mini lessons 1

Section 1 bull Guide to Listening Comprehension 81

Mini-Lessons for Section 1

Idiomatic Expressions

A knowledge of idioms is important for the Listening Comprehension section especially Part A These Mini-Lessons contain lists of some 300 expressions and their definitions as well as exercises to familiarize you with most of these expressions Many of the expressions listed here have appeared on the Listening Comprehension sections of TOEFL exams in the past some of them several times

Notes

1 If a phrase contains a word in parentheses that word is used only if the verb is followed by an noun or pronoun

Example f catch UP (with)

You go ahead Ill catch up later (no noun or pronoun) Ill catch up with you later (pronoun)

2 The words one and someone are used to indicate that any pronoun (or sometimes a noun) can be used in this expression

Example on ones own

How long have you been on your own Toms been on his own for several years

Mini-Lesson 11

about to almost ready to above all most importantly add up make sense be logical all at once suddenly without warning

all of a sudden all at once suddenly ~ a matter of fact in reality actually

as a rule generally customarily ~ at ease not nervous calm ~t the drop of a hat quickly without any preparation time

back out (of) withdraw an offer bank on depend on count on be my guest do what you want feel free help yourself be rusty need practice or review beats me I dont know I have no idea (often used in response to a question)

0- better off in an improved condition bite off more than one can chew take on more responsibility than one can handle

C bound to certain to sure to ~break down stop functioning (a machine for example) ~gtreak in (on) interrupt ~reak the ice break through social barriers (as at a party) ~reak the news (to) inform give bad news

break up end (a meeting for example) ~break up (with) stop being a couple (a boyfriend and girlfriend for example) ( a breeze something very simple and easy to do

S

82 Section 1 bull Guide to Listening Comprehension

~ hnng about cause to happen

L~bring up (1) raise (a child) (2) introduce (a topic for example)

C brush up on review study practic~ bump into meet unexpectedly run into by and large mostly generally on the whole by heart by memory learned word for word

amp~y no means in no way not at all c y

Exercise Fill in the blanks in the sentences or dialogs with idioms from the list above There will be one word per blank It may be necessary to change the verb forms in order for the sentence to be grammatically correct The first one is done as an example

1 Can you talk now No Im about to go to the grocery store but Ill call you as soon as 1 get back

2 Youre probably too tired to play another game of racquetball right Im not that tired really Id enjoy another game

3 Will you support my proposal at the meeting Certainly You can __ ________ my support

4 1 was talking to my aunt when suddenly my cousin George Ann our conversation

5 I understand Diane lost her job Yes but shes actually ____ She found a more interesting job with a higher salary

6 _~ ____ Carlos is very punctual but he sure was late tonight

7 My car ________ last week and 1 had to take the bus to work until it was repaired

8 I was taking a quiet walk last night when loud explosion

________________ there was a

9 Kent is fail that class if he doesnt start studying

10 They _~ ________ ~ their children to be honest

11 There were a Jew things I didnt like about Professor Wongs class but _______ _ ____ I enjoyed it

12 I think Matthew was cheating on that quiz That doesnt _____ Why should the best student in the class cheat

13 Can I have another sandwich Sure _________ ______ I made plenty

14 Actors and actresses must know their lines _______ _

IS If you dont want to talk about this problem why did you ____ it ___ _

16 Many accidents are ________ by carelessness

17 Their team won the game but they dominated it It was a very close garne

18 What a boring party No one is talking to one another Maybe we should put on some music and start dancing That might ___ ~ ___ _

19 Have you studied Spanish before Yes but its been years since 1 took a Spanish class so Ill need to - __- -~---_ ___ it before I go to Venezuela

20 Youre taking five classes this term Yes and Im havim trouhle getting caught up Im afraid 1

_ ________ this time


21 Youre all packed and ready to go I see I could leave _______________________ _

22 Do you know what the name of this street is ________ This is the first time Ive ever been in this town

23 Hows that biology class youre taking So far its been We just been going over things I studied last semester

24 What time did the part __ last night I dont know It was stU] buing on when 1 went home

25 I was awfully nervous when I gave that speech Really You hid it well 1 thought you were completely _______ _

MiniLesson 12

call it a day stop working for the day go home call off cancel call on visit cahn down relax care for (1) take care of

(2) like feel affection for catch on become popular catch on (to) understand learn catch up (with) go as fast as catch check in (or into) register (at a hotel) check out (00 (1) leave (a hotel)

(2) take material (from a library for example) cheer up become cheerful be happy chip in (onfor) contribute clear up (1) clarify make understandable

(2) become nice and sunny (used to talk about the weather) conle across find meet encounter come around (to) begin to change ones opinion begin to agree with come down with become sick with (an illness) come up with think of (an idea) cost an arm and a leg be very expensive count on depend on rely on bank on count out eliminate no longer consider as a factor cut off stop discontinue (a service for example) cut out for have an aptitude for be qualified for

Exercise Fill in the blanks in the sentences or dialogs with idioms from the list above There will be one word per blank It may be necessary to change the verb forms in order for the sentence to be grammatically correct

