to buy that thing but I haven't got
enough money to go (a)round.
go through with - complete, bring to an end
e.g. I don't think Roy will go through with his plan in
time.
go up - 1) ascend, come up
28
e.g. I saw him on the escalator, he was going up and
I was going down.
2) be built
e.g. New buildings are going up everY\\l'here in our
town.
3) be destroyed
e.g. The whole building went up in flames.
4) rise (when speaking of prices)
e.g. At that time prices were going up.
go with - 1) harmonize with, match
e.g. This tie does not go with my suit.
2) court
e.g. Nick went with Janet for about a year and now
they say he is going to marry her.
go without - manage without, endure the lack of
e.g. Cut off by the storm they often had to go without
food.
it goes without saying - it is quite obvious
e.g. It goes without saying that she is right in this
respect.
good
be good at (something) - be quick at learning
e.g. He is good at mathematics and physics.
be on good terms with (somebody) - be on friendly terms
e.g. We have always been on good terms with our
neighbours, the Browns.
good-natured - kind, having a good nature
e.g. Your brother is a good-natured fellow; we get
along quite well with him.
good of you - nice (kind) of you
e.g. It was very good of you to help me.
have a good time - enjoy oneself
e.g. We all had a good time at Jane's party last Sun-
day.
no good - useless
e.g. My pen is no good. Give me yours, please.
H
habit
be in the habit of - have the habit of
e.g. He is in the habit of drinking tea with all his
meals.
fall into a habit - get into a habit of doing something
e.g. While living in the country, I fell into the habit
of getting up very early.
29
hand
at first hand - from the original source
e.g. I got the information at first hand.
at second hand - by hearsay
e.g. She heard this news at second hand.
by hand - hand-made
e.g. Are your socks knitted by hand or machine-made?
close at hand - 1) quite near
e.g. Our canteen is close at hand.
2) soon to occur
e.g. Winter is close at hand.
give someone a hand - help (with the hands)
e.g. Give me a hand with this bookcase. It's too heavy
for me to move it alone.
hand in - give, submit
e.g. Please, hand in your home work at once.
offhand - immediately, without thinking more about it
e.g. I can't answer your question offhand.
old hand - experienced person
e.g. She is an old hand in her profession.
on the one hand ... on the other hand - used to indicate
contrasted points 0 t view
e.g. On the one hand, I'd like to go to the museum
with you; on the other hand, I don't want to miss the
football nlatch.
try one's hand - test one's ability
e.g. Have you ever tried your hand at writing articles?
wash one's hands of - decline all responsibility for
e.g. The boy does not obey me; I'm going to wash my
hands of him.
hard
be hard of hearing - be partly deaf
e.g. Speak louder, please, because I'm hard of hearing.
be hard on (somebody) - treat (someb01y) severely
e.g. You are being too hard on the man - he did not
mean any harm.
be hard up - be in need of money
30
e.g. Ever since Smith lost his job, the Smiths have
been hard up.
hard-and-fast (principles, rules, etc.) - rigid, that cannot be
changed or adapted to circumstances
e.g. Our office has hard-and-fast rules against smoking.
have hard (or bad) luck - be unfortunate
e.g. Tom has had a lot of hard luck lately.
have
have a bite - have a snack
e.g. I'm hungry. Let's have a bite!
have had enough - have eaten enough
e.g. "Will you have some more pudding?" - "No, thanks,
I have had enough (of it)."
have it in one - be capable of
e.g. He has it in him to win.
have nothing to do with - not to be concerned with
e.g. What you say has nothing to do with the matter.
have on - be wearing (when speaking of clothes)
e.g. That's a pretty dress you have on.
have one's own way - to act one's own way
e.g. It's no use arguing with her - all the same she
will have her own way.
have to - must, be obliged to
e.g. The train was late, so we had to wait for an hour.
head
head over heels (in love) - deeply, completely (in love)
e.g. Bill was soon head over heels in love with Mary.
lose one's head - become discouraged
e.g. When you are in danger, the most important thing
is never to lose your head.
make head or tail of it - be unable to understand it in
the least
e.g. The article was so badly written that I could not
make head or tail of it.
turn one's head - cause one to lose one's mental balance
e.g. You are doing so well at this that I'm afraid suc-
cess may turn your heads.
hear
hear from - receive news, letters from
e.g. Have you heard from your friend recently?
31
heart
at heart - deep inside the heart
e.g. He may look rough, but he is a kind man at
heart.
break one's heart - cause a great sorrow
e.g. Her refusal to marry him almost broke his heart.
downhearted - sad, discouraged
e.g. I didn't win the prize but 1 am not downhearted.
from the bottom of one's heart - with all one's heart
e.g. I thanked hitn from the bottom of my heart.
have one's heart go into one's mouth - feel great fear
e.g. When I heard that strange noise in the darkness
my heart went into my mouth.
heart-to-heart talk - friendly talk in which nothing is hid-
den
e.!!. Now that we have had that little heart-to-heart
talk, we could clear the matter up and arrive at an
understanding.
learn (or know) by heart - learn by memory
e.g. J learnt that piece of poetry by heart.
right in the heart of - right in the centre of
e.g. Shakespeare was born right in the heart of England.
take (something) to heart - take seriously
e.g. Don't take too much to heart what I said. I was
only joking.
with all one's heart - sincerely
e.g. With all my heart I wish you good luck!
heels
be at one's heels - follow closely
e.g. My dog is always at my heels.
high
look high and low for - search for something everywhere
e.g. The detectives looked high and low for the mis-
sing jewels.
hold
hold good - remain valid, effective
e.g. Does this principle still hold good?
32
hold true (of) - be true or valid
e.g. What I told you about his lack of training also
holds true of his brother.
home
be (or feel) home-sick for - miss home, be sad because one
is away from home
e.g. Do you feel home-sick for your native country?
for home - for one's native country
e.g. We left India for home.
make one feel at home - make one feel at ease, comfort-
able
e.g. The Greens can always make their friends feel at
home at once.
hour
after hours - after the regular or scheduled time
e.g. You needn't stay in the office after hours.
at all hours - at almost any time
e.g. His mother was so sick that they were up at all
hours last week.
keep good hours - arise and go to bed early, at reasonable
hours
e.g. Schoolchildren should keep good hours.
keep late (or early) hours - habitually go to bed late (or
early)
e.g. He cannot keep such late hours without feeling
the ill effect in time.
the small hours - the few hours after midnight, until four
o'clock a.m.
e.g. We waited till the small hours in the morning,
but he did not call.
hurry
be in a hurry - be in a great haste
e.g. She is in a hurry to leave.
hurry up - make haste
e.g. Hurry up, or you'll miss the train.
