Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
Next to many of the phrases you will see other numbers and letters, such
as this:
OPP = Opposite where the link to phrase number 2/60 shows another
phrase in book 2, item number 60, with an opposing meaning.
SYN = Synonym where the link shows another phrase with a similar
meaning. 3/101 = Bk 3, item 101.
COMP = Compare where the link shows a comparable phrase not with a
direct similarity.
Book 5 Phrases
25 more phrasal verbs follow the 50 phrases, all with many example of
usage.
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Follow suit.
Source:
In a game of cards you have four suits: Hearts, clubs, diamonds and
spades.
In some games, one player lays down a card and the following players
need to try to lay a card of the same suit.
Meaning:
This refers to when one person follows the actions of another, in a
similar way, usually because it is a good idea.
Examples:
I made a profit by investing in shares, if you follow suit you could
make some money too.
Bk 1/9. (Buck the trend. OPP.) Bk 3/146. (Go against the grain. OPP.)
No. 202
Throw your weight around.
Source:
Not your physical weight but here we are talking about the power of
your position.
Meaning:
By throwing your weight around it says that you are using your position
in a very authorative way, more than you perhaps should.
Examples:
The new boss that has taken over isnt very popular, she throws her
weight around and makes people feel uncomfortable.
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Scrimp and scrape.
Source:
To scrimp is to spend as little money as possible because you dont have
much. To scrape (up some money) is to find some cash from different
sources somehow, to pay a particular bill.
Meaning:
When you are very short of money you try to find some any way
possible to pay for your shopping or bills.
Examples:
I lost my job and had to scrimp and scrape to survive until I got a new
job.
Bk 2/69. (Push the boat out. OPP.) Bk 3/105. (Make ends meet. SYN.)
No. 204
Source:
When you are excited about something you could be jumping in the air
with being so happy.
Meaning:
If you tell someone to keep their feet on the ground you are suggesting
they are getting too excited and they need to calm down.
Examples:
Im hoping to get a new job next week but Im keeping my feet on the
ground until I get confirmation.
I hear you have sold 1,00o books now, soon you will be famous. Im
not so sure, Im keeping my feet firmly on the ground.
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Meaning:
This refers to any actions you may be looking at which could be risky or
dangerous.
Examples:
I invested in a new company starting up but it failed, I got my fingers
burnt there and lost all my money.
Did you buy that painting you were telling me about? Yes but it
turned out to be a fake and I got my fingers burnt.
No. 206
Source:
In a car there is only one seat for the driver who is in control of the car.
Meaning:
Anyone said to be in the driving seat is in control of whatever they are
doing.
Examples:
At the boy scouts meeting one young lad showed clear leadership
skills. The scout leader put him in charge of the days events and told
him you are in the driving seat, lets see how you do.
Bk 4/182. (Take a back seat. OPP.) Bk 6/251. (Call the shots. SYN.)
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Source:
In boxing each opponent tries to punch the other. A punch to the head is
more effective.
Meaning:
By saying that someone takes it on the chin, it refers to accepting
something unpleasant but unavoidable.
Examples:
My first version of this book was full of mistakes and a student
criticised me heavily, I took it on the chin and went back to the drawing
board.
The politician was heavily criticised for his racist remarks but he took
it on the chin and apologised.
No. 208
Source:
In olden days of warring tribes, when two opposing leaders reached
agreement, they buried their hatchets (axes) in the ground as a sign of
peace.
Meaning:
When you want to end a (long-standing) argument, you can suggest you
bury the hatchet.
Examples:
I was fighting for years over the boundary of my property with my
neighbour but when I threatened to go to court he relented and we
buried the hatchet.
BK 2/55. (See eye to eye. SYN.) Bk 5/247. (Iron something out. SYN.)
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Come clean.
Source:
Meaning:
To come clean means to be honest about something you have been
keeping secret for some time.
Examples:
Manager to a member of staff:
I think you have been fiddling your expenses, if you come clean I wont
take disciplinary action.
Teacher to pupils:
Some students homework look very similar, if anyone has been
cheating, come clean now and I wont take it any further.
No. 210
Source:
When you plan to have a bath, first you put a toe in the water to make
sure it is not too hot.
