I couldn't help it !!! Nem tehetek rla!

Daryl

I am upset. Somebody told my boss I have a part-time job.

Smith

And he doesn't like that ?

Daryl

No, he doesn't. He thinks that I am too tired to work.

Smith

I am sorry. I have to admit I told him.

Daryl

You told him ? Why ?

Smith

I couldn't help it. He asked me point-blank.

Explanation :
If you can't help the way you feel or behave, you cannot control it or stop it from happening.
You can also say that you can't help yourself.
If you say something point-blank, you say it very directly or rudely, without explaining or
apologizing.

Everything went like clockwork !!!

Mary
I've just popped in to thank you very much for organizing last weekend's trip to
the seaside for the old folk.
Julia
That's very kind of you. They all seemed to enjoy it.
Mary
Julia
Mary

They certainly did. Everything went like clockwork, in fact I don't think you
could have done it better.
I'm not sure about that, there were one or two things that could have been
improved.
In a perfect world perhaps, but as far as I'm concerned it was a great success.
So thank you again.

Explanation :
If you say that something happens like clockwork you mean that it happens without any
problems or delays, or happens regularly.
Example : He reorganized Standard Brands twice a year, like clockwork.

You've done a fantastic job !!!

Gordon
I've just been reading through your last project report.
James

I hope you didn't find too much wrong with it.

Gordon

On the contrary, you've done a fantastic job.

James

Well, I'm not sure about that.

Gordon

You're too modest. It's really well organized and written and offers some very
well thought out conclusions.

James

Well, I'm glad you like it and hope it proves useful.

You look really chic !!!

Gina
Where are you off to ?

Alison

I'm going to a civic reception at the town hall.

Gina

Who's it for ?

Alison

It's for a delegation from our sister city in Germany.

Gina

Well I must say that outfit really suits you. You look really chic.

Alison

Thank you. I want to look my best for the foreign guests.

Explanation :
Something or someone that is chic is fashionable and sophisticated.
Example : Her gown was very French and very chic.

It's a cross !!!

Josie
Have you seen Peter's new dog ?
Lara

Yes I have but couldn't recognize the breed.

Josie

That's not surprising because it's not a thoroughbred, it's a mongrel.

Lara

Ah, that explains it. What kind of a mixture is it ?

Josie

I think it's a cross between a collie and a retriever.

Lara

If that's the case it should be a very good-natured dog.

Explanation :
Something that is a cross between two things is neither one thing nor the other, but a mixture
of both.
Example : Ha ! It was a cross between a laugh and a bark ..........

You have to walk a dog every day !!!

Tania
Why is your dog whining and looking at you so expectantly ?
Barry

It's the time of day. He always does that around now.

Tania

What does he want ?

Barry

He wants me to take him out for a walk.

Tania

Are you going to ?

Barry

Oh yes, but I like to tease him a bit by pretending not to notice.

Tania

Do you take him out every day ?

Barry

Of course, you have to walk a dog every day because it needs the exercise
to stay healthy.

Explanation :
If you walk your dog, you take it for a walk in order to keep it healthy.
Example : I walk my dog each evening around my local streets.
He's got a taste for exotic pets !!!
Hughes

I'm always a bit apprehensive about visiting Peter.

Jeanie

Why's that ? He's such a nice chap.

Hughes

He is, but he's got a taste for exotic pets.

Jeanie

I didn't know that, such as ?

Hughes

Well, last week when I was there he had a baby iguana running around the
place.

Jeanie

A lizard ! Ugh, that would give me the creeps.

Hughes

It's not my idea of a pet. But that's not the only thing he's got. He's had a
three-foot python for quite a while now as well.

Jeanie

He ought to get a job in a zoo.

Explanation :
If you have a taste for something, you have a linking or preference for it.
Example : That gave me a taste for reading.
They get out of condition !!!
Jack

You're out exercising your dog I see.

Eric

Yes, dogs have to be exercised daily, otherwise they get out of condition.

Jack

What's his name ?

Eric

Rover.

Jack

That's a good name for a dog. Why is he woofing and wagging his tail ?

Eric

Can't you see ? He wants one of us to throw that stick as far as we can for
him to fetch.

Jack

I can't disappoint him. Come on boys, ( throw stick ) go fetch !

Explanation :
If someone is out of condition, they are unhealthy and unfit, because they have stopped
exercising regularly.
Example : He was too out of condition to clamber over the top.

She is impossible to please !!!

First clerk
I've just had a terrible hour and a half.
Second clerk Why, what happened ?
First clerk

Well I had a lady customer come in who wanted to buy a pair of shoes. And
you know we've got a really good range.

Second clerk We certainly do. Did she buy a pair ?

First clerk

No, but she didn't leave before getting me to bring her every single pair we
had in the shop. And she complained about every single one.

