Colloquial English. Phrases and Idioms

5/28/2018 Colloquial English. Phrases and Idioms

o laS

rasesan

ioms


I S VLADOVSKAYA

ColloquialEnglishPhrasesandIdiomsDEFINEDAND EXEMPLIFIEDwith exercises

IiIGHER SCHOOL PUBLISHING HOUSEl ow 1 9 7 0


41 1 AHrJI)B 57

BAaaOBCKafl 11 Ce.AtefiOBfiaC6 PHMK 4Jpa3eOJIOrMlfeCKMx CJIOBOCOlfeTaHMMM M lI MOM pa3roBopHoro aHrJlMMCKOro Sl3blKa

P e ~ a K T O p A H A1upoHoBaM 3 ~ a T e n b c K H f i p e ~ a K T O p H 3. BOAKoBaXY I.O KHHK B H. naHcpepoBXY)I.O}l{eCTBeHHbIH pe)I.aKTOp 3. A MapKoBTexHHlIecKHH pe.ZI.aKTOp 3. B HY3IC8uHaKoppeKTop 3. ~ IOpecKYA

C.ZI.aHO B Ha60p 9/XII-69 r. n o ~ r r K rrellaTH 21/IV-70 r.


flPE/l HCJIOBHEUeJIb ~ a O r O yqe6HOrO noc06H5I - cnoc06-

CTBOBaTb pa3BHTHIO HaBbIKOB pa3rOBOpHOH peqHH 060rameHHIO JIeKCHKH H


9HepreTHQeCKOrO HHcTHTyTa 3aHHMaIOInHXCH nopaCIllHpeHHOH n p o r p a M ~ 1 e

l laHHoe noco6He npe lJJla3HaQaeTCH nJIH cTy neHTOB acnHpaHTOB H3YQaIOIllHX pa3rOBOpHb[H aHr JIHHCKHH H3bIK a TaKLKe MOLKeT 6bITb HCnOJIb30-BaHO KaK JIeKCHQeCKHH cnpaBOllHHK. KHHra MOLKeT6hITb nOJIe3Ha nJIH I l lHpOKoro Kpyra JIHU H3yQ a l O l l ~ H X pa3rOBopHhIH aHrJIlfiiCKHH H3bIK c a ~ 1 C T O H -TeJIbHO.


About

about - near; by or on a person)e g Have you got any money about you?about - throughoute g I go about the country a great deal.be about to do something - be ready to do something; just

going toe g He was about to knock when the door suddenlyopened.What is she about to do now?what about ... ? - what concerning ... ? what regarding ... ?e g It s after twelve; what about lunch?accidentby accident - unexpectedly, by chancee g I met him quite by accident at the museum.accord

of one s own accord - by one s own wishe g No one forced him to take part in the discussion.He did it of his own accord.

accordancein accordance with - according toe g We must play the game in accordance with therules.


ccording toaccording to - in agreement with

e g You should work according to your plan.ccount

account for - explain in a satisfactory way; tell the cause oe g He was asked to account for his absence.of no account - of no value; not importante g These errors are of no account.His opinion is of no account in this matter.on account of - because oe g We could not start on account o the thunderstorm.on no account - under no circumstancese g On no account you are to touch the electric appliance with wet hands.take into account - consider, take into consideratione g You should take into account all these facts.

dditionin addition to - as well as, besides

e g Margaret is studying French In addition to German.dv nce

advanced in years - old, no l o n ~ r younge g He was well advanced In years when he startedhis new experiments.in advance - beforehande g I paid a month s rent In advance.

gefor ages, it s ages - for a long time

e g I haven t seen you for agesIt s ages since I saw you last.

he dahead of - in fron t oe g He ran up the stairs ahead o me.


ahead of time - before an agreed or appointed timee g I always like to arrive at my offiGe a little aheadof time.go ahead - 1 make progresse g Things are going ahead.2 move forward, go one g Go ahead and tell them that I anl coming.

irin 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 otherse g I don t like that girl. She puts on airs.

l lafter all - I considering everything

e g He is not a bad student after all.2 in spite of everythinge 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 timee g Don t speak all at once.all in all - on the wholee g It will take you four hours all in all to do thiswork.all of a sudden - suddenlye g All of a sudden the lights \vent out.all over - 1 everywhere ine R People all over the world want peace.2 finished, conlpletede g The nleeting was all over when I got there.all set - readye g Our plans for travelling are all set.all the better - even better; much bettere g If we plant early it will be all the better for ourgarden.all the same - 1 of complete indifferencee g It is all the saIne to me whether we go to thepictures today or tomorrow.


2 despite the fact; neverthelesse g All the san1e I should enter College if I \vere you.

t all - 10 the stnallest degree used in a negative context)e g I don't like that performance at all.

t all costs - regardless of obstaclese g We must arrive in time at all costs.t all events - by all means; regardless of difficultiese.g . I-Ie \vas detertnined to succeed at all events.be all in - be tired, exhaustede p; I had a hard day at the office. I'm all in.first of l l before anything elsee g We should help him first of all.Not t all - 1) a polite anS\\Ter to an expression of gratitudee f{ "Thank you very much." - "Not at all " (Don'tmention it.)2) you are \velcomee g "Excuse me for troubling you so early." - "Not atall. "once (and) for l l for the last or only timee g It's good time to settle this question once (and)for all.

rms

with open arms \varn1Iy, with a hearty welcomee g He was received with open arnlS when he returnedto his home town.

asas 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) placee g I ll go with you as far as the post-office.

as far as one is concerned - to the extent that one is concernede g As far as I am concerned we can leave on Sunday.as it were - so to speak, in other wordse g He became, as it were, a kind of hero in ourto\vn.as (or so) long as - 1 provided thate g We'll stay in the country as long as the weatherkeeps fine.


2) for a long timee g You may play here as long as you like.as soon as - immediately, not later thane g We shall start as soon as the sun rises.as to (or for - with regard toe g As to for) me I do not agree with you.as yet - up to no\ve g There has been no change as yet.

tat best - under the best circurnstances

e g At best, the men \vill finish the job next week.at last - finallye 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 maximume g I shall return this book in two days at most.at once - immediatelye g She told him to leave the room at once.at times occasionallye g At times Bob does much better work.

ttendattend to - 1) take care of

e g The patient was attended to by the best doctor atthe hospital.2 see toe g My secretary attends to my mail.

Bb ck

be back - returne g Henry will be back in a few minutes.

b dtoo bad - a pity

e g It s too bad you can t come to see us.


be tbeat around (or about) the bush - avoid saying openlye g Instead of answering my question, he began tobeat around (or about) the bush.

becausebecause of - on account ofe g He stayed at home because of the rain.

beforebefore long - soone g I hope to see you before long.long before - a long time earliere g He left long before the end of the play.

beginto begin with - in the first place, firstlye g To begin with, he is too young or that job.

besidebe beside oneself (with) - be extremely excited

e g She was beside herself with fear.it

a (little) bit - a littlee g Just a minute, let me think a bit.not a bit - not in the leaste g When I asked her whether she \vas tired she ans\vered: Not a bit.

blackin black and white - in writing

1

e g I won t believe it unless I see it n black and\vhite.


luebe 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 rarelye g A thing like that happens once In a blue moon.

r ingbring to reason - convince through logical argument

e g It was very difficult to bring Mary to reason. Sheis very stubborn.bring up children - take care o and traine g Mrs. Brown has brought up two children.

rokenbroken English - incorrect and imperfect English

e g This foreigner speaks such broken English that Ifound it difficult to understand him.rush

brush up on) - review, learn it up againe g Before I go to France I must brush up on) myFrench.

urstburst into crying (or laughing) - begin to cry or laugh)suddenly

e g The ne\vs seen1ed so rid iculous to her that sheburst out laughing.burst into tears (or laughter) - begin to cry or laugh)suddenlye g The little girl burst into tears or laughter).

utbut for - i it were not for

e g But for your help, we should have failed.


nothing but - nothing excepte g I saw nothing but the waves and heard nothingbut the wind.

byby and by - soon, before long

e g Father will be home from the office by and by.by and large - in generale g Mary has some faults but by and large she's anice girl.by oneself - 1 alonee g I have to leave early. My little daughter is by herself at home now.2) \\'ithout helpe g He made the bookshelf all by himself.

bygoneslet bygones be bygones - let the past be forgotten

e g Irene, he said, let bygones be bygones.

cc ll

call in - ask to come, summon a specialist, a doctor)e g Your father is very ill You should call in a doctor.call (something) off - cancele g Mi llie called her party off because her mother fellill.calion - visite g Robert was not at home when I called on him.

call out (names, items) - speak loudlye g He called out my name three times, but somehowI failed to hear him.call up - telephone, ring upe g I'll call you up (at) about seven o'clock.

