Advanced Conversation Vol.

1 Using Contemporary Idiom

Advanced Conversation Vol. 1

Using Contemporary Idioms

Advanced Conversation Vol. 1 Using Contemporary Idiom

Contents
Dialog 1 : Turn Over a New Leaf Dialog 2 : Mark my words Dialog 3 : Open a Pandoras box Dialog 4 : Turn the tables Dialog 5 : Girl Friday Dialog 6 : Have the Midas touch Dialog 7 : Save ones breath Dialog 8 : A jack-of-all-trades Dialog 9 : Heard through the grapevine Dialog 10 : Monkey business Dialog 11 : Saved by the bell Dialog 12 : Half-baked Dialog 13 : A dose of your own medicine Dialog 14 : Barking up the wrong tree Dialog 15 : Dressed to kill Dialog 16 : A babe in the woods Dialog 17 : Go Dutch Dialog 18 : Go bananas Dialog 19 : In Seventh Heaven Dialog 20 : Sleep like a baby Dialog 21 : A fat cat Dialog 22 : Black sheep Dialog 23 : Sweet tooth Dialog 24 : Copycat Dialog 25 : Butterflies in your stomach Dialog 26 : In a nutshell Dialog 27 : Talk of the town Dialog 27 : Talk of the town Dialog 28 : Graveyard Shift Dialog 29 : Raining Cats and Dogs Dialog 30 : Break a leg Dialog 31 : Born with a silver spoon in ones mouth Dialog 32 : Couch potato Dialog 33 : Cry over spilled milk Dialog 34 : Apple of (someones) eye Dialog 35 : In black and white Dialog 36 : Once in a blue moon Dialog 37 : With flying colors Dialog 38: Teachers pet Dialog 39 : Kill two birds with one stone Dialog 40 : Out of the blue

Advanced Conversation Vol. 1 Using Contemporary Idiom

Dialog 1 : Turn Over a New Leaf A: I heard he has just been released from the rehabilitation center. B: Was an alcoholic? A: Yes. He got frustrated that no movie producers are offering him jobs. B: Thats sad. How long did he stay in the rehab? A: For 6 months. And hes turning over a new leaf already. Explanation: When a person turns over a new leaf, he starts to behave in a better way. Example: He promised the police that hell turn over a new leaf now. Vocabulary: Released (verb) - to be free Rehabilitation (noun) - the process of restoring an individual (as a convict or drug addict) to a useful place in society Alcoholic (noun) - A person who drinks alcoholic substances habitually Frustrated (adjective) disappointed, saddened

Dialog 2 : Mark my words A: Im telling you Im going to be rich. B: How can you do that? You dont even want to work. A: Mark my words. Even if I dont work Im still going to have a lot of money. B: Youre already drunk. A: Of course Im not. I still know what Im saying. B: OK. But I still dont understand how you could be rich when you arent doing something. Explanation: Mark my words is an expression used to lend an air of seriousness to what the speaker is about to say when talking about the future. Example: "Mark my words, if you do not finish your homework project you are not going to go out this weekend."

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Dialog 3 : Open a Pandoras box A: My son is asking me to buy him a new car. B: Oh, does he know how to drive already? A: Yes, he sometimes takes out my car. B: So, whats the problem? A: Hes a very careless driver. It has a lot of scratches now. I just bought it two months ago, but it looks like a year old. He also sometimes uses it to sneak out and go to parties at night, ithout my knowledge. B: I think buying him a new car will open a Pandoras box. Explanation: When you open a Pandoras box, you are doing something that causes a lot of new problems that you did not expect. Example: Sadly, the managements decision to lay-off workers could open a Pandoras box. Vocabulary: Careless (Adjective) unconcerned about the consequences of some action Scratches (noun) mark, blemish, damage Sneak (verb) - To go or move in a quiet, secretive way. Knowledge (noun) - Familiarity, awareness, or understanding Management (noun) - the person or persons controlling and directing the affairs of a business, institution, etc.: Expect (verb) hope, await