Meaning:
Anytime you want to try something new and may need to be careful, its
like trying the water in a bath.
Examples:
I had some spare cash and thought about investing in the stock market,
firstly I dipped my toe in the water to see if I could make money.
BK 3/149. (Play by ear. SYN.) Bk 5/239. (In at the deep end. OPP.) Bk
5/245. (Suck it and see. SYN.) Bk 6/260. (In feet first. OPP.) Section
one review.
Fill each gap with one of the phrases from 201 - 210
The word in brackets is an approximate synonym.
A needle in a haystack.
Source:
A needle is small and if lost, difficult to find. A haystack, in
comparison, is much bigger.
Meaning:
Dropping a needle into a haystack would be virtually impossible to find,
metaphorically it refers to anything lost and difficult to find.
Examples:
I wanted to buy a copy of an old book I read in my school days, but
after searching many book shops and scouring the internet I realised it
was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
No. 212
Source:
An iceberg is generally huge but only about 1% is seen above the water.
Meaning:
When you see a problem and suspect there may be many more problems
following, its like looking at the tip of an iceberg knowing that much
bigger dangers lie out of sight below the water.
Examples:
The riots on the streets of London last year were just the tip of the
iceberg, the underlying problem is massive social inequality.
The economic troubles in Europe are just the tip of the iceberg, more
serious problems are looming.
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Source:
Ducks love swimming on water, whether its a river or a lake, it comes
very natural to them.
Meaning:
When you start a new job or hobby, and you begin well with no
problems, its like a duck walking into water for the first time, i.e.
things such as this coming very natural to you.
Examples:
I started writing a couple of years ago with no prior experience, I found
it easy and enjoyable and I settled into my new career like a duck takes
to water.
Bk 2/94. (Fall on your feet. SYN.) Bk 3/114. (Hit the ground running.
SYN.)
No. 214
Source:
You would never sell any part of your body presumably, the cost to you
would be too high.
Meaning:
Examples:
To go to university in England these days costs an arm and a leg and
most students need to borrow heavily and get into debt.
Theres a nice new restaurant thats just opened in the city but a meal
there costs an arm and a leg.
Bk 2/52. (Break the bank. SYN.)
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Source:
In the days when wars were fought with men using horses, the generals
and leaders would always have the biggest horses.
Meaning:
If a person gets bossy and starts to give orders to others, perhaps
without good reason or in return for a slight error, the analogy is that
they are getting on a high horse to show off their powerful position.
Examples:
I forgot to get the shopping after going to the pub with a friend. When I
got home the wife had a right moan at me, I told her I was sorry and to
get off her high horse.
Bk 3/107. (Take with a pinch of salt. OPP.) Bk 3/131. (The end of your
tether. COMP.) Bk 5/238. (Water off a ducks back. COMP.)
No. 216
Source:
A bud is a small growth on a plant which develops into a flower. To nip
something is to cut it off.
Meaning:
You can cut off small buds to allow one to grow big and produce the
best flower. By cutting off (nipping) the smaller buds, you stop them
from growing and interfering with the best bud.
Examples:
I usually go to the gym twice a week to keep fit, but Ive missed three
weeks now. I had better nip this in the bud before I start getting fat and
lazy.
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Source:
When you have something nice to eat, such as a juicy steak, you chew
on it to get the most flavour out of it.
Meaning:
Anything you like doing and really enjoy, the analogy is like chewing
on a good steak to enjoy it more.
Examples:
Ive nearly finished my latest book and Im getting my teeth into
finishing it by the end of the year.
My students told me their homework was too hard. I told them to get
their teeth stuck into it and concentrate.
No. 218
Source:
Something to eat that has perhaps gone bad, and you eat it, you will
have a bad taste in your mouth afterwards.
Meaning:
This refers to anything that happens which afterwards leaves you sad or
unhappy that it has happened.
Examples:
I took my car in for a service to my usual garage, the workers of which I
regarded as friends. After the service the car did not work properly. I
took the car back to the garage but after they fixed it they asked for
more money. I paid reluctantly and the affair left a bad taste in my
mouth. I wont use that garage again.
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Source:
Meaning:
Having room for manoeuvre is to be flexible and allow yourself space to
accommodate changes in your schedule.