2


calmcalm down - become quiete g Since there \vas no reason to get nervous excited),I asked her to calm down.The sea calmed down after the storm.

carrycarried away - 1 inspired, overcome by emotione g The audience \vas completely carried away by herbeautifu voice.

2 transported, removede g The wounded men were carried away.carry out - fulfil, completee g He promised that he would carry out all experiments in the laboratory.case

in case of - in the event ofe g Refer to your dictionary in case of difficulty.c st

be (or look) cast down - be or look) sad or depressede g He seemed to be cast down as a result of his failure at the examination.catch

catch cold - become sick with a colde g If I sit in a draught I always catch cold.catch fire - begin to burne g Be careful with that match. That straw catches fireeasily.catch up (with) - overtakee g It ll take him some time to catch up with the restof the group.We walked very fast and she couldn t catch upwith us.

13


chal lceby chance - accidentally, by accident

e g If by chance you see Henry, tell him I want tosee him.change

change - put on different clothese g It won t take me long to change.for a change - for varietye g I'ln tired of goi ng to the pictures every Sunday.Let s go to the theatre for a change.

ch rgebe in charge of - be responsible for

e g Who is in charge of this exhibition?free of charge - free, without coste g Medical services are free of charge n the SovietUnion.take charge of - look aftere g Henry will take charge of this department \vhileJack is a\vay.

comecome across - meet or find unexpectedlye g Last \veek I came across a rare book at the library.come easy (or naturally) to one - be simple for one to door to learn

e g Learning COines easy (or naturally) to Helen.come from - be born and reared ine g "Where does that man come from?" - :'He comesfrom London."come on - 1 hurry, make hastee g Come on, boys Don t lag behind.2 come alonge g Come on to the pictures with mecome true - prove to be correct, happen to be truee g Some day your dream will come true.come what may - despite whatever may happene g Come what may, shall join the expedition.

14


comm ndhave a good command of - have skill and fluency Ine g He has a good command of English.

commonin common - sharing the same interestse g They should get along well together because theyhave much in common.

contr ryon the contrary - just the oppositee g He s not lazy, on the contrary, he IS very diligent.

countcount on - rely on

e g You can always count on my assistance.course

of course - certainly, naturallye g Do you study hard? - Of course, do.crack

a hard nut to crack - a very difficult problem, person orthing to deal \vithe g This problem s a hard nut to crack.He always seemed to me a hard nut to crack.crack a joke - make a joke, say amusing thingse g John cracked several jokes from time to time.

crycry over spilt milk - weep about something that s unalterablee g You can t have your lost money back, so it s nouse crying over spilt milk.

5


upcup 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 justmy cup of tea.

d teout-of-date - gone out of fashion

e g That dance used to be very popular but no\v it isout-of-date.up-to-date - modern, newe g This technical article IS not up-to-date. It waspublished some years ago.

d yall day long - the whole day

e g It has been raining all day long.day by day - graduallye g Day by day he seems to gro\v a little strongerafter his illness.day in and day out - day after daye g He does the same thing day in and day out.have (or take) the day off - be free from \vork, have ortake) a holidaye g He took a few days off to see his parents.one of these days - in a fe\v days, some time in the futuree g She ll leave for the North one of these days.rainy day - a period of scarcity and wante g One should put a little money aside for a rainyday.

some day - at some time in the futuree g I l l tell you all about it SOllle day.the other day - a few days agoe g We Inet Jack in the park the other day.

desp irbe in despair (about) - lose all hope

e g Mrs. Wells was in despair about her child s h ealth.6


inedine in - eat at homee.g. On Sundays we always dine in.dine out - eat away from home in a restaurant or hotele.g. No, we were not at home last night. We dined

out for a change.o

do a favour - do someone a kindnesse.g. He did me a great favour by coming today.do a place - visit a place and see all objects of intereste.g. Have you done Paris yet?Did you do the British Museum?do harm - 1) damagee.g. The storm did much harm on land and sea.2) injure or hurt bodily or morallye.g. Some hard work wouldn t do him any harm.do justice - treat fairlye.g. To do him justice, we must admit that his inten-tions were good.do one's best - do everything in one s po\vere.g. I m sure you'll do your best to help them.do one's hair - arrange one s hair This expression l usedonly by girls nd women.)e.g. She had her hair done at the hairdresser's.

do over - do again, repeate.g. Please do that exercise over until it is perfect.do someone good - benefit, have some good resulte.g. This fresh air will do you good after being in thehouse all day.do the room (flowers, window, etc.) - arrange, cleane.g. Will you do the room while I do the flowers?do well - 1) make progresse.g. She s doing well in English.2) keep good healthe.g. Mother and child are both doing well now.do with - put up with, managee.g. I could do with a little less money.do without - get along withoute.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 yourmistakes.will do - \vill suite g This room will do me quite well.

doubtin doubt - not certain

e g When in doubt about the meaning of a word, consult your dictionary.no doubt - doubtlesslye g No doubt he wanted to help you.

without doubt - definitely, unquestionablye g Don't be anxious, he will come without doubt.

drivedrive at - hint, mean

e g I could not make out what she was driving at.drop

drop in - visit infornlallye g Why don't you drop in on your way home?

drop the subject - cease to talk aboute g Let's drop the subject and talk of something else.

dutybe off duty - be not at work, be not at service

e g The nurse will be off duty at 8 o'clock. She willgo home then.be on duty - be at work, at servicee g Who is on duty today?

e gerbe eager (to do something) - be very anxious (to do something)

e g Everybody was eager to go skating.8


earbe all ears - be very attentivee g Go on speaking, I am all earslbe up to one s ears - be immersed ine g This month am up to my ears in work.by ear - by sound; without ever reading printed music ofthe pieces playede g She plays the piano by ear.give (an) ear to l i s ten attentivelye g do wish you would give an ear to my remarks.have an ear for - have a keen perception fore g Henry has a good ear for music.

e rnestin earnest - serious; not jokinge g Do you think Sam said that In earnest or was hejoking?

easefeel (or be) at ease - feel (or be) comfortable, relaxede g She is quite at ease in your company.

easyeasy going - amiable in manner, easy to get on withe g Alice is an easy going person who gets along wellwi th peap 1take it easy - don t trouble much about thingse g Take it easy, we have plenty of time.

elseor else - otherwisee g Hurry, or else you ll be latE;ever

ever so much - very muche g Thank you ever so much for this book.9


everyevery now and then - from time to time

e g I meet him every now and then at the club.every other - every second onee g The buses stop at every other corner.

every other day - every second daye g We go to the swimming pool every other day.in every way - in all respectse g This composition is in every way better than that.

extentto 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 one g Would you mind giving an eye to my gardenwhile I am on holiday?keep an eye on - watch, guard carefullye g Would you keep an eye on my child while I goshopping?see with half an eye - see easily because it is obviouse g I can see with half an eye that you are not at allwe 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 ormy) eyes in work.

Ff ce

in the face of - confronted bye g What could we do in the face of all those hardships?meet face to face - confront one anothere g Coming out of the bus we met face to face.

2


f ctin fact - really, indeed

e g Fred is a nice boy. In fact, he is one of the nicestboys in our group.f ll

fall asleep - pass suddenly frO T a waking to a sleepingstatee g She was very tired and fell asleep at once.falJ beh ind - 1 lag behinde g I ve fallen behind with my work lately.

