i-Phrase 5

Fifty Useful English Phrases Plus Twenty FiveCommonly Used Phrasal Verbs

Anthony Gurling

Speak like a nativeEach phrase has its origins explained, followed bythe literal meaning.Then a sentence or two with everyday examples ofusage.Volume Five

How to use this book.

Each phrase on the list below is explained in detail, firstly, wherepossible, the source of the phrase is explained. Then the literal ormetaphorical meaning is explained. Following the explanations are oneor two sentences using the phrase in context.

Next to many of the phrases you will see other numbers and letters, suchas this:

1. Come to fruition. Bk 2/60 OPP. Bk 2/93 OPP. Bk 3/101 SYN.

OPP = Opposite where the link to phrase number 2/60 shows anotherphrase in book 2, item number 60, with an opposing meaning.

SYN = Synonym where the link shows another phrase with a similarmeaning. 3/101 = Bk 3, item 101.

COMP = Compare where the link shows a comparable phrase not with adirect similarity.

Book 5 Phrases

201. Follow suit202. Throw your weight around203. Scrimp and scrape204. Keep your feet on the ground205. Get your fingers burnt206. In the driving seat207. Take it on the chin208.Bury the hatchet209. Come clean210. Dip your toe in the water211. A needle in a haystack212. Tip of the iceberg213. Like a duck to water214. Cost an arm and a leg215. Get on your high horse216. Nip in the bud217. Get your teeth into218. A bad taste in your mouth219. Room for manoeuvre220. Fine tuning221. Take exception to something222. To be kept in the dark223. Get along like a house on fire224. Put on a brave face225. Get the upper hand226. Up to your eyes in something 227. Turn a blind eye228. A steep learning curve229. Run the gauntlet230. Grasp the meaning

231. Make a killing232. Come unstuck233. Let your hair down234. Something in the offing 235. A clean sweep236. Hand over fist237. Take the wind out of your sails 238. Water off a duck’s back239. In at the deep end240. Dribs and drabs241. Throw in the towel242. Go for broke243. Out of the blue244. Money where your mouth is 245. Suck it and see246. Up at the crack of dawn 247. Iron something out248. On the way out249. Under the weather250. Cast a shadow

25 more phrasal verbs follow the 50 phrases, all with many example ofusage.

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Follow suit.

Source:In a game of cards you have four suits: Hearts, clubs, diamonds andspades.In some games, one player lays down a card and the following playersneed to try to lay a card of the same suit.

Meaning:This refers to when one person follows the actions of another, in asimilar way, usually because it is a good idea.

Examples:“I made a profit by investing in shares, if you follow suit you couldmake some money too.”

“I like your new clothes, you look smart.”

“You should follow suit and smarten yourself up.”

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 ofyour position.

Meaning:By throwing your weight around it says that you are using your positionin a very authorative way, more than you perhaps should.

Examples:“The new boss that has taken over isn’t very popular, she throws herweight around and makes people feel uncomfortable.”

“With a big majority the government is starting to throw its weightaround by introducing new laws.”

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Scrimp and scrape.

Source:To scrimp is to spend as little money as possible because you don’t havemuch. To scrape (up some money) is to find some cash from differentsources somehow, to pay a particular bill.

Meaning:When you are very short of money you try to find some any waypossible to pay for your shopping or bills.

Examples:“I lost my job and had to scrimp and scrape to survive until I got a newjob.”

“How could you afford your new car?”

“We scrimped and scraped until we had saved enough to buy it.”

Bk 2/69. (Push the boat out. OPP.) Bk 3/105. (Make ends meet. SYN.)

No. 204

Keep your feet on the ground.

Source:When you are excited about something you could be jumping in the airwith being so happy.

Meaning:If you tell someone to keep their feet on the ground you are suggestingthey are getting too excited and they need to calm down.

Examples:“I’m hoping to get a new job next week but I’m keeping my feet on theground until I get confirmation.”

“I hear you have sold 1,00o books now, soon you will be famous.” “I’mnot so sure, I’m keeping my feet firmly on the ground.”

Bk 2/75. (A pipe dream. COMP.) Bk 2/82. (Head in the clouds.COMP.)

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Get your fingers burnt.

Source:If you are handling something hot, you should wear protective gloves oryou may burn your fingers.

Meaning:This refers to any actions you may be looking at which could be risky ordangerous.

Examples:“I invested in a new company starting up but it failed, I got my fingersburnt there and lost all my money.”

“Did you buy that painting you were telling me about?” “Yes but itturned out to be a fake and I got my fingers burnt.”

Bk 3/101. (Come up trumps. OPP.) Bk 6/266. (Play with fire. SYN.)

No. 206

In the driving seat.

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 aredoing.

Examples:“At the boy scouts meeting one young lad showed clear leadershipskills. The scout leader put him in charge of the day’s events and toldhim ‘you are in the driving seat, let’s see how you do’.”