33
I
in
the ins and outs - all the details or complexities
e.g. I should like to know all the ins and outs of the
subject matter.
indoors
indoors - inside a house
e.g. They spent a lot of tinle indoors - and it was
very bad for their health.
instance
for instance - for example
e.g. There are many Oriental words In English, for
instance, kimono.
instead
instead of - in place of
e.g. Joe wanted to play tennis instead of going for a
walk.
Jack
Jack of all trades - one who does many things fairly well
but is not an expert at anything
e.g. There is an old saying that a Jack of all trades
is very often a master of none.
joke
in joke - as a joke
e.g. It was done in joke.
no joke - a serious matter
e.g. It's no joke at all.
playa joke on (someone) - make a joke
e.g. Let's playa joke on Mary and hide her bag.
34
just
just - 1) exactly
e.g. It is just what I mean.
2) only
e.g. Just look at him!
3) please
e.g. Just shut the door, will you?
K
keep
keep away (from) - remain away (from)
e.g. The doctor advised him to keep away from all
sweets and other fattening things.
keep bad time - keep incorrect time (when speaking of
watches or clocks)
e.g. His alarm clock keeps bad time. It always gains.
keep body and soul together - keep alive
e.g. George hardly earns enough money to keep body
and soul together.
keep good time - keep correct time (when speaking of
watches or clocks)
e.g. Your watch keeps good time. My watch always
loses.
keep off - stay away from
e.g. Don't walk along the lawn; keep off the grass I
keep (on) doing (something) - continue to do (something)
e.g. He kept working at the problem until he found a
solution.
keep one's temper - retain one's self-control
e.g. Only mother could keep her temper under such
irritable circumstances.
keep one's word - fulfil one's promise
e.g. John kept his word and arrived exactly at the time
he had promised.
keep (somebody) waiting - cause one to wait
e.g. "I hope I haven't kept you waiting," she said.
keep the house - manage or take care of a home
e.g. It was very hard for Alice to keep the house.
35
keep track of - keep in touch with
e.g. We read newspapers regularly so as to keep track
of current events.
kind
It is kind of you ... - It is nice of you ...
e.g. It is kind of you to let me use your books.
kind of - rather, somewhat
e.g. She looks kind of pale after her illness.
Nothing of the kind! - an emphatic denial
e.g. "Did you invite Jim?" - "Nothing of the kind!"
know
know what's what - understand thoroughly
e.g. He is a smart young man. He knows what's
what!
L
late
of late - lately
e.g. She has been working very hard of late.
lazy
lazy-bones - a lazy person
e.g. Jack is lazy-bones, no wonder he gets bad marks.
least
not in the least - not at all
e.g. "Am I troubling you?" - "Not In the least."
leave
leav.e (something) out - omit, neglect to put (something)
In
36
e.g. The typist has left out two words from the para-
graph.
left
left (or be left) - remaining
e.g. There are ten minutes left before the bell.
like
and the like - and so forth
e.g. She studies music, painting and the like.
as you like - as you wish
e.g. You may do it as you like. It is up to you.
like that - 1) in that way
e.g. Don't speak to me like that!
2) similar
e.g. Where could I get a dictionary like that?
3) such
e.g. I am very fond of books like that.
4) thus
e.g. Hold your pen like that.
look like - resemble
e.g. He looks like his mother, doesn't he?
should (or WOUld) like - expresses wishes
e.g. I should like to have a cup of tea.
Would you like to take part in the discussion?
little
(for) a little while - not long
e.g. Please, stay with me (for) a little while.
little by little - gradually; by degrees
e.g. Little by little I got used to cold climate.
not a little - a great deal
e.g. He was not a little upset when he heard the news.
long for - desire, wish for
e.g. I long for a rest.
long
of long standing - established for a considerable time
e.g. The friendship between Mr. Wales and Miss Brown
is of long standing.
37
look
look after - 1) take care of
e.g. Who looked after you when you were ill?
2) follow with the eyes
e.g. They looked after the train as it left the station.
look a person up - callan, pay a visit
e.g. Look me up next you're in London!
look a thing up - search for it, as to look up a word in a
dictionary, consult a reference book
e.g. I spent an hour looking words up in my dictionary.
look for - search for
e.g. John looked everywhere for the ball which he had
lost.
look forward to - anticipate (usually with pleasure)
e.g. I am looking forward to seeing you soon.
look out - be careful, be on guard against
e.g. "Look outl" he exclaimed. "A car is comingl"
lose
lose - be going too slowly (when speaking of watches or
clocks)
e.g. My watch loses two minutes a day.
lose (in weight) - grow thinner
e.g. She lost two pounds last summer.
lose one's temper - lose one's self-control
e.g. There is no reason to lose your temper, Anne.
lose one's way - be unable to find the right path or road
e.g. We lost our way in the dark.
lose track of - lose all contact with
e.g. We lost all track of him.
loss
be at a loss - be puzzled and perplexed
e.g. He was at a loss when I asked him about it and
did not know what to answer.
luck
be out-of-Iuck - be unfortunate, unlucky
38
e.g. When I tried to get tickets in advance I was out-
of-luck.
be lucky - be fortunate
e.g. I was lucky enough to buy this handbook in time.
M
make
make a fuss - be in a state of nervous activity or excite-
ment
e.g. She always makes a great fuss about trifles.
make a living - earn one's living
e.g. He had to make his own living ever since he was
seventeen.
make arrangements - arrange something
e.g. We'll need a car at six o'clock. Will you make
arrangements, please!
make both enos meet - live within one's income
e.g. The family is having a hard time making both
ends meet.
make certain (that) - be sure (that)
e.g. Make certain that both doors are locked before
you leave.
make clear - clarify, explain
e.g. I tried to make clear to him that we were not
responsible for those errors but he refused to listen.
make friends - become friendly with
e.g. During his holiday Robert made friends with eve-
rybody on the boat.
make one's mouth water - fill one with desire or envy
e.g. It made my mouth water when I saw hirn eating
that juicy orange.
make out - 1) distinguish by sight
e.g. I made out a figure in the distance.
2) understand
e.g. Speak louder, I can't make out what you are
saying.
make room for - leave or provide space for
e.g. I moved aside to make room for another passenger.
make (somebody) do (something) - compel, persuade
e.g. Make John repeat everything once more.
make up (for) - compensate (for)
e.g. We studied twice as much to make up for the
time lost through illness.
39
many
a good (or a great) many - many
e.g. We have been there a good (or a great) many
times.
matter
as a matter of fact - in fact; to tell the truth
e.g. As a matter of fact we had only two \veeks at
our disposal.
it does not matter - it is of no importance
e.g. "It does not matter much if I do this work next
time, does it?" - "Oh no, it does not matter at all."
no matter - 1) of no importance
e.g. It's no matter whether you get there early or late.