2 be unable to keep up with otherse g He always falls behind when we go uphill.fall ill - become ille g He fell ill last week and has been in bed everSInce.fall in love (with) - become enamoured withe g Joe fell in love with an actress.

fall to pieces - disintegratee g The vase fell down on the floor and fell to pieces.f r

by far - to a great degreee g This is by far the best painting.

far and wide - in many distant placese g The explorer S name is known far and wide.so far - up to now; until nowe g So far this month we have learned four lessons.

fedbe fed up with - be bored to the point of irritatione g I am fed up with his carelessness.

feelf e ~ like doing - be inclined to

e g Do you feel like taking a walk or are you tootired?21


figurefigure on - 1 intende.g. was figuring on leaving at 8 o'clock.2) expect, rely one.g. am figuring on your support.figure out - 1 understand, make oute.g. The article is so badly written that can t figureout what the writer means exactly.2 calculatee.g. How long did it take you to figure out the cost ofoperating that device?figure up - add up, calculate

e.g. Ask the waiter to figure our bill up. want toleave.fill

fill in - complete usually said of something left blank ormissing)e.g. You must fill in the questionaire (the form).fill up - fill to the top, make quite fulle.g. Fill up a glass, please

f infault-finding - critical; nagginge.g. He is so fault-finding that it is difficult to \vork

with him.find fault with - be critical, nagginge.g. She always finds fault with her typist.find out - get the informatione.g. Try to find out all the details, please.f inger

have a subject at one's fingers' ends (or finger-tips)know thoroughly, have at one s commande.g. Why should you be afraid of the finals? You haveeverything at your fingers' ends.have (or put) a finger in every pie - like to be concernedor mixed in every affair generally in a neddlesome way)e.g. This young lady always likes to have a finger inevery pIe.

22


f irstat first - at the beginning

e g At first I was nervous, but in a few minutes Ifelt relaxed.at first sight - at first glancee g I did not like that man at first sigh t but now Ihave changed my opinion.first - for the first timee g When did you first see that film?

first of all - before anything elsee g We shall first of all discuss what to do next.from the first - from the starte g I liked the story from the first.

i tas) 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 fore g That man is not fit for heavy work.

by or in) fits and starts - in sudden outbursts of energy;irregularlye g It serves you right; you always do things by orin) fits and starts, John.fi t in with - accord withe g How will my arrangements for holidays fit in withyours?

ixix up 1 repair

e g Can you fix my radio-set up?2 arrangee g Please fix up your room for her In the morning.Please, fix up your hair tie).3 settle di fferences, a quarrele g We have fixed up our little differences satisfactorily.

fonbe or become) fond of - like; take pleasure in

e g I have become very fond of your children.She is fond of painting.3


ooton foot - walking, not riding

e g Our car is being repaired now, so we went all theway home on foot.or

for all I know - as far as I knowe g For all know, she may already have left forIndia.

for all that - in spite of all that has been said, done, etc.e g He says that can t do it, but will do it for allthat

for certain - for suree g don t know for certain whether it is true or not.

for ever - for alwayse g She returned to her home town for ever.

for good - for alwayse g They have gone to the North for good.for my part - as to mee g For my part I have no objection to your plan.for nothing - 1 without reasone g They C]uarreUed for nothing.2 in vaine g We had all our trouble for nothing.3 without coste g I got this little booklet for nothing.

ullin full swing - at the height of activity

e g The party was in full swing when we arrived.Everybody was having a good tin1e.

unin 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 boyl24


gain

gain (in weight) - put on (wE ight)e.g. I have gained two pounds this summer.

generalin general- on the wholee.g. In general he is quite a satisfactory student.

getget - 1 used in the sense of becomee.g. Sit by the fire and you will soon get warm.2) used in the sense of catch or understande.g. I don t quite get what you mean.get accustomed to - get used toe.g. He soon got accustomed to his work at the factory.get along - 1 managee.g. We can t get along without water and food.2 make progress, succeede.g. How are you getting along at school?get along in years - grow quite olde.g. Her grandfather is getting along in years.get along with - live or \vork in harmony withe.g. He gets along well with everybody in the office.get behind - fall behind in one s normal schedule of workor studiese.g. I was ill and got behind in my school work. Nowit is difficult to catch up.get better (or worse) - become better (or worse)e.g. Is your headache getting better or worse?

get down - descende.g. Mrs. Alling told Jimmy to get down from the tree.get down to (work, business) - attend seriously toe.g. The holidays are over; we must get down to workagain.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 troublee g He will get into trouble if he comes late again.get off - 1) removee g I can t get the ring off my finger.

2) leave or alight from a vehiclee 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, succeede g How are you getting on in physics this term?get on in years - grow very olde g My dog is getting on in years.get on one's nerves - make one nervouse 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 vehiclee 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 gotover it.get rid of - get free ofe g It took me a week to get rid of my cough.

get through - 1) finishe g Let me use your pen when you get through withyour writing.

2) pass a course or examinatione g Jack got through all subjects except chemistry.get to a place - arrive ate g It was very late when I got to my friend's house.get up - 1) stand upe g He got up from the chair.

2) arise from a bede g She gets up at seven a.m. and her children get upa t seven thirty.

get up out of the wrong side of the bed (or get out of bedon the wrong side) - arise in a bad or unpleasant moode g You are bad tempered today. You Inust have gotten up out of the wrong side of the bed.

26


get used to - get accustomed toe.g. I can t get used to hot climate.giv

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 childe.g. Jackson's wife gave birth to her second child yesterday.give in - submite.g. Keep on trying, don t give ingive rise to - causee.g. The blockade gave rise to widespread misery.give up - 1) abandon, stop doinge.g. Henry says he is going to give up smoking.2) surrendere.g. The enemy gave up almost without resistance.go

be going to do something - intende.g. How long is she going to stay n France?be on the go - be very busy and activee.g. Helen is so tired. She is always on the go.go along with - accompanye.g. I'll go along with you as far as the museum.go away -leave, departe.g. When is your husband going away?go down - 1) become lower when speaking bout prices)e.g. Prices of all farm products are expected to godown S0011.2) be rememberede.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 beforee.g. His marks at school are going from bad to \vorse.27


go in for - have a hobby, specialize ine g My brother goes in for football, but go in morefor tennis and basket-ball.go into effect - become effectivee g The new time-table will go into effect next month.

go (or look) into the matter (or details) - examine carefully, discusse g Let s go into the matter (or details) and make afinal decision.go on - 1 continuee g I hope it won t go on raining all day.2 perseveree g Go on with your work3) passe g As time went on, she became impatient.4 happene g All people want to know what is going on in theworld.go out - 1 cease burninge g The match went out in the wind.

2 leave one s residence for entertainmente g Paul goes out a great deal lately.go over - 1 check, examinee g The teacher went over the quiz and discussed thestudents mistakes.2 re-study, repeat carefullye g Go over your home \vork again: I m sure you'llfind some mistakes in it.go round - pay a visite g I went round to see him last night.go round (or around) - be enough in number or amounte g I should like to buy that thing but I haven't gotenough money to go (a)round.go through with - complete, bring to an ende g I don't think Roy will go through with his plan intime.go up - 1 ascend, come up

8

e g I saw him on the escalator, he was going up andI was going down.2 be builte g New buildings are going up everY\\l'here in ourtown.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, matche g This tie does not go with my suit.2 courte g Nick went with Janet for about a year and nowthey say he is going to marry her.go without - manage without, endure the lack ofe g Cut off by the storm they often had to go withoutfood.it goes without saying - it is quite obviouse g It goes without saying that she is right in thisrespect.goo

be good at (something) - be quick at learninge g He is good at mathematics and physics.be on good terms with (somebody) - be on friendly termse g We have always been on good terms with ourneighbours, the Browns.good-natured - kind, having a good naturee g Your brother is a good-natured fellow; we getalong quite well with him.good of you - nice kind) of youe g It was very good of you to help me.

have a good time - enjoy oneselfe g We all had a good time at Jane s party last Sun-day.no good - uselesse g My pen is no good. Give me yours, please.

h bitbe in the habit of - have the habit ofe g He is in the habit of drinking tea with all hismeals.fall into a habit - get into a habit of doing somethinge g While living in the country, I fell into the habitof getting up very early.

