I couldn't help it !!! Nem tehetek rla!

Daryl I am upset. Somebody told my boss I have a part-time job.

Smith And he doesn't like that ?
Daryl No, he doesn't. He thinks that I am too tired to work.
Smith I am sorry. I have to admit I told him.
Daryl ou told him ? !hy ?
Smith I couldn't help it. He asked me point-blank.
Explanation "
I# you can't help the way you #eel or behave, you $annot $ontrol it or stop it #rom happenin%.
ou $an also say that you can't help yourself.
I# you say somethin% point-blank, you say it very dire$tly or rudely, without e&plainin% or
apolo%i'in%.
Everything went like clockwork !!!
ary I've just popped in to thank you very mu$h #or or%ani'in% last weekend's trip to
the seaside #or the old #olk.
!ulia
(hat's very kind o# you. (hey all seemed to enjoy it.
ary (hey $ertainly did. Everything went like clockwork, in #a$t I don't think you
$ould have done it better.
!ulia I'm not sure about that, there were one or two thin%s that $ould have been
improved.
ary In a per#e$t world perhaps, but as #ar as I'm $on$erned it was a %reat su$$ess.
So thank you a%ain.
Explanation :
I# you say that somethin% happens like clockwork you mean that it happens without any
problems or delays, or happens re%ularly.
Example : He reor%ani'ed Standard )rands twi$e a year, like clockwork"
#ou've done a $anta%tic &ob !!!
'ordon
I've just been readin% throu%h your last proje$t report.
!ame%
I hope you didn't #ind too mu$h wron% with it.
'ordon
*n the $ontrary, you've done a $anta%tic &ob.
!ame%
!ell, I'm not sure about that.
'ordon ou're too modest. It's really well or%ani'ed and written and o##ers some very
well thou%ht out $on$lusions.
!ame%
!ell, I'm %lad you like it and hope it proves use#ul.
#ou look really chic !!!
'ina
!here are you o## to ?
(li%on
I'm %oin% to a $ivi$ re$eption at the town hall.
'ina
!ho's it #or ?
(li%on
It's #or a dele%ation #rom our sister $ity in +ermany.
'ina
!ell I must say that out#it really suits you. #ou look really chic"
(li%on
(hank you. I want to look my best #or the #orei%n %uests.
Explanation :
Somethin% or someone that is chic is #ashionable and sophisti$ated.
Example : Her %own was very ,ren$h and very chic.
It'% a cro%% !!!
!o%ie
Have you seen -eter's new do% ?
)ara
es I have but $ouldn't re$o%ni'e the breed.
!o%ie
(hat's not surprisin% be$ause it's not a thorou%hbred, it's a mon%rel.
)ara
Ah, that e&plains it. !hat kind o# a mi&ture is it ?
!o%ie
I think it'% a cro%% between a $ollie and a retriever.
)ara
I# that's the $ase it should be a very %ood-natured do%.
Explanation :
Somethin% that is a cro%% between two thin%s is neither one thin% nor the other, but a mi&ture
o# both.
Example : Ha . It was a cro%% between a lau%h and a bark ..........
#ou have to walk a dog every day !!!
*ania
!hy is your do% whinin% and lookin% at you so e&pe$tantly ?
+arry
It's the time o# day. He always does that around now.
*ania
!hat does he want ?
+arry
He wants me to take him out #or a walk.
*ania
Are you %oin% to ?
+arry
*h yes, but I like to tease him a bit by pretendin% not to noti$e.
*ania
/o you take him out every day ?
+arry *# $ourse, you have to walk a dog every day be$ause it needs the e&er$ise
to stay healthy.
Explanation :
I# you walk your dog, you take it #or a walk in order to keep it healthy.
Example : I walk my dog ea$h evenin% around my lo$al streets.
,e'% got a ta%te $or e-otic pet% !!!
,ughe%
I'm always a bit apprehensive about visitin% -eter.
!eanie
!hy's that ? He's su$h a ni$e $hap.
,ughe%
He is, but he'% got a ta%te $or e-otic pet%"
!eanie
I didn't know that, su$h as ?
,ughe% !ell, last week when I was there he had a baby i%uana runnin% around the
pla$e.
!eanie
A li'ard . 0%h, that would %ive me the $reeps.
,ughe% It's not my idea o# a pet. )ut that's not the only thin% he's %ot. He's had a
three-#oot python #or 1uite a while now as well.
!eanie
He ou%ht to %et a job in a 'oo.
Explanation :
I# you have a ta%te $or somethin%, you have a linkin% or pre#eren$e #or it.
Example : (hat %ave me a ta%te $or readin%.
*hey get out o$ condition !!!
!ack
ou're out e&er$isin% your do% I see.
Eric
es, do%s have to be e&er$ised daily, otherwise they get out o$ condition"
!ack
!hat's his name ?
Eric
2over.
!ack
(hat's a %ood name #or a do%. !hy is he woo#in% and wa%%in% his tail ?
Eric 3an't you see ? He wants one o# us to throw that sti$k as #ar as we $an #or
him to #et$h.
!ack
I $an't disappoint him. 3ome on boys, 4 throw sti$k 5 %o #et$h .
Explanation :
I# someone is out o$ condition, they are unhealthy and un#it, be$ause they have stopped
e&er$isin% re%ularly.
Example : He was too out o$ condition to $lamber over the top.
She i% impo%%ible to plea%e !!!
.ir%t clerk
I've just had a terrible hour and a hal#.
Second clerk
!hy, what happened ?
.ir%t clerk !ell I had a lady $ustomer $ome in who wanted to buy a pair o# shoes. And
you know we've %ot a really %ood ran%e.
Second clerk
!e $ertainly do. /id she buy a pair ?