Dialog 4 : Turn the tables A: I cant believe it. Kate won in the championship game. B: Yeah. I was very surprised too. I never thought shed win. A: I guess she turned the tables this year. She didnt win any game last year. B: I heard she trained hard and she has a new coach. Explanation: When someone turned the tables, it means that you change a situation so that someones position is the opposite of what it was. You cause a complete reversal of the situation. Example: I am waiting for the right time to turn the tables on her. Vocabulary: Coach (noun) - a person who trains an athlete or a team of athletes

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Dialog 5 : Girl Friday A: Ive read the advertisement in the newspaper. Youre looking for a girl Friday. B: Yes, were looking for one. Are you interested in the job? A: Yes, I am. What shall I do? B: My boss will tell you the things youll do. Just wait here and Ill inform my boss that youre interested in the job. Explanation: A girl Friday is a person who does many different types of usually not very interesting work in an office. Example: The girl Friday they hired is very hardworking.

Dialog 6 : Have the Midas touch A: I wish I have the Midas touch. B: Me too. Ill tour Europe and buy a mansion if I have the money. A: No matter what I do, I still cant seem to put any money into savings. B: I promise myself Ill be able to save $1,000 this month. A: I bet you couldnt do that. You spend too much when were going out. Explanation: When you have the Midas touch, you have the ability to make a lot of money. Example: He convinced the young women in the village that they have Midas touch. Vocabulary: Mansion (noun) a very large house

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Dialog 7 : Save ones breath A: Ive talked with the director of the hospital. B: What did he say? A: He told me to get the money, of course. He doesnt want us to go until the bill is settled. B: Did you tell him that well just pay by installment? A: Yeah, I did. But he doesnt want that kind of arrangement. B: You should have saved your breath. He doesnt listen to pleadings. Explanation: You dont say anything when you save your breath. Example: You should save your breath. I already made a decision and thats final. Vocabulary: Installment (noun) - a payment of part of a debt; usually paid at regular intervals Arrangement (noun) - an agreement or settlement Plea (noun) a request

Dialog 8 : A jack-of-all-trades A: I dont know how this thing works. Can you help me? B: Im sorry. I dont know how it operates. A: I need this to finish my report. B: Ask Peter. He can fix anything. Hes a jack-of-all-trades. A: Can you help me find him? B: Sure. I saw him at the pantry a while ago.

Explanation: A jack-of-all-trades is a person who can do many different kinds of work.

Example: Sam can do the gardening, driving, carpentry and plumbinghes really a jack-of-all-trades.

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Dialog 9 : Heard through the grapevine A: I havent seen Mary for a month now. B: I heard through the grapevine that she was pregnant. A: Really? I dont know that. Whos the father of the child shes carrying? B: I dont know anything more. But I think thats the reason why she immediately resigned. A: I hope shell not be a single parent. B: I agree. Its so hard to raise a child when youre alone.

Explanation: When you hear something through the grapevine, you hear the news from someone who heard the news from someone else. Example: I heard through the grapevine that the Joneses are planning a tour around Europe next summer. Vocabulary: Grapevine (noun)- a vine that bears grapes Raise (verb) to take care of

Dialog 10 : Monkey business A: Mother was so mad at John and Joshua this afternoon. B: Why? A: The two did some monkey business while she was out. She was so mad. B: Oh. What did she say? A: She did not allow them to go and play outside for a whole week. B: Thats too bad. The two will be missing a lot. A: Yeah. But they should have not done that, so they wont be punished. Explanation: Monkey business is a silly behavior or a dishonest behavior. Example: There was a monkey business involved in renovating the city hall with some officials getting secret payments from builders. Vocabulary: Punish (verb) - To subject to a penalty for an offense, sin, or fault. Silly (adjective) - weak-minded or lacking good sense; stupid or foolish Dishonest (adjective) not honest; lies, cheats Renovate (verb) - to restore to good condition; make new or as if new again; repair.