29


h ndat first hand - from the original sourcee.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-madee.g. Are your socks knitted by hand or machine-made?close at hand - 1 quite neare.g. Our canteen is close at hand.2 soon to occure.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 heavyfor me to move it alone.hand in - give, submite.g. Please, hand in your home work at once.offhand - immediately, without thinking more about ite.g. I can t answer your question offhand.old hand - experienced persone.g. She is an old hand in her profession.on the one hand ... on the other hand - used to indicatecontrasted points 0 viewe.g. On the one hand, I d like to go to the museumwith you; on the other hand, I don t want to miss thefootball nlatch.try one s hand - test one s abilitye.g. Have you ever tried your hand at writing articles?wash one s hands of - decline all responsibility fore.g. The boy does not obey me; I m going to wash myhands of him.

h rdbe hard of hearing - be partly deafe.g. Speak louder, please, because I m hard of hearing.be hard on (somebody) - treat (someb01y) severelye.g. You are being too hard on the man - he did not

mean any harm.be hard up - be in need of money

3

e.g. Ever since Smith lost his job, the Smiths havebeen hard up.


hard-and-fast (principles, rules, etc.) - rigid, that cannot bechanged or adapted to circumstancese.g. Our office has hard-and-fast rules against smoking.have hard (or bad) luck - be unfortunatee.g. Tom has had a lot of hard luck lately.have

have a bite - have a snacke.g. I'm hungry. Let s have a bitehave had enough - have eaten enoughe.g. "Will you have some more pudding?" - "No, thanks,I have had enough of it)."have it in one - be capable ofe.g. He has it in him to win.have nothing to do with - not to be concerned withe.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 shewill have her own way.have to - must, be obliged toe.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 discouragede.g. When you are in danger, the most important thingis never to lose your head.make head or tail of it - be unable to understand it inthe leaste.g. The article was so badly written that I could notmake head or tail of it.turn one's head - cause one to lose one's mental balancee.g. You are doing so well at this that I'm afraid success may turn your heads.

hearhear from - receive news, letters frome.g. Have you heard from your friend recently?

3


he rtat heart - deep inside the heart

e g He may look rough, but he is a kind man atheart.break one's heart - cause a great sorrowe g Her refusal to marry him almost broke his heart.downhearted - sad, discouragede g I didn t win the prize but 1 am not downhearted.from the bottom of one's heart - with all one's hearte g I thanked hitn from the bottom of my heart.have one's heart go into one's mouth - feel great feare g When I heard that strange noise in the darknessmy heart went into my mouth.heart-to-heart talk - friendly talk in which nothing is hiddene. . Now that we have had that little heart-to-hearttalk, we could clear the matter up and arrive at anunderstanding.learn (or know) by heart - learn by memorye g learnt that piece of poetry by heart.right in the heart of - right in the centre ofe 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 wasonly joking.with all one's heart - sincerelye g With all my heart I wish you good luck

heelsbe at one's heels - follow closely

e g My dog is always at my heels.high

look high and low for - search for something everywheree g The detectives looked high and low for the missing jewels.

holdhold good - remain valid, effective

e g Does this principle still hold good?3


hold true (of) - be true or valide g What told you about his lack of training alsoholds true of his brother.

hombe (or feel) home-sick for - miss home, be sad because one

is away from homee g Do you feel home-sick for your native country?for home - for one s native countrye g We left India for home.make one feel at home - make one feel at ease, comfort

ablee g The Greens can always make their friends feel athome at once.our

after hours - after the regular or scheduled timee g You needn t stay in the office after hours.at all hours - at almost any timee g His mother was so sick that they were up at allhours last week.keep good hours - arise and go to bed early, at reasonablehourse g Schoolchildren should keep good hours.

keep late (or early) hours - habitually go to bed late (orearly)e g He cannot keep such late hours without feelingthe ill effect in time.the small hours - the few hours after midnight, until fouro clock a.m.e g We waited till the small hours in the morning,but he did not call.

urrybe 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.


in

the ins and outs - all the details or complexitiese g I should like to know all the ins and outs o thesubject matter.

indoorsindoors - inside a housee g They spent a lot o tinle indoors - and it was

very bad for their health.inst nce

for instance - for examplee g There are many Oriental words n English, orinstance, kimono.inste d

instead of - in place oe g Joe wanted to play tennis instead o going for awalk.Jack

Jack of all trades - one who does many things fairly wellbut is not an expert at anythinge g There is an old saying that a Jack of all tradesis very often a master of none.

jokein joke - as a jokee g It was done in joke.no joke - a serious mattere g It s no joke at all.playa joke on someone) - make a jokee g Let s playa joke on Mary and hide her bag.4


justjust - 1 exactlye.g. It is just what I mean.2 only

e.g. Just look at him3 pleasee.g. Just shut the door, will you?

K

k pkeep away (from) - remain away (from)e.g. The doctor advised him to keep away from allsweets and other fattening things.keep bad time - keep incorrect time when speaking ofwatches or clocks)

e.g. His alarm clock keeps bad time. It always gains.keep body and soul together - keep alivee.g. George hardly earns enough money to keep bodyand soul together.keep good time - keep correct time when speaking ofwatches r clocks)e.g. Your watch keeps good time. My watch alwaysloses.keep off - stay away frome.g. Don't walk along the lawn; keep off the grasskeep (on) doing (something) - continue to do (something)e.g. He kept working at the problem until he found asolution.keep one's temper - retain one's self-controle.g. Only mother could keep her temper under suchirritable circumstances.keep one's word - fulfil one's promisee.g. John kept his word and arrived exactly at the timehe had promised.keep (somebody) waiting - cause one to waite.g. "I hope I haven't kept you waiting, she said.keep the house - manage or take care of a homee.g. It was very hard for Alice to keep the house.

35


keep track of - keep in touch withe g We read newspapers regularly so as to keep trackof 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, somewhate g She looks kind of pale after her illness.Nothing of the kind - an emphatic deniale g "Did you invite Jim? - "Nothing of the kind "know

know what's what - understand thoroughlye g He is a smart young man. He knows what'swhat

l teof late - latelye g She has been working very hard of late.

l zylazy-bones - a lazy persone g Jack is lazy-bones, no wonder he gets bad marks.

le stnot in the least - not at alle g Am I troubling you?" - "Not In the least."

le veleav.e (something) out - omit, neglect to put (something)In

6e g The typist has left out two words from the paragraph.


l f tleft (or be left) - remaininge g There are ten minutes left before the bell.

likand the like - and so forthe g She studies music, painting and the like.as you like - as you wishe 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 that2 similare g Where could I get a dictionary like that?3 suche g am very fond of books like that.4 thuse g Hold your pen like that.look like - resemblee g He looks like his mother, doesn t he?should (or WOUld like - expresses wishese g I should like to have a cup of tea.Would you like to take part in the discussion?littl

(for) a little while - not longe g Please, stay with me (for) a little while.little by little - gradually; by degreese g Little by little I got used to cold climate.not a little - a great deale g He was not a little upset when he heard the news.

long for - desire, wish fore g I long for a rest.

lon

of long standing - established for a considerable timee g The friendship between Mr. Wales and Miss Brownis of long standing.37


looklook after - 1 take care ofe.g. Who looked after you when you were ill?2 follow with the eyese.g. They looked after the train as it left the station.look a person up - callan, pay a visite.g. Look me up next you're in Londonlook a thing up - search for it, as to look up a word in adictionary, consult a reference booke.g. I spent an hour looking words up in my dictionary.look for - search fore.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 againste.g. "Look outl" he exclaimed. "A car is comingl"los

lose - be going too slowly when speaking of watches orclocks)e.g. My watch loses two minutes a day.lose in weight) - grow thinnere.g. She lost two pounds last summer.lose one's temper - lose one's self-controle.g. There is no reason to lose your temper, Anne.lose one's way - be unable to find the right path or roade.g. We lost our way in the dark.lose track of - lose all contact withe.g. We lost all track of him.loss

be at a loss - be puzzled and perplexede.g. He was at a loss when I asked him about it anddid not know what to answer.lu k

be out-of-Iuck - be unfortunate, unlucky

38

e.g. When I tried to get tickets in advance I was outof-luck.


be lucky - be fortunatee g I was lucky enough to buy this handbook in time.