.ir%t clerk No, but she didn't leave be#ore %ettin% me to brin% her every sin%le pair we
had in the shop. And she $omplained about every sin%le one.
Second clerk
I'd say %he wa% impo%%ible to plea%e"
/hat a bargain !!!
!enny
6ook what I've %ot.
.ay !ow, that's the sna''iest lookin% handba% I've ever seen. !here did you %et it
?
!enny
I %ot it in -aris on my last trip.
.ay
I bet it $ost a #ortune ?
!enny No it didn't, I %ot it #or hal# pri$e be$ause the shop was havin% a $learan$e
sale.
.ay
/hat a bargain ! ou'll have to take me with you ne&t time.
Explanation :
Somethin% that is a bargain is %ood value #or money, usually be$ause it has been sold at a
lower pri$e than normal.
Example : At this pri$e the wine is a bargain ...
y $eet are killing me !!!
arie
ou look a bit tired. !hat have you been doin% ?
#vonne
Shoppin% #or some new out#its.
arie
/id you %et what you want ?
#vonne
I did, but it took me all day.
arie
!hat do you want to do now ?
#vonne
I just want to sit down somewhere and rela&. y $eet are killing me !
Explanation "
I# you say that %omething i% killing you, you mean that it is $ausin% you physi$al or
emotional pain.
I wi%h I could play the piano like you !!!
(ndy
I wi%h I could play the piano like you"
Dee
I'm sure you $ould i# you tried. ou should take some lessons.
(ndy
I took some when I was youn%er but I was hopeless.
Dee
!hy was that ?
(ndy
I #ound that I was tone-dea#, whi$h really made it impossible.
Dee Never mind, why don't you try learnin% the drums? (hen bein% tone-dea#
shouldn't matter.
Explanation :
I# you wi%h somethin% were true, you would like it to be true, even thou%h you know that it is
impossible or unlikely.
Example : I wi%h it weren't true.
I like the way you pan acro%% the ruin% !!!
0arrie
our va$ation video is really interestin%.
Donald
!ell, 7e&i$o is a #as$inatin% $ountry.
0arrie
!hat are we lookin% at now ?
Donald
(hese are the remains o# a 7ayan $ity.
0arrie
I like the way you pan acro%% the ruin% very slowly.
Donald
(hat helps you to see what a really lar%e area they $over.
Explanation :
I# you pan a #ilm or television $amera or i# it pan% somewhere, it moves slowly a$ross an area
in a wide sweep.
Example : He panned over the $rowd #or a #ew minutes be#ore swivelin% ba$k to the ri%ht.
*he 1eal goalie made a $anta%tic %ave !!!
)arry
/id you see the )ar$elona-2eal 7adrid mat$h on (8 yesterday ?
2hillip
*# $ourse, what a %ame . (hree %oals ea$h.
)arry
!ho do you support ?
2hillip
2eal 7adrid, be$ause I'm a )e$kham #an.
)arry
)ar$elona should have won it with that %reat shot on %oal in the last minute.
2hillip
*nly they didn't be$ause the 1eal goalie made a $anta%tic %ave"

*hey %eem to have a lot in common !!!
*here%a
7andy and (om seem to be spendin% a lot o# time to%ether lately.
#vonne
es that's true. I've seen them at the swimmin% pool lately and at the $inema.
*here%a
(hey %o on re%ular bike rides to%ether too.
#vonne
*hey %eem to have a lot in common"
*here%a
es, they $learly like the same thin%s.
#vonne
I wonder i# we'll be hearin% weddin% bells soon.
/hat do you $ancy 3
Sian
6et's eat out toni%ht. I don't #eel like $ookin%.
4incent
!ell why not ? /hat do you $ancy 3
Sian
I think 9apanese would make a ni$e $han%e.
4incent
,ine. How about that new pla$e just o## the market s1uare ?
Sian
+ood idea. I'll %o and #reshen up #irst.
4incent
*:, in the meantime I'll phone to book a table.
Explanation :
I# you $ancy somethin%, you want to have it or to do it
Example : /o you $ancy %oin% to see a movie sometime ?
,e'% clearly over the moon about %omething !!!
'ordon
Have you seen 9ohnny today?
artin
No, why ?
'ordon
!ell he'% clearly over the moon about %omething"
artin
!hat about ?
'ordon
He won't tell anybody, but I've never seen him lookin% so happy.
artin
He's a bettin% man, so perhaps he's won a lot o# money on the horses.
Explanation :
I# you say that you are over the moon, you mean that you are very pleased about somethin%.
Example : She was over the moon about/with her new bike.
*hat wa% $or the be%t !!!
Dan
(he parents o# $hildren in our street are a lot less worried these days.
0hri%
!hy's that ?
Dan *ne o# the nei%hbors had a very #ier$e do% whi$h s$ared everyone. 6ast week
it bit one o# the $hildren so badly, she had to be treated in hospital.
0hri% (hat must have been an aw#ul e&perien$e #or the little %irl. )ut why did you
say they are not worried now ?
Dan !ell they $omplained about the do% to the poli$e and the poli$e #or$ed the
owner to put it down.
0hri%
*h I see. !ell I'm sure that wa% $or the be%t"
Explanation :
I# you say that somethin% is $or the be%t, you mean it is the most desirable or help#ul thin%
that $ould have happened or $ould be done, $onsiderin% all the $ir$umstan$es.
Example : In the lon% run, it was $or the be%t ..............

,e kept changing channel% on the remote !!!
Sharon
7y mother %ot really annoyed with my #ather yesterday evenin%.
,eather
!hy, did he $omplain about her $ookin% ?
Sharon
*h no, she's a %reat $ook. It was when they were wat$hin% television.