Bk 4/182. (Take a back seat. OPP.) Bk 6/251. (Call the shots. SYN.)

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Take it on the chin.

Source:In boxing each opponent tries to punch the other. A punch to the head ismore 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 studentcriticised me heavily, I took it on the chin and went back to the drawingboard.”

“The politician was heavily criticised for his racist remarks but he tookit on the chin and apologised.”

Bk 3/107. (A pinch of salt. OPP.) Bk 5/238. (Water off a duck’s back.COMP.)

No. 208

Bury the hatchet.

Source:In olden days of warring tribes, when two opposing leaders reachedagreement, they buried their hatchets (axes) in the ground as a sign ofpeace.

Meaning:When you want to end a (long-standing) argument, you can suggest youbury the hatchet.

Examples:“I was fighting for years over the boundary of my property with myneighbour but when I threatened to go to court he relented and weburied the hatchet.”

BK 2/55. (See eye to eye. SYN.) Bk 5/247. (Iron something out. SYN.)

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Come clean.

Source:

‘Clean’ in this context, means being honest.

Meaning:To come clean means to be honest about something you have beenkeeping secret for some time.

Examples:Manager to a member of staff:

“I think you have been fiddling your expenses, if you come clean I won’ttake disciplinary action.”

Teacher to pupils:“Some students’ homework look very similar, if anyone has beencheating, come clean now and I won’t take it any further.”

Bk 6/292. (Keep under wraps. OPP.)

No. 210

Dip you toe in the water.

Source:When you plan to have a bath, first you put a toe in the water to makesure it is not too hot.

Meaning:Anytime you want to try something new and may need to be careful, it’slike 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.) Bk5/245. (Suck it and see. SYN.) Bk 6/260. (In feet first. OPP.) Sectionone review.

Fill each gap with one of the phrases from 201 - 210

The word in brackets is an approximate synonym.

Make sure it is in the correct grammatical form.

Thinking of holidays if I am to go away for a while this summer I'mgoing to have to............................................................................ (save) and even thoughI want to travelextensively I'm ....................................................................................(realistic) for now.I made a mistake this week but I ............................................... (honest)and although Iupset my boss I took her criticism .................................................(openly) and we have............................................................................................. (make peace)and moved on.I wanted to ...................................................................................... (try)and get into thedriving seat but............................................................................................. .(suffer loss)Luckily she is not one to................................................................................. . (be bossy)Others should ........................................................... (copy) and endarguments quickly.

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, butafter searching many book shops and scouring the internet I realised itwas like looking for a needle in a haystack.”

BK 6/297. (As clear as a bell. OPP.)

No. 212

The tip of the iceberg.

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 problemsfollowing, it’s like looking at the tip of an iceberg knowing that muchbigger dangers lie out of sight below the water.

Examples:“The riots on the streets of London last year were just the tip of theiceberg, the underlying problem is massive social inequality.”

“The economic troubles in Europe are just the tip of the iceberg, moreserious problems are looming.”

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Like a duck takes to water.

Source:Ducks love swimming on water, whether it’s a river or a lake, it comesvery natural to them.

Meaning:When you start a new job or hobby, and you begin well with noproblems, it’s 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 foundit easy and enjoyable and I settled into my new career like a duck takesto water.”

“My daughter started cycling at the age of 4 and took to it like a duck towater.”

Bk 2/94. (Fall on your feet. SYN.) Bk 3/114. (Hit the ground running.SYN.)

No. 214

Cost an arm and a leg.

Source:You would never sell any part of your body presumably, the cost to youwould be too high.

Meaning:

This phrase describes anything that is ridiculously expensive.

Examples:“To go to university in England these days costs an arm and a leg andmost students need to borrow heavily and get into debt.”

“There’s a nice new restaurant that’s just opened in the city but a mealthere costs an arm and a leg.”

Bk 2/52. (Break the bank. SYN.)

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Get on your high horse.

Source:In the days when wars were fought with men using horses, the generalsand leaders would always have the biggest horses.

Meaning:If a person gets bossy and starts to give orders to others, perhapswithout good reason or in return for a slight error, the analogy is thatthey 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 toget off her high horse.”

Bk 3/107. (Take with a pinch of salt. OPP.) Bk 3/131. (The end of yourtether. COMP.) Bk 5/238. (Water off a duck’s back. COMP.)

No. 216

Nip something in the bud.

Source:A bud is a small growth on a plant which develops into a flower. To nipsomething is to cut it off.

Meaning:You can cut off small buds to allow one to grow big and produce thebest flower. By cutting off (nipping) the smaller buds, you stop themfrom growing and interfering with the best bud.

Examples:“I usually go to the gym twice a week to keep fit, but I’ve missed threeweeks now. I had better nip this in the bud before I start getting fat andlazy.”