Mm ke

make a fuss - be in a state of nervous activity or excitemente g She always makes a great fuss about trifles.

make a living - earn one s livinge g He had to make his own living ever since he wasseventeen.make arrangements - arrange somethinge g We ll need a car at six o'clock. Will you makearrangements, pleasemake both enos meet - live within one s incomee g The family is having a hard time making bothends meet.

make certain (that) - be sure (that)e g Make certain that both doors are locked beforeyou leave.make clear - clarify, explaine g I tried to make clear to him that we were notresponsible for those errors but he refused to listen.

make friends - become friendly withe g During his holiday Robert made friends with everybody on the boat.make one's mouth water - fill one with desire or envye g It made my mouth water when I saw hirn eatingthat juicy orange.make out - 1 distinguish by sighte g I made out a figure in the distance.2 understande g Speak louder, I can t make out what you aresaying.make room for - leave or provide space fore g I moved aside to make room for another passenger.

make (somebody) do (something) - compel, persuadee g Make John repeat everything once more.make up (for) - compensate (for)e g We studied twice as much to make up for thetime lost through illness.

9


manya good (or a great) many - manye g We have been there a good (or a great) manytimes.

m tter

as a matter of fact - in fact; to tell the truthe g As a matter of fact we had only two \veeks atour disposal.it does not matter - it is of no importancee g It does not matter much if I do this work nexttime, does it? - Oh no, it does not matter at all.no matter - 1 of no importancee g It's no matter whether you get there early or late.2 regardless ofe g No matter how hard he tried he failed to do it intime.

there is nothing the matter (with ... ) - everything is allright (with ... )e g There is nothing the matter with me. am quitewell.Wha is (0 r what's) the matter (wi th ...)? - What is (orwhat's) the trouble (with ... ?e g What's the matter with Helen? She looks upset.meantime

in the meantime - meanwhilee g I'll leave for London in two days. In the meantime I've got to pack.means

by all means - certainly, in every possible waye g By all means invite Mary to the party.by means of - with the help ofe g We express our thoughts by means of words.by no means - not at all, definitely note g His answer is by no means satisfactory.40


m ss

get into a mess - get into troublee g He has got into a mess, we'll have to help himout.

mi lein the middle of - in the centre of

e g Suddenly our car stopped right In the middle ofthe road.min

mind - 1 pay attention toe g Mind what you are doing.2 be carefule 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 theconcert or stay at home.bear (or keep) in mind - keep in the memorye g 1 shall certainly bear in mind all those circumstances.

change one's mind - alter one's decision or purposee g hope you won't change your mind and visit uson your holiday?come to one's mind - occur toe g A sudden doubt came to his mind.cross one's mind - occur to, suggest itselfe g Suddenly a brillian t idea crossed my mind.have a good (or a great) mind to - be inclined toe g We have a good (or a great) mind to give up the",hole thing.make- up one's mind - come to a decisione g He made up his mind to go in for medicine.Never mind - 1 it does not mattere g "I have forgotten to bring your book." - Nevermind, 1 don't need it now."

2 don't worry about it41


e g Never mind what he said.set one s mind on - determinee g He has set up his mind on becoming an engineer.slip out of one s mind - slip out of one s memorye g Her new telephone number had slipped out of mymind.speak one s mind - to say exactly what one thinkse g I shall speak my mind at the next meeting.to one s mind - in one s opinione g To my mind he is not going to come at all.

mindedabsent-minded - forgetful, lost in thoughts

e g Bob is so absent-minded that he leaves his thingseverywhere.mix

mix up - confusee g Don t mix up these two words.

moremore or less - 1 somewhat

g Of course, I m more or less tired after such a longJourney.2 approximatelye g This trip will take hinl two weeks, more or less.once more - the second time

e g Say it once more, please.

n meby name - according to name

e g The teacher knows all her pupils by name.in the name of - on behalf ofe g Our professor spoke in the name of his colleagues.named after - be given at birth the same namee g The child was named after his father.

4


needin need of - having need ofe g Their plant is in need of specialists.

neitherneither ... nor - not this, not thate g It is neither cold nor warm today.

nextnext door - in the next house

e g He lives next door to me.next to - close toe g Who was sitting next to you at the concert?next to impossible - almost impossiblee g It is next to impossible to solve this problem.next to nothing - almost nothinge g They gave him next to nothing for his books.

notednoted for - famous fore g Greece is noted for its beautiful islands.

nowfrom now on - henceforthe g From now on try to speak only English at our lessons.now and then (or again) - occasionallye g I meet her now and then or again) at the club.now that - sincee g Now that we ve finished reading this book, let sdiscuss the details.up-to-now - till now, so fare g I have heard nothing from him up-to-now.num er

a great (or large, or good) number of - manye g A great number of people came to see the game.4


oo liged

be obliged to (somebody) for (something) - be thankful tosomebody for somethinge g Thank you very much. am much obliged to youfor your help.o

on and on - without stoppinge g She talked on and on telling us all about her garden in the country.on and off - irregularly, occasionally, froin time to timee 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?

orderin order - neat, carefully arrangede g His room is always in order.in order to (do something - for the purpose ofe g She ran across the street in order to catch the bus.out of order - not working properlye g Our telephone is out of order. May I use yours?

outout of - for reasons of

e g did it out of gratitude for all you had donefor me.out of breath - breathlesse g He was out of breath when he came up the stairs.out-of-doors - in the fresh aire g The doctor advised John to spend more time outof-doors.

out of practice - lacking in practice and skille g Tom was badly out of practice after his illness.out of work - unemployed, without worke g George has been out of work for three weeks.


overbe over - be finished, endede 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 overagain till was out of patience.owing

owing to - on account ofe g Owing to the thunderstorm we could not come Intime.

ppains

be at pains - take the trouble to do something)e g was at considerable pains to explain the realsituation to her.p rt

part and parcel - an integral parte g Toys are part and parcel of a New Year tree.take part in - participatee g Everybody took part in the discussion.

particularbe particular about - be not easily satisfied or pleasede g nn is very particular about her clothes.in particular - especiallye g did not mean anything in particular \vhenmentioned the situation.

perfectionto perfection - to the highest point available

e g He performed the role of Othello to perfection.5


pinsbe on pins and needles - be in a very nervous state

e g I am on pins and needles about my exams.

pityhave (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.

pl cein place of) - instead of)

e g Vegetable oil can be used in place of butter.point

be on the point of - be about toe g I was on the point of leaving when you called.point-blank - directly, flatlye g I invited her to dinner, but she refused to comepoint-blank.point of view - standpointe g From my point of view this suggestion is quiteacceptable.point out - indicatee g The teacher quickly pointed out all mistakes inhis composition.

to the point - to the main ideae g She asked me to speak to the point as we hadvery 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


pullpull in - arrive, enter a station or depot said pCl rticularlyof trains)e.g. The train was just pulling in when I met him atthe station.pull oneself together - get control of oneselfe.g. I was hurt, but I tried to pull myself together anddid not say a word.pull out l eave said particularly of trains)e.g. We saw Harry on the platform just when the.train was pulling out.

purposon purpose - intentionallye.g. I m sure he left his book at home on purpose.

putput aside ... (for) - 1 savee.g. You should put some money aside for emergen

CIes 2 put or move awaye.g. Put your book aside; I want to talk to you.put down - write down, put on papere.g. You d better put her telephone number down; soyou won t forget it.put off - postponee.g. The meeting was put off until next week.put out - extinguishe.g. Put your cigarette ou t before you put the lightout.put up with - endure, toleratee.g. I am not going to put up with your complaining

any longer.Q

qu stionbeyond question - indisputablye.g. Henry s modesty is beyond question.

47


in question - of whom (which) we are talkinge.g. The book in question is already out of print.out of the question - quite impossiblee.g. I can t do this work alone - it is out of the questionlsettle the question - decide upon, make cleare.g. I m tired of waiting. It s good time to settle thisquestion once and for all.qui t

quiet down - become quiet, calme.g. t first the children made a lot of nOIse thenthey seemed to quiet down.quit

quite a few - many, a lote.g. You have learnt quite a few verbs since lastmonth.