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Dialog 11 : Saved by the bell A: Mother asked me who broke the antique jar. B: What did you say? A: Luckily, I was saved by the bell. Her cellphone rang. She didnt notice me leaving. B: I guess shell be talking to you when you get home tonight. A: No, shell be gone for a week. She has a business trip. B: Just pray that she wont remember it when she comes back. A: Its her favorite piece. She wont forget it. Explanation: When you are saved by the bell, you are rescued from an unwanted situation. Example: Jonathan was saved by the bell when his brother walked in and asked him to go with him at the baseball practice. Vocabulary: Antique (adjective) - any piece of furniture or decorative object or the like produced in a former period and valuable because of its beauty or rarity Rescue (verb) saved

Dialog 12 : Half-baked A: The boss didnt want his proposal. It was half-baked. B: Its the first time it happened. Hes always ready and prepared when he makes reports. A: This time he isnt. I heard he has a problem. B: What do you know? A: His wifes filing a divorce. B: I understand now. I hope his job wont be affected too much. Explanation: Something is half-baked when it is not thought about or planned carefully. Example: The idea was half-baked. It wont work. Vocabulary: Proposal (noun) - a plan or scheme Divorce (noun) one that releases the husband and wife from all matrimonial obligations

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Dialog 13 : A dose of your own medicine A: I saw Mark in the lobby. He asked me to tell you that hes waiting there for an hour already. B: I know. I just dont want to go down yet. A: But why? B: I want to give him a dose of his own medicine. Hes always turning up late for me. A: He wont like it for sure. Explanation: When you give someone a dose of his own medicine, you do the same bad thing to him that he has often done to you in order to show him how unpleasant it is. Example: Why dont you give him a dose of his own medicine so that hell learn? Vocabulary: Lobby (noun) - A hall or waiting room at or near the entrance to a building, such as a hotel or theater

Dialog 14 : Barking up the wrong tree A: Why did the police arrest him? B: They said hes one of the men who robbed the convenience store around the corner. A: I know hes a nice guy. I cant believe hes a robber. B: Yes, I think Stellas talking with the police right now. She said she was talking with him at Starbucks when the incident at the convenience store happened. A: So the police is barking up the wrong tree. B: Maybe. We dont know that for now. Explanation: If you are barking up the wrong tree, it means that you have completely misunderstood something or you are believing the wrong explanation for something. Vocabulary: Arrest (verb) - to capture or take hold of (a person) because he or she has broken the law Conveniences store (noun) - a retail store that carries a limited selection of basic items, as packaged foods and drugstore items, and is open long hours for the convenience of shoppers. Rob (verb) - taking possessions by unlawful force or violence Incident (noun) an event

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Dialog 15 : Dressed to kill A: I didnt attend Sams party last night. B: Why? I heard they all had fun. A: I saw them at the gate and they were all dressed to kill. Im just wearing my jeans and a shirt. B: You should have joined them. Im sure they wont mind your dress. They are your friends. Explanation: When someone is dressed to kill, they are wearing clothes that are intended to make people notice you. Example: Cathy was dressed to kill at the party. Everybody is staring at her.

Dialog 16 : A babe in the woods A: I wont allow Joanne to study in the university in the city. Shes still a babe in the woods. B: You worry too much. She wont learn if you wont allow her. A: You cant blame me. Anything might happen to her. Youll never know. B: Shell learn to be independent when she gets there. Explanation: A babe in the woods is someone who has not had much experience and trusts other people too easily. Example: When it comes to business, she is still a babe in the woods. Vocabulary: Babe (noun) a baby or child

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Dialog 17 : Go Dutch A: My colleague invited me to eat lunch in the nearby restaurant. B: What restaurant is that? A: In Conieres. The food is really delicious, but its very expensive. B: Who paid the bill? A: We went Dutch. I want to come there again tomorrow. Would you want to come with me? Explanation: If you go Dutch in a restaurant, you pay equal shares for the meal. Example: I thought my sister will treat me out in a restaurant for dinner, but when we were there, we went Dutch.