1 The reception in the garden was because of a thunderstorm

2 Dont get so excited Just _______ and tell us what happened

3 I was looking up some information in the almanac when 1 ________ an interesting fact

4 I can ____ _ _ ___ my car Its very dependable and never breaks down

S How did you ____________ such a strange idea

6 I arrived in town last night at seven-thirty and __ __________ my hotel at around eight This morning I plan to at about nine

---- -- ---


7 Did you rent this videotape No I ~ _____ it ______ the library

8 You look tired Why dont we____~ and finish up tomorrow

9 It wont be too expensive to buy Professor McMillen a present if we all ___ ~ __ _

10 If Arthur doesnt pay his electric bill soon the utilities company might_ __ __ his electricity

11 I dont understand this theorem at all Talk to Professor Adler Ill bet she can ______ your confusion

12 Who ______ _ your cat while you were out of town 15 A good stereo system doesnt have to __________ ________________ _

__ You can find one for a reasonable price

14 Cauliflower isnt my favorite vegetable In fact I dont it at all

15 Im depressed I didnt do very well on the first quiz ___ That quiz only counted for 10 of the total grade and Im sure youll do

better on the other tests

16 How did Eric do in the cross-country ski race

He got off to a bad start so he never ____________ the leading skiers

17 Why did Brenda drop out of business school

She decided she wasnt ____________ a career in business Shes going to study art instead

18 This song wasnt very popular when it was first recorded but now its starting to ___ _

19 Your roommate is still planning to vote for Smithson for president of the Student Council Yes but Im going to keep talking to him I think eventually hell ~~ __ ________ _ our point of view and vote for Brannigan

20 That saleswoman her clients at least once a month because she thinks personal contact is important

21 Is it still raining No the rain has stopped and its starting to _______ _

Mini-Lesson 13

day in and day out constantly for a long time die down become less severe quiet down do over do again repeat do without not have down the drain wasted done for no reason (work for example) dream up invent think of come up with drop (someone) a line send someone a letter drop in (on) visit informally drop off (1) leave something (a package for example)

(2) take (someone) home let someone out of a car drop out (00 stop attending (classes for example)

easy as pie very simple a piece of cake eyes bigger than ones stomach said of someone who takes more food than he or she can eat

fall behind not move as quickly as lag behind fall through fail to happen


a far cry from not similar to not as good as fed up (with) not able to tolerate disgusted with annoyed by feel free do something if one wants feel like be inclined to want to feel like a million dollars feel very good feel up to feel able to do something ready to few and far between uncommon and infrequent figure out understand solve


1 It took me hours to _________ how to record programs on my DVD player

2 If you could _ _ ___ the laundry on the way to work Ill pick it up on Monday

3 What a wond~Tful masquerade party People certainly ___ ______ some interesting costumes didnt they

4 Do you _____ going out tonight No Id rather stay home and read

5 Why have you ____ in your French class I was sick and I missed a few classes But Im studying hard to catch up

6 Why do we need to get gas now We have quite a bit left This highway goes through some very empty country and gas stations are _ _____ _

7 Howards teacher wasnt satislled with the work he had done so she asked him to ____ it

8 Im ______ _________ my roommates lack of responsibility He never pays his bills or his share of the rtnt on time

9 Isnt your class picnic today No our plans for the picnic _______ _

10 The food at that new restaurant isnt bad Its all right but ___________ ____ ______ its the food at Marios Now that is a great restaurant

11 Ben had to ____ the university because of financial problems

12 After blowing furiously all day the wind fmally __ _

13 Do you telephone friends before you visit or just __ ___ _ ____ them It depends If theyre close friends I just visit them If theyre acquaintances I generally call first

14 Im tired of the same old routine I know how you feel I get tired of doing the same things ____________ _ ____ ____ too

15 Ralph really loaded up his tray with food Hell never eat it all Ralphs ____ are ________ his ____ _

16 I need to use a computer for a few hours

____ to use my laptop computer I dont need it this morning

17 Ive missed James since he moved to Seattle You should him _____________ __ and let him know how youre doing Im sure hed love to get a letter from you


Mini-Lesson 14

till in write in a hlank (on an application form for example) nIl in (for) suhstitute for nIl one in provide missmg information fill out complete (an application form for example) nnd out learn discover a fish out of water someone not in his or her normal surroundings ftx up repair renovate follow in ones footsteps do what someone else did (especially a parent) for good permanently forever for the time being temporarily for now from out of the blue unexpectedly without warning

get a kick out of (doing something) enjoy have fun doing something get along with have good relations with get carried away go too far do too much buy too much get in ones blood become a habit hecome customary get in over ones head take on too much responsibility bite off more than one can chew get in the way block obstruct get in touch with contact get off leave (a vehicle) get off the ground start to he sllccessful get on board (a vehicle) get over recover from (a disease) get rid of discard no longer have get under way begin start give (someone) a cold shoulder act unfriendly toward someone ignore give away distribute (for free)

Exercise Fill in the blanks in the sentences or dialogs with idioms from the list above There will be one word per hlank It may be necessary to change the verb forms in order for the sentence to be grammatically correct