Examples:
My diary is almost full at the moment but I always keep a few hours
free so that I have room for manoeuvre should any students wish you
change their class times.
No. 220
Fine tuning.
Source:
To tune, for example a radio, is to set the radio to the station you wish
to listen to. With an engine, tuning means to make adjustments to get
the engine working perfectly.
Meaning:
Fine tuning anything refers to making small changes to what you are
working on to make it as near perfect as possible.
Examples:
The latest of these phrase books is almost ready, just a bit of fine
tuning and its ready.
The engine on your car sounds as though it needs a bit of fine tuning.
. Section two review.
Fill each gap with one of the phrases from 211 - 220
Source:
An exception is something different in some way from other people or
things.
Meaning:
To take exception is to dislike something because you feel annoyed or
dislike something.
Examples:
When my friend gets drunk his language is awful, lots of swearing
which I take exception to.
No. 222
Source:
If you are in room with no windows and no lights, it is dark and you
cannot see anything.
Meaning:
Keeping someone in the dark about something is to not tell them for
whatever reason, usually because you wish to keep something secret.
Examples:
I have bought my girlfriend a nice present for her birthday but I am
keeping her in the dark until the time is right
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Source:
If a house catches on fire, the fire can spread through the house very
quickly. To get along with someone is to get to like them.
Meaning:
If you get along (like) someone, like a house on fire, your relationship
develops very quickly.
Bk 2/55. (See eye to eye. SYN.) Bk 4/152. (Rub up the wrong way. OPP.)
Bk 4/181. (Burn your bridges. OPP.) Bk 5/208. (Bury the hatchet.
COMP.)
No. 224
Put on a brave face.
Source:
Being brave is to be confident at times when everything seems to be
going wrong.
Meaning:
Making your facial expression in such a way that looks like nothing is
wrong, is to show that even though there are problems, you dont let
them be seen.
Examples:
I lost a contract which left me with difficulties in paying staff wages.
At a staff meeting, everyone put on a brave face and assured me of their
loyalty and support and promised to help the business keep going.
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Source:
Upper - means higher, more powerful, in this context.
Hand - means the way you manage people. (A strong hand, fair hand, an
even hand).
Meaning:
Having the upper hand indicates you are in control of a situation where
other people are trying to get into a better position.
Examples:
In WWII the UK and allies gained the upper hand when the USA
entered the war on their side.
Government troops are gradually gaining the upper hand in the conflict
with rebels.
No. 226
Up to your eyes.
Source:
Your eyes are high up on your body, almost at the top of your head.
Meaning:
If you have lots of work, or duties to be done, its like your body and
mind are so full of thoughts that fill your head - filled to the top.
Examples:
Hi mate do you fancy a beer tonight?
Id love to but I am up to my eyes in paperwork just now.
Bk 2/86. (Have your work cut out. SYN.) Bk 3/113. (At a loose end.
OPP.) Bk 4/198. (Bursting at the seams. COMP.)
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Source:
Meaning:
By turning your head to one side, literally or metaphorically, to
deliberately not see something, its a sign that you are prepared to
ignore something that maybe should be dealt with.
Examples:
Many people park their cars in shopping-mall car parks for free and
dont go to the mall to shop. The authorities generally turn a blind eye
to this in the hope that some times the car owners will use the mall in
the future.
No. 228
Source:
Steep refers to something that rises quickly. A steep rise in prices, for
example, means prices go up quickly.
Meaning:
When you are studying, or learning something, especially by making
mistakes, a steep learning curve means you dont make the same
mistakes so easily because you have learnt not to.
Examples:
I thought getting to work a few minutes late wouldn't be a problem.
When the boss reprimanded me and threatened me with the sack I took
it as a steep learning curve.
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Meaning:
It refers again to a challenge but it means to go through with the
challenge and see how you perform.
Examples:
During election time, politicians often have to run the gauntlet of loads
of journalists waiting to interview them.
No. 230
Source:
Meaning:
When you cant quite understand something it is like not being abe to
hold it in your mind.
Examples:
My friend invented a new game but I couldnt grasp the meaning
behind the rules.
The new rules of the company are very complicated and many of the
staff couldnt grasp the meaning for the changes.