Dialog 18 : Go bananas A: Where did you put my book? B: I just put it in your desk. A: Its not there. Why dont you look for it? B: I told you I put it in your desk last night. Maybe you put it in your bag already. A: You look for it, or I wont lend you the video game you want. B: Dont go bananas. Youre just being careless. Explanation: You become very angry when you go bananas. Example: Shell go bananas if she sees the litter in the backyard. Vocabulary: Careless (adjective) - not paying enough attention to what one does; having no care or concern Litter (noun) - rubbish carelessly dropped or left about (especially in public places) Backyard (noun) - the portion of a lot or building site behind a house, structure, or the like, sometimes fenced, walled, etc.

Advanced Conversation Vol. 1 Using Contemporary Idiom

Dialog 19 : In Seventh Heaven A: Hi John! How are you today? B: Great! I feel in seventh heaven. A: Thats nice to hear. But why? B: Ive asked Alice yesterday if we could have a date, and she agreed. A: Whos Alice? B: Shes our new neighbor. Shes from the Canada. Explanation: When you are in seventh heaven, you are extremely happy. Example: She was in seventh heaven when she learned that she passed the board exam.

Dialog 20 : Sleep like a baby A: Where is Janice? B: Shes in her room, sleeping like a baby. A: What time did she get home last night? B: Almost midnight. I was so worried. I thought something bad already happened to her. A: The traffic is so heavy. Its because of the rain. B: Thats the reason she gave me. Explanation: When someone is sleeping like a baby, that person is sleeping very well.

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Dialog 21 : A fat cat A: All of us are so busy today. Im so tired already. B: I dont think many tourists are coming. What makes you busy? A: A fat cat from New York will be staying in the hotel. The manager wants to impress him. B: How long will he be staying? A: Just a few hours. Hell be talking with some business partners. Explanation: A fat cat is a person who makes a lot of money and enjoys a privileged position in society. Example: Mr. Antonio is just another fat cata corporate tycoon from Chicago. Vocabulary: Privileged (adjective) enjoying benefits

Dialog 22 : Black sheep A: Why arent you going home? B: I dont want to. My parents dont like me there. A: What do you mean? B: They regard me as the black sheep of the family. They dont understand me. All they do is find faults in everything I do.

Explanation: A black sheep is someone who doesnt fit into a group or family because their behavior or character is not good enough. Example: The black sheep returns home after three years of staying in England.

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Dialog 23 : Sweet tooth A: Can you please come with me in the convenience store? B: What are you going to buy? A: Im craving for chocolates. B: You have such a sweet tooth. You have just eaten a bar a while ago. Explanation: A person with a sweet tooth likes eating food with sugar in it. Example: You can always bribe him with cakes and ice cream. He has a sweet big tooth. Vocabulary: Bribe (verb) to give, offer or promise something such as money or a favor

Dialog 24 : Copycat A: Is that Madonna? B: No, of course not. Look at her clearly. A: Shes Madonna, of course. B: Shes just a copycat. Look at her nose and mouth. Theyre different from Madonnas. A: Yeah, I think youre right. Explanation: A copy cat is one that closely imitates or mimics another. Example: She has no originality. Shes a copycat.

Vocabulary: Imitates (verb) - To copy the actions, appearance, mannerisms, or speech Mimics (verb) - To copy or imitate closely, especially in speech, expression, and gesture

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Dialog 25 : Butterflies in your stomach A: Im going to have a job interview this afternoon. B: Really? Good luck! What position are you applying for? A: As a marketing associate. B: Youre good. I know you can do it. You have been working as an associate for many years now. A: I cant help it. There are still butterflies in my stomach. B: Oh, come on. I know you are well qualified for the job. Just be confident. Explanation: If you are feeling nervous before something important or stressful is known, you have butterflies in your stomach.