2) regardless of
e.g. No matter how hard he tried he failed to do it in
time.
there is nothing the matter (with ... ) - everything is all
right (with ... )
e.g. There is nothing the matter with me. I am quite
well.
Wha t is (0 r what's) the matter (wi th ... )? - What is (or
what's) the trouble (with ... )?
e.g. What's the matter with Helen? She looks upset.
meantime
in the meantime - meanwhile
e.g. I'll leave for London in two days. In the mean-
time I've got to pack.
means
by all means - certainly, in every possible way
e.g. By all means invite Mary to the party.
by means of - with the help of
e.g. We express our thoughts by means of words.
by no means - not at all, definitely not
e.g. His answer is by no means satisfactory.
40
mess
get into a mess - get into trouble
e.g. He has got into a mess, we'll have to help him
out.
middle
in the middle of - in the centre of
e.g. Suddenly our car stopped right In the middle of
the road.
mind
mind - 1) pay attention to
e.g. Mind what you are doing.
2) be careful
e.g. Mind, there is a bus coming.
3) object to
~ . g . Do you mind my smoking?
Would you mind closing the window?
be of (or in) two minds - hesitate
e.g. 1 was of (or in) two minds whether to go to the
concert or stay at home.
bear ( or keep) in mind - keep in the memory
e.g. 1 shall certainly bear in mind all those circum-
stances.
change one's mind - alter one's decision or purpose
e.g. I hope you won't change your mind and visit us
on your holiday?
come to one's mind - occur to
e.g. A sudden doubt came to his mind.
cross one's mind - occur to, suggest itself
e.g. Suddenly a brillian t idea crossed my mind.
have a good (or a great) mind to - be inclined to
e.g. We have a good (or a great) mind to give up the
",hole thing.
make- up one's mind - come to a decision
e.g. He made up his mind to go in for medicine.
Never mind! - 1) it does not matter
e.g. "I have forgotten to bring your book." - "Never
mind, 1 don't need it now."
2) don't worry about it
41
e.g. Never mind what he said.
set one's mind on - determine
e.g. He has set up his mind on becoming an engineer.
slip out of one's mind - slip out of one's memory
e.g. Her new telephone number had slipped out of my
mind.
speak one's mind - to say exactly what one thinks
e.g. I shall speak my mind at the next meeting.
to one's mind - in one's opinion
e.g. To my mind he is not going to come at all.
minded
absent-minded - forgetful, lost in thoughts
e.g. Bob is so absent-minded that he leaves his things
everywhere.
mix
mix up - confuse
e.g. Don't mix up these two words.
more
more or less - 1) somewhat
~ .g. Of course, I'm more or less tired after such a long
Journey.
2) approximately
e.g. This trip will take hinl two weeks, more or less.
once more - the second time
e.g. Say it once more, please.
N
name
by name - according to name
e.g. The teacher knows all her pupils by name.
in the name of - on behalf of
e.g. Our professor spoke in the name of his colleagues.
named after - be given at birth the same name
e.g. The child was named after his father.
42
need
in need of - having need of
e.g. Their plant is in need of specialists.
neither
neither ... nor - not this, not that
e.g. It is neither cold nor warm today.
next
next door - in the next house
e.g. He lives next door to me.
next to - close to
e.g. Who was sitting next to you at the concert?
next to impossible - almost impossible
e.g. It is next to impossible to solve this problem.
next to nothing - almost nothing
e.g. They gave him next to nothing for his books.
noted
noted for - famous for
e.g. Greece is noted for its beautiful islands.
now
from now on - henceforth
e.g. From now on try to speak only English at our lessons.
now and then (or again) - occasionally
e.g. I meet her now and then (or again) at the club.
now that - since
e.g. Now that we've finished reading this book, let's
discuss the details.
up-to-now - till now, so far
e.g. I have heard nothing from him up-to-now.
number
a great (or large, or good) number of - many
e.g. A great number of people came to see the game.
43
o
obliged
be obliged to (somebody) for (something) - be thankful to
somebody for something
e.g. Thank you very much. I am much obliged to you
for your help.
on
on and on - without stopping
e.g. She talked on and on telling us all about her gar-
den in the country.
on and off - irregularly, occasionally, froin time to time
e.g. It has been raining on and off since noon.
What's on? - What's the programme?
e.g. What's on at the cinema this week?
order
in order - neat, carefully arranged
e.g. His room is always in order.
in order to (do something) - for the purpose of
e.g. She ran across the street in order to catch the bus.
out of order - not working properly
e.g. Our telephone is out of order. May I use yours?
out
out of - for reasons of
e.g. I did it out of gratitude for all you had done
for me.
out of breath - breathless
e.g. He was out of breath when he came up the stairs.
out-of-doors - in the fresh air
e.g. The doctor advised John to spend more time out-
of-doors.
out of practice - lacking in practice and skill
e.g. Tom was badly out of practice after his illness.
out of work - unemployed, without work
e.g. George has been out of work for three weeks.
44
over
be over - be finished, ended
e.g. The lecture was over at five.
The rain will soon be over.
over and over again - repeatedly, many times
e.g. She kept playing the same thing over and over
again till I was out of patience.
owing
owing to - on account of
e.g. Owing to the thunderstorm we could not come In
time.
p
pains
be at pains - take the trouble (to do something)
e.g. I was at considerable pains to explain the real
situation to her.
part
part and parcel - an integral part
e.g. Toys are part and parcel of a New Year tree.
take part in - participate
e.g. Everybody took part in the discussion.
particular
be particular about - be not easily satisfied or pleased
e.g. Ann is very particular about her clothes.
in particular - especially
e.g. I did not mean anything in particular \vhen I
mentioned the situation.
perfection
to perfection - to the highest point available
e.g. He performed the role of Othello to perfection.
45
pins
be on pins and needles - be in a very nervous state
e.g. I am on pins and needles about my exams.
pity
have (or take) a pity on (somebody) - feel sorry for
e.g. Mrs. Robinson took a pity on the old woman.
it is a pity (that) ... - I am sorry because ...
e.g. It is a pity he won't be able to come.
What a pity ... - how unfortunate ...
e.g. What a pity I can't go to the country with you.
place
in place (of) - instead (of)
e.g. Vegetable oil can be used in place of butter.
point
be on the point of - be about to
e.g. I was on the point of leaving when you called.
point-blank - directly, flatly
e.g. I invited her to dinner, but she refused to come
point-blank.
point of view - standpoint
e.g. From my point of view this suggestion is quite
acceptable.
point out - indicate
e.g. The teacher quickly pointed out all mistakes in
his composition.
to the point - to the main idea
e.g. She asked me to speak to the point as we had
very little time to spare.
positive
be positive of (or about) - be quite sure of (or about)
e.g. I was positive about the truth of his statement.