,eather
/on't tell me he #ell asleep in #ront o# the television and started snorin%.
Sharon No, he does that sometimes but this was be$ause he kept changing
channel% on the remote"
,eather
All men do that, it's one o# their most annoyin% habits.
y luggage went a%tray !!!
aggie
I had a terrible time on my last trip to ;urope.
+ernard
!hy, what happened ? /id you have an a$$ident ?
aggie No, my luggage went a%tray. !hen I arrived in -aris and went to $olle$t my
$ase #rom the ba%%a%e $arousel, it never arrived.
+ernard
!hat happened to it ? Had somebody $olle$ted it by mistake or stolen it ?
aggie
No, it had been sent on to 6ondon by mistake.
+ernard
/id you %et it ba$k.
aggie
es I did, but it took two whole days. I was absolutely #urious.
Explanation :
I# somethin% goe% a%tray, it %ets lost while it is bein% taken or sent somewhere.
Example : 7any items o# mail bein% sent to her have gone a%tray"
*hey've probably been held up by the tra$$ic !!!
*om
ou're not lookin% too $heer#ul.
,enry !ell, I arran%ed with )ob and 3hris to meet me here #or a drink at seven
o'$lo$k. It's now a 1uarter to ei%ht and neither o# them has turned up.
*om I wouldn't %ive up hope. *hey've probably been held up by the tra$$ic. It's
been very heavy #or the past hour.
,enry
;ven so, they should have turned up by now.
*om
!ell, I'd %ive them another 1uarter o# an hour or so.
,enry
*:, but a#ter that I'm %oin% home.
Explanation :
*o hold somebody or somethin% up means to delay somebody or somethin%.
Example : (ra##i$ was held up #or several hours by the a$$ident.
It really get% up my no%e !!!
*eddy
It's been a pretty ti%ht %ame so #ar, don't you think ?
artin
es, neither side have looked like s$orin% a %oal so #ar.
*eddy ;&$ept that one time when our striker was almost throu%h but was #ouled by
the #ullba$k. (he re#eree didn't see it.
artin
es, it really get% up my no%e when somethin% like that happens.
*eddy !ell, let's hope that the re# will be lookin% ri%ht way i# that #ullba$k tries playin%
dirty a%ain.
artin
And then we'll %et a penalty.
Explanation :
I# you say that someone or somethin% get% up your no%e, you mean that they annoy you.
Example : He's just getting up my no%e so mu$h at the moment.
Stick at it !!!
Niall
/on't you #ind these rowin% ma$hines hard work ?
,arry
I $ertainly do, but they're supposed to be.
Niall
How o#ten do you $ome to the %ym #or a workout ?
,arry
(hree times a week at least i# I $an mana%e it.
Niall
No wonder you look so #it and trim.
,arry
(hanks. Stick at it and you $an be the same.
Explanation :
I# you %tick at a task or a$tivity, you $ontinue doin% it, even i# it is di##i$ult.
Example : He be$ame more and more irritated by her inability to %tick at anythin%.
)et'% go $or a %pin !!!
0lyde
I'm #eelin% ener%eti$ today. )et'% go $or a %pin"
(l
*:. I need some e&er$ise.
0lyde
!here shall we %o ?
(l
6et's %o around the lake, over the hill and $ome ba$k throu%h the wood.
0lyde
,ine, that's about <= kilometers, enou%h #or one day.
(l
/on't #or%et your pun$ture out#it and $rash helmet.
Explanation :
I# you go $or a %pin, or take a $ar #or a spin, you make a short journey in a $ar just to enjoy
yoursel#.
'o at %teady pace !!!
!ame%
!here are you %oin% on the weekend ?
,arry
I'm %oin% hikin% with some $lassmate.
!ame%
Hikin% ? Isn't that rather strenuous ?
,arry
Not i# you go at a %teady pace and take the o$$asional break.
!ame%
*h, that doesn't sound too bad.
,arry
!hy don't you join us ? ou'll have a %reat time.
Explanation :
I# you do somethin% at a %teady pace , you do it at a speed that is $om#ortable #or you.
She &u%t %eem% to have the knack !!!
elanie
I'm so envious o# 6ara's $ookin%.
(nne
7e too, everythin% she does tastes per#e$t.
elanie
I tried some o# her re$ipes mysel#, but they just don't seem to turn out ri%ht.
(nne ou're not the only one, I tried to make her )la$k ,orest $ake the other day. It
tasted all ri%ht but not hal# as %ood as 6ara's.
elanie
How does she do it I wonder ?
(nne
She &u%t %eem% to have the knack"
Explanation :
A knack is a parti$ularly $lever or skil#ul way o# doin% somethin% su$$ess#ully, espe$ially
somethin% whi$h most people #ind di##i$ult.
Example : He's %ot the knack o# %ettin% people to listen.
y battery mu%t be low !!!
'irl
>Hello > ?
(! >Hi it's me what's up baby ? I'm sorry . 6isten . I'm %onna be late toni%ht so
don't stay up and wait #or me *: ?>
'irl
>!here are you ?>
(!
>!ait wait . Say that a%ain ?>
'irl
>Hello ?>
(! >ou're $omin% in and out I think my battery mu%t be low. 6isten . I# you $an
hear me we're %oin% to a pla$e nearby, alri%ht ? +otta %o > ( click )
Explanation :
(hat battery i% low means you are runnin% out o# battery.
/ork like a charm !!!
Sale%man
6owest pri$es. )est 1uality. Hello, sir.
+uyer
*h, hi. I'm just lookin%. I have a $omputer already.
Sale%man
How lon% have you had it?
+uyer
ears. /ork% like a charm.
Sale%man ears? !hat a dinosaur. I $an't believe you still use it.