Example: I felt there are butterflies in my stomach when the President talked to me.

Vocabulary: Nervous (adjective) - afraid Stressful (adjective) - full of stress or tension

Dialog 26 : In a nutshell A: Can you explain what you said in a nutshell? B: Of course. It just means that we need to lay off workers. A: I dont think thats a good idea. B: Ive already explained the pros and cons of my proposal. A: Can you repeat it? I didnt understand what you said. Explanation: In a nutshell means summary. Example: She discussed the report in a nutshell. Vocabulary: Lay off (verb) - to dismiss (an employee) Pro (noun) - an argument or consideration in favor of something] Con (noun) - an argument or opinion against something.

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Dialog 27 : Talk of the town A: The commissioner will be the talk of the town this week. They said that he used the companys money for personal uses. It involves a lot of money. B: I saw the police surrounding his house. A: Maybe hes out of the country by now. Hell be hiding. B: I think so, too. I never expected hell be involved in such a serious crime. A: I saw his daughter crying so hard. And his wife too. B: I wonder where he is now.

Explanation: When everybody is talking about particular people and events, they are the talk of the town. Example: Turning up drunk at the ball will certainly make you the talk of the town. Vocabulary: Commissioner (noun) - a government official or representative in charge of a department or district

Dialog 28 : Graveyard Shift A: What time are you going to the office? B; Im working in the graveyard shift. A: Is it difficult? B: Yeah, it is. I feel so sleepy every time. I always have to drink coffee to be awake. A: Will that be your permanent schedule? B: I hope not. Explanation: If you have to work very late at night, it is the graveyard shift. Example: I never want to work in the graveyard shift. Vocabulary: Permanent (adjective) - lasting; not temporary Schedule (noun) - a series of things to be done or of events to occur at or during a particular time or period

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Dialog 29 : Raining Cats and Dogs A: Will you be able to go here? Its raining cats and dogs. B: Theres heavy flood. I cant go out. A: I understand. Lets just postpone the meeting. B: Im really sorry. I didnt expect this. What time are you free tomorrow? A: At 8 AM. I hope it wont rain anymore. B: Yeah. I hate this weather. Explanation: When it is raining cats and dogs, it is raining heavily. Example: It was raining cats and dogs by the time I got to the office. Vocabulary: Postpone (verb) - To delay until a future time

Dialog 30 : Break a leg A: Im nervous. I dont know if I will be able to deliver my lines perfectly. B: Of course you will. You have rehearsed that for many times already. A: What if I forget my lines? B: Dont worry too much. Its going to be perfect. A: The director is calling my attention now. Ill go and see him. B: OK. Break a leg! Explanation: Break a leg means good luck. Example: Break a leg! the director called to the lead actor. Vocabulary: Rehearse (verb) - To practice (a part in a play, for example) in preparation for a public performance

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Dialog 31 : Born with a silver spoon in ones mouth A: Why does she always have new clothes and new shoes when she comes to school? She never wore the same clothes over two months. B: Of course. She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. A: Shes so lucky she has rich parents. B: Yeah. His father owns the hotel and two restaurants in town. A: Whats her mothers job? B: Shes a doctor.

Explanation: A person born with a silver spoon in his or her mouth is born wealthy. Example: Shes born with a silver spoon in her mouth so she doesnt know how to feel hungry.