1 How did you ____ ~~~_ where Warren lives I just looked it up in my address book

2 Im interested in the job that was advertised in the newspaper Fine Just _____ _ _______ this application form

3 Dont forget to ___ ~_ the date on your check

-J Is Agnes still mad at you I suppose so 1 saw her at a party last weekend and she just __ _____ me _

5 Are YOll moving to Baltimore ~_ _ _ No just __ __ __ Ill be back here in a month or two

6 That old paint that you have stored in your garage is a fire hazard Youre right 1 should_ _ ____ ___ it

- Some companies __ ___ ~ ___ free samples of new products in order to flmiliarize consumers with them

8 Hows that advanced computer class youre taking Polly Not so good 1 cant understand a word that the teacher or any of the students are saying 1 really feel like ~__ _~ ___ _ ___ __ ____ __ __

lt) Dont you just hate all this graffiti middotIt is ugly isnt it Ive never understood why people _ _____ writing on walls It doesnt seem like much fun to me


10 When the train stopped a mysterious looking woman in a black raincoat ___________ (he train and found her seat

11 Maxwells project will be very successful I think Oh I dont knOw Im not sure it will ever _____ __ _ _ _________ _____ ___

12 Do you _ your new roommaliC or do you two argue

13 That run-down old house (iut navid bought looks terrific Yes hes it _ beautifully hasnt he

14 Has Edward ________ you lately No he hasnt I dont think he has my new telephone number

15 Will the concert start soon It should ______ _ ____ ___ any minute nov

16 Living by the ocean really ___ _ ___ your ____ Once youve lived here you never want to leave

17 This is the last stop Everyone has to _____ the bus here 18 Professor Dunbar came down with the flu so her teaching assistant _______ _

____ her for a few days

Mini-Lesson 15

get the hang of something learn how to do something give a hand applaud clap give a hand (with) assist go easy on not punish SC trely go on (with) continue go overboard do too much buy too much go with (1) accompany

(2) look good together complement (for example two articles of clothing) go without saying be clear be obvious grow up to mature to become an adult

hand in give back to return hand out distribute hangon wait hard to come by difficult to find have a heart be compassionate show mercy have a hunch have an intuitive feeling have a word with (someone) talk to someone briefly have on wear have ones hands full be very busy have a challenging job have the time of ones life have fun have a great time hear fIrsthand (from) get information directly from someone hear from be contacted by be in touch with hear of know about be familiar with hit it off become friendly (especially at a first meeting) hit the road leave go away holdon wait hold on (to) grasp hold still not move hold up delay



1 Everett was born in the South but he ________ in Michigan

2 At the beginning of the class the instructor the quizzes and told the students they had ten minutes in which to finish

3 After ten minutes the students ___ _ __ their quizzes to the instructor

4 Have you ever William Carlos Williams I believe so He was a poet wasnt he

5 Hello is Gina there Yes ________ a minute and Ill get her

6 Youre graduating next month right Yes but Im going to my studies in graduate school

7 while I take your photograph I dont want the picture to be blurry

8 I got stopped by the police for speeding I have to pay a big fine Well you could talk to the judge and ask him to reduce it Since youve never been stopped for speeding before maybe hell _______________ you

9 Do you like this blouse Yes but I think the grey silk one would ______ better _____ your jacket

10 So Dave is teaching you how to wind surf Yes and hes such a good teacher that Im already ________________ it

11 The audience __ __ the cast a big ____ after their wonderful performance

12 Do you think Iris will pass the history test That In fact shell probably have the best grade in the class

13 What _______ your flight There was a big snowstorm in Denver that delayed a lot of flights

14 Have you Maureen since she went to Hawaii Yeah I got a postcard from her yesterday She said shes ___________ _ ____ her and never wants to come home

15 Can you myself

___ me _________ _ ___ __ this luggage Its too heavy for me to carry

16 The wind is starting to blow Youd better ___ __________ your hat

17 Oh you bought that new book by Richard Stone Yes but that book is ________________ I looked for it in three or four bookstores before I finally found it

18 Its getting late Id better if I want to get home by midnight

19 Can 1_______ ______ you now Professor Rivera Ive got to go to class right now Drop by my office later and well talk then

20 You sure bought a lot of groceries Yeah I guess I ______ I should never go grocery shopping when Im hungry


Mini-Lesson 16

in a nutshell in summary in brief in favor of in agreement with supporting in hot water in trouble in no time very soon ery quickly in person face to face (not by telephone letter etc) in store in the future coming up in the dark not knowing confused in the long run over a long period of time in the same boat in the same situation having the same problem iron out solve (a problem)

join the club have the same problem as other people jump to conclusions form opinions without sufficient evidence

keep an eye on watch take care of look after keep an eye out (for) look for keep on (with) continue keep track of know where something or someone is keep up (with) maintain the same speed as kill time spend time doing unimportant things (before an appointment for example) know like the back of ones hand be very familiar with

layoff put out of work learn the ropes become Lli~iliar with get used to get the hang of leave out not include omit leave someonesomething alone not disturb let someone down disappoint let up decline in intensty (rain ror example) look after take care of mind look for try to locate look forward to anticipate (with pleasure) look into investigate