Second clerk I'd say she was impossible to please.

What a bargain !!!

Jenny
Look what I've got.

Fay

Wow, that's the snazziest looking handbag I've ever seen. Where did you get it
?

Jenny

I got it in Paris on my last trip.

Fay

I bet it cost a fortune ?

Jenny

No it didn't, I got it for half price because the shop was having a clearance
sale.

Fay

What a bargain ! You'll have to take me with you next time.

Explanation :
Something that is a bargain is good value for money, usually because it has been sold at a
lower price than normal.
Example : At this price the wine is a bargain ...

My feet are killing me !!!

Marie
You look a bit tired. What have you been doing ?
Yvonne

Shopping for some new outfits.

Marie

Did you get what you want ?

Yvonne

I did, but it took me all day.

Marie

What do you want to do now ?

Yvonne

I just want to sit down somewhere and relax. My feet are killing me !

Explanation :
If you say that something is killing you, you mean that it is causing you physical or
emotional pain.
I wish I could play the piano like you !!!
Andy

I wish I could play the piano like you.

Dee

I'm sure you could if you tried. You should take some lessons.

Andy

I took some when I was younger but I was hopeless.

Dee

Why was that ?

Andy

I found that I was tone-deaf, which really made it impossible.

Dee

Never mind, why don't you try learning the drums? Then being tone-deaf
shouldn't matter.

Explanation :
If you wish something were true, you would like it to be true, even though you know that it is
impossible or unlikely.
Example : I wish it weren't true.

I like the way you pan across the ruins !!!

Carrie
Your vacation video is really interesting.
Donald

Well, Mexico is a fascinating country.

Carrie

What are we looking at now ?

Donald

These are the remains of a Mayan city.

Carrie

I like the way you pan across the ruins very slowly.

Donald

That helps you to see what a really large area they cover.

Explanation :
If you pan a film or television camera or if it pans somewhere, it moves slowly across an area
in a wide sweep.
Example : He panned over the crowd for a few minutes before swiveling back to the right.

The Real goalie made a fantastic save !!!

Larry
Did you see the Barcelona-Real Madrid match on TV yesterday ?
Phillip

Of course, what a game ! Three goals each.

Larry

Who do you support ?

Phillip

Real Madrid, because I'm a Beckham fan.

Larry

Barcelona should have won it with that great shot on goal in the last minute.

Phillip

Only they didn't because the Real goalie made a fantastic save.

They seem to have a lot in common !!!

Theresa
Mandy and Tom seem to be spending a lot of time together lately.
Yvonne

Yes that's true. I've seen them at the swimming pool lately and at the cinema.

Theresa

They go on regular bike rides together too.

Yvonne

They seem to have a lot in common.

Theresa

Yes, they clearly like the same things.

Yvonne

I wonder if we'll be hearing wedding bells soon.

What do you fancy ?

Sian
Let's eat out tonight. I don't feel like cooking.
Vincent

Well why not ? What do you fancy ?

Sian

I think Japanese would make a nice change.

Vincent

Fine. How about that new place just off the market square ?

Sian

Good idea. I'll go and freshen up first.

Vincent

OK, in the meantime I'll phone to book a table.

Explanation :
If you fancy something, you want to have it or to do it
Example : Do you fancy going to see a movie sometime ?

He's clearly over the moon about something !!!

Gordon
Have you seen Johnny today?
Martin

No, why ?

Gordon

Well he's clearly over the moon about something.

Martin

What about ?

Gordon

He won't tell anybody, but I've never seen him looking so happy.

Martin

He's a betting man, so perhaps he's won a lot of money on the horses.

Explanation :
If you say that you are over the moon, you mean that you are very pleased about something.
Example : She was over the moon about/with her new bike.

That was for the best !!!

Dan
The parents of children in our street are a lot less worried these days.
Chris

Why's that ?

Dan

One of the neighbors had a very fierce dog which scared everyone. Last week
it bit one of the children so badly, she had to be treated in hospital.
That must have been an awful experience for the little girl. But why did you
say they are not worried now ?
Well they complained about the dog to the police and the police forced the
owner to put it down.

Chris
Dan
Chris

Oh I see. Well I'm sure that was for the best.

Explanation :
If you say that something is for the best, you mean it is the most desirable or helpful thing
that could have happened or could be done, considering all the circumstances.
Example : In the long run, it was for the best ..............

He kept changing channels on the remote !!!

Sharon
My mother got really annoyed with my father yesterday evening.
Heather

Why, did he complain about her cooking ?

Sharon

Oh no, she's a great cook. It was when they were watching television.

Heather

Don't tell me he fell asleep in front of the television and started snoring.

Sharon

No, he does that sometimes but this was because he kept changing
channels on the remote.

Heather

All men do that, it's one of their most annoying habits.