Dialog 32 : Couch potato A: Can you please call Sam in his room? Dinners ready. B: I already did. But he says hell eat later. A: Your brother is such a couch potato. What is he watching this time? B: Cartoons. He says he doesnt want to miss this episode. A: He didnt eat his lunch. Ill go and fetch him. Explanation: If you are spending a lot of time watching television, you are a couch potato. Example: My sister is a couch potato and she never wants to leave her house. Vocabulary: Couch (noun) a sofa Fetch (verb) - to go and bring back

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Dialog 33 : Cry over spilled milk A: Why are you crying? B: I lost my brothers favorite book. Im sure hell be mad when he learns this. A: Where did you leave it? B: I think I put it in my bag this morning, but its not there anymore. A: Maybe youve misplaced it. B: Ive searched everywhere, but I cannot find it. A: Dont cry over spilled milk. Just tell your brother about it and well decide what to do. Explanation: When someone is crying over spilled milk, he is crying or complaining about something that has already happened. Example: You should not cry over spilled milk. You cannot bring back the past nor change it. Vocabulary: Spilled (verb) - To cause or allow (a substance) to run or fall out of a container

Dialog 34 : Apple of (someones) eye A: Why are you looking at her like that? B: Shes the apple of my eye. A: Do you know her? B: Not yet. But I am planning to introduce myself if I get the courage. A: Why not now? B: I still dont know the right things to say. Explanation: The apple of ones eye is someone or something that one likes a lot. Example: The little girl is the apple of her grandmothers eye.

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Dialog 35 : In black and white A: If you have a complaint, please write it in black and white. B: Do I really need to do that? A: It will be better if you do that. Well send it directly to the manager. B: Cant I just go and talk to him now? A: Im afraid you cant do that. He has a business meeting at the moment. Explanation: Something is in black and white if it is in writing or official. Example: I sent them my request for new computers in black and white. Vocabulary: Complaint (noun) - an expression of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment

Dialog 36 : Once in a blue moon A: Where are you now? B: I am in an Italian restaurant with my mother. A: What time are you going home? B: I dont know. I want to have fun tonight. My mother and I only go out together once in a blue moon. Why are you asking? A: Im thinking of coming over to your house. B: Why? A: Nothing much. Ill just come tomorrow. Explanation: When something happens once in a blue moon, it happens very rarely. Example: We only meet once in a blue moon, and I dont know when hes coming back.

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Dialog 37 : With flying colors A: Your parents must be very proud of you. You graduated with flying colors. B: They are. They told me theyre coming over and they want to celebrate. A: I think thats a good idea. When are they coming? B: Maybe tomorrow. The flights are full since yesterday. They havent got a ticket yet. A: Ill go with you at the airport when you meet them. Explanation: When you did something with flying colors, you accomplished it with total success. Example: My friend passed the licensure exam with flying colors and she now is a doctor.

Dialog 38: Teachers pet A: Dont you notice? Our teacher always favors Matt. B: Yeah. I notice that too. She always listens to whatever he says, and always gives him high grades. A: Thats what happens when you are a teachers pet. B: I was a never a teachers pet. How about you? A: Never. I guess I was never lovable. Explanation: The teachers favorite student is the teachers pet. Example: My sister was always the teachers pet when we are in elementary school.

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Dialog 39 : Kill two birds with one stone A: Excuse me. Are you busy? B: Im finishing my report and Im talking with a big client on the phone. A: I see. Youre killing two birds with one stone. B: Can you just talk to me after I finish this? A: Im sorry. I should have not interrupted. B: Its OK. Ill just go to my office later. Explanation: When you kill two birds with one stone, you accomplish two things with one action. Example: I killed two birds with one stone and saw some old classmates while I was in France visiting a friend. Vocabulary: Interrupt (verb) - to stop a person while he is saying or doing something Client (noun) a customer

Dialog 40 : Out of the blue A: I was really impressed with your idea. Where did you get it? B: I dont know. It just came to me out of the blue. A: I think we should tell our boss immediately about this. Im sure hell like your new proposal. B: I want to review it and then well tell him. A: OK. If thats what you want. Explanation: If something happens out of the blue, it happens suddenly and you are not expecting it. Example: From out of the blue I asked my girlfriend if she wanted to get married. Vocabulary: Impressed (adjective) deeply affected or influenced