RR s

the three R s me ns reading, (w)riting nd (a)rithmeticwhich comprise the b sic elements of educ tione.g. Jim has completed the study of the three R s.rain

It never rains but it pours (proverb) - troubles never comesinglye.g. First Bill lost his job, then he fell ill; it neverrains but it pours.

r ndomat random - haphazardlye.g. I gave his address at random.48


r teat any rate - in any case, neverthelesse g She was not very frank, but at any rate she neverlied to me.

r therwould rather (do something) - more willinglye g He said he would rather stay at home than go to

the concert.regard

give one s regards - convey one s greetingse g Give my best regards to your family.in (or with) regard to - in (or with) respect toe g In (or with) regard to your last question, I ll makethe following statement.

rememberremember someone to - convey greetings from one personto anothere g Please, remember me to your brother.

respectin all (or this, or many, or some) respects - in all (or

this, or many, or some) wayse g Jim resembles his father in all respects.She is right in many respects.in (or with) respect to - with reference to, concerninge g We have good news in (or with) respect to yourpromotion.

restthe rest (of) - the remaindere g I spent the rest of my holiday in the country.right

right away (or now) - at once, without delaye g We must leave right away (or now).

9


right here (or there) - exactly here (or there)e g I ll be waiting for you right here at 5 p.m.rin

ring off - end a telephone calle g I m sorry but I have to ring off now.ring up - telephonee g I ll ask Henry to ring you up at 10.

roundcome round and (or to) come to see a friende g Come round and see me this evening.round-about - indirecte g She told me In a round-about way about her plansfor the future.

rulas a rule - generallye g As a rule proper names do not have an article.

runin the long run - in the final counte g I m sure we shall find this book in the long run.run across - meet or find unexpectedlye g ran across some old letters when was lookingfor something else.run a temperature - continue to have a high temperaturee g John was running a temperature and had to stayin bed.run into - 1 collide withe g Mr. Blake ran into a gate.2 meet by chancee g Who(m) do you think I ran into yesterday? Our

old friend Jack.run out of - exhaust one s supply ofe g They ran out of gas on their \\ ay to the country.running

running - in succession, one after the othere g She was sitting over her report for three hoursrunning.

5


rushin 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 fromworke g It is very difficult to get on a bus during rushhours.

Ss fe

safe and sound - not harmed or injured; in good healthe g All students have returned safe and sound from theexpedition.

s kefor the sake of - for the welfare or the benefit of

e g I did it for the sake of helping my friends.s y

to say nothing of - not to mentione g 1 am having a hard time with biology, to say nothing of physics.

scheduleahead of schedule - earlier than plannede g We finished our work today ahead of schedule.behind schedule - later than plannede g Work at that housing project is already ten daysbehind schedule.on schedule - punctual, at the expected timee g If my train is on schedule, I ll be home by 7o clock.

seecome (or go) to see a person - come or go) to a person splace

e g Come to see me on Sunday, will you?5


see - understande g I can easily see what you mean.see about - 1 considere g She promised to see about your request as soon aspossible. 2 attend to, arrangee g The secretary sees about his appointments.see a person home (or to a place) - accompany, go withe 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-byee g We all went to the railway station to see Peteroff.see a person (out) to the door - accompany as far as thedoore g Just a moment, John will see you out to the door.see into - investigatee g I ll see into the matter tomorrow.see over - inspect, examinee g We want to see over the house before we decideto rent it.see stars - become dizzy or unconscious as a result of ablow on the heade g For a moment, when I hit my head against theiron gate, I saw stars.see to - attend toe g My telephone is out of order, will you see to it?

serveIt (or that) serves him right - It is a just and deservedpunishment

e g That serves him right, that s what he deserves.servi e

at one s service - at one s disposition or disposale g We had a room and a car at our service all thetime we were visiting them.be of service - help, be of usee g If I can be of any service to you, just let meknow.

5


setset about - starte g After dinner Mary set about cleaning the room.set aside - reserve, savee 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 \\lorke g You d better set to work at once.sh ke

shake hands (with) - greet a person by a clasping of thehandse g When friends meet they usually shake hands.shoe

be in a person s shoes - be in the same circumstancese g If I were in your shoes, I would work harder.show

show a person a)round - take him and show all placesof intereste g The chief engineer sho\\Ted us (a)round the plant.show a person in - go with a person into a roome g We showed a visitor in.show up - appeare g Alice showed up at the last moment.

sickbe sick of - be tired ofe g I m sick of his excuses.

sideside by side - by the side of one another, close together

e g They sat quietly side y side without speaking.5


si htat first sight - when first seen

e g Jim liked Mary at first sight.in sight - in view, visiblee g When the train emerged from the tunnel, thebeautiful mountains came in sight.know a person by sight - be familiar with a person sappearance onlye g I have never been introduced to him, but I knewhim well by sight.out of sight - not within the field of vision, not to beseene g The train moved out of sight very quickly.see the sights - see places of interest (buildings, features ofthe place, etc).e g We had little time to see all the sights of London.

sitsit up - 1 sit erecte 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 wasrunning a temperature.My husband likes to sit up late playing chess.

sl pnot to sleep a wink - not to sleep at all

e g I was so overtired that I did not sleep a winklast night.s

so as to - in order toe g We spoke in a whisper so as not to wake them up.so far - up to nowe g So far she has done very well at school.so-so - average, neither very good, nor very bade g Mary liked the film but I thought it was so-so.so to speak - speaking in general termse g He is so to speak the chief of this society.

5


soonersooner or later - ultimately, some daye g The truth will come out sooner or later

speakspeak out (or up) - 1 speak loudly and clearlye g Speak out or up) please. I don t hear a word.2 speak freely without hesitation orfeare g If you don t approve of it, why don t you speakout or up)?speak well of - praise, approve ofe g Everyone speaks well of our ne\v typist.

spiritsbe in high (or good) spirits - be gay, cheerfule g Harold is very cheerful, he is always tn high spir

its.be in low (or bad) spirits - be depressed, sade g You are in low spirits no\v, wonder why?spit

in spite of - notwithstandinge g I did not feel sleepy in spite of late hours.

spoton the spot - at this very) place and timee g He offered me a good job and agreed on thespot.

spuract on the spur of the moment - act without any previous

intentione g Alex did not mean to say that. He said it on thespur of the moment. 55


st ndas matters (or things) stand now - as is the state of af-fairs

e g As matters (or things) stand now we can t expecthim till Friday.it stands to reason (that. ) - it is perfectly clear and logical (that ... )

e g It stands to reason that this invention \\Till introduce some changes.stand - endure, beare g I cannot stand this noise any longer.stand on one s own feet - not to be dependent on others

helpe g At last Sam was able to stand on his o\vn feetagain.st y

stay in - remain at homee g Let s stay in to-night and read instead of going tothe cinema.stay out - be away from homee g Jack stayed out last night till one o clock a.m.stay up - not to go to bede g We stayed up until midnight.

stepstep by step - gradually, by degrees

e g A foreign language must be learned step by step.step on it - hurry, make hastee g If you don t step on it \ve shall not get to thestation in time.step on one s toes - offend a persone g The speaker had to be very careful not to step onanyone s toes.take steps - take measurese g You must take steps to improve your health.

stickstick out - protrude, project beyond

e g I could see the letter sticking out of his pocket.56


stick to - be loyal, faithfule g Friends should stick to one another.He must stick to his promise.stone

a rolling stone - a person who never remains long in oneoccupation, situation, etc.e g There s a proverb: A rolling stone gathers nomoss.storm

storm in a tea cup - a lot of fuss about a triflee g It all seemed to me just a storm in a tea cup.str ight

straight away - immediately, without delaye g He told me straight away that he would not come.strike

strike a match - ignite a matche g It was so dark that John had to strike a match norder to see his watch.strip

strip - undress, remove one s clothese g The doctor told him to strip to the waist.succession

in succession - one coming after another (when speaking ofpersons or things)e g We work seven hours in succession.Bob ale three cakes in succession.suppose

be supposed to - be expected toe g He s supposed to arrive at five.supposing (that .. ) - suppose (that .. )e g Supposing it rains, \vhat shall we do?

7


sur

be sure to do something) - be certain (to do something)e g He is sure to come in time.for sure - definitely, without faile g He said he would give us his final decision for sureby Sunday.make sure - be convincede g Make sure it is done correctly.to be sure - certainly, without any doubte g To be sure, Tom is an excellent student.

swingin full swing - at the maximum point of activitye g The party was in full swing by ten o'clock: everybody was having a fine time.