“I started losing money in a casino but I cashed in my remaining chips tonip the losses in the bud.”

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Get your teeth into something.

Source:When you have something nice to eat, such as a juicy steak, you chewon it to get the most flavour out of it.

Meaning:Anything you like doing and really enjoy, the analogy is like chewingon a good steak to enjoy it more.

Examples:“I’ve nearly finished my latest book and I’m getting my teeth intofinishing it by the end of the year.”

“My students told me their homework was too hard. I told them to gettheir teeth stuck into it and concentrate.”

Bk 2/83. (Get the bit between your teeth. SYN.)

Bk 6/262. (Err on the side of caution. OPP.)

No. 218

A bad taste in your mouth.

Source:Something to eat that has perhaps gone bad, and you eat it, you willhave a bad taste in your mouth afterwards.

Meaning:This refers to anything that happens which afterwards leaves you sad orunhappy that it has happened.

Examples:“I took my car in for a service to my usual garage, the workers of which Iregarded as friends. After the service the car did not work properly. Itook the car back to the garage but after they fixed it they asked formore money. I paid reluctantly and the affair left a bad taste in mymouth. I won’t use that garage again.”

Bk 6/260. (Cast a shadow. SYN.)

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Room for manoeuvre.

Source:

To manoeuvre is to move things about to make more space available.

Meaning:Having room for manoeuvre is to be flexible and allow yourself space toaccommodate changes in your schedule.

Examples:“My diary is almost full at the moment but I always keep a few hoursfree so that I have room for manoeuvre should any students wish youchange their class times.”

Bk 6/288. (Hands tied. OPP.)

No. 220

Fine tuning.

Source:To tune, for example a radio, is to set the radio to the station you wishto listen to. With an engine, tuning means to make adjustments to getthe engine working perfectly.

Meaning:Fine tuning anything refers to making small changes to what you areworking on to make it as near perfect as possible.

Examples:“The latest of these phrase books is almost ready, just a bit of finetuning and it’s 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

Make sure it is in the correct grammatical form.

Nearly all done now, just some ......................................................(adjust) and the nextbook is ready. Any errors have been.......................................................... (stop quickly)and I have some ............................................................................. .(space) These booksI think are cheap, they are not going to.......................................................................... .When I started all these phrases I realised I had taken to them......................................

.............................................................................................................................., (easily)but after I started with the first 50 phrases I realised it was just........................................................................................................................................................... (beginning)I hope students ............................................................. (work hard) theseexercises anddon't .................................................................. (complain) saying theyare too difficult.Searching for the right answers could be like looking.................................................................................... (difficult to find)but I really hopeyou don't end up with ................................................................ .(disappoint)

Take exception to something.

Source:An exception is something different in some way from other people orthings.

Meaning:To take exception is to dislike something because you feel annoyed ordislike something.

Examples:“When my friend gets drunk his language is awful, lots of swearingwhich I take exception to.”

“You look as though you are getting fat.”

“I take exception to that remark, compare me with others and you willsee I am in good condition.”

Bk 6/281. (A chip on your shoulder. COMP.)

No. 222

To be kept in the dark.

Source:If you are in room with no windows and no lights, it is dark and youcannot see anything.

Meaning:Keeping someone in the dark about something is to not tell them forwhatever reason, usually because you wish to keep something secret.

Examples:“I have bought my girlfriend a nice present for her birthday but I amkeeping her in the dark until the time is right”

“Do you like my new car?.”“How could you afford it?”“I had a little win on the lottery.”“Nice, you kept me in the dark about that though.”

Bk 5/209. (Come clean. OPP.)

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Get along like a house on fire.

Source:If a house catches on fire, the fire can spread through the house veryquickly. To get along with someone is to get to like them.

Meaning:If you get along (like) someone, like a house on fire, your relationshipdevelops very quickly.

Examples: “How is your new group of students?” “Great, we are gettingon like a house on fire.”

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 begoing wrong.

Meaning:Making your facial expression in such a way that looks like nothing iswrong, is to show that even though there are problems, you don’t letthem 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 theirloyalty and support and promised to help the business keep going.”

Bk 6/268. (Needs must. SYN.)

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Get/have the upper hand.

Source:Upper - means higher, more powerful, in this context.Hand - means the way you manage people. (A strong hand, fair hand, aneven hand).

Meaning:Having the upper hand indicates you are in control of a situation whereother people are trying to get into a better position.

Examples:“In WWII the UK and allies gained the upper hand when the USAentered the war on their side.”

“Government troops are gradually gaining the upper hand in the conflictwith rebels.”

Bk 4/161. (Steal a march. SYN.)

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, it’s like your body andmind are so full of thoughts that fill your head - filled to the top.