1 Will you ________ _ __ __ _______ ___ __ my dog while I go in the drugstore

2 Kathys daughter has such short legs that she has a hard time __ _ other children

_ _________ the

3 The store had to __________ a number of clerks because sales were down

4 You must be anxious to go on your vacation I certainly am Im really _____ _____ _ _ ___ this trip

5 Dont ___________ _ ________ Maybe your jewelry wasnt stolen after all

6 1 need to find a new apartment There might be some vacancies in the building where I live Ill _______ _

____ one

- The compal~Y may lose some money now but _________ _____ _- ______ this is a good investment

8 Alex complained that no one invited him to any social events and that he felt ____ _

9 Can you hurry mer here I need to see you right away Sure Ill be there _______ _


10 May I help you sir No Im just looking around and trying to __ ___ some _ ___ until my wife finishes shopping

11 Has it stopped raining yet No but its beginning to ____ _ ~_ __ a little

12 I cant go to Daryls party this weekend I have to study Guess were ___ _ _______ ___ ~ _ Ive got to study too

13 Should we stop and spend the night at this motel No let-- __ _ driving for a few more miles

14 If you find a baby animal in the woods dont touch it Just _ it

15 I al over town a good used car but 1 couldnt tind one

16 Stellas SI ter _____ _ her baby while Stella is at work

17 Ifyou dont know how to use this software why dont you ask Joanne to help 1 did ask her but Im still _ ______ _____ I didnt understand a word she said

18 The police are _______ ______ the crime

19 Did Amanda ever complete her project Shes almost finished She just has a few minor problems left to __

20 Alfred is ~ ____ _ _ _____ with his boss because he didnt finish an important project by the deadline

2l Has Marilyn gotten used to her new job at the bank yet It took her awhile but I think shes finally __________ _~ there

22 Are you __ ___ _ __ this proposal or against it

23 Are you familiar with tl1is neighborhood I grew up here so 1 ~__ _ ___ my ___ _

24 Is your roommate at home now I have no idea I can never ~_ ___ _~ ____ ~_ his comings and goings

25 I understand that you have a new dean over at the Business School Yes his name is Dean Nishimura He has a completely different philosophy of business education from the one Dean Woodford had so Im sure that some big changes arc _______ _ __ _ for us

Mini-Lesson 17

look like resemble look out (for) be careful look over examine read look up (1) find information (especially in a reference book)

(2) try to locate someone look up to respect admire

make a fool of oneself act embarrassingly make a point of make a special effort make ends meet balance a budget make sense (of) be logical and clear understand make up invent create make up ones mind decide make way for allow space for provide a path for mean to intend to


mixed up confused music to ones ears something that sounds pleasant

a nervous wreck someone who is very nervous next to nothing very little (money for example) cheap no doubt about it certainly definitely no harm done there was no damage done not at all not in any way not to any Licgrce not believe ones ears (or eyes) be unable to believe what one hears (or sees) not think much of not like not have a good opinion of

odds and ends small miscellaneous items an old hand (at) an experienced person on edge nervous on end consecutively without a break (days on end for example) on hand easily available on needles and pins nervous aninus on ones own independent on second thought after reLblclering on the go always busy alwaYllJclng on the tip of ones tongue drnost able to remember on the whole in general out of (something) nO jing something out of ones tnind insane illogical irrational out of order broken not functioning propcr~ out of the question definitely not impossihk over and over again and again repeatedly over ones head not understandable (a joke for example) obscure


l Have you _______ this contract yet Not yet Ill try to read it this weekend

2 I think Ill have the prime rib waiter All right sir Wait no- ___ ~___ _____________ I think Ill have the chicken

3 Is this story rrue or did you just __ it

4 You cant get a soda from that machine There sign on it that sa~

5 Shern _~ _______________ her lather because of all the help and good advice hes given her

6 I dont have much cash machine

7 What a confusing movie T couldnt __ _

but I can get some from an automatic teller

it

8 You did a fine job on this research paper especially on the hlbliography Thanks T it ______

___ getting the bibliography exactly right ____ until it was perfect

9 Whats Fntzs cH~in name Its __________ _ _____ my _______ but I cant quite remember

10 Hello Id like to restne t room r this yeekend Tm afraid thats __ ~~ ______ _ ____ _ ______ The hotel is fully booked this weekend

I did


11 Do you han Umiddot fresh reaches Sorry Im __ __ ___ _ __ them I just sold the last crate of peaches

12 Listen to the roar of the engines Yeah its _____ ______ my _______ I just love going to these car races

13 The plane was delayed for hours _______________ I thought wed never get off the ground

14 Have you finished moving into your new apartmentmiddot Almost There are still a few ______ ____________ ____ in myoid apartment that I need to move today

