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The Idioms
by Admin Wed Oct 15, 2008 8:34 am
Smell a Rat
How come the front door is open? Didn't you close it before we went shopping?
I'm sure I did. I can't understand it. Frankly, I smell a rat.
Me, too. I'm convinced that something is definitely wrong here. We'd better call the police.
Top
Go to the Dogs
Have you seen their house lately? It's really gone to the dogs.
It's true that it has become run-down and in serious need of repair, but I'm sure that it can be fixed up to look like new.
I guess with a little carpentry work and some paint it could look pretty decent.
Top
Fishy
When the security guard saw a light in the store after closing hours, it seemed to him that there was something fishy going on. He called the central office and explained to his superior that he thought something strange and suspicious was occurring.
Top
Take the Bull by the Horns
Julie had always felt that she was missing out on a lot of fun because of her clumsiness on the dance floor. She had been putting off taking lessons, but she finally took the bull by the horns and went to a professional dance studio for help. She was tired of feeling left out and acted decisively to correct the situation.
Top
Let the cat out of the Bag
Bob was going to retire from teaching in June, and the foreign language department was planning on presenting him with some luggage at his retirement dinner. He wasn't supposed to know about it, but someone let the cat out of the bag. At the dinner Bob acted surprised, even though someone had told him what he was getting before the official presentation.
Top
For the Birds
They went to a poetry reading, but they got bored and restless. As far as they were concerned, it was for the birds! They left during an intermission because they found the reading totally uninteresting and meaningless
Top
Straight From the Horse's Mouth
How did you find out that Jill was engaged?
I got the information from a very reliable source.
You mean Jill told you so herself?
That's right. I got it straight from the horse's mouth!
Top
Horse Around
Did you hear about Dave's back injury?
No. How did he get hurt?
Well, after the coach left the gym he decided to stay and horse around on the parallel bars. He somehow lost his grip and fell on his back.
That's too bad, but he shouldn't have been aimlessly playing around on the equipment without proper supervision.
Top
Cat Got Your Tongue?
Come on, Connie! Tell us what you think about our little ride down the rapids yesterday.
Well, uh...
Wasn't it exciting?
I, uh...
What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?
If you must know, I'm keeping quiet because I was scared out of my wits!
Top
Get in Someone's hair
Children! Would you please stop making so much noise!
And for heaven's sake, pick up your clothes and toys!
It's hard enough trying to keep this house clean without your throwing your things all over the place!
Clara, I know that the children get in your hair, but you should try not to let it upset you so much.
Listen, Jim. I can't help it . The children bother me and make me very angry when they're so noisy and messy.
Top
Shoot Off One's Mouth
Jim doesn't play tennis very much, but he's always shooting off his mouth about how good he is. Yet he's fooling nobody. Jim is somewhat of a braggart and everyone knows that he gives opinions without knowing all the facts and talks as if he knew everything about the game.
Top
Jump Down Someone's Throat
That's it, Greg! You'd better not come in after midnight again tonight!
I know, dad. You don't have to jump down my throat! I told you that I'd make it home around 11:30. I don't intend to be late!
Well, you've said that before and in you come at 2: 30 in the morning. You can't blame me for getting angry and scolding you. I've got good reason.
Top
Pay Through the Nose
At last Mr. Smith came upon the rare stamp he had been seeking at an auction. Since many other stamp collectors would also be bidding for it, he realized that he would have to pay through the nose in order to have it.
After considering the increasing value of the stamp, he decided that he would not mind paying such a high price for something so rare.
Top
Tongue-in-Cheek
Why were you teasing Sonia about her new hairdo? She really took offense at what you said.
I didn't mean to offend her. I was simply making a tongue-in-cheek remark when i said that it was too elaborate for a girl of her young, tender age.
Well, she thought you were serious. She had no idea that you were just saying that as a joke.
I'm really sorry. I suppose I owe her an apology.
Top
Pull Someone's Leg
Hey, Al. I was invited to be a judge for the Miss America Beauty Pageant!
Oh, really? Come on, you're pulling my leg!
No, honestly. Do you really think that I'm trying to fool you with a ridiculous story?
Well, you've told me foolish stories before.
I can assure you that this one is for real.
Top
Play It by Ear
Let's go to the movies, agreed?