Tt ke

take - 1 accompanye g Shall I take you to the station in my car?2 carrye g Will this bus take me to the airport?3 board a vehicle or a traine g He took a wrong tram and had to wait for anotherone.4 be affected bye g How did he take the sad news?take after - 1 resemble (a parent)e g That boy certainly takes after his father. He evenwalks 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 ofe g We took many pictures of the city.take care - be careful, watchfule g Take care, there is a pool over theretake care of - protect, watch overe g He promised to take care of our dog while \ve are

away.58


take hold of seizee.g. Take hold of that end and help me to move thistable.take (it) for granted - assume to be true without furtherinvest iga t ion

e.g. He spoke English so well that I took it for grantedthat he was an Englishman.take measures - take the necessary stepse.g. It was necessary to take immediate measures toavoid trouble.take minutes (at a meeting) - write an account of opinionsexpressed and decided upon at a meetinge.g. It is your turn to take Ininutes at the meeting.take off - 1 remove said particularly o 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 periode.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 carefulltake place - 1 be helde.g. The meeting did not take place yesterday.2 happene.g. Where did the accident take place?take someone for - mistake a person for someone elsee.g. I m sorry. I took you for Mr. Green.take up - undertake a course of studye.g. My son takes up music.

t lktalking-to - a scoldinge.g. The teacher gave a lazy boy a good talking-to.talk back - answer rudely or impolitelye.g. You should not talk back to your brother.talk over - discuss in detaile.g. We talked over his suggestion but could not cometo a decision.talk shop - discuss one s business or professional affairs onordinary occasionse.g. My friend and I spent the whole evening talking

shop.9


tel ltell on - have a noticeably bad effect on

e g Too much strain is telling on her nerves.

th tThat s it - That s the point

e g That s it. It s just what mean.thick

through thick and thin - through all difficultiese g They will back you up through thick and thin.

thinkthink over - consider carefully

e g Don t give your answer now; think it over.think to oneself - think without saying it aloude g Bob thought to himself that his friend was wrong.

throughbe through (with) - reach the end, finish \vith

e g When will you be through with your examInations?time

be pressed for time (money, etc.) - be short of time (money, etc.)e g I am very much pressed for time. We have tohurry.

for the time being - in the meantimee g That ll do for the tilne being.from time to time - occasionallye g I ll give you some more idioms from time to time.in no time - very quicklye g Wait for me, I ll be back in no time.in time - 1 not late; early enoughe g I hope to get to the station in time.

60


2 after a whilee g She will learn to do this work in time.it is high time - time just before it is too latee g It s high time you were gone.take one's time - 1 need, require timee g These things take time.2 not to hurrye g There is no hurry. You can take your time doingthat work.time and again - repeatedlye g You make the same spelling mistakes time andagainltime off - a period of release from worke g had some time off this afternoon and went shopping.The time is up - the time allowed is at the ende g The time is up Hand in your compositions.

tongueon the tip of one's tongue - on the point of being utteredor spokene g know that man. His name is on the tip of mytongue, but can t remember it.slip of the tongue - an unintentional remark or worde g did not want to offend you; it was just a slip ofthe tongue.tongue-tied - unable to speak through shyness, fear, etc.

e g The boy was so shy that he was absolutely tonguetied.t psy

topsy-turvy - all mixed up and out of order; upside downe g was so confused that at the last moment everything seemed topsy-turvy to me.touch

get in touch with - communicate withe g I ll try to get in touch with him as soon as possible.keep in touch (with) - remain in communication (with)e g Be sure to keep in touch with me while you areaway.61


lose touch (with) - no longer be in touch (with)e.g. f we correspond regularly, we shan't lose touchwith each other.turn

by turns - one after another, alternatelye.g. My wife and I drove the car by turns.in turn - one after anothere.g. Speak in turn, pleaseturn off - switch offe.g. Why don t you turn off the radio? It disturbs me.turn on - switch one.g. Please, turn the light on. It is dark.turn to - appeal and obtain help frome.g. I could always turn to him for help.turn up - appear when speaking of personse.g. Don t worry about Nick. He'll turn up soon.

turningturning point - crisise.g. The outbreak of war was a turning point in theirlives.

uun er

under discussion - being discussede.g. Our plans are under discussion at present.under repair - being repairede.g. My car has been under repair for a week.under such (or these) conditions - while such (or these)conditions existe.g.. It is impossible to achieve good resul ts under suchconditions.under way being builte.g. The construction of the bridge is under way.

ube up to (someone) - depending upon the decision of some

onee.g. It is up to you to decide when we start.6


up and down - to and froe g She was walking up and down the room.ups and downs - changes in fortune, alternations of goodand bad periodse g John, like many others, had his ups and downswhen he first came to London.up to the mark - up to a standarde g Your report is quite up to the mark.

upsetbe (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, uselesse g It s no use talking about it now.make use of - utilize, usee g Soon you will be able to make use of yourEnglish.

usebe used to - be accustomed to

e g He is used to getting up early.get used to - become accustomed toe g You will soon get used to our climate and thenthe changes of temperature will not affect you.used to - indicates a repeated ction in the p ste g When I was younger, I used to play tennis quitewell. tI played often in the past, but now I don t.)usual

as usual - as always, customarilye g As usual Williams won first prize in the swimming contest.

6


vv in

in vain - without resulte g I have looked for that in vain; please, help me tofind it

vergebe on the verge of - be on the point of

e g I was on the verge of accepting his offer.

ww y

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 waye g He overcame all difficulties that were in the way.

by the way - by the bye g By the way, have you seen John recently?in a way - to a certain extente g He is right about that, in a way.

whileonce in a while - not very often, rarely

e g He comes here once in a while.whole

on the whole - in generale g I agree with you, on the whole.

wil lywilly-nilly - of necessity, whether one will or note g I have to leave, willy-nilly.6


wonderI wonder - I am curious to knowe;g I wonder whether he will ring you up.no wonder - not surprising that ..e g She refused to come and no wonder.

worda person of few words - a person who says very littlee g Michael's a man of few words.have a word with - have a short talk withe g The dean said he wanted to have a word with me.have words with) - quarrel (with)e g They have had words, I knowtranslate word for word - 1 translate literallye g James tried to translate the sentence word forword. 2 repeat exactly, with no changese g Ida repeated the story word for word.Upon my word - an exclamation: My word upon itt (onmy honour)e g Upon my word I never said anything like that.

worstif the worst comes to the worst - if things become as bad

as possiblee g If the worst comes to the worst, we can alwaysask James to help us out.wort

worth-while - that is worth the time, the trouble, etc.needede g Is t a worth-while experiment?wrong

be in the wrong - be at faulte g The taxi driver was obviously n the wrong Ingoing ahead against the red light.6


ye rall the year round the entire year

e g n the far North it is cold all the year round.year in year out going on year after yeare g Seasons change year in and year out.


EXERCISE P T T E R N SFOREWORDIn doing these exercises refer to the phrases and idiomsgiven in this handbook in alphabetic order according to thekey word.I Form sentences and expl in the difference between thefollowing pairs of set expressionsto get on - to get offto c ll n - to call offto ring up - to ring offto put on - to put offto pull in - to pull outto dine in - to dine outto be on duty - to be off dutyup-to-date - out-of-dateto get in - to get out ofII Give synonyms to the followingstep by stepon and offon and onin no timeoi courseat leastat onceat times

no wondere upsetfor goodnot a bitso farbe about to dosomething

see a person offat heartso as toso soall in allquite a few

67


III. Rewrite these sentences using would or do) y umind:Model Please, don t smoke in the bedroom. - Would you mind notsmoking in the bedroom?May I close the window? - Do you mind y closing the win

do\v?1 Please, pass the sugar. 2 May I use your dictionaryfor a few minutes? 3. May she come again tomorrow? 4 MayI leave early this afternoon? 5. Please, don t open the door.6. May I ask you a question? 7. Please, try not to arrivelate for your class in the future. 8. May he go home?IV. ill in the blanks with the missing prepositions1 I am fond - music. 2 Little l i t t le you will improveyour English. 3. When the train was pulling - at the rightstation, Dorothy was waiting for me. 4 Ethel had firmlymade - her mind to become a writer. 5. It is very kindyou to say so. 6 People cannot do - water, can they? 7 I