46
pull
pull in - arrive, enter a station or depot (said pCl:rticularly
of trains)
e.g. The train was just pulling in when I met him at
the station.
pull oneself together - get control of oneself
e.g. I was hurt, but I tried to pull myself together and
did not say a word.
pull out -leave (said particularly of trains)
e.g. We saw Harry on the platform just when the.
train was pulling out.
purpose
on purpose - intentionally
e.g. I'm sure he left his book at home on purpose.
put
put aside ... (for) - 1) save
e.g. You should put some money aside for emergen-
CIes.
2) put or move away
e.g. Put your book aside; I want to talk to you.
put down - write down, put on paper
e.g. You'd better put her telephone number down; so
you won't forget it.
put off - postpone
e.g. The meeting was put off until next week.
put out - extinguish
e.g. Put your cigarette ou t before you put the light
out.
put up with - endure, tolerate
e.g. I am not going to put up with your complaining
any longer.
Q
question
beyond question - indisputably
e.g. Henry's modesty is beyond question.
47
in question - of whom (which) we are talking
e.g. The book in question is already out of print.
out of the question - quite impossible
e.g. I can't do this work alone - it is out of the ques-
tionl
settle the question - decide upon, make clear
e.g. I'm tired of waiting. It's good time to settle this
question once and for all.
quiet
quiet down - become quiet, calm
e.g. At first the children made a lot of nOIse, then
they seemed to quiet down.
quite
quite a few - many, a lot
e.g. You have learnt quite a few verbs since last
month.
R
R's
the three R's - means reading, (w)riting and (a)rithmetic
which comprise the basic elements of education
e.g. Jim has completed the study of the three R's.
rain
It never rains but it pours (proverb) - troubles never come
singly
e.g. First Bill lost his job, then he fell ill; it never
rains but it pours.
random
at random - haphazardly
e.g. I gave his address at random.
48
rate
at any rate - in any case, nevertheless
e.g. She was not very frank, but at any rate she never
lied to me.
rather
would rather (do something) - more willingly
e.g. He said he would rather stay at home than go to
the concert.
regard
give one's regards - convey one's greetings
e.g. Give my best regards to your family.
in (or with) regard to - in (or with) respect to
e.g. In (or with) regard to your last question, I'll make
the following statement.
remember
remember someone to - convey greetings from one person
to another
e.g. Please, remember me to your brother.
respect
in all (or this, or many, or some) respects - in all (or
this, or many, or some) ways
e.g. Jim resembles his father in all respects.
She is right in many respects.
in (or with) respect to - with reference to, concerning
e.g. We have good news in (or with) respect to your
promotion.
rest
the rest (of) - the remainder
e.g. I spent the rest of my holiday in the country.
right
right away (or now) - at once, without delay
e.g. We must leave right away (or now).
49
right here (or there) - exactly here (or there)
e.g. I'll be waiting for you right here at 5 p.m.
ring
ring off - end a telephone call
e.g. I'm sorry but I have to ring off now.
ring up - telephone
e.g. I'll ask Henry to ring you up at 10.
round
come round and (or to) -- come to see a friend
e.g. Come round and see me this evening.
round-about - indirect
e.g. She told me In a round-about way about her plans
for the future.
rule
as a rule - generally
e.g. As a rule proper names do not have an article.
run
in the long run - in the final count
e.g. I'm sure we shall find this book in the long run.
run across - meet or find unexpectedly
e.g. I ran across some old letters when I was looking
for something else.
run a temperature - continue to have a high temperature
e.g. John was running a temperature and had to stay
in bed.
run into - 1) collide with
e.g. Mr. Blake ran into a gate.
2) meet by chance
e.g. Who(m) do you think I ran into yesterday? Our
old friend Jack.
run out of - exhaust one's supply of
e.g. They ran out of gas on their \\Tay to the country.
running
running - in succession, one after the other
e.g. She was sitting over her report for three hours
running.
50
rush
in a rush - in a great hurry
e.g. I can't talk to you now; I'm in a rush.
rush-hour(s) - when most people are travelling to or from
work
e.g. It is very difficult to get on a bus during rush-
hours.
S
safe
safe and sound - not harmed or injured; in good health
e.g. All students have returned safe and sound from the
expedition.
sake
for the sake of - for the welfare or the benefit of
e.g. I did it for the sake of helping my friends.
say
to say nothing of - not to mention
e.g. 1 am having a hard time with biology, to say noth-
ing of physics.
schedule
ahead of schedule - earlier than planned
e.g. We finished our work today ahead of schedule.
behind schedule - later than planned
e.g. Work at that housing project is already ten days
behind schedule.
on schedule - punctual, at the expected time
e.g. If my train is on schedule, I'll be home by 7
o'clock.
see
come (or go) to see a person - come (or go) to a person's
place
e.g. Come to see me on Sunday, will you?
51
see - understand
e.g. I can easily see what you mean.
see about - 1) consider
e.g. She promised to see about your request as soon as
possible.
2) attend to, arrange
e.g. The secretary sees about his appointments.
see a person home (or to a place) - accompany, go with
e.g. Don't trouble to see me home. I live quite near.
May I see you to the exhibition?
see a person off - go with him to the place of departure
(to the train) and say good-bye
e.g. We all went to the railway station to see Peter
off.
see a person (out) to the door - accompany as far as the
door
e.g. Just a moment, John will see you out to the door.
see into - investigate
e.g. I'll see into the matter tomorrow.
see over - inspect, examine
e.g. We want to see over the house before we decide
to rent it.
see stars - become dizzy or unconscious as a result of a
blow on the head
e.g. For a moment, when I hit my head against the
iron gate, I saw stars.
see to - attend to
e.g. My telephone is out of order, will you see to it?
serve
It (or that) serves him right - It is a just and deserved
punishment
e.g. That serves him right, that's what he deserves.
service
at one's service - at one's disposition or disposal
e.g. We had a room and a car at our service all the
time we were visiting them.
be of service - help, be of use
e.g. If I can be of any service to you, just let me
know.