+uyer
It's #ine #or writin% letters and ...
Explanation :
I# you say that somethin% worked like a charm, you mean that it was very e##e$tive or
su$$ess#ul.
Example :
;$onomi$ally, the poli$y worked like a charm"
,e i% a good catch !!!
!oe
+uess who else is #allin% into the love trap.
!udy
It better not be )obbie. I don't want to lose another #riend to the death o# love.
!oe
It's 7arie. !ith the %uy #rom New ork..
!udy
No wonder. I saw her wearin% a promise rin%.
!oe I en$oura%ed her. I think he'% a good catch"
!udy It better not be just '$u' he looks like (om 3ruise. 7arria%e is more than a #lin%
with a movie-star look-alike.
Explanation :
I# you des$ribe someone a% a good catch, you mean that they have lots o# %ood 1ualities
and you think their partner or employer is very lu$ky to have #ound them.
Example :
I was so in love with him and all my #riends said what a good catch he was.
In the air !!!
!enny 8anessa. +uess what. 6eo proposed to me.
4ane%%a !ow. 6ove is in the air. /id you a$$ept?
!enny
Not yet. I have some doubts...like the a%e #a$tor. I'm really robbin% the $radle
here.
4ane%%a So he's ei%ht years youn%er...he's mature #or his a%e.
!enny I'm worried about the $ultural di##eren$es, too.
4ane%%a
ou %uys have the same interests and similar personalities. AN/ you have the
same dreams.
Explanation :
I# somethin% is in the air it is #elt to be present, but it is not talked about
Example :
(here was %reat e&$itement in the air """
Don't $latter your%el$ !!!
!ean
!hat is that noise ?
,arry !hat noise?
!ean
I hear a %irl sayin% >Harry, honey. -lease pi$k up the phone, you stud...>
,arry
*h. (hat's my new $ell phone. It must be my latest s1uee'e, 9ane.
!ean 9ane ?
,arry eah. She's totally into me. She $alls me all the time.
!ean Don't $latter your%el$!
Explanation :
I# someone says to you ' don't $latter your%el$ ', they mean that they disa%ree with your %ood
opinion o# yoursel#.
Example :
I $latter my%el$ that this $ampai%n will put an end to the war.
In a row !!!
!ane (he new year will be here be#ore you know it.
ei (his year really went by #ast.
!ane It seems every year %oes by #aster.
ei I espe$ially enjoy the new year, thou%h.
!ane !hy ?
ei !e have three holidays in a row.
Explanation :
I# somethin% happens several times in a row, it happens that number o# times without a
break. I# somethin% happens several days in a row, it happens on ea$h o# those days.
Example :
(hey have won #ive $hampionships in a row"
5p to %omething !!!
!enni$er eah, %reat. )ut who re$orded these #or you?
+illy 7y $lassmate, as a joke. It makes me sound like a womani'er.
!enni$er !ell, then let me re$ord one #or you.
+illy *:. 3ool. )e se&y. Here. +o.
!enni$er Hey, jerk. Answer the phone, you idiot.
+illy Hey. I should have known you were up to %omething"
Explanation :
I# you say that someone is up to %omething, you mean that they are se$retly doin% smethin%
that they should not be doin%.
Example :
!hy did you need a room unless you were up to %omething"
'ive it to me %traight !!!
+o%% As you know Steven, you are a hi%hly-valued worker. However, the $ompany
has run into #inan$ial di##i$ulty lately that are $ausin% some une&pe$ted
reper$ussions.
Steven 6ike what . 'ive it to me %traight.
+o%% I am a#raid we have to lay you o##.
Explanation :
I# you give %omeone a %traight an%wer , you speak honestly and #rankly to them.
Example :
!hat a shi#ty ar%uer he is, re#usin% ever to give a %traight an%wer to a strai%ht 1uestion.
I'll tell you what !!!
Dave 6et's %o to the movies in -ri$kly tomorrow.
6uno *k, where should we meet. /o you know where 6ot <? is ? !e went there
to%ether.
Dave No, I don't remember. 6et's meet somewhere outside -ri$kly.
6uno I'll tell you what -- name the pla$e and I'll pi$k you up.
Explanation :
In spoken ;n%lish, you use I'll tell you what or I tell you what to introdu$e su%%estion or a
new topi$ o# $onversation.
Example :
I tell you what, I'll brin% the water in a separate %lass.
/hatever you %ay !!!
6ato How about havin% dinner to%ether a#ter work?
ori ,ine.
6ato Should we have 9apanese or Ameri$an #ood ?
ori /hatever you %ay !
6ato (here is a %ood steak house around the $orner.
ori (hat's a %ood idea.
Explanation :
ou say whatever you %ay to indi$ate that you a$$ept what someone has said, even thou%h
you do not really them or do not think it is a %ood idea.
Example :
!e'll %o in your $ar, )illy. --- ' /hatever you %ay '"
It'% beyond me !!!
(nthony How lon% have you been in this $ountry ?
Seung (wo months.
(nthony Is it hard #or you to study at an Ameri$an $olle%e ?
Seung es, I #ind it very di##i$ult. ;spe$ially when you $an't #ollow the pro#essor's
le$ture.
(nthony (hat's be$ause you just arrived. /o you like biolo%y ?
Seung No. It'% beyond me.
Explanation :
I# you say that somethin% i% beyond %omeone, you mean that they $annot deal with it.
Example :
Althou%h he $ould %ive her sympathy, any pra$ti$al help would almost $ertainly be beyond
him """"""
#ou are on the right track !!!
'reg I am tryin% to #i%ure out who the murderer is in this story.
0urti% !ho do you think it is .
'reg
I think it's 7r. 9ohnson be$ause he was in the house at the time o# the murder.