Examples:“Hi mate do you fancy a beer tonight?”“I’d love to but I am up to my eyes in paperwork just now.”

Other things you can be ‘up to your eyes in’:

Housework; jobs around the house; homework.

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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Turn a blind eye.

Source:

If your are unfortunately blind, you can see nothing.

Meaning:By turning your head to one side, literally or metaphorically, todeliberately not see something, it’s a sign that you are prepared toignore something that maybe should be dealt with.

Examples:“Many people park their cars in shopping-mall car parks for free anddon’t go to the mall to shop. The authorities generally turn a blind eyeto this in the hope that some times the car owners will use the mall inthe future.”

Bk 6/264. (Turn a deaf ear. SYN.)

No. 228

A steep learning curve.

Source:Steep refers to something that rises quickly. A steep rise in prices, forexample, means prices go up quickly.

Meaning:When you are studying, or learning something, especially by makingmistakes, a steep learning curve means you don’t make the samemistakes 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 tookit as a steep learning curve.”

“When I first started motorcycling I crashed many times, that was asteep learning curve in how not to die young.”

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Run the gauntlet.

Source:The gauntlet, as described in 1/41 and 4/169 is a metal glove. Thisphrase has a slightly different meaning.

Meaning:It refers again to a challenge but it means to go through with thechallenge and see how you perform.

Examples:“During election time, politicians often have to run the gauntlet of loadsof journalists waiting to interview them.”

“The road through a forest is full of tight turns and dangers,motorcyclists often run the gauntlet of this road for excitement.”

No. 230

Grasp the meaning.

Source:

To grasp something is to hold it tightly so that you keep it secure.

Meaning:When you can’t quite understand something it is like not being abe tohold it in your mind.

Examples:“My friend invented a new game but I couldn’t grasp the meaning

behind the rules.”

“The new rules of the company are very complicated and many of thestaff couldn’t grasp the meaning for the changes.”

Bk 1/29. (Lose the plot. COMP.) Bk 3/122. (Take on board. SYN.) Bk6/270. (Get your head around. SYN.)

Section three review.

Fill each gap with one of the phrases from 221 - 230

Make sure it is in the correct grammatical form.

This method of revision has been a............................................................. (quick lesson)for me and I have been .....................................................................(busy) in new ideas.I won't keep anyone ...................................................... (secret) as I planto tell everyonesoon. If my ideas are not well received I shall..................................................................and won't ............................................................................ (not like)criticism, nor will I...................................................................... (ignore) as any feedback isgood. I hope wecontinue to.................................................................................................... (freinds)

andalthough sometimes I feel as though I am....................................................................... ,I can ............................................................. of taking..................................................... .

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 akilling when I sold it a year later for a huge profit.”

“You look happy today.”“Yes I went to the horse races yesterday and made a killing when threeof the horses I backed won their races.”

Bk 3/101. (Come up trumps. SYN.) Bk 5/205. (Get your fingers burnt.OPP.)

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 unstuckand fail.”

“The company’s plans for expansion came unstuck because of the lackof funding.”

Bk 3/137. (In a pickle. SYN.)

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Let your hair down.

Source:Ladies, in particular, often wear their hair tied up during their workingday, to keep it tidy and easier to manage. After work they usually untietheir hair to relax.

Meaning:This doesn’t only apply to ladies but metaphorically, anyone ‘lettingtheir hair down’ is preparing to party.

Examples:“After working hard all week I usually let my hair down on a Fridayevening and go clubbing.”

“You look a bit stressed my friend, perhaps you should let your hairdown a bit.”

Bk 3/127. (Throw caution to the wind. SYN.)

No. 234

Something in the offing.

Source:The offing is the area that can be seen at sea, the area between the shoreand the horizon.

Meaning:Something in the offing is possible or likely to happen in the nearfuture. In other words, it can be seen as being close.

Examples:“There are signs that something is in the offing as the Government isspeaking more often of having fresh elections.”

“There’s 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 thewall. 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 everythingand the other competitors are left with nothing.

Examples:“The Chinese women athletes made a clean sweep of the gymnasticcompetition.”

“The ruling party won a clean sweep at the elections winning every seatin parliament.”

Bk 1/8. (By the skin of your teeth. OPP.)

No. 236

Hand over fist.

Source:This phrase stems from pulling on a rope, for example on a boat to raisethe sails. One hand goes over the other to make the sails go higher andthe boat can go faster.

Meaning:

Here it refers to making money quickly and in a short period of time.

Examples:“I opened a stall on the market and my product sold well, I realised thatI was making money hand over fist.”

“Developers who bought land in the recession are now making moneyhand over fist by selling their properties post-recession while prices arehigh.”

Bk 3/136. (Thick and fast. COMP.) Bk 5/240. (Dribs and drabs. OPP.)

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Take the wind out of your sails.