52
set
set about - start
e.g. After dinner Mary set about cleaning the room.
set aside - reserve, save
e.g. He tried to set some money aside for his trip to
India next year.
set out - start for (for a place, on a trip)
e.g. We set out at dawn for (to) the nearest village.
set to work - get down to \\lork
e.g. You'd better set to work at once.
shake
shake hands (with) - greet a person by a clasping of the
hands
e.g. When friends meet they usually shake hands.
shoe
be in a person's shoes - be in the same circumstances
e.g. If I were in your shoes, I would work harder.
show
show a person (a)round - take him and show all places
of interest
e.g. The chief engineer sho\\Ted us (a)round the plant.
show a person in - go with a person into a room
e.g. We showed a visitor in.
show up - appear
e.g. Alice showed up at the last moment.
sick
be sick of - be tired of
e.g. I'm sick of his excuses.
side
side by side - by the side of one another, close together
e.g. They sat quietly side by side without speaking.
53
sight
at first sight - when first seen
e.g. Jim liked Mary at first sight.
in sight - in view, visible
e.g. When the train emerged from the tunnel, the
beautiful mountains came in sight.
know a person by sight - be familiar with a person's
appearance only
e.g. I have never been introduced to him, but I knew
him well by sight.
out of sight - not within the field of vision, not to be
seen
e.g. The train moved out of sight very quickly.
see the sights - see places of interest (buildings, features of
the place, etc).
e.g. We had little time to see all the sights of London.
sit
sit up - 1) sit erect
e.g. Sit up, don't slouch in your seat.
2) stay out of bed
e.g. Mrs. Brown sat up all night because her child was
running a temperature.
My husband likes to sit up late playing chess.
sleep
not to sleep a wink - not to sleep at all
e.g. I was so overtired that I did not sleep a wink
last night.
so
so as to - in order to
e.g. We spoke in a whisper so as not to wake them up.
so far - up to now
e.g. So far she has done very well at school.
so-so - average, neither very good, nor very bad
e.g. Mary liked the film but I thought it was so-so.
so to speak - speaking in general terms
e.g. He is so to speak the chief of this society.
54
sooner
sooner or later - ultimately, some day
e.g. The truth will come out sooner or later
speak
speak out (or up) - 1) speak loudly and clearly
e.g. Speak out (or up) please. I don't hear a word.
2) speak freely without hesitation or
fear
e.g. If you don't approve of it, why don't you speak
out (or up)?
speak well of - praise, approve of
e.g. Everyone speaks well of our ne\v typist.
spirits
be in high (or good) spirits - be gay, cheerful
e.g. Harold is very cheerful, he is always tn high spir-
its.
be in low (or bad) spirits - be depressed, sad
e.g. You are in low spirits no\v, I wonder why?
spite
in spite of - notwithstanding
e.g. I did not feel sleepy in spite of late hours.
spot
on the spot - at this (very) place and time
e.g. He offered me a good job and I agreed on the
spot.
spur
act on the spur of the moment - act without any previous
intention
e.g. Alex did not mean to say that. He said it on the
spur of the moment.
55
stand
as matters (or things) stand now - as is the state of af-
fairs
e.g. As matters (or things) stand now we can't expect
him till Friday.
it stands to reason (that. .. ) - it is perfectly clear and logi-
cal (that ... )
e.g. It stands to reason that this invention \\Till intro-
duce some changes.
stand - endure, bear
e.g. I cannot stand this noise any longer.
stand on one's own feet - not to be dependent on others'
help
e.g. At last Sam was able to stand on his o\vn feet
again.
stay
stay in - remain at home
e.g. Let's stay in to-night and read instead of going to
the cinema.
stay out - be away from home
e.g. Jack stayed out last night till one o'clock a.m.
stay up - not to go to bed
e.g. We stayed up until midnight.
step
step by step - gradually, by degrees
e.g. A foreign language must be learned step by step.
step on it - hurry, make haste
e.g. If you don't step on it \ve shall not get to the
station in time.
step on one's toes - offend a person
e.g. The speaker had to be very careful not to step on
anyone's toes.
take steps - take measures
e.g. You must take steps to improve your health.
stick
stick out - protrude, project beyond
e.g. I could see the letter sticking out of his pocket.
56
stick to - be loyal, faithful
e.g. Friends should stick to one another.
He must stick to his promise.
stone
a rolling stone - a person who never remains long in one
occupation, situation, etc.
e.g. There is a proverb: "A rolling stone gathers no
moss."
storm
storm in a tea cup - a lot of fuss about a trifle
e.g. It all seemed to me just a storm in a tea cup.
straight
straight away - immediately, without delay
e.g. He told me straight away that he would not come.
strike
strike a match - ignite a match
e.g. It was so dark that John had to strike a match In
order to see his watch.
strip
strip - undress, remove one's clothes
e.g. The doctor told him to strip to the waist.
succession
in succession - one coming after another (when speaking of
persons or things)
e.g. We work seven hours in succession.
Bob ale three cakes in succession.
suppose
be supposed to - be expected to
e.g. He is supposed to arrive at five.
supposing (that ... ) - suppose (that ... )
e.g. Supposing it rains, \vhat shall we do?
57
sure
be sure (to do something) - be certain (to do something)
e.g. He is sure to come in time.
for sure - definitely, without fail
e.g. He said he would give us his final decision for sure
by Sunday.
make sure - be convinced
e.g. Make sure it is done correctly.
to be sure - certainly, without any doubt
e.g. To be sure, Tom is an excellent student.
swing
in full swing - at the maximum point of activity
e.g. The party was in full swing by ten o'clock: every-
body was having a fine time.
T
take
take - 1) accompany
e.g. Shall I take you to the station in my car?
2) carry
e.g. Will this bus take me to the airport?
3) board a vehicle or a train
e.g. He took a wrong tram and had to wait for another
one.
4) be affected by
e.g. How did he take the sad news?
take after - 1) resemble (a parent)
e.g. That boy certainly takes after his father. He even
walks like him.
2) follow the example of
e.g. Why don't you take after Tom and be quiet?
take a picture - take a photograph of
e.g. We took many pictures of the city.
take care - be careful, watchful
e.g. Take care, there is a pool over there!
take care of - protect, watch over
e.g. He promised to take care of our dog while \ve are
away.
58
take hold of -- seize
e.g. Take hold of that end and help me to move this
table.
take (it) for granted - assume to be true without further
invest iga t ion
e.g. He spoke English so well that I took it for granted
that he was an Englishman.
take measures - take the necessary steps
e.g. It was necessary to take immediate measures to
avoid trouble.
take minutes (at a meeting) - write an account of opinions
expressed and decided upon at a meeting
e.g. It is your turn to take Ininutes at the meeting.
take off - 1) remove (said particularly of clothes)
e.g. John took off his hat as he entered the room.
2) leave the ground (when speaking of planes)
e.g. The plane took off very smoothly.