0urti% No, but you are on the right track.
Explanation :
I# you are on the right track , you are a$tin% or pro%ressin% in a way that is likely to result in
su$$ess.
Example :
+uests are returnin% in in$reasin% numbers - a sure si%n that we are on the right track """
#ou can %ay that again !!!
#in I think there is a sharp $ontrast between Ameri$ans and 3hinese. ,or e&ample, the
Ameri$ans are very individualisti$, while the 3hinese are very %roup-oriented.
#ang #ou can %ay that again. 3hinese are very $on$ious o# what other people think o#
them.
Explanation :
ou use '#ou can %ay that again' to e&press stron% a%reement with what someone has just
said@ an in#ormal e&pression.
Example :
!hat a tedious job. -- #ou can %ay that again !!!
Don't get me wrong !!!
arcie Don't get me wrong ! I think 3alvin is a very ni$e person, but you have to
admit he isn't very responsible.
*eddy I think you are ri%ht, he has %ot a lot o# %rowin% up to do.
Explanation :
ou say 'Don't get me wrong' when you want to make sure that someone does not
misunderstand what you are doin% or sayn% or why you are doin% or sayin% it.
Example :
Dont get me wrong, it is interestin% work .....

I couldn't help it !!!
Daryl I am upset. Somebody told my boss I have a part-time job.
Smith And he doesn't like that ?
Daryl No, he doesn't. He thinks that I am too tired to work.
Smith I am sorry. I have to admit I told him.
Daryl ou told him ? !hy ?
Smith I couldn't help it. He asked me point-blank.
Explanation "
I# you can't help the way you #eel or behave, you $annot $ontrol it or stop it #rom happenin%.
ou $an also say that you can't help yourself.
I# you say somethin% point-blank, you say it very dire$tly or rudely, without e&plainin% or
apolo%i'in%.
It i% up to you !!!
!ohn !ould you like to %o out to dinner or to a movie ?
6aren ;ither one, it i% up to you .
!ohn !hat would you pre#er ?
6aren I really don't $are, I just want to %et out o# the house.
!ohn !ell, then how about dinner and a movie ?
6aren (hat's a %reat idea .
Explanation "
I# you say that it i% up to %omeone to do somethin%, you mean that it is their responsibility to
do it.
Example : -
(he $hoi$e was up to -aula.

#ou can count on u% !!!
Stacey Sue, $an you drive 9ane and I to the do$tor on 7onday ?
Sue I think so.
Stacey !e need a ride very badly, are you sure you will be able to help out ?
Sue Sure. I will mark it on my $alendar so I don't #or%et.
Stacey (hanks you are a %ood #riend.
Sue ou $an always count on me when you need help.
Explanation "
I# you count on someone or count upon them, you rely on them to support you or help you.
Example : -
I $an always count on you to $heer me up .........
It'% better than nothing!!!
!im /id you ask 7r. /avidson #or a raise ?
0armen es, I asked #or A? $ents any hour more.
!im /id you %et it ?
0armen No, I %ot B? $ents
!im (hat's too bad.
0armen *h, it is alri%ht. It i% better than nothing.
Explanation "
I# you say that %omething i% better than nothing, you mean that it is not what is re1uired,
but that it is better to have that thin% than to have nothin% at all.
Example : -
A#ter all, <= minutes o# e&er$ise i% better than nothing"
It i% on the tip o$ my tongue !!!
ahoney /o you remember the restaurant we went to ,riday.
arcu% Sure I do. It was the ' Silver 3astle '.
ahoney No, we've never been to the ' Silver 3astle '.
arcu% 7aybe it was the +old 3oin.
ahoney No +ee. It i% on the tip o$ my tongue"
arcu% Never mind. (he #ood was terrible.
Explanation "
I# somethin% that you want to say is on the tip o$ your tongue, you think you know it and that
you will be able to remember it very soon.
Example : -
A sar$asti$ remark was on the tip o$ her tongue"
0hance% are %lim !!!
0arol !hat are your $han$es o# %ettin% into ale ?
!udy y chance% are %lim"
0arol I hear those Ivy 6ea%ue 3olle%es are tou%h to %et into.
!udy I know. I'd have better $han$e at the state 0niversity.
0arol Sure. It's not a bad s$hool either.
!udy I'd rather be a bi% #ish in a small pond.
Explanation "
I# you say that someone doe%n't %tand a chance o# a$hievin% somethin%, you mean that they
$annot possibly a$hieve it.
Example : -
Neither is seen as %tanding any chance o# snat$hin% the leadership #rom him.
It doe%n't make any di$$erence !!!
ike Shall I pi$k you up at = or C ?
!oei It doe%n't make any di$$erence.
ike *.:, I will pi$k you up at =.
!oei No problem .
ike Shall we play badminton or table tennis on Sunday ?
!oei It doesn't make any di##eren$e.
Explanation "
I# somethin% make% no di$$erence, it does not have any e##e$t on what you are doin%.
Example : -
It is sad to see him %o but it won't make any di$$erence to the way we $ondu$t our a##airs.
Doe% it ring a bell !!!
Shirley +uess who I met at the %ro$ery store.
)eonard I $an't ima%ine.
Shirley /o you remember 7r. 9ohnson #rom our old nei%hborhood.
)eonard (hat name ring% a bell, but I $an't pla$e him.
Shirley He used to live in the buildin% ne&t to ours.
)eonard *h yes, now I remember. He had dark hair and wore %lasses.
Explanation "
I# you say that somethin% ring% a bell , you mean that it reminds you o# somethin% else, but
you $annot remember e&a$tly what it is ......
)et'% get to the point !!!
!anet +ood a#ternoon )ob, isn't it a lovely day ?