Source:Sailing boats need wind to propel the boat forward, no wind = nomovement.

Meaning:If the wind is taken out of your sails, then someone has done somethingto take away all your energy and enthusiasm.

Examples:“I was really looking forward to selling thousands of copies of my bookbut negative feedback from some customers took the wind out of my

sails.”

Bk 2/100. (Keep you on your toes. COMP.) Bk 4/176. (Plain sailing.OPP.)

No. 238

Water off a duck’s back.

Source:Ducks have so many feathers, and down, the tiny feathers close to theskin, which makes them waterproof.

Meaning:This refers to anything that doesn’t 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 duck’s back.”

“Hi mate did you know that your neighbours have been spreadingrumours about you?”“Yes but I don’t care any more, it’s water off a duck’s back to me.”

Bk 1/3. (Thick skinned. SYN.) Bk 3/107. (Take with a pinch of salt.SYN.)

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In at the deep end.

Source:As in 4/163, a swimming pool has two ends, a shallow end and a deepend. As a beginner you should start swimming in the shallow end toavoid getting into difficulties.

Meaning:When you go in ‘at the deep end’ you do something without muchpreparation to save time but it is a bit more risky.

Examples:“I got a chance of a job in Dubai, I didn’t have the exact qualificationsfor the job but the salary was fantastic so I jumped in at the deep endand went for it.”

Bk 4/163. (Out of your depth. SYN.) Bk 5/210. (Dip your toe in thewater. OPP.) Bk 6/260. (In feet first. SYN.)

No. 240

Dribs and drabs.

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 insmall amounts.

Examples:“I advertised for staff in the local paper but enquiries came in only indribs and drabs.”

“Thousands of Poles have emigrated to the UK in the last 10 years butare coming back in dribs and drabs.”

Bk 3/136. (Thick and fast. OPP.) Bk 5/236. (Hand over fist. OPP.)

Section four review.

Fill each gap with one of the phrases from 231 - 240

Make sure it is in the correct grammatical form.

After finishing all six books it will be time to....................................................... . (party)I suspect there may be..................................................................................... . (promises)although I doubt I'm going to ..................................................................(lots of money)Nor will I .............................................................................................(difficulty) I think.I suppose I could have...................................................................................................... ,but then that's the risk of going....................................................................................... .Thinking positively I could make.................................................................. with this ideaand make some money ................................................................ ,(quickly) but then againthe books may sell ...................................................................................., (slowly) but badnews like that is like................................................................................................ to me.

Throw in the towel.

Source:In boxing, if one contestant is doing badly and is at risk of being badlyhurt, his helpers in his corner can throw a towel into the ring whichstops the fight.

Meaning:In any situation where you throw in the towel, you simply give up whatyou are doing.

Examples:“I tried for ages to learn how to play the piano but eventually I threw inthe towel and tried the guitar instead.”

“Did you finish your course and get the certificate?”

“No, I threw in the towel half way through, it was too difficult.”

Bk 2/71. (Give up the ghost. COMP.) Bk 4/172. (Kicked into touch.SYN.)

No. 242

Go for broke.

Source:

Being broke means to have no money at all.

Meaning:To go for broke means you are prepared to risk everything to achievesuccess.

Examples:“I was thinking of printing just a few books to guage the response butthen I had so many phrases in my mind I thought I would go for brokeand complete all six.”

“I was cycling with a friend and after 10 kms we were both tired. Myfriend suggested we head for home but I said let’s go for broke and doanother 10 kms.”

Bk 4/199. (Back to square one. OPP.) Bk 6/252. (Everything to play for.SYN.)

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Out of the blue.

Source:The sky is blue - at least you can see the blueness when there are noclouds.

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 theblue as no one had been suspecting it.”

“My daughter gave me some news which came right out of the blue, shewas pregnant.”

No. 244

Money where your mouth is.

Source:You use your mouth to speak, if you brag about something or exaggerateit, all you are doing is talking.

Meaning:Asking someone to put their money where their mouth is, is to ask themto prove what they are saying.

Examples:“So you think you can run the marathon in under four hours, put yourmoney where your mouth is and prove it this weekend in the citymarathon.”

Bk 4/158. (The colour of your money. SYN.)

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Suck it and see.

Source:When you have something new to eat or drink, usually you taste it firstto see if you like it. You don’t necessarily suck it but you do put it intoyour mouth.

Meaning:This can apply to anything which you should try tentatively before goingfully into it.

Examples:“I’m taking violin lessons now.”“I didn’t think you liked the violin.”“I didn’t think so either but I wanted to suck it and see to see if I likeit.”

Bk 2/70. (Think on your feet. SYN.)

BK 3/149. (Play by ear. SYN.) Bk 5/210. (Dip your toe in the water.SYN.)

No. 246

The crack of dawn.

Source:

Dawn is when the sun rises first thing in the morning.