3) not to work for a period
e.g. I am going to take a week off next month.
take offence - become offended
e.g. He is quick to take offence, so be carefull
take place - 1) be held
e.g. The meeting did not take place yesterday.
2) happen
e.g. Where did the accident take place?
take someone for - mistake a person for someone else
e.g. I'm sorry. I took you for Mr. Green.
take up - undertake a course of study
e.g. My son takes up music.
talk
talking-to - a scolding
e.g. The teacher gave a lazy boy a good talking-to.
talk back - answer rudely or impolitely
e.g. You should not talk back to your brother.
talk over - discuss in detail
e.g. We talked over his suggestion but could not come
to a decision.
talk shop - discuss one's business or professional affairs on
ordinary occasions
e.g. My friend and I spent the whole evening talking
shop.
59
tell
tell on - have a noticeably bad effect on
e.g. Too much strain is telling on her nerves.
that
That's it - That's the point
e.g. That's it. It's just what I mean.
thick
through thick and thin - through all difficulties
e.g. They will back you up through thick and thin.
think
think over - consider carefully
e.g. Don't give your answer now; think it over.
think to oneself - think without saying it aloud
e.g. Bob thought to himself that his friend was wrong.
through
be through (with) - reach the end, finish \vith
e.g. When will you be through with your examIna-
tions?
time
be pressed for time (money, etc.) - be short of time (mon-
ey, etc.)
e.g. I am very much pressed for time. We have to
hurry.
for the time being - in the meantime
e.g. That'll do for the tilne being.
from time to time - occasionally
e.g. I'll give you some more idioms from time to time.
in no time - very quickly
e.g. Wait for me, I'll be back in no time.
in time - 1) not late; early enough
e.g. I hope to get to the station in time.
60
2) after a while
e.g. She will learn to do this work in time.
it is high time - time just before it is too late
e.g. It's high time you were gone.
take one's time - 1) need, require time
e.g. These things take time.
2) not to hurry
e.g. There is no hurry. You can take your time doing
that work.
time and again - repeatedly
e.g. You make the same spelling mistakes time and
againl
time off - a period of release from work
e.g. I had some time off this afternoon and went shop-
ping.
The time is up! - the time allowed is at the end
e.g. The time is up! Hand in your compositions.
tongue
on the tip of one's tongue - on the point of being uttered
or spoken
e.g. I know that man. His name is on the tip of my
tongue, but I can't remember it.
slip of the tongue - an unintentional remark or word
e.g. I did not want to offend you; it was just a slip of
the tongue.
tongue-tied - unable to speak through shyness, fear, etc.
e.g. The boy was so shy that he was absolutely tongue-
tied.
topsy
topsy-turvy - all mixed up and out of order; upside down
e.g. I was so confused that at the last moment every-
thing seemed topsy-turvy to me.
touch
get in touch with - communicate with
e.g. I'll try to get in touch with him as soon as pos-
sible.
keep in touch (with) - remain in communication (with)
e.g. Be sure to keep in touch with me while you are
away.
61
lose touch (with) - no longer be in touch (with)
e.g. If we correspond regularly, we shan't lose touch
with each other.
turn
by turns - one after another, alternately
e.g. My wife and I drove the car by turns.
in turn - one after another
e.g. Speak in turn, please!
turn off - switch off
e.g. Why don't you turn off the radio? It disturbs me.
turn on - switch on
e.g. Please, turn the light on. It is dark.
turn to - appeal and obtain help from
e.g. I could always turn to him for help.
turn up - appear (when speaking of persons)
e.g. Don't worry about Nick. He'll turn up soon.
turning
turning point - crisis
e.g. The outbreak of war was a turning point in their
lives.
u
under
under discussion - being discussed
e.g. Our plans are under discussion at present.
under repair - being repaired
e.g. My car has been under repair for a week.
under such (or these) conditions - while such (or these)
conditions exist
e.g.. It is impossible to achieve good resul ts under such
conditions.
under way - being built
e.g. The construction of the bridge is under way.
up
be up to (someone) - depending upon the decision of some-
one
e.g. It is up to you to decide when we start.
62
up and down - to and fro
e.g. She was walking up and down the room.
ups and downs - changes in fortune, alternations of good
and bad periods
e.g. John, like many others, had his ups and downs
when he first came to London.
up to the mark - up to a standard
e.g. Your report is quite up to the mark.
upset
be (or look) upset - be (or look) worried, disturbed
e.g. There is no reason for you to be so upset,
Mary.
use
ie's no use ... - it is of no use, useless
e.g. It's no use talking about it now.
make use of - utilize, use
e.g. Soon you will be able to make use of your
English.
used
be used to - be accustomed to
e.g. He is used to getting up early.
get used to - become accustomed to
e.g. You will soon get used to our climate and then
the changes of temperature will not affect you.
used to - indicates a repeated action in the past
e.g. When I was younger, I used to play tennis quite
well. tI played often in the past, but now I don't.)
usual
as usual - as always, customarily
e.g. As usual Williams won first prize in the swim-
ming contest.
63
v
vain
in vain - without result
e.g. I have looked for that in vain; please, help me to
find it.
verge
be on the verge of - be on the point of
e.g. I was on the verge of accepting his offer.
w
way
a little way off (from) - not far (from)
e.g. The river is a little way off from here.
a long way off (from) - far (from)
e.g. She lives a long way off from the centre.
be in the way - be an obstacle in someone's way
e.g. He overcame all difficulties that were in the way.
by the way - by the by
e.g. By the way, have you seen John recently?
in a way - to a certain extent
e.g. He is right about that, in a way.
while
once in a while - not very often, rarely
e.g. He comes here once in a while.
whole
on the whole - in general
e.g. I agree with you, on the whole.
willy
willy-nilly - of necessity, whether one will or not
e.g. I have to leave, willy-nilly.
64
wonder
I wonder - I am curious to know
e;g. I wonder whether he will ring you up.
no wonder - not surprising that ...
e.g. She refused to come and no wonder.
word
a person of few words - a person who says very little
e.g. Michael's a man of few words.
have a word with - have a short talk with
e.g. The dean said he wanted to have a word with me.
have words (with) - quarrel (with)
e.g. They have had words, I know!
translate word for word - 1) translate literally
e.g. James tried to translate the sentence word for
word.
2) repeat exactly, with no changes
e.g. Ida repeated the story word for word.
Upon my word! - an exclamation: My word upon itt (on
my honour)
e.g. Upon my word I I never said anything like that.
worst
if the worst comes to the worst - if things become as bad
as possible
e.g. If the worst comes to the worst, we can always
ask James to help us out.
worth
worth-while - that is worth the time, the trouble, etc.
needed
e.g. Is it a worth-while experiment?
wrong
be in the wrong - be at fault
e.g. The taxi driver was obviously In the wrong In
going ahead against the red light.