+ob es, it is 9anet .
!anet It is the kind o# day when you want to %o outside.
+ob 9anet, let'% get to the point. /o you want the a#ternoon o## ?
!anet es, )ob.
+ob Alri%ht. As soon as you #inish typin%. ou $an %o.
Explanation "
!hen someone come% to the point or get% to the point, they start talkin% about the thin%
that is most important to them.
I to%%ed and turned all night !!!
1obb Are you ill ?
Sele% Not really . I am just tired.
+obb /idn't you sleep well last ni%ht.
Sele% No, I to%%ed and turned all night.
1obb I am sorry to hear that, I hope you sleep better toni%ht.
Sele% (hank you. I'm sure I will.
Explanation "
I# you to%% and turn, you move restlessly in bed and $annot sleep properly, #or e&ample
be$ause you are ill or worried.
Example : -
ou #eel as i# you've been to%%ing and turning all night, and wake up #eelin% worn out.
It'% a piece o$ cake !!!
,an !hat kind o# 3hinese #ood would you like to have.
!oe I'd like to have sprin% rolls.
,an ,ine. )y the way, do you know how to use $hopsti$ks ?
!oe It'% a piece o$ cake"
,an How in the world did you learn to use them ?
!oe I was stationed in (aiwan #or #ive years, you know.
Explanation "
I# you think somethin% is very easy to do, you $an say it is a piece o$ cake. -eople o#ten say
this to stop someone #eelin% worried about doin% somethin% they have to do.
Not that I know o$ !!!
ei Is 7rs. 9ohnson joinin% us #or dinner ?
Su%ie Not that I know o$.
ei I was hopin% she would $ome with us.
Su%ie !hy ?
ei I would like her to try some o# our traditional 3hinese #oods.
Su%ie (hat's very kind o# you.
Explanation "
ou say ' Not that I know o$ ' when someone has asked you whether or not somethin% is true
and you think the answer is@ ' no ' but you $annot be sure be$ause you do not know all the
#a$ts.
I'll keep my $inger% cro%%ed !!!
2eter% -lease have a seat.
(lbert (hank you
2eter% I'm 7r. -eters. (he personnel mana%er. !hat $an I do #or you.
(lbert I am lookin% #or a position as a sales representative.
2eter% !e may have an openin% ne&t week. -lease leave your resume, I will keep in
tou$h with you.
(lbert (hanks. I'll keep my $inger% cro%%ed"
Explanation "
I# you cro%% your $inger% , you put one #in%er on top o# another and hope #or %ood lu$k. I#
you say that someone is keeping their $inger% cro%%ed,you mean they are hopin% #or %ood
lu$k.
Example : -
I'm keeping my $inger% cro%%ed that they turn up soon.
Don't get me wrong !!!
+illy )ill is %oin% to sin% toni%ht.
)ucy *h, no .
+illy /on't you like his sin%in% ?
)ucy It's not that. Don't get me wrong !!!
+illy !hat's the problem then ?
)ucy He only knows one son%.
Explanation "
I# you say ' Don't get me wrong ' when you want to make sure that someone does not
misunderstand what you are doin% or sayin%, or why you are doin% or sayin% it.
Example : -
Don't get me wrong7 it's interestin% work.
8ut o$ the 9ue%tion !!!
1obert I am %oin% to look at new $ars tomorrow.
!ame% I wish I $ould have one.
1obert !hy don't you $ome alon% ?
!ame% I'd like to but I don't want to be tempted.
1obert I am sure you $ould %et a %ood deal.
!ame% No, buyin% a new $ar is out o$ the 9ue%tion #or me ri%ht now.
Explanation "
I# you say that somethin% is out o$ the 9ue%tion, you are emphasin% that it is $ompletely
impossible or una$$eptable.
Example : -
,or the homeless, private medi$al $are is simply out o$ the 9ue%tion """""""
I am broke !!!
1obert Are you %oin% to Hawaii on your va$ation ?
!ame% Not this year.
1obert !hy not ?
!ame% ,or a %ood reason, I am broke.
1obert *h. 3ome on.
!ame% Seriously, I am #lat broke.
Explanation :
I# you are broke, you have no money.
I# a $ompany or person goe% broke they lose money and are unable to $ontinue in business
or to pay their debts.
I# you go for broke, you take the most e&treme or risky o# the possible $ourses o# a$tion in
order to try and a$hieve su$$ess
+ru%h up on !!!
!e$$ /o you have a driver's li$ense ?
ike No. I am %oin% to take the test in a $ouple o# weeks .
!e$$ /idn't you drive in your $ountry ?
ike es, but I have to bru%h up on my drivin%.
!e$$ And. ou have to study the tra##i$ rules too .
ike es, there is a lot o# new thin%s I must learn.
Explanation :
I# you bru%h up somethin% or bru%h up on it, you pra$tise it or improve your knowled%e o# it.
Example :
;leanor spent mu$h o# the summer bru%hing up on her drivin%.
1ain 0heck !!!
!ean 7y brother and his #amily will be $omin% into town ne&t week.
!oe Is he the one who writes arti$les #or the ;n%lish -ost ?
!ean 2i%ht, why don't you $ome over ne&t Sunday to meet him.
!oe I'd love to but I $an't. 3an you %ive me a rain check !!!
!ean
Sure, they'll be here #or a week. So just let me know when you $an $ome.
!oe *k. I will be very interested in seein% him.
Explanation :
I# you say you will take a rain check on an o##er or su%%estion, you mean that you do not
want to a$$ept it strai%ht away, but you mi%ht a$$ept it at another time.
Example :
I was plannin% to ask you in #or a brandy, but i# you want to take a rain check, that's #ine .......
I am %tarving !!!