15 Brad sure is busy isnt he Yeah hes involved in so many activities that hes always ______ _

16 There are so many interesting dishes on the menu that its hard for ill to ________ my xhich one to ()f(kr

17 If YOLI go into the swamp __________ alligators

18 When will you be informed o( the test results Not until Monday so Ill be ___ _ _ _______ _ _ _____ all wed end

19 Do you know what the capital of Suurh Dakota is Im not sure Lets it in this atlas

20 Theyre going to tear down those old warehouses to __ hoteL

21 I like that painting you bought Did it cost much No the artist sold it to me for _____________________ _

22 How was your final exam Laurie

________ a big new

A couple of questions were triCky but ____ ____ _____ it was pretty easy

23 Im sorry I knocked that vase over I didnt mean to ______ _________________ It wasnt damaged

24 I must have been ________ my _____ when I signed the lease on this apartment cant afford this much rent

25 He didnt break the plate it was an accident

26 I didnt know ~middototl could play horseshoes so welL Oh Im ______________________________ horseshoes Ive been playing since I was a kid

27 You must be ______ This isnt River Street its Laurel Avenue

28 How long have you been living alone Ive been ____ my - since I graduated from high schooL

29 Did you find that lecture boring __________ _ _________________ In fact I thought it was fascinating

30 Christine is so funny she should be a stand-up comic I suppose but a lot of her jokes go right _____ Ill

Mini-lesson 18

part with no longer have get rid of not be in the company 01 pass up not accept not choose pass with flying colors do very well (on a test) pat oneself on the back congratulate oneself pay attention (to) concentrate on focus on pick out choose select

I just dont get them


pick up (1) take something from a surface (for example a floor) (2) go to a location and get someone or something (3) learn (especially without formal training)

pick up the tab (for) pay for the picture of a perfect example of something play it by ear do something without a definite plan play it safe choose a cautious plan point out indicate a pretty penny a lot of money pull ones leg jokcwith someone make up a story push ones luck to continue dl ling sumething too long to keep taking chances put aside save for later set lmiddotjl Ie put away return something tf its proper place put off delay postpone put on begin to wear put together assemble put up with tolerate


L Vanessa is allergic to tobacco smoke so she cant __ ___ _ __ smoking

2 That conference you attended in San Diego must have been cry expensive Yes hut fortunately the company I work for _____ ______________ __

it

5 J a~ked my teacher to ____ __ __________ the mistakes that I made in my essay so that I could correct them

4 What do you want to do tOl1lorroT I dont know Lets just ____ __ ______ _

5 You should get rid of that ole leather jacket I know but I hate to _____________ ___ it Ive had it for years

6 How did you learn hem to mlke sllch beautiful pottery Did you take a class in ceramics No I just ______ 11 nl own

7 Can you read that sign) Just a minute Let me

8 It took Linda week- to

9 This bike cost

that thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle

___ but 1 think it was worth it

10 1 passed tht llrt two quizzes in this class and f scarcely studied for them at alL WelL if I were you I wouldnt _______ n1_ _ ________ any further You should study for the next quil l11Cause its going to be a lot harder

11 Ill ____ the laundry that you dropped off at the cleaners this morning

12 TllC child her toys from the floor and then them _ in her toy box

15 Bert and Marv had to wasnt feeling ell

____ ________ their dinner party until next weekend hecause Bert

14 Whq ________ that tie for you No one I chose it mysCf

15 Are you going to take that job- No I l(THini 10 it because I dont want to relocate

16 ___ _ _ as I read the directions or you wont understand what to do


17 1 finally finished collecting all the materials I need to write my report Great but dont be too quick to __ __ yourself ________________ You still have to write the report and then word-process it

1 R How did vou do on your final exams Great I them all ___ ___ _

19 Im going to __ this magazine _ ___ tltgtr now and read it later

20 I wouldnt belie t word Lynn told you-llcs just _ __ ____ your __ _____

Mini-Lesson 19

right away immediately ring a bell (with) sound familiar to

rough it experience somewhat difficult or primitive conditions rule out say something is impossible eliminate run a temperature have a fever run for office try to get elected run into (1) meet unexpected I bump into

(2) collide with run late be late be in a hurry run of the mill ordinary run out of exhaust the supply of

save ones breath dont bother asking someone search me I dont know 1 have no idea beats me see eye to eye (with someone) (on something) have the same opinion be in agreement see (someone) off accompany (to an airport or train station for example) see to take care of check on fix serve one right receive the proper punishment get the penalty one deserves short for a nickname for show around orient give a tour show off try to attract attention by unusual behavior show up arrive shut down close sign up (for) enroll (fltgtr a class for example) sing another tune change ones opinion feel differently size up measure estimate sleep on it postpone a decision until the next day slowly but surely gradually steadily but not quickly snowed under very busy so far so good up until now there are no problems sooner or later at some indefinite future time speak ones mind say what one is thinking speak up speak more loudly speak up for support verbally spell out (for) make something very clear explain in detail


I Has JOhl ~ne back to Vlinneapolis yet Yes I just _ him _______ at the airport


2 This pipe is leaking again Wed hetter have a plumher ____ _ it

3 I was late because I _________________ ___ gasoline

4 Write down your ideas ___ _ __ _ If you wait to write them down you may forget them

5 When the factory _____ _ _______ hundreds of workers were laid off

6 Did you ____ ____ _______ _ _____ Professor Carmichaels class No I decided to take Professor Knudsons class instead

7 Vicki hows that project youre working on coming along ______ ___ ___ __ ________ but the tricky part will be next week

8 Have YOll ever heard of an actor named Anthony ReecP Hmmm I dont think so The name doesnt

9 Frank duesn take a hint very well dOl~ he l

me at all

No you han to things ___ ___ ______ Frank lie likes even thing crystal clear

10 Id heard that the clothe in this store ere very nice but I found them _

11-Bennet thought those stories Tina [(illl abollt )Oll were pretty funny They werent funny they were emharrassing Bennet would be _ ____ _______ _ if Tina had told that kind of story ahout him