65
y
year
all the year round - the entire year
e.g. In the far North it is cold all the year round.
year in year out - going on year after year
e.g. Seasons change year in and year out.
EXERCISE PATTERNS
FOREWORD
In doing these exercises refer to the phrases and idioms
given in this handbook in alphabetic order, according to the
key-word.
I. Form sentences and explain the difference between the
following pairs of set expressions:
to get on - to get off
to callan - to call off
to ring up - to ring off
to put on - to put off
to pull in - to pull out
to dine in - to dine out
to be on duty - to be off duty
up-to-date - out-of-date
to get in - to get out of
II. Give synonyms to the following:
step by step
on and off
on and on
in no time
oi course
at least
at once
at times
no wonder
be upset
for good
not a bit
so far
be about to do
something
see a person off
at heart
so as to
so-so
all in all
quite a few
67
III. Rewrite these sentences using would (or do) you
mind:
Model: Please, don't smoke in the bedroom. - Would you mind not
smoking in the bedroom?
May I close the window? - Do you mind my closing the win-
do\v?
1. Please, pass the sugar. 2.. May I use your dictionary
for a few minutes? 3. May she come again tomorrow? 4. May
I leave early this afternoon? 5. Please, don't open the door.
6. May I ask you a question? 7. Please, try not to arrive
late for your class in the future. 8. May he go home?
IV. Fill in the blanks with the missing prepositions:
1. I am fond - music. 2. Little -little you will improve
your English. 3. When the train was pulling - at the right
station, Dorothy was waiting for me. 4. Ethel had firmly
made - her mind to become a writer. 5. It is very kind-
you to say so. 6. People cannot do - water, can they? 7. I
can certainly do - a cup of tea. 8. First - all, let me intro-
duce myself to you. 9. She never takes - account the fact
that I am busy. 10. All - a sudden she got - and left.
11. I can't get used-wearing glasses. 12. He called-all
his friends to say good-bye. 13. Instead - writing a letter
Lucy went - a walk. 14. I rang the wrong bell- accident.
15. How long did it take you to figure - the cost of that
machine? 16. Once - a while we dine -.. 17. Elen is so
busy. She seems to be - the go all day long. 18. Even
though Mrs. Wilson is advanced - years she is - good
health. 19. Fred tried many times to give- smoking. 20. We
knew - advance that he would win the championship.
21. Alexander is - a hurry to catch the train. 22. Ida is
looking forward - meeting her friends at six o'clock. 23. Har-
ry went - working - spite - interruptions. 24. How do you
account - this sudden change? 25. Don't translate this article
word - word. 26. William wants to take - medicine when
he goes to college. 27. Ask Jack to come to my office-
once. 28. Every student should look - all new words in the
dictionary. 29. Education is free - charge in the Soviet
Union. 30. Miss Grey is - charge- the nursery. 31. She
talks so much that she gets - my nerves. 32. When we
came everything was - order.
68
v. Render the following in your mother tongue:
1. You are supposed to know this rule. 2. What IS your
brother taking up at Columbia University? 3. They set out
on foot in accordance with their plan. 4. It is all the same
to me whether we go or stay. 5. Let's look through the
list of prices once more. 6. She is, on the whole, a good
student. 7. It goes without saying that Eva is a very sincere
person. 8. This chair is in the way. 9. Helen always likes
to have her own way. 10. By the way, have you seen the
ne\v film? 11. Nick promised to look into the matter and
give us an answer a little later. 12. She was shopping all
day long looking for a new dress. 13. It serves you right to
have lost your purse. You were always too careless with it.
14. For the time being Alice is working in the export de-
partment. 15. The long journey had to be made on foot.
16. I hope it won't go on raining all day. 17. It will do
you good to have a long walk in the country. 18. He is
sure to like her. 19. I knew Alexander long before he joined
our group.
VI. Form sentences with the following expressions:
to get on to get through to get rid of
to get on with to get used to to get up
to get off to get to a to get over
to get along place to get in touch
to get along to get into with
with trouble
VII. Re-state each of the following sentences using the
expression feel like:
Model: I want to read to-night. - I feel like reading to-night.
1. I want to have dinner. 2. The child does not want to
sleep now. 3. What do you want to do now? 4. Have a
bath if you want. 5. I want to take a long walk. Would
you like to go with me? 6. I don't want to study to-night.
7. He wants to go to the park. 8. He did not want to
speak English then.
VIII. Put the idioms or set expressions used in these sen-
tences into your own words showing that you understand
their meaning:
1. John said he was up to the eyes in work. 2. I know
that girl. Her name is on the tip of my tongue. 3. She
69
visits us once in a blue moon. 4. He likes to put a tinger
in every pie. 5. His health is improving little by little.
6. These gloves do not go with this dress. 7. He made up
his mind to stay with us. 8. Painting is my cup ot tea.
9. Robert is head over heels in love with your sister.
10. Will you keep an eye on my suit-case while I buy the
ticket? 11. I can't make out what she means in her tele-
gram. 12. Helen takes after her mother in many ways.
13. He did that work of his own accord. 14. The plane
went slowly out ot sight. 15. It is up to you whether we
go or not. It is not up to me. 16. She was on the verge ot
tears. 17. I had to go, willy-nilly. 28. In a way he is right
and you are quite wrong. 19. She was ready to share with
him all the ups and downs of married life. 20. I am afraid
we ran out ot gas. 21. Let's go to the South for a change.
22. He is easy to get on with. 23. I don't like to talk shop
at dinner. 24. The two friends shook hands and parted.
25. Her modesty is part and parcel of her nature. 26. His
discipline is up to the mark. 27. She tried to help us but
was only in the way. 28. It isn't worth-while going to the
South.
IX. Short and Easy Conversation
(to be learnt by heart)
1
A.: What are you going to do on Friday?
B.: I'm going to do some work.
A. : And what about Anne?
B. She is going to write letters.
2
A.: Where have you been? I haven't seen you for ages.
B.: I've been pretty busy.
A.: Everyone's missed you.
B.: It's kind ot you to say so.
3
A.: Pardon me. Do you have a match?
B.: Yes, I do. Here it is.
A.: Thank you very much.
B.: Not at all.
70
4
A.: What time is the plane supposed to arrive?
B.: Six-thirty, but it's behind schedule. Now they are saying
six-fifty.
5
A.: Can John play the piano?
B.: Yes, he can. He can sing too.
A.: I can't sing at all.
B.: Neither can I.
6
A.: Have you finished your exams?
B.: No, just half of them.
A.: Will you take the rest next month?