Fill each gap with one of the phrases from 221 - 230
Make a killing.
Source/Meaning:
To make a killing is to earn a lot of money in a short period of time.
Sometimes this is done illegally or immorally.
Examples:
I bought my first house just before a property boom set in. I made a
killing when I sold it a year later for a huge profit.
No. 232
Come unstuck.
Source/Meaning:
If a person, or something they are trying to achieve, comes unstuck,
problems appear to make everything go wrong.
Examples:
Students who do not prepare adequately for exams often come unstuck
and fail.
The companys plans for expansion came unstuck because of the lack
of funding.
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Source:
Ladies, in particular, often wear their hair tied up during their working
day, to keep it tidy and easier to manage. After work they usually untie
their hair to relax.
Meaning:
This doesnt only apply to ladies but metaphorically, anyone letting
their hair down is preparing to party.
Examples:
After working hard all week I usually let my hair down on a Friday
evening and go clubbing.
You look a bit stressed my friend, perhaps you should let your hair
down a bit.
No. 234
Source:
The offing is the area that can be seen at sea, the area between the shore
and the horizon.
Meaning:
Something in the offing is possible or likely to happen in the near
future. In other words, it can be seen as being close.
Examples:
There are signs that something is in the offing as the Government is
speaking more often of having fresh elections.
Theres been no news of the crisis in Ukraine for a few days but
journalists say there is something in the offing.
Bk 1/49. (Light at the end of the tunnel. SYN.) Bk 6/258. (Writing on the
wall. SYN.)
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A clean sweep.
Source:
Sweeping the floor with a broom leaves the floor nice and clean. i.e.
leaving nothing behind.
Meaning:
This represents when there is a competition, one player wins everything
and the other competitors are left with nothing.
Examples:
The Chinese women athletes made a clean sweep of the gymnastic
competition.
The ruling party won a clean sweep at the elections winning every seat
in parliament.
No. 236
Source:
This phrase stems from pulling on a rope, for example on a boat to raise
the sails. One hand goes over the other to make the sails go higher and
the boat can go faster.
Meaning:
Examples:
I opened a stall on the market and my product sold well, I realised that
I was making money hand over fist.
Developers who bought land in the recession are now making money
hand over fist by selling their properties post-recession while prices are
high.
Bk 3/136. (Thick and fast. COMP.) Bk 5/240. (Dribs and drabs. OPP.)
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Source:
Sailing boats need wind to propel the boat forward, no wind = no
movement.
Meaning:
If the wind is taken out of your sails, then someone has done something
to take away all your energy and enthusiasm.
Examples:
I was really looking forward to selling thousands of copies of my book
but negative feedback from some customers took the wind out of my
sails.
No. 238
Source:
Ducks have so many feathers, and down, the tiny feathers close to the
skin, which makes them waterproof.
Meaning:
This refers to anything that doesnt stick, for example, accusations,
criticism, or anything bad said against you.
Examples:
The politician is such an arrogant, self-confident person that to him,
any criticism is like water off a ducks back.
Hi mate did you know that your neighbours have been spreading
rumours about you?
Yes but I dont care any more, its water off a ducks back to me.
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Source:
As in 4/163, a swimming pool has two ends, a shallow end and a deep
end. As a beginner you should start swimming in the shallow end to
avoid getting into difficulties.
Meaning:
When you go in at the deep end you do something without much
preparation to save time but it is a bit more risky.
Examples:
I got a chance of a job in Dubai, I didnt have the exact qualifications
for the job but the salary was fantastic so I jumped in at the deep end
and went for it.
Bk 4/163. (Out of your depth. SYN.) Bk 5/210. (Dip your toe in the
water. OPP.) Bk 6/260. (In feet first. SYN.)
No. 240
Source:
Dribs is short for dribbles and drabs are small portions of something.
Meaning:
Anything coming or happening in dribs and drabs happens slowly and in
small amounts.
Examples:
I advertised for staff in the local paper but enquiries came in only in
dribs and drabs.
Bk 3/136. (Thick and fast. OPP.) Bk 5/236. (Hand over fist. OPP.)
Fill each gap with one of the phrases from 231 - 240
Source:
In boxing, if one contestant is doing badly and is at risk of being badly
hurt, his helpers in his corner can throw a towel into the ring which
stops the fight.