Sure. And what'll we do after that ?
Oh, I don't know. Let's play it by ear.
Well, I would like to have a more definite plan of action.
Don't be like that. It's always more fun not knowing what to expect and deciding what to do as we go along.
Top
Stick Out One's Neck
How come they're asking me to act as their guide through the jungle?
Evidently they think you're the only one who can lead them to the lost temple.
That jungle has danger lurking around every corner.
Why should I stick my neck out for them? They didn't pay me for my services.
They know that you would be taking a great risk and could possibly get hurt, but you're the only one with enough knowledge to take them to their destination. I'm sure you'll be amply rewarded.
Top
All Thumbs
Hey Bea. Can you help me out ? I don't seem to be able to button up the back of my dress.
Sure. Let's see if I can do it for you.
I guess I'm all thumbs because I'm so nervous. I'm already late for my date.
Well, I suppose that being so nervous would make you clumsy and awkward. But don't worry. I'm sure your date will wait.
Top
Not Have a Leg to Stand On
Tom maintains that the firm owes him some back wages for having worked overtime. However, he won't have a leg to stand on unless he can prove that he put in all those extra hours. He doesn't stand a chance of getting his money without a strong foundation of facts to support his position.
Top
Get Off Someone's Back
Hey, John. I'm bored. Come on, let's go out and do something.
Sorry, I'm right in the middle of studying for a physics exam. I won't be able to make it tonight.
You've been studying for a long time. Why don't you take a break ? Come on! Let's go ! Forget studying for a while !
Look! Get off my back! I can't go anywhere!
OK. I'll stop bothering you only if you promise to let me know the minute you're finished.
Top
Drive Someone Up a Wall
Wow ! What a great set of drums!
Yeah, they're great, but I can't play on them when my folks are at home. They say I drive them up a wall with all the loud banging.
I get the same thing at home. My folks tell me that I annoy them and get them really angry whenever I turn up the volume on my stereo.
Top
String Someone Along
Liz had high hopes of marrying Dean. When he ran off with another woman, she realized that he was just stringing her along. She had felt very strongly about him and was really hurt to see that he was deceiving her and had no intentions of ever marrying her.
Top
Leave Someone High and Dry
Say, Jill. I thought that John was going to help you do the dishes tonight.
So did I. But he left me high and dry.
Where did he go ?
Well, he got a call from some of his pals at work to go bowling, and he left me alone to do all this work without any help at all!
Top
Spill the Beans
Did you know that Harry was going to take Kathy on a Caribbean cruise ?
Yes, I did. He was planning on surprising her with the tickets fro their anniversary, but someone spilled the beans.
What a shame ! That was supposed to have been a surprise.
Yes, it's too bad that someone told her about the trip beforehand and ruined Harry's surprise.
That's OK. Her enthusiasm was not dampened in the least!
Top
Bite the Dust
Andy did exceptionally well in all of the track events, but he bit the dust in the high jump competition. Much to the disappointment of his fans, he went down in defeat, losing to a competitor from the visiting team.
Top
Bend Over Backwards
When Joan first started teaching she was afraid that she would have a lot of trouble getting used to the kids and to the faculty. Her fears turned out to be unfounded, since everybody bent over backwards to help her. Everyone tried very hard to help her feel comfortable and adjust to the school.
Top
Cough Up
Say, Greg. Did you finally get that computer that you wanted so much ?
Not yet. I needed to raise a couple of hundred dollars more.
Is it going to take you a while to raise the money?
It would have taken me forever, but dad said he'd cough up the money I need since I'm going to be using the computer for my school work.
Maybe it was difficult for your dad to give you the money but then, he knows that it's for a good cause.
Top
Jump the Gun
Denise was planning on telling her grandparents that the doctor said she was going to have twins, but when her dad found out he jumped the gun and told them before Denise could say a word. He was so excited that he became hasty and revealed the news before Denise had a chance to tell them.
Top
Scratch Someone's Back
Hey, Bea. I need some help stacking these boxes. Would you please give me a hand?
OK. And I need some help tidying up the house. How about your helping me out after that ?
OK. If you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.
I know you don't like doing housework, but I'll help you with the boxes if you promise to return the favor.
No problem. I'll even do the windows.
Top
Turn Someone Off
How was your date with Marty last night ?