Meaning:At night the sky is dark and when the sun rises it’s like the dark skycracking open to let the sun shine through.

Examples:“When I go fishing with my friends we always get up at the crack ofdawn to get to the river nice and early.”

“You look tired today.”

“Yes I was up at the crack of dawn as my child was sick.”

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Iron out.

Source:When you wash your clothes they get creased and need to be ironed tomake them smooth.

Meaning:This applies to any difficult situation of misunderstanding, it’s likesmoothing things over to make the peace.

Examples:“There is an error on my invoice and I need to go to the office again toiron out the mistakes.”

“The new contract is almost ready to be signed by both parties, just afew teething problems to be ironed out.”

Bk 4/181. (Burn your bridges. OPP.) Bk 5/208. (Bury the hatchet. SYN.)

No. 248

On the way out.

Source:From boxing, if you are out, you are finished and cannot continue thefight.

Meaning:Anything which is on the way out is likely to be damaged or worn outbeyond repair.

Examples:“My old watch is not working properly and I can’t find anyone to repairit, I guess it’s on the way out after all these years.”

“You need a new suit, the one you are wearing looks as though it’s onthe way out.”

Bk 1/1. (Come to fruition. COMP.) Bk 1/6. (Go up in smoke. COMP.)

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Under the weather.

Source:Many people believe our health and wellbeing is affected by changes inthe weather.

Meaning:If you feel ‘under the weather’ you are feeling a little sick or maybe justsad or depressed over something.

Examples:“I had a bit too much to drink last night and this morning I am feeling alittle under the weather.”

“Typically at the end of the winter I feel under the weather and lookforward to spring.”

Bk 4/167. (A spring in your step. OPP.) Bk 4/193. (Down in the dumps.SYN.)

No. 250

Cast a shadow.

Source:In full sunlight everything looks bright, clear and sharp. In a shadowthings don’t look so bright.

Meaning:Anything that casts a shadow over something it means the subject looksin 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 enjoymentof the job.”

“The racing driver won the race and the championship but a shadow wascast over the win when he heard news of his colleague crashing.”

Bk 5/218. (Have a bad taste in your mouth. SYN.)

Section five review.

Fill each gap with one of the phrases from 191 - 200

Make sure it is in the correct grammatical form.

.............................................................? (give up) Never, I am.........................................and I'm putting my ................................................................................. .Every day I am..........................................................................................................

(early) to start work,after ....................................................................................... (correct) afew difficulties Isometimes feel a bit ...........................................................................(sad) as sometimesI would rather be on a beach somewhere.Completely .................................................................................(surprise) I had anotheridea which I thought I would try out, why not................................................................ .One small problem, my computer is.................................................................................and that has ...................................................................................... overall my success.

Further practice. Which of the fifty phrases are represented by thesesynonyms.

Completely by surprise ...................................................................... Toshow who the boss is ...................................................................... Savehard to buy something ...................................................................... Tolose money in a gamble ...................................................................... Tobe in control of a situation ......................................................................Settle a disagreement ...................................................................... Letsomeone know a secret ......................................................................Copy an idea that seems good...................................................................... Something difficult to find...................................................................... A small sign of a biggerproblem ...................................................................... Very expensive...................................................................... Be bossy and get angryover something ...................................................................... Stop

something happening early ......................................................................Make money quickly ...................................................................... Bedetermined ...................................................................... Disappointedand sad ...................................................................... Be unhappy atsomething particular ......................................................................Accept criticism ...................................................................... Deal witha problem without concern ......................................................................Gain an advantage over another...................................................................... Quick lesson learnt...................................................................... Go through a challengingsituation ...................................................................... Understandsomething difficult ...................................................................... Makelots of money quickly and easily...................................................................... Get in the mood to party...................................................................... About to happen soon...................................................................... Winning everything...................................................................... Be disappointed and loseenthusiasm ...................................................................... Have no effect...................................................................... Do something withoutpreparation ...................................................................... Slowly in smallamounts ...................................................................... Stop doingsomething that’s difficult ......................................................................Prove what you claim ...................................................................... Startthe day early ...................................................................... Discuss andsolve a problem ...................................................................... Get usedto something easily ...................................................................... Gettingto the end of its useful life ......................................................................Feeling low ...................................................................... Makesomething look worse than it was...................................................................... Be realistic......................................................................

Book 5 Phrasal Verbs Phrasal verb Direct or similar normal verb

101. Get round to102. Take on103. Take to104. Back up105. Taken aback106. Give in107. Shut down108. Hold up109. Pass something on110. Water down111. Wear thin112. Take up113. Shut up114. Pass up115. Back down116. Reach out117. Mess about118. Take someone on119. Hold onto120. Give up121. String out122. Root out123. Part with124. Keep away125. Fill in forFind time to do something.To accept a challenge.Get used to, like.Support, make copies.