#in I think we should %et somethin% to eat.
)inda Are you hun%ry ?
#in Hun%ry ? I'm %tarving"
)inda (here is an Italian restaurant near here.
#in Is the #ood very hot ?
)inda It's kind o# hot, but it's very tasty.
Explanation :
I# you say that you are %tarving , you mean that you are very hun%ry.
Example :
Apart #rom anythin% else I wa% %tarving"
y %i%ter'% hobby i% dre%% making !!!
arion
ou look slimmer than when I saw you last.
,ettie es, I must have lost si& pounds over the last two months. my best dress is
now too bi% #or me.. I $an't wear it any more.
arion
/on't say that, I think I $an help you.
,ettie
How do you mean ?
arion !ell, my %i%ter'% hobby i% dre%% making and I'm sure she wouldn't mind
takin% it in so that it'll #it you a%ain. I'll ask her.
,ettie
(hat would be #antasti$. I'm no %ood at sewin% mysel#.
#ou've been ripped o$$ !!!
*erry
!hat do you think o# my new suit ?
ichael Not bad. I like the wide lapels and the pant $u##s. It reminds me o# one I saw in
the department store the other day. /id you %et it there ?
*erry
No, I %ot it at that new out#itters on the main street.
ichael
How mu$h did it $ost ?
*erry
(hree hundred and #i#ty dollars.
ichael !hat ? ou $ould have %ot the one #rom the department store #or DE??.
#ou've been ripped o$$ !
Explanation :
I# someone rip% you o$$, they $heat you by $har%in% you too mu$h money #or somethin% or
by sellin% you somethin% that is #aulty
Example : (he 3onsumer #ederation $laims banks are ripping you o$$ by not passin% alon%
savin%s on interest rates ...
She'% got a really green thumb !!!
'ordon
!hat a beauti#ul %arden your parents have .
.iona
I'm %lad you like it. (hey $ertainly spend a lot o# time on it.
'ordon
And the houseplants are also very attra$tive.
.iona
(hey're my mother's spe$ialty. Some o# them are nearly twenty years old.
'ordon
+ood heavens, how does she do it ?
.iona
She'% got a really green thumb@ plants seem to respond to her.
Explanation :
I# you say someone has %reen #in%ers, or green thumb, you mean that they are very %ood at
%ardenin% and their plants %row well.
Example : ou don't need green thumb to #ill your home with lush leaves.
I've got it on thirty day%' $ree trial !!!
(li%tair !hy are you talkin% to your $omputer. Is it lonely ?
David No, don't be silly, I'm tryin% out some new spee$h re$o%nition so#tware. (li%tair How
does it work ?
David !ell, I just speak what I want to say into the mi$rophone and my words appear on the
s$reen. It's ma%i$ .
(li%tair It must be very e&pensive.
David It's not $heap but I haven't a$tually paid anythin% yet.
(li%tair How $ome ?
David I've got it on thirty day%' $ree trial. I# I'm not satis#ied with it, I $an return it #ree o#
$har%e as lon% as I do so within B? days.
,ave you got them in my %i:e 3
Shopper ;&$use me, $ould you show me to the skirts se$tion please ?
0lerk 3ertainly madam, please $ome this way..
Shopper Ah. these are just what I've been lookin% #or. ,ave you got them in my %i:e 3 I'm
a si'e A.
0lerk 9ust a moment ..... . I'm a#raid not madam. !e appear to be temporarily out o# sto$k.
Shopper *h, how disappointin% . !hen will you ne&t have some in ?
0lerk !e should be %ettin% a delivery at the be%innin% o# ne&t week.
I haggled him down to ;<= !!!
Danielle I like your new anorak, it looks really e&pensive, where did you %et it - in that
ups$ale sports shop in the mall ?
1u%%ell
!ell thanks, but no I didn't. I %ot it in the market.
Danielle
How mu$h did you pay #or it ?
1u%%ell
Not as mu$h as the man asked #or. He wanted DF=.
Danielle
(hat would have been a bit steep, it's almost the shop pri$e.
1u%%ell
I know, but I haggled him down to ;<=, so I re$kon I've %ot a bit o# a bar%ain.
Explanation :
I# you haggle, you ar%ue about somethin% be#ore rea$hin% an a%reement, espe$ially about
the $ost o# somethin% that you are buyin%.
Example : ;lla showed her the best pla$es to %o #or a %ood buy, and tau%ht her how to
haggle with used #urniture dealers ....
She %ight-read% really well !!!
0lare
7y elder sister is always in demand at #amily parties.
(ngie
!hy, is she a %ood sin%er ?
0lare No, she plays the piano really well and she $an play whatever musi$ anyone
puts in #ront o# her.
(ngie
I $an play the piano, but I $ouldn't do that. How does she do it ?
0lare
She %ight-read% really well"
(ngie
I wish I $ould do that, it's a %reat skill.
Explanation :
Someone who $an %ight-read $an play or sin% musi$ #rom a printed sheet the #irst time they
see it, without pra$tisin% it be#orehand.
Example : Symphony musi$ians $annot ne$essarily %ight-read"
She en&oy% doing %till li$e% !!!
0indy
7y sister started a new hobby a #ew months a%o.
,eather
2eally ? (ell me more.
0indy
She's been learnin% to paint water$olors.
,eather
How interestin%. !hat are her #avorite subje$ts ?
0indy
She likes paintin% lands$apes best, but %he al%o en&oy% doing %till li$e%"
,eather I envy her. I've tried to paint in the past, but I'm no %ood - I have no artisti$
talent.
Explanation :
%till li$e% ( plural ) - a type o# paintin% or drawin% o# an arran%ement o# obje$ts that do not
move, su$h as #lowers, #ruit, bowls, et$
Example : !e went to an e&hibition o# <Gth $entury /ut$h %till li$e%"
*hat'% my aim !!!