Well, it started of OK, but he really turned me off when we went for a snack after the movies.
Did he say or do something to annoy you?
Frankly, he disgusted me when he tried to talk with his mouth full.
I don't blame you . That would have really bothered me too.
Top
Kick the Bucket
It's been said that the old man knew of a buried treasure, but he kicked the bucket before telling anyone where it was. If the treasure exists, the old man unfortunately took the secret of its location with him when he died.
Top
Wet Blanket
James was not invited to go on the outing with the rest of the group because he's such a wet blanket. On many previous occasions he has kept others from enjoying themselves by his pessimism and lack of enthusiasm. It's understandable that no one wants him around.
Top
Up One's Sleeve
All right, Sara. We know that you're planning something big for Jean's birthday. Mind telling us just what you have up your sleeve ?
I wanted to make his birthday a very special event.
Jean has a sister living in France, and I sent her an airplane ticket so that she could be here for his birthday.
Boy! That is something special. We kind of guessed that you had some concealed plan and were waiting for the right time to reveal it.
Well, I didn't want to say anything until I was sure she could come.
Top
Knock Someone's Socks Off
Hi, John. What's new ?
Oh, nothing too much with me, but you ought to see Fredo's new car. It'll knock your socks off!
So, he finally got that Italian sports car he's been dreaming about.
He sure did. When you see all the custom features that it has, you'll get so enthused and excited you won't know what to do.
Boy, I can hardly wait to go for a ride in it.
Top
Lose One's Shirt
I happened to bump into Dole at lunch yesterday afternoon.
What's new with Dole these days ?
He wasn't doing so well. For one thing, he told me he lost his shirt at the races.
Dole has always liked to bet on the horses. I'm not surprised that he lost a great deal of money.
Yeah. At this rate he'll never have a penny to his name.
Top
Lemon
Have you seen Joe's new car yet ?
Yeah. It looks good, but she's had nothing but problems with it.
That's too bad. It sounds like she got a real lemon.
She sure did. No sooner did she drive it home from the dealer's than it proved defective and started breaking down.
How come the front door is open? Didn't you close it before we went shopping?
I'm sure I did. I can't understand it. Frankly, I smell a rat.
Me, too. I'm convinced that something is definitely wrong here. We'd better call the police.
Top
Go to the Dogs
Have you seen their house lately? It's really gone to the dogs.
It's true that it has become run-down and in serious need of repair, but I'm sure that it can be fixed up to look like new.
I guess with a little carpentry work and some paint it could look pretty decent.
Top
Fishy
When the security guard saw a light in the store after closing hours, it seemed to him that there was something fishy going on. He called the central office and explained to his superior that he thought something strange and suspicious was occurring.
Top
Take the Bull by the Horns
Julie had always felt that she was missing out on a lot of fun because of her clumsiness on the dance floor. She had been putting off taking lessons, but she finally took the bull by the horns and went to a professional dance studio for help. She was tired of feeling left out and acted decisively to correct the situation.
Top
Let the cat out of the Bag
Bob was going to retire from teaching in June, and the foreign language department was planning on presenting him with some luggage at his retirement dinner. He wasn't supposed to know about it, but someone let the cat out of the bag. At the dinner Bob acted surprised, even though someone had told him what he was getting before the official presentation.
Top
For the Birds
They went to a poetry reading, but they got bored and restless. As far as they were concerned, it was for the birds! They left during an intermission because they found the reading totally uninteresting and meaningless
Top
Straight From the Horse's Mouth
How did you find out that Jill was engaged?
I got the information from a very reliable source.
You mean Jill told you so herself?
That's right. I got it straight from the horse's mouth!
Top
Horse Around
Did you hear about Dave's back injury?
No. How did he get hurt?
Well, after the coach left the gym he decided to stay and horse around on the parallel bars. He somehow lost his grip and fell on his back.
That's too bad, but he shouldn't have been aimlessly playing around on the equipment without proper supervision.
Top
Cat Got Your Tongue?
Come on, Connie! Tell us what you think about our little ride down the rapids yesterday.
Well, uh...
Wasn't it exciting?
I, uh...
What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?
If you must know, I'm keeping quiet because I was scared out of my wits!
Top
Get in Someone's hair
Children! Would you please stop making so much noise!