Be surprised.Acknowledge your failure.Close, cease operations.Keep waiting.Transfer, bequeath.Dilute, make less effective.Reduce in quality, meaning or value. To start a hobby.Be quiet, close a shop for the day. Forgo an opportunity.Reverse position, relent.Approach, seek friendship.Not take something serious.To hire, to accept a challenge. Retain temporarily.Stop hoping or believing.To make something last longer. To get to the core of a problem. Givesomething away - reluctantly. To avoid a person or place.Substitute.

Please remember, as with normal verbs, phrasal verbs can also be usedin different tenses. Only the verb changes, the preposition alwaysremains the same.

101. Get round to: (Find time to do something)

“I need to wash the car, I suppose I’ll have to get round to it sometimetoday.”

“When are you going to get round to doing the housework?”

102. Take on: (Accept a challenge/responsibility)

“The job looks quite difficult but I am going to take it on and see how itgoes.”

“I have project I should like you to take on.”

103. Take to: (Get used to, like)

“We have a new member of staff in our office but I haven’t taken toher.”

“I haven’t taken to my new car.”

104. Back up: (Support, make copies)

“Make sure you back up the day’s work onto disk.”

“If you get into trouble with the boss don’t worry, I’ll back you up.”

105. Taken aback: (Be surprised)

“I was taken aback by the resignation of the boss.”

“The news of the disaster really took me aback.”

106. Give in: (Acknowledge your failure)

“I really don’t understand why you did that, I give in.”

“What is the capital of Georgia?”

“I give in, tell me.”

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107. Shut down: (Close, cease operations)

“It’s hopeless the business is losing money hand over fist, I’m going toshut it down.”

“The computer is running too hot, shut it down and let it cool.”

108. Hold up: (Keep someone/something waiting)

“I’ll only be a few minutes, sorry for holding you up.”

“I’m waiting for a delivery before I can go out, it’s holding me up now.”

109. Pass something on: (Transfer, bequeath)

“I have a nice watch passed on to me from my father.”

“I hope my books are successful so that I can pass then on to mygrandson.”

110. Water down: (Dilute, make less effective)

“The whisky is too strong for me, can you water it down?”

“The new regulations were too strict, they had to be watered downbefore the unions would accept them.”

111. Wear thin: (Reduce in quality/meaning)

“My trousers are wearing thin, I had better get some new ones.”

“You are late again and your excuses are wearing thin, I don’t believe aword you say.”

112. Take up: (Start a hobby/activity)

“I’m thinking of taking up painting to fill my spare time.”

“I don’t fancy taking up running at my age.”

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113. Shut up: (Be quiet, close a shop)

“Why do you keep moaning, shut up for a while please will you.”

“It’s six o’clock, time to shut up the shop and go home.”

114. Pass up: (Forgo an opportunity)

“I’ve been offered a chance to go to the theatre with a friend, I don’thave much spare time so I’m going to have to pass up the opportunitythis time.”

115. Back down: (Reverse position, relent)

“The management were insistent on staff cuts but the union opposed andthreatened to strike, eventually the management backed down.”

116. Reach out: (Approach)

“The left political party is reaching out to workers.”

“The church is reaching out to everyone at Easter.”

117. Mess about: (To not take something seriously)

“Are you going to finsh the book or are you just messing about?”

“Children - stop messing about and get on with your class work.”

118. Take someone on: (To hire, to accept a personal challenge)

“The company is taking on lots of new staff for the summer.”

“I’ve been challenged to a game of chess and I’m happy to take anyoneon.”

119. Hold onto: (Retain temporarily)

“I haven’t finished reading your book so is it ok if I hold onto it for awhile?”

“There are some new players in the team who are very good, I don’tknow how much longer I can hold onto my position.”

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120. Give up: (Stop hoping/believing, stop a habit)

“I know it’s bad for me but I find it hard to give up smoking.”

“You will never win the lottery so you should give up dreaming of ahome in the Maldives.”

121. String out: (Make last longer)

“I ran out of material in class but I managed to string out a grammarexercise.”

122. Root out: (Find the reason)

“It is proving difficult rooting out the terrorists from general society.”

“We are going to have to root out the troublemaker in the school.”

123. Part with: (Give something away reluctantly)

“I’ve had my motorcycle for forty years now and will never part with it.”

“After many years it’s time to part with my company and find a newjob.”

124. Keep away: (Avoid a place/person)

“I have a terrible cold so it’s better if you keep away for a while.”

“With all the trouble in Ukraine it’s better to keep away from the regionuntil things calm down.”

125. Fill in for: (Substitute temporarily)

“When another teacher went sick I was asked to fill in for him.”

“I have to go to England to see my mother so the company will have tofind another teacher to fill in for me.”

Book five exercise key.