12 Norman doesnt like to ________ when he goes on vacation He prefers to stay at luxury hotels

13 I dont like to go to parties too early Id rather a little bit late

14 Its expensive to _ ____ _____ these days Political campaigns cost a lot of money

15 So do YOll plan to buy this motorcycle or not Im still not sure Can I ____ it and let you know tomorrow morning

16 Have you seen the campus yet Yes my cousin Melissa is a student there and she _______ me

17 Im collecting money for the Red Cross I think Ill ask Pat to contribute ______ your __ __ Pat never contrihutes to anything

18 Are you going to medical school Jot this year hut I wouldnt _____ it in the future

19 I ________ _ myoId friend Leslie downtown yesterday 1 hadnt seen her for months

20 1 undcrsta nd youre learning how to speak Russian Yes and it was really hard for me especially at ttrst Now though 1m ______ _ ____ getting the hang of it

21 Your sisters name is Jessie Thats what everyone calls her-it ____ __ ______ Jessica

22 Have a busy night at the restaurantmiddot We werent just husy-we were _____ Ive never seen so many customers

23 I feel terrible 1 have a terrihle cold or maybe even the flu Are you______ ___ If you have a fever then you probably have the flu

24 My brother and I agree on most issues but 1 sure dont __ _ him ____ __ this proposal to build a new stadium


Mini-lesson 110

spick and span extremely clean spotless stack up against compare with stamp out eliminate wipe out stand for (1) tolerate pm lip with

(2) symbolize represent stand out be noticeahle stay out not come hOIlHgt stay out (or up) to all howmiddots come home (or go to bed) very late stay up not go to bed stick with not change stay with stock up on get a large supply of something a stones throw from not far away from close to stop by visit informally go to see straighten up clean up make tidy stuck with have something one cannot get rid of

take a break stop working for a short time take a lot of nerve require a lot of courage take a lot out of (someone) be hard on someOIW drain energy from someone take advantage of lItilize make use of exploit take after resemble look like (especially an older relative) take apart disassemhle take it easy relax calm down


1 Vaccines have permitted doctors to virtually a number of diseases including smallpox and polio

2 How late do you usually ____ gt___ Im normally in bed by eleven on weekdays

3 How late do you usually on weekends 1 sometimes dont come home uatil two or three in the morning

4 Do you __ _ _ _ your mother or father 1 dont think I look mllLil like either one of them

5 Earl had no troub1e _____ the engine on the lawn mower hut then he couldnt put it back together

6 You look a little tired Why dont you ____________ _ _gt _______ and finish your homework later

7 The teacher wont _____ cheating When she caught one student cheating on the mid-term exam she gave him a zero on that test

8 I tried and tried to find a huyer for this old car Looks like youre___ it for now

9 My brother is going to invest all his savings in a new business venture That _____ _____ ________ gt Id be afraid to take a risk like that

10 I give up I cant solve this chemistry problem ____ ______ it Eventually youll figure it out

11 We have to leave the apartment ________ The landlord said that if it wasnt clean when we moved out wed lose part of our security depositgt


12 Don was wearing jean- and a T-shirt while all the other guests had on formal dinner wear He really_ __

13 Im nervous ahout my interview ______________ Youll make a better impression if youre relaxed

14 The fifty stars on the American flag __ __ ___ 00 ____ the fifty states

15 Do you ____ Oll lpartment before guests ___ _____ _ _ __ ____ 1middot

A little hit I dont mind if its a little messy but I dont want it to look like a dIsaster area

16 My new roommate is from Italy You should ______ _ ___ _ _ __ this opportunity to learn some Italian

17 I just heard on the news that the Florida orange crop was damaged by the hurricane last week and that orange juice prices are going to go way up

If we had a big freezer we could ____ __ ___ ___ frozen orange juice now and we wouldnt have to pay those prices

18 Do you live near Cecilia Oh sure My apartment building is just ______ ___ _ hers

19 So you ran in that ten-kilometer race Yes hut it ___________ _ me I can hardly move

20 Tim youve eaten at hoth these restaurants-how does Chez Michelle ____ the Oak Room Oh theyre both good I think the Oak Room has slightly better food but the service is hetter at Chez Michelle

Mini-Lesson 111

take a short cut take a more direct or faster route than usual take off (1) remove (clothing for example)