can certainly do - a cup of tea. 8. First - all, let me introduce myself to you. 9. She never takes - account the factthat I am busy. 10 All - a sudden she got - and left.11 I can t get used-wearing glasses. 12. He called-allhis friends to say good-bye. 13 Instead - writing a letterLucy went - a walk. 14 I rang the wrong bel l accident.15 How long did it take you to figure - the cost of thatmachine? 16 Once - a while we dine . . 17 Elen is sobusy. She seems to be - the go all day long. 18 Eventhough Mrs. Wilson is advanced - years she is - goodhealth. 19 Fred tried many times to give- smoking. 20. Weknew - advance that he would win the championship.21. Alexander is - a hurry to catch the train. 22. Ida islooking forward - meeting her friends at six o clock. 23. Harry went - working - spite - interruptions. 24. How do youaccount - this sudden change? 25. Don t translate this articleword - word. 26. William wants to take - medicine whenhe goes to college. 27. Ask Jack to come to my officeonce. 28. Every student should look - all new words in thedictionary. 29. Education is free - charge in the SovietUnion. 30. Miss Grey is - charge- the nursery. 31. Shetalks so much that she gets - my nerves. 32. When wecame everything was - order.68


v. Render the following in your mother tongue:1. You are supposed to know this rule. 2. What IS yourbrother taking up at Columbia University? 3. They set outon foot in accordance with their plan. 4. It is all the sameto me whether we go or stay. 5. Let s look through the

list of prices once more. 6. She is on the whole a goodstudent. 7. It goes without saying that Eva is a very sincereperson. 8. This chair is in the way. 9. Helen always likesto have her own way. 10. By the way have you seen thene\v film? 11. Nick promised to look into the matter andgive us an answer a little later. 12. She was shopping allday long looking for a new dress. 13. It serves you right tohave 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 doyou good to have a long walk in the country. 18. He issure to like her. 19. I knew Alexander long before he joinedour group.

VI. Form sentences with the following expressions:to get on to get through to get rid ofto get on with to get used to to get upto get off to get to a to get overto get along place to get in touchto get along to get into withwith troubleVII. Re-state each of the following sentences using theexpression feel likeModel: I want to read to-night. - I feel like reading to-night.1. I want to have dinner. 2. The child does not want tosleep now. 3. What do you want to do now? 4. Have abath 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 tospeak English then.VIII. Put the idioms or set expressions used in these sen-tences into your own words showing that you understandtheir meaning:1. John said he was up to the eyes in work. 2. I knowthat girl. Her name is on the tip of y tongue. 3. She

69


visits us once in a blue moon. 4. He likes to put a tingerin every pie. 5. His health is improving little by little.6. These gloves do not go with this dress. 7. He made uphis 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 theticket? 11. I can t make out what she means in her telegram. 12. Helen takes after her mother in many ways.13. He did that work of his own accord. 14. The planewent slowly out ot sight. 15. It is up to you whether wego or not. It is not up to me. 16. She was on the verge ottears. 17. I had to go willy-nilly. 28. In a way he is rightand you are quite wrong. 19. She was ready to share withhim all the ups and downs of married life. 20. I am afraidwe 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 shopat dinner. 24. The two friends shook hands and parted.25. Her modesty is part and parcel of her nature. 26. Hisdiscipline is up to the mark. 27. She tried to help us butwas only in the way. 28. It isn t worth-while going to theSouth.

IX Short and Easy Conversationto be learnt by heart)

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.

2A.: 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.

3A.: Pardon me. Do you have a match?B.: Yes, I do. Here it is.A.: Thank you very much.B.: Not at all.70


4A.: What time is the plane supposed to arrive?B.: Six-thirty, but it s behind schedule. Now they are sayingsix-fifty.

5A.: Can John play the piano?B.: Yes he can. He can sing too.A.: I can t sing at all.B.: Neither can I

6A.: Have you finished your exams?B.: No just half of them.A.: Will you take the rest next month?B.: No this week.

7A.: 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 hereA.: Thank you. May I have the menu?B.: Right away, sir.1

A.: Would you like to go to a dance?B.: No I wouldn t.A.: What a pityB.: I m sorry.AlIa: It s too bad of you. You said you wouldn t give awaythat secret I had told you.Jane: I didn t give it away. I exchanged it for another.

71


2A.: Mary's husband has been out of work for two months.B.: Poor thing She IS faced with the problem of makingboth ends meet.

3James: Hello, Frank. How are you getting along?Frank: I m getting along well, thank you. I am gettingaccustomed 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.

4

John: Is your sister expecting me?Billy: Of course she isJohn: How do you know it?Billy: She has just gone out in great hurry.5

Jack: Mary and Alice would like to learn Italian. Why?Jim: Because they d like to go to Italy.6

Anne: Jim is going to play tennis, isn t he?Alla: Yes, he is.Anne: And Mary would like to watch television, wouldn'tshe?Alla: Yes, she would.7

Helen: I m going to have a party on Sunday. Can you come?Jack: Yes, thank you for the invitation. What time wouldyou like me to come?Helen: At two o'clock.8

Lucy: We're going to the park. Would you like to comealong?Eva: I d like to but I've got to do some shopping.72


19A.: 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.

2Mrs. Smith: Do you put money aside tor a rainy day, dear?Mrs. Wood: Oh, not I never shop when it rains.

21Tom: Are you coming to school if it rains?Frank: Of course.Tom: Aren t you afraid of getting wet?Frank: Of course, not.

22Bill: It s raining hard right rwwJack: 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.

23A.: Can Margaret go to the cinema?B : No, she can t.A.: Why not?B : Because it s time to get down to work.

24A.: 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.

25B.: 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.

26B.: 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 thenB.: What kind of shows do you like?N.: Musical comedies.

9A.: Do you think English is easy?B.: No, I don't.A.: Why not?B.: I have to work hard.

30Mother: Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.Her little Son: Then, Mother, let s eat the rest of thecakes 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 oforder? 2. Is the lift in your building seldom or often out oforder? 3. Approximately how many countries take part inthe Olympic Games? 4 Has your brother (husband) stoppedsmoking for good? 5. Lizzie looks upset What is the mat-ter? 6. If someone tells you to look out what should youdo? 7. Do you take hold of the ralling when you go downstairs? 8. Were you named after anyone in your family?9. Do you like or dislike to go to the railway station tosee someone off? 10 When did you get through with yourstudying last night? 11 Why are there so many signs inthe park saying Keep o the grass ? 12 Is it easy ordifficult to get rid of a foreign accent? 13 Is it easy ordifficult for you to learn things by heart? 14 Do you oftengo 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 eventin the nearest future are you looking forward to? 18 Doyou 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. Isit all the same to you if we put off our lesson until tomorrow rather than have it today? 22. Which is the most up-to date department store in your city? 23. Did you come toMoscow by yourself or with your family? 24. Do peoplecatch cold more often in the winter than in the summer?25. How long does it usually take you to get over thecold? 26. Why do you think that it goes without sayingthat John is the best student in our group? 27. What wereyou about to say when I interrupted you? 29. Doesn tyour friend speak English at all? 29. Do you like or disliketo o things over? 30. Is it difficult to get on a bus whichis crowded? 31. Is it easy to get off the bus which iscrowded? 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 statementsare the answers:1 Yes, he will ring you up at seven. 2. Such a thingis absolutely out of the question. 3. No, I was unable tofind out his address. 4. The game was called off on accountof the rain. 5. She came with her mother to show that

bygones were bygones. 6. We are counting on you to helpus with this. 7. We talked over the problem for a longtime.XII Re-state the following sentences beginning each withthe expression / d l ik toModel: I go to London - l d like to go to London.1 I study French. 2. I go to my classes. 3. I havelunch at twelve. 4. I speak to my teacher. 5. I go to theSouth next summer. 6. I listen to the tape-recorder. 7. Iunderstand the principle of this electric device. 8. I read anovel.XIII. Under what circumstances would you say?1 I took it for granted that Mr. Smith was an Englishman. 2 I am fed up with it 3 No, I was not able to take

15

Colloquial English. Phrases and Idioms

Documents

Transcript of Colloquial English. Phrases and Idioms