Danny
I've just had a %reat pie$e o# lu$k.
.red
/on't tell me you've won the lottery this week.
Danny
Not 1uite, I've %ot a #ree weekly ridin% lesson at the lo$al ridin% stables.
.red
I know you love horses. How did you mana%e that ?
Danny I o##ered to mu$k out the stables and to help %room the horses #or #our hours
every week.
.red (hat's not a bad bar%ain. It won't be lon% be#ore you're an a$$omplished
horseman i# you $an keep the arran%ement %oin% #or any len%th o# time.
Danny
*hat'% my aim"
Explanation :
(he aim o# somethin% that you do is the purpose #or whi$h you do it or the result that it is
intended to a$hieve.
Example : ..... a resear$h pro%ram that has lar%ely #ailed to a$hieve its prin$ipal aim%.
*o be neutered !!!
ary
3an I see the new kittens ?
I%obel
*# $ourse, they're over here with their mother in this basket.
ary
(here are #ive . Aren't they tiny and so sweet ?
I%obel
es, they're only a #ew hours old and their eyes haven't opened yet.
ary
Is this the mother $at's #irst litter ?
I%obel
es it is, and happily they all seem to be healthy.
ary
/o you e&pe$t her to have more in the #uture ?
I%obel No, we'll be takin% her to the vet to be neutered as soon as she has
re$overed #rom the birth.
Explanation :
!hen an animal is neutered, its reprodu$tive or%ans are removed.
Example : !e ask the publi$ to have their do%s neutered and keep them under $lose
supervision.
/e mu%t keep him on a lea%h !!!
artha
I'm really enjoyin% this walk in the $ountry and so is the do%.
,ank
es, he's runnin% here, there and everywhere.
artha
*h look, there are sheep in the ne&t #ield .
,ank
I'll %rab him strai%ht away and put him on the leash. Here boy .
artha (hank %oodness you mana%ed to $at$h him be#ore he spotted the sheep and
started $hasin% them.
,ank es, we mu%t keep him on lea%h #rom now on. ,armers around here are
likely to shoot on si%ht any do%s they $at$h worryin% their sheep.
Explanation :
( dog'% lea%h is a lon% thin pie$e o# leather or a $hain, whi$h you atta$h to the do%'s $ollar
so that you $an keep the do% under $ontrol.
Example : All do%s in publi$ pla$es should be on a lea%h"
It'% very attached to him !!!
Eddie
I'm sorry that the parrot is s1uawkin% its head o##.
Deni%e
!hat's the matter with it ?
Eddie
!ell it's just spotted a $at outside the window and it really doesn't like $ats.
Deni%e
/o you ever let it out o# its $a%e ?
Eddie 7y #ather does. It'% very attached to him so it per$hes on his shoulder and
behaves itsel# when he's around.
Deni%e
!ould you ever let it out ?
Eddie
*h no, be$ause it's more than likely to %ive me a nasty nip i# I do.
Explanation :
I# you are attached to someone or somethin%, you are very #ond o# them.
Example : She is very attached to her #amily and #riends.

,eel girl7 heel ! Sit !!!
>oe
Is that your new do% ? !hat is it ?
.ay
es, she's a $how $how and only si& months old.
>oe
Are you takin% her #or a walk ?
.ay
(hat too, but I'm also %ivin% her obedien$e trainin%.
>oe
6et's have a demonstration.
.ay
All ri%ht, here we %o " H (o the do% I ,eel girl7 heel ! %it !!! (here's a %ood %irl.
>oe
(hat's very impressive. She $ame to heel and sat strai%ht away.
.ay
es, she's a very obedient do%.
/e had to have our cat put to %leep !!!
0indy
!hat's the matter, you look as i# you've been $ryin% ?
+et%y
I have, I've just $ome #rom the vet's.
0indy
!hat happened ?
+et%y
/e had to have our cat put to %leep. She had a tumor whi$h was in$urable.
0indy
*h dear . I'm really sorry to hear that. How old was she ?
+et%y She was <=, whi$h is 1uite old #or a $at. )ut she really was like one o# the
#amily. (hat's why we're all so upset.
Explanation :
I# a si$k or injured animal i% put to %leep, it is painlessly killed by a vet.
Example : I'm %oin% take the do% down to the vet's and have her put to %leep"

,e'% a thoroughbred +o-er with an out%tanding pedigree !!!
!ack
Is that your new do% ?
!ill
es, we've only had him a week.
!ack
He's really handsome and very lively.
!ill
He should be, he $ost a #ortune.
!ack
!hy was he so e&pensive ?
!ill ,e'% a thoroughbred +o-er with an out%tanding pedigree that's why. !e
%ot him #rom a top breeder.
!ack
/o you intend to show him ?
!ill
!e're not sure@ we'll take a breeder's advi$e on that.
Explanation :
A pedigree animal is des$ended #rom animals whi$h have all been o# a parti$ular type, and is
there#ore $onsidered to be o# %ood 1uality.
Example : a pedigree do%
8ur cat had a litter !!!
illie
!hat a play#ul litter kitten. Is it a boy or a %irl ?
!anet
It's a %irl. !e've de$ided to $all her !inkie.
illie
How sweet . How old is she ?
!anet
*nly si& weeks.
illie
/id you %et her #rom a pet shop ?
!anet
No, our cat had a litter #or #our and she's the only one le#t.
illie
How do you mean ?
!anet !ell we've %iven the other three to #riends but de$ided to keep her, as she
was the prettiest o# the bun$h.
Explanation :
A litter is a %roup o# animals born to the same mother at the same time.
Example : a litter o# pups