(2) ascend (a plane for example) (3) hecome popular quickly

take over assume control or responsibility take part (in) participate in take the plunge finally take action do something different take time off (from) take a vacation or a break from work or school take up begin to study some topic or engage in some activity talk down to speak to someone as if he or she were a child patronize talk into persuade convince talk out of dissuade convince not to do something talk over discuss tear oneself away from something stop doing something interesting tear up rip into small pieces tell apart distinguish things are looking up the situation is improving think over consider throwaway discard get rid of throw cold water on discourage force to cancel (a plan for example) throw the book at someone give someone the maximum punishment try on test clothing before buying (for size style and so on) try out test a product before buying try out (for) audition for (a role in a play for example) attempt to join (a team for example)



1 Youd better these gloves before you buy them they may not fit

2 At first 1 didnt want to go to the party but Im glad Annette me it It was fun

3 The spy the document so that no one else could read it

4 The twins look so much alike that almost no one can them ___ _

5 I need more excitement in my life Why dont you give up stamp collecting and ________ sky-diving instead

6 Who made the final decision All of the people who were at the meeting ____________ the decision-making process

7 Most air accidents take place when a plane is ________ or landing

8 Youve got to those computer games and do your homework

9 Dan was afraid the judge would ________________ him because he had been charged with the same offense several times

10 ________ your boots before you go into the house

11 1 wish Id this calculator before 1 bought it It doesnt seem to be working right

12 Marvin was going to drop out of school but his grandfather him ________ it

13 Im not sure if this is a suitable topic for a research paper 1 need to it ____ with my teacher before 1 start writing

14 Im going to those old newspapers Dont just put them in the trash-recycle them instead

15 Are you going on the class trip I need to it before 1 decide

16 How did you get home so quickly I ________________ through the fields

17 So Louisa you decided to a part in the play Yes Ive been interested in acting for quite a while so 1 finally decided to _______ _

18 Akiko is going to ____ some ____________ teaching to finish writing her dissertation

Mini-Lesson 112

turn around face in a different direction turn down (1) reject an offer

(2) decrease the intensity of turn in (1) return give back hand in

(2) go to bed turn into change to transform into turn off stop the operation (of an appliance for example) shut off


turn on turn out

turn up

start the operation (of an appliance for example) (1) result end up be the final product (2) produce (3) arrive gather (for a meeting for example)

(1) increase in intensity (2) arrive

under the weather slightly ill use up usc completely

wait on serve walk on air be very happy warm up (1) heat

(2) practice prepare for warm up (to) become friendly with start to enjoy watch out (for) be alert look out for wear out become no longer useful because of wear what the doctor ordered exactly what was needed the perfect thing wipe out eliminate stamp out without a hitch without a problem work out (1) exercise

(2) bring to a successful conclusion solve


1 The story of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is about a scientist who a monster after drinking a chemical potion

2

3 Its warm in here Could you _________ the heater a little

4 I love that song Could you ____ ___ the radio a little

5 I cant see a thing Please ________ the light

6 This sweater looked nice when it was new but now its

7 Im hungry Why dont you ____ _ __ ____ some of the leftovers from lunch You can use the microwave oven

8 Not many people for the meeting last night

9 Its been a rough day Im going to __ _ _ ___ early and get a good nights sleep

10 How about a nice cup of hot tea Thats exactly what Im in the mood for Its just _____ __ _

11 How was your presentation Great It went off _________ _____ _

12 1m going to the gym to __ _______ _____ on the exercise machines

13 If youre on a crowded bus or subway car you must __ _ ____ ___ _ ____ pickpockets

14 A bear I dont see a bear Where is it __ ___ slowly Its right behind you

15 Maria had quite a few problems last year but she ____ them all ___ _

16 Dont ask me to ________ you Im not your servant

17 Brian was offered the managers job but he responsibility

___ it ____ He said he didnt want the


18 Before the game starts the players need to _______ _

19 This cake Holly baked for the wedding very well dont you think Yes indeed It was delicious

20 Mitchell looked pale and tired He told me he was feeling a little __ ~ ___________ _

21 You must be happy about getting that scholarship Are you kidding Im still _____ ~ __________


~ hnng about cause to happen

L~bring up (1) raise (a child) (2) introduce (a topic for example)

C brush up on review study practic~ bump into meet unexpectedly run into by and large mostly generally on the whole by heart by memory learned word for word

amp~y no means in no way not at all c y

Exercise Fill in the blanks in the sentences or dialogs with idioms from the list above There will be one word per blank It may be necessary to change the verb forms in order for the sentence to be grammatically correct The first one is done as an example

1 Can you talk now No Im about to go to the grocery store but Ill call you as soon as 1 get back

2 Youre probably too tired to play another game of racquetball right Im not that tired really Id enjoy another game

3 Will you support my proposal at the meeting Certainly You can __ ________ my support

4 1 was talking to my aunt when suddenly my cousin George Ann our conversation

5 I understand Diane lost her job Yes but shes actually ____ She found a more interesting job with a higher salary

6 _~ ____ Carlos is very punctual but he sure was late tonight

7 My car ________ last week and 1 had to take the bus to work until it was repaired

8 I was taking a quiet walk last night when loud explosion

________________ there was a

9 Kent is fail that class if he doesnt start studying

10 They _~ ________ ~ their children to be honest

11 There were a Jew things I didnt like about Professor Wongs class but _______ _ ____ I enjoyed it

12 I think Matthew was cheating on that quiz That doesnt _____ Why should the best student in the class cheat

13 Can I have another sandwich Sure _________ ______ I made plenty

14 Actors and actresses must know their lines _______ _

IS If you dont want to talk about this problem why did you ____ it ___ _

16 Many accidents are ________ by carelessness

17 Their team won the game but they dominated it It was a very close garne

18 What a boring party No one is talking to one another Maybe we should put on some music and start dancing That might ___ ~ ___ _