And for heaven's sake, pick up your clothes and toys!
It's hard enough trying to keep this house clean without your throwing your things all over the place!
Clara, I know that the children get in your hair, but you should try not to let it upset you so much.
Listen, Jim. I can't help it . The children bother me and make me very angry when they're so noisy and messy.
Top
Shoot Off One's Mouth
Jim doesn't play tennis very much, but he's always shooting off his mouth about how good he is. Yet he's fooling nobody. Jim is somewhat of a braggart and everyone knows that he gives opinions without knowing all the facts and talks as if he knew everything about the game.
Top
Jump Down Someone's Throat
That's it, Greg! You'd better not come in after midnight again tonight!
I know, dad. You don't have to jump down my throat! I told you that I'd make it home around 11:30. I don't intend to be late!
Well, you've said that before and in you come at 2: 30 in the morning. You can't blame me for getting angry and scolding you. I've got good reason.
Top
Pay Through the Nose
At last Mr. Smith came upon the rare stamp he had been seeking at an auction. Since many other stamp collectors would also be bidding for it, he realized that he would have to pay through the nose in order to have it.
After considering the increasing value of the stamp, he decided that he would not mind paying such a high price for something so rare.
Top
Tongue-in-Cheek
Why were you teasing Sonia about her new hairdo? She really took offense at what you said.
I didn't mean to offend her. I was simply making a tongue-in-cheek remark when i said that it was too elaborate for a girl of her young, tender age.
Well, she thought you were serious. She had no idea that you were just saying that as a joke.
I'm really sorry. I suppose I owe her an apology.
Top
Pull Someone's Leg
Hey, Al. I was invited to be a judge for the Miss America Beauty Pageant!
Oh, really? Come on, you're pulling my leg!
No, honestly. Do you really think that I'm trying to fool you with a ridiculous story?
Well, you've told me foolish stories before.
I can assure you that this one is for real.
Top
Play It by Ear
Let's go to the movies, agreed?
Sure. And what'll we do after that ?
Oh, I don't know. Let's play it by ear.
Well, I would like to have a more definite plan of action.
Don't be like that. It's always more fun not knowing what to expect and deciding what to do as we go along.
Top
Stick Out One's Neck
How come they're asking me to act as their guide through the jungle?
Evidently they think you're the only one who can lead them to the lost temple.
That jungle has danger lurking around every corner.
Why should I stick my neck out for them? They didn't pay me for my services.
They know that you would be taking a great risk and could possibly get hurt, but you're the only one with enough knowledge to take them to their destination. I'm sure you'll be amply rewarded.
Top
All Thumbs
Hey Bea. Can you help me out ? I don't seem to be able to button up the back of my dress.
Sure. Let's see if I can do it for you.
I guess I'm all thumbs because I'm so nervous. I'm already late for my date.
Well, I suppose that being so nervous would make you clumsy and awkward. But don't worry. I'm sure your date will wait.
Top
Not Have a Leg to Stand On
Tom maintains that the firm owes him some back wages for having worked overtime. However, he won't have a leg to stand on unless he can prove that he put in all those extra hours. He doesn't stand a chance of getting his money without a strong foundation of facts to support his position.
Top
Get Off Someone's Back
Hey, John. I'm bored. Come on, let's go out and do something.
Sorry, I'm right in the middle of studying for a physics exam. I won't be able to make it tonight.
You've been studying for a long time. Why don't you take a break ? Come on! Let's go ! Forget studying for a while !
Look! Get off my back! I can't go anywhere!
OK. I'll stop bothering you only if you promise to let me know the minute you're finished.
Top
Drive Someone Up a Wall
Wow ! What a great set of drums!
Yeah, they're great, but I can't play on them when my folks are at home. They say I drive them up a wall with all the loud banging.
I get the same thing at home. My folks tell me that I annoy them and get them really angry whenever I turn up the volume on my stereo.
Top
String Someone Along
Liz had high hopes of marrying Dean. When he ran off with another woman, she realized that he was just stringing her along. She had felt very strongly about him and was really hurt to see that he was deceiving her and had no intentions of ever marrying her.
Top
Leave Someone High and Dry
Say, Jill. I thought that John was going to help you do the dishes tonight.
So did I. But he left me high and dry.
Where did he go ?