Meaning:
In any situation where you throw in the towel, you simply give up what
you are doing.
Examples:
I tried for ages to learn how to play the piano but eventually I threw in
the towel and tried the guitar instead.
No, I threw in the towel half way through, it was too difficult.
No. 242
Go for broke.
Source:
Meaning:
To go for broke means you are prepared to risk everything to achieve
success.
Examples:
I was thinking of printing just a few books to guage the response but
then I had so many phrases in my mind I thought I would go for broke
and complete all six.
I was cycling with a friend and after 10 kms we were both tired. My
friend suggested we head for home but I said lets go for broke and do
another 10 kms.
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Source:
The sky is blue - at least you can see the blueness when there are no
clouds.
Meaning:
If something comes out of the blue it comes as a complete surprise
almost as if it has dropped out of the sky without warning.
Examples:
News of the prime minister resigning from his position came out of the
blue as no one had been suspecting it.
My daughter gave me some news which came right out of the blue, she
was pregnant.
No. 244
Source:
You use your mouth to speak, if you brag about something or exaggerate
it, all you are doing is talking.
Meaning:
Asking someone to put their money where their mouth is, is to ask them
to prove what they are saying.
Examples:
So you think you can run the marathon in under four hours, put your
money where your mouth is and prove it this weekend in the city
marathon.
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Source:
When you have something new to eat or drink, usually you taste it first
to see if you like it. You dont necessarily suck it but you do put it into
your mouth.
Meaning:
This can apply to anything which you should try tentatively before going
fully into it.
Examples:
Im taking violin lessons now.
I didnt think you liked the violin.
I didnt think so either but I wanted to suck it and see to see if I like
it.
No. 246
Source:
Meaning:
At night the sky is dark and when the sun rises its like the dark sky
cracking open to let the sun shine through.
Examples:
When I go fishing with my friends we always get up at the crack of
dawn to get to the river nice and early.
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Iron out.
Source:
When you wash your clothes they get creased and need to be ironed to
make them smooth.
Meaning:
This applies to any difficult situation of misunderstanding, its like
smoothing things over to make the peace.
Examples:
There is an error on my invoice and I need to go to the office again to
iron out the mistakes.
Bk 4/181. (Burn your bridges. OPP.) Bk 5/208. (Bury the hatchet. SYN.)
No. 248
Source:
From boxing, if you are out, you are finished and cannot continue the
fight.
Meaning:
Anything which is on the way out is likely to be damaged or worn out
beyond repair.
Examples:
My old watch is not working properly and I cant find anyone to repair
it, I guess its on the way out after all these years.
You need a new suit, the one you are wearing looks as though its on
the way out.
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Source:
Many people believe our health and wellbeing is affected by changes in
the weather.
Meaning:
If you feel under the weather you are feeling a little sick or maybe just
sad or depressed over something.
Examples:
I had a bit too much to drink last night and this morning I am feeling a
little under the weather.
Typically at the end of the winter I feel under the weather and look
forward to spring.
No. 250
Cast a shadow.
Source:
In full sunlight everything looks bright, clear and sharp. In a shadow
things dont look so bright.
Meaning:
Anything that casts a shadow over something it means the subject looks
in a sad way or has been affected to make it look worse than it was.
Examples:
I do like my job but the low salary casts a shadow over the enjoyment
of the job.
The racing driver won the race and the championship but a shadow was
cast over the win when he heard news of his colleague crashing.
Fill each gap with one of the phrases from 191 - 200
Please remember, as with normal verbs, phrasal verbs can also be used
in different tenses. Only the verb changes, the preposition always
remains the same.
I need to wash the car, I suppose Ill have to get round to it sometime
today.
If you get into trouble with the boss dont worry, Ill back you up.
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Its hopeless the business is losing money hand over fist, Im going to
shut it down.
The computer is running too hot, shut it down and let it cool.
The whisky is too strong for me, can you water it down?
The new regulations were too strict, they had to be watered down
before the unions would accept them.
You are late again and your excuses are wearing thin, I dont believe a
word you say.
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The management were insistent on staff cuts but the union opposed and
threatened to strike, eventually the management backed down.