B.: No, this week.
7
A.: Have you read that book?
B.: No, but I don't feel like reading to-night.
A.: Where are you from?
B.: I am from the USA.
8
A.: What part of the USA do you come from?
B.: I was born in Ohio. I live in Los Angeles now.
9
A.: Could I have a table for two?
B. : Yes, sir. There is a nice tab Ie right here.
A.: Thank you. May I have the menu?
B.: Right away, sir.
10
A.: Would you like to go to a dance?
B.: No, I wouldn't.
A.: What a pity!
B.: I'm sorry.
11
AlIa: It's too bad of you. You said you wouldn't give away
that secret I had told you.
Jane: I didn't give it away. I exchanged it for another.
71
12
A.: Mary's husband has been out of work for two months.
B.: Poor thing! She IS faced with the problem of making
both ends meet.
13
James: Hello, Frank. How are you getting along?
Frank: I'm getting along well, thank you. I am getting
accustomed to life in the United States.
James: When did you get to the United States?
Frank: I got here three weeks ago.
James: I've got to go now. I'm going to get a haircut.
I'll see you later.
John: Hello, Billy.
Billy: Hello, John.
14
John: Is your sister expecting me?
Billy: Of course, she is.
John: How do you know it?
Billy: She has just gone out in a great hurry.
15
Jack: Mary and Alice would like to learn Italian. Why?
Jim: Because they'd like to go to Italy.
16
Anne: Jim is going to play tennis, isn't he?
Alla: Yes, he is.
Anne: And Mary would like to watch television, wouldn't
she?
Alla: Yes, she would.
17
Helen: I'm going to have a party on Sunday. Can you come?
Jack: Yes, thank you for the invitation. What time would
you like me to come?
Helen: At two o'clock.
18
Lucy: We're going to the park. Would you like to come
along?
Eva: I'd like to, but I've got to do some shopping.
72
19
A.: Could you help me, please?
B. : Certainly, what would you like?
A.: Could you look at my radiator? I think it's leaking.
At any rate, something is wrong.
20
Mrs. Smith: Do you put money aside tor a rainy day, dear?
Mrs. Wood: Oh, not I never shop when it rains.
21
Tom: Are you coming to school if it rains?
Frank: Of course.
Tom: Aren't you afraid of getting wet?
Frank: Of course, not.
22
Bill: It's raining hard right rww.
Jack: And we're both carrying packages.
Bill: Would you mind taking a taxi?
Jack: That's just itl I think that's a good idea.
23
A.: Can Margaret go to the cinema?
B.: No, she can't.
A.: Why not?
B.: Because it's time to get down to work.
24
A.: You look sick. What's the matter?
B.: I've got a headache.
A.: May be you're running a temperature?
B. : I hope not.
25
B.: What was Mr. Wood doing yesterday morning?
N.: He was looking after the children.
B.: And what about his wife?
N.: She was doing the flowers in the garden.
26
B.: Do you like vegetables?
N.: As a matter of fact, I do.
73
B.: What kind do you like?
N.: Oh, lettuce, cabbage, carrots - a lot of them.
27
B.: You are very good at tennis.
N.: Not at all good, but I like it.
B.: Have you been playing it for long?
N.: For five years.
28
B.: Do you ever go to the theatre?
N.: Every now and then.
B.: What kind of shows do you like?
N.: Musical comedies.
29
A.: Do you think English is easy?
B.: No, I don't.
A.: Why not?
B.: I have to work hard.
30
Mother: Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
Her little Son: Then, Mother, let's eat the rest of the
cakes today.
X. Answer these questions making use of the set expres-
sions and idiolns given in this handbook:
1. What do you do when you find the telephone out of
order? 2. Is the lift in your building seldom or often out of
order? 3. Approximately how many countries take part in
the Olympic Games? 4. Has your brother (husband) stopped
smoking for good? 5. Lizzie looks upset. What is the mat-
ter? 6. If someone tells you to look out what should you
do? 7. Do you take hold of the ralling when you go down-
stairs? 8. Were you named after anyone in your family?
9. Do you like or dislike to go to the railway station to
see someone off? 10. When did you get through with your
studying last night? 11. Why are there so many signs in
the park saying "Keep off the grass"? 12. Is it easy or
difficult to get rid of a foreign accent? 13. Is it easy or
difficult for you to learn things by heart? 14. Do you often
go to the pictures or only once in a while? 15. If a ciga-
74
rette goes out while someone is smoking, what must he do?
16. Why are you always pressed for time? 17. What event
in the nearest future are you looking forward to? 18. Do
you generally dine out or do you have dinner at home?
19. What are some of the advantages of dining out?
20. What are some of the advantages of dining in? 21. Is
it all the same to you if we put off our lesson until tomor-
row rather than have it today? 22. Which is the most up-
to-date department store in your city? 23. Did you come to
Moscow by yourself or with your family? 24. Do people
catch cold more often in the winter than in the summer?
25. How long does it usually take you to get over the
cold? 26. Why do you think that it goes without saying
that John is the best student in our group? 27. What were
you about to say when I interrupted you? 29. Doesn't
your friend speak English at all? 29. Do you like or dislike
to do things over? 30. Is it difficult to get on a bus which
is crowded? 31. Is it easy to get off the bus which is
crowded? 32 How many idioms have we studied so far?
33. Do you ever work by (in) fits and starts?
XI. Give the questions to which the following statements
are the answers:
1. Yes, he will ring you up at seven. 2. Such a thing
is absolutely out of the question. 3. No, I was unable to
find out his address. 4. The game was called off on account
of the rain. 5. She came with her mother to show that
bygones were bygones. 6. We are counting on you to help
us with this. 7. We talked over the problem for a long
time.
XII. Re-state the following sentences beginning each with
the expression /' d like to ... :
Model: I go to London. - l' d like to go to London.
1. I study French. 2. I go to my classes. 3. I have
lunch at twelve. 4. I speak to my teacher. 5. I go to the
South next summer. 6. I listen to the tape-recorder. 7. I
understand the principle of this electric device. 8. I read a
novel.
XIII. Under what circumstances would you say?
1. I took it for granted that Mr. Smith was an English-
man. 2. I am fed up with it. 3. No, I was not able to take
'15
part in the discussion yesterday. 4. It is one of the most
up-to-date apartment houses in our city. 5. I feel like hav-
ing a heart-to-heart talk with you. 6. Yes, my friend lives
by himself. 7. I am beside myself with joy. 8. On the day
of his departure she was sad at heart and in low spirits.
9. Day in and day out, for a period of ten months, he
worked at his new novel. 10. This film is worth-while
seeing. 11. If the worst comes to the worst you can count
on me.