Well, he got a call from some of his pals at work to go bowling, and he left me alone to do all this work without any help at all!
Top
Spill the Beans
Did you know that Harry was going to take Kathy on a Caribbean cruise ?
Yes, I did. He was planning on surprising her with the tickets fro their anniversary, but someone spilled the beans.
What a shame ! That was supposed to have been a surprise.
Yes, it's too bad that someone told her about the trip beforehand and ruined Harry's surprise.
That's OK. Her enthusiasm was not dampened in the least!
Top
Bite the Dust
Andy did exceptionally well in all of the track events, but he bit the dust in the high jump competition. Much to the disappointment of his fans, he went down in defeat, losing to a competitor from the visiting team.
Top
Bend Over Backwards
When Joan first started teaching she was afraid that she would have a lot of trouble getting used to the kids and to the faculty. Her fears turned out to be unfounded, since everybody bent over backwards to help her. Everyone tried very hard to help her feel comfortable and adjust to the school.
Top
Cough Up
Say, Greg. Did you finally get that computer that you wanted so much ?
Not yet. I needed to raise a couple of hundred dollars more.
Is it going to take you a while to raise the money?
It would have taken me forever, but dad said he'd cough up the money I need since I'm going to be using the computer for my school work.
Maybe it was difficult for your dad to give you the money but then, he knows that it's for a good cause.
Top
Jump the Gun
Denise was planning on telling her grandparents that the doctor said she was going to have twins, but when her dad found out he jumped the gun and told them before Denise could say a word. He was so excited that he became hasty and revealed the news before Denise had a chance to tell them.
Top
Scratch Someone's Back
Hey, Bea. I need some help stacking these boxes. Would you please give me a hand?
OK. And I need some help tidying up the house. How about your helping me out after that ?
OK. If you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.
I know you don't like doing housework, but I'll help you with the boxes if you promise to return the favor.
No problem. I'll even do the windows.
Top
Turn Someone Off
How was your date with Marty last night ?
Well, it started of OK, but he really turned me off when we went for a snack after the movies.
Did he say or do something to annoy you?
Frankly, he disgusted me when he tried to talk with his mouth full.
I don't blame you . That would have really bothered me too.
Top
Kick the Bucket
It's been said that the old man knew of a buried treasure, but he kicked the bucket before telling anyone where it was. If the treasure exists, the old man unfortunately took the secret of its location with him when he died.
Top
Wet Blanket
James was not invited to go on the outing with the rest of the group because he's such a wet blanket. On many previous occasions he has kept others from enjoying themselves by his pessimism and lack of enthusiasm. It's understandable that no one wants him around.
Top
Up One's Sleeve
All right, Sara. We know that you're planning something big for Jean's birthday. Mind telling us just what you have up your sleeve ?
I wanted to make his birthday a very special event.
Jean has a sister living in France, and I sent her an airplane ticket so that she could be here for his birthday.
Boy! That is something special. We kind of guessed that you had some concealed plan and were waiting for the right time to reveal it.
Well, I didn't want to say anything until I was sure she could come.
Top
Knock Someone's Socks Off
Hi, John. What's new ?
Oh, nothing too much with me, but you ought to see Fredo's new car. It'll knock your socks off!
So, he finally got that Italian sports car he's been dreaming about.
He sure did. When you see all the custom features that it has, you'll get so enthused and excited you won't know what to do.
Boy, I can hardly wait to go for a ride in it.
Top
Lose One's Shirt
I happened to bump into Dole at lunch yesterday afternoon.
What's new with Dole these days ?
He wasn't doing so well. For one thing, he told me he lost his shirt at the races.
Dole has always liked to bet on the horses. I'm not surprised that he lost a great deal of money.
Yeah. At this rate he'll never have a penny to his name.
Top
Lemon
Have you seen Joe's new car yet ?
Yeah. It looks good, but she's had nothing but problems with it.
That's too bad. It sounds like she got a real lemon.
She sure did. No sooner did she drive it home from the dealer's than it proved defective and started breaking down.
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 4
Join date : 2008-10-15 -
Re: The Idioms
by Hamasa_2010 Sun Oct 19, 2008 2:06 pm
Hey man you have to keep this topic up to date every lecture add it please 
Hamasa_2010- supervisor
- Posts : 4
Join date : 2008-10-15
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