19 Have you studied Spanish before Yes but its been years since 1 took a Spanish class so Ill need to - __- -~---_ ___ it before I go to Venezuela

20 Youre taking five classes this term Yes and Im havim trouhle getting caught up Im afraid 1

_ ________ this time







MiniLesson 12












---- -- ---




















Mini-Lesson 13



























Mini-Lesson 14























Mini-Lesson 15




















15 Can you myself








Mini-Lesson 16








_ _________ the





____ one





















Mini-Lesson 17

















it





I did














________ a big new










Mini-lesson 18









it







9 This bike cost
















Mini-Lesson 19
















me at all


















Mini-lesson 110




























Mini-Lesson 111
























Mini-Lesson 112





turn on turn out

turn up









2




























MiniLesson 12












---- -- ---




















Mini-Lesson 13



























Mini-Lesson 14























Mini-Lesson 15




















15 Can you myself








Mini-Lesson 16








_ _________ the





____ one





















Mini-Lesson 17

















it





I did














________ a big new










Mini-lesson 18









it







9 This bike cost
















Mini-Lesson 19
















me at all


















Mini-lesson 110




























Mini-Lesson 111
























Mini-Lesson 112





turn on turn out

turn up









2









































Mini-Lesson 13



























Mini-Lesson 14























Mini-Lesson 15




















15 Can you myself








Mini-Lesson 16








_ _________ the





____ one





















Mini-Lesson 17

















it





I did














________ a big new










Mini-lesson 18









it







9 This bike cost
















Mini-Lesson 19
















me at all


















Mini-lesson 110




























Mini-Lesson 111
























Mini-Lesson 112





turn on turn out

turn up









2












































Mini-Lesson 14























Mini-Lesson 15




















15 Can you myself








Mini-Lesson 16








_ _________ the





____ one





















Mini-Lesson 17

















it





I did














________ a big new










Mini-lesson 18









it







9 This bike cost
















Mini-Lesson 19
















me at all


















Mini-lesson 110




























Mini-Lesson 111
























Mini-Lesson 112





turn on turn out

turn up









2
































Mini-Lesson 15




















15 Can you myself








Mini-Lesson 16








_ _________ the





____ one





















Mini-Lesson 17

















it





I did














________ a big new










Mini-lesson 18









it







9 This bike cost
















Mini-Lesson 19
















me at all


















Mini-lesson 110




























Mini-Lesson 111
























Mini-Lesson 112





turn on turn out

turn up









2






































15 Can you myself








Mini-Lesson 16








_ _________ the





____ one





















Mini-Lesson 17

















it





I did














________ a big new










Mini-lesson 18









it







9 This bike cost
















Mini-Lesson 19
















me at all


















Mini-lesson 110




























Mini-Lesson 111
























Mini-Lesson 112





turn on turn out

turn up









2























Mini-Lesson 16








_ _________ the





____ one





















Mini-Lesson 17

















it





I did














________ a big new










Mini-lesson 18









it







9 This bike cost
















Mini-Lesson 19
















me at all


















Mini-lesson 110




























Mini-Lesson 111
























Mini-Lesson 112





turn on turn out

turn up









2







































Mini-Lesson 17

















it





I did














________ a big new










Mini-lesson 18









it







9 This bike cost
















Mini-Lesson 19
















me at all


















Mini-lesson 110




























Mini-Lesson 111
























Mini-Lesson 112





turn on turn out

turn up









2



































it





I did














________ a big new










Mini-lesson 18









it







9 This bike cost
















Mini-Lesson 19
















me at all


















Mini-lesson 110




























Mini-Lesson 111
























Mini-Lesson 112





turn on turn out

turn up









2



































________ a big new










Mini-lesson 18









it







9 This bike cost
















Mini-Lesson 19
















me at all


















Mini-lesson 110




























Mini-Lesson 111
























Mini-Lesson 112





turn on turn out

turn up









2




























it







9 This bike cost
















Mini-Lesson 19
















me at all


















Mini-lesson 110




























Mini-Lesson 111
























Mini-Lesson 112





turn on turn out

turn up









2



























Mini-Lesson 19
















me at all


















Mini-lesson 110




























Mini-Lesson 111
























Mini-Lesson 112





turn on turn out

turn up









2































me at all


















Mini-lesson 110




























Mini-Lesson 111
























Mini-Lesson 112





turn on turn out

turn up









2























Mini-lesson 110




























Mini-Lesson 111
























Mini-Lesson 112





turn on turn out

turn up









2


































Mini-Lesson 111
























Mini-Lesson 112





turn on turn out

turn up









2










































Mini-Lesson 112





turn on turn out

turn up









2























turn on turn out

turn up









2






















mini lessons 1

Education