Are you going to finsh the book or are you just messing about?
Children - stop messing about and get on with your class work.
There are some new players in the team who are very good, I dont
know how much longer I can hold onto my position.
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You will never win the lottery so you should give up dreaming of a
home in the Maldives.
After many years its time to part with my company and find a new
job.
I have a terrible cold so its better if you keep away for a while.
With all the trouble in Ukraine its better to keep away from the region
until things calm down.
When another teacher went sick I was asked to fill in for him.
Section 1
Thinking of holidays if I am to go away for a while this summer I'm
going to have to scrimp and scrape and even though I want to travel
extensively I'm keeping my feet on the ground for now.
I made a mistake this week but I came clean and although I upset my
boss I took her criticism on the chin and we have buried the hatchet and
moved on. I wanted to dip my toe in the water and get into the driving
seat but got my fingers burnt. Luckily she is not one to throw her
weight around. Others should follow suit and end arguments quickly.
Section 2
Nearly all done now, just some fine tuning and the next book is ready.
Any errors have been nipped in the bud and I have some room for
manoeuvre. These books I think are cheap, they are not going to cost an
arm and a leg. When I started all these phrases I realised I had taken to
them like a duck takes to water, but after I started with the first 50
phrases I realised it was just the tip of the iceberg. I hope students get
their teeth into these exercises and don't get on their high horses saying
they are too difficult. Searching for the right answers could be like
looking for a needle in a haystack but I really hope you don't end up
with a bad taste in your mouth.
Section 3
This method of revision has been a steep learning curve for me and I
have been up to my eyes in new ideas. I won't keep anyone in the dark as
I plan to tell everyone soon. If my ideas are not well received I shall put
on a brave face and won't take exception to criticism, nor will I turn a
blind eye as any feedback is good. I hope we continue to get along like
a house on fire and although sometimes I feel as though I am running
the gauntlet, I can grasp the meaning of taking the upper hand.
Section 4
After finishing all six books it will be time to let my hair down, I
suspect there may be something in the offing although I doubt I'm going
to make a killing. Nor will I come unstuck I think. I suppose I could
have the wind taken out of my sails, but then that's the risk of going in
at the deep end. Thinking positively I could make a clean sweep with
this idea and make some money hand over fist, then again the books
may sell in dribs and drabs, but bad news like that is like water off a
duck's back to me.
Section 5
Throw in the towel? Never, I am going for broke and I'm putting my
money where my mouth is. Every day I am up at the crack of dawn to
start work, after ironing out a few difficulties I sometimes feel a bit
under the weather as sometimes I would rather be on a beach
somewhere. Completely out of the blue I had another idea which I
thought I would try out, why not suck it and see. One small problem, my
computer is on the way out and that has cast a shadow over all my
success.
Further practice.
Completely by surprise
To show who the boss is
Save hard to buy something
To lose money in a gamble
To be in control of a situation
Settle a disagreement
Let someone know a secret
Copy an idea that seems good
Something difficult to find
A small sign of a bigger problem Very expensive
Be bossy and get angry over something Stop something happening early
Make money quickly
Be determined
Disappointed and sad
Be unhappy at something particular Accept criticism
Deal with a problem without concern Gain an advantage over another
Quick lesson learnt
Go through a challenging situation Understand something difficult
Make lots of money quickly and easily Get in the mood to party
About to happen soon
Winning everything
Be disappointed and lose enthusiasm Have no effect
Do something without preparation Slowly in small amounts
Stop doing something thats difficult Prove what you claim
Start the day early
Discuss and solve a problem
Get used to something easily
Getting to the end of its useful life Feeling low
Make something look worse than it was Be realistic
This book and many others are available on Amazon to download to any
tablet or smartphone.
In addition to the travelling stories, many photos of the trip are on You
Tube, again simply go to You Tube and type in Anthony Gurling into
the search bar.
Anthony Gurling
Should you wish to buy further copies please either email me or call.
Each book is just 5 PLN.
enquiries@anthony.com.pl
Tel. 780601454
With many locations in England for both adults and summer camps for
children to learn English, he also organises courses in French at four
locations in France, Spanish at four locations in Spain and German at
three locations in Germany.
www.anthony.com.pl
www.learn-a-language.eu