Section 1Thinking of holidays if I am to go away for a while this summer I'mgoing to have to scrimp and scrape and even though I want to travelextensively 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 andmoved on. I wanted to dip my toe in the water and get into the drivingseat but got my fingers burnt. Luckily she is not one to throw herweight around. Others should follow suit and end arguments quickly.

Section 2Nearly 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 formanoeuvre. These books I think are cheap, they are not going to cost anarm and a leg. When I started all these phrases I realised I had taken tothem like a duck takes to water, but after I started with the first 50phrases I realised it was just the tip of the iceberg. I hope students gettheir teeth into these exercises and don't get on their high horses sayingthey are too difficult. Searching for the right answers could be likelooking for a needle in a haystack but I really hope you don't end upwith a bad taste in your mouth.

Section 3This method of revision has been a steep learning curve for me and Ihave been up to my eyes in new ideas. I won't keep anyone in the dark asI plan to tell everyone soon. If my ideas are not well received I shall puton a brave face and won't take exception to criticism, nor will I turn ablind eye as any feedback is good. I hope we continue to get along likea house on fire and although sometimes I feel as though I am runningthe gauntlet, I can grasp the meaning of taking the upper hand.

Section 4After finishing all six books it will be time to let my hair down, Isuspect there may be something in the offing although I doubt I'm goingto make a killing. Nor will I come unstuck I think. I suppose I couldhave the wind taken out of my sails, but then that's the risk of going inat the deep end. Thinking positively I could make a clean sweep with

this idea and make some money hand over fist, then again the booksmay sell in dribs and drabs, but bad news like that is like water off aduck's back to me.

Section 5Throw in the towel? Never, I am going for broke and I'm putting mymoney where my mouth is. Every day I am up at the crack of dawn tostart work, after ironing out a few difficulties I sometimes feel a bitunder the weather as sometimes I would rather be on a beachsomewhere. Completely out of the blue I had another idea which Ithought I would try out, why not suck it and see. One small problem, mycomputer is on the way out and that has cast a shadow over all mysuccess.

Further practice.

Key to the phrases questions.

Completely by surpriseTo show who the boss isSave hard to buy somethingTo lose money in a gambleTo be in control of a situationSettle a disagreementLet someone know a secretCopy an idea that seems goodSomething difficult to findA small sign of a bigger problem Very expensiveBe bossy and get angry over something Stop something happening earlyMake money quicklyBe determined

Disappointed and sadBe unhappy at something particular Accept criticismDeal with a problem without concern Gain an advantage over anotherQuick lesson learntGo through a challenging situation Understand something difficultMake lots of money quickly and easily Get in the mood to partyAbout to happen soonWinning everythingBe disappointed and lose enthusiasm Have no effectDo something without preparation Slowly in small amountsStop doing something that’s difficult Prove what you claimStart the day earlyDiscuss and solve a problemGet used to something easilyGetting to the end of its useful life Feeling lowMake something look worse than it was Be realistic

Out of the blueThrow your weight around Scrimp and scrapeGet your fingers burntIn the driving seatBury the hatchetCome cleanFollow suitA needle in a haystackTip of the icebergCost an arm and a legGet on your high horseNip in the budHand over fistGet your teeth into

A bad taste in your mouth Take exception to something Take it on thechinPut on a brave faceGet the upper handA steep learning curveRun the gauntletGrasp the meaningMake a killingLet your hair downSomething in the offingA clean sweepTake the wind out of your sails Water off a duck’s backIn at the deep endDribs and drabsThrow in the towelMoney where your mouth is Up at the crack of dawnIron something outLike a duck to waterOn the way outUnder the weatherCast a shadowKeep your feet on the ground

This book and many others are available on Amazon to download to anytablet or smartphone.

They include the following:

Travelling Light: Four books of travelling all over Europe.

Charlie and Trevor: A children’s adventure story book.

Billy Wizz: A vocabulary expansion book and true story.

Simply go to Amazon.co.uk and type in Anthony Gurling onto thesearch bar.

In addition to the travelling stories, many photos of the trip are on YouTube, again simply go to You Tube and type in Anthony Gurling intothe search bar.

Book 6 in this series of phrase books also available.

� Anthony Gurling

Although this book has copyright preventing reproduction I, as theauthor, am quite happy for students to photocopy any pages for theirfriends.

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

About the author.

Anthony has been teaching English as a second language for manyyears. Prior to teaching, he started working in the City of London in thebusiness world.In addition he has owned and run many small businesses, both inEngland and abroad.In addition to his teaching business in Warsaw, he operates an agencywhich organises language courses abroad.

With many locations in England for both adults and summer camps forchildren to learn English, he also organises courses in French at fourlocations in France, Spanish at four locations in Spain and German atthree locations in Germany.

www.anthony.com.plwww.learn-a-language.eu