My luggage went astray !!!

Maggie
I had a terrible time on my last trip to Europe.
Bernard

Why, what happened ? Did you have an accident ?

Maggie

No, my luggage went astray. When I arrived in Paris and went to collect my

case from the baggage carousel, it never arrived.

Bernard

What happened to it ? Had somebody collected it by mistake or stolen it ?

Maggie

No, it had been sent on to London by mistake.

Bernard

Did you get it back.

Maggie

Yes I did, but it took two whole days. I was absolutely furious.

Explanation :
If something goes astray, it gets lost while it is being taken or sent somewhere.
Example : Many items of mail being sent to her have gone astray.

They've probably been held up by the traffic !!!

Tom
You're not looking too cheerful.
Henry
Tom

Well, I arranged with Bob and Chris to meet me here for a drink at seven
o'clock. It's now a quarter to eight and neither of them has turned up.
I wouldn't give up hope. They've probably been held up by the traffic. It's
been very heavy for the past hour.

Henry

Even so, they should have turned up by now.

Tom

Well, I'd give them another quarter of an hour or so.

Henry

OK, but after that I'm going home.

Explanation :
To hold somebody or something up means to delay somebody or something.
Example : Traffic was held up for several hours by the accident.

It really gets up my nose !!!

Teddy
It's been a pretty tight game so far, don't you think ?
Martin

Yes, neither side have looked like scoring a goal so far.

Teddy

Except that one time when our striker was almost through but was fouled by
the fullback. The referee didn't see it.

Martin

Yes, it really gets up my nose when something like that happens.

Teddy

Well, let's hope that the ref will be looking right way if that fullback tries playing
dirty again.

Martin

And then we'll get a penalty.

Explanation :
If you say that someone or something gets up your nose, you mean that they annoy you.
Example : He's just getting up my nose so much at the moment.
Stick at it !!!
Niall

Don't you find these rowing machines hard work ?

Harry

I certainly do, but they're supposed to be.

Niall

How often do you come to the gym for a workout ?

Harry

Three times a week at least if I can manage it.

Niall

No wonder you look so fit and trim.

Harry

Thanks. Stick at it and you can be the same.

Explanation :
If you stick at a task or activity, you continue doing it, even if it is difficult.
Example : He became more and more irritated by her inability to stick at anything.

Let's go for a spin !!!

Clyde
I'm feeling energetic today. Let's go for a spin.
Al

OK. I need some exercise.

Clyde

Where shall we go ?

Al

Let's go around the lake, over the hill and come back through the wood.

Clyde

Fine, that's about 15 kilometers, enough for one day.

Al

Don't forget your puncture outfit and crash helmet.

Explanation :
If you go for a spin, or take a car for a spin, you make a short journey in a car just to enjoy
yourself.

Go at steady pace !!!

James
Where are you going on the weekend ?
Harry

I'm going hiking with some classmate.

James

Hiking ? Isn't that rather strenuous ?

Harry

Not if you go at a steady pace and take the occasional break.

James

Oh, that doesn't sound too bad.

Harry

Why don't you join us ? You'll have a great time.

Explanation :
If you do something at a steady pace , you do it at a speed that is comfortable for you.

She just seems to have the knack !!!

Melanie
I'm so envious of Lara's cooking.
Anne

Me too, everything she does tastes perfect.

Melanie

I tried some of her recipes myself, but they just don't seem to turn out right.

Anne

You're not the only one, I tried to make her Black Forest cake the other day. It
tasted all right but not half as good as Lara's.

Melanie

How does she do it I wonder ?

Anne

She just seems to have the knack.

Explanation :
A knack is a particularly clever or skilful way of doing something successfully, especially
something which most people find difficult.
Example : He's got the knack of getting people to listen.

My battery must be low !!!

Girl
"Hello " ?
AJ

"Hi it's me what's up baby ? I'm sorry ! Listen ! I'm gonna be late tonight so
don't stay up and wait for me OK ?"

Girl

"Where are you ?"

AJ

"Wait wait ! Say that again ?"

Girl

"Hello ?"

AJ

"You're coming in and out I think my battery must be low. Listen ! If you can
hear me we're going to a place nearby, alright ? Gotta go " ( click )

Explanation :
That battery is low means you are running out of battery.

Work like a charm !!!

Salesman
Lowest prices! Best quality! Hello, sir!
Buyer

Oh, hi. I'm just looking. I have a computer already.

Salesman

How long have you had it?

Buyer

Years. Works like a charm.

Salesman

Years? What a dinosaur! I can't believe you still use it.

Buyer

It's fine for writing letters and ...

Explanation :
If you say that something worked like a charm, you mean that it was very effective or
successful.
Example :
Economically, the policy worked like a charm.

He is a good catch !!!

Joe

Guess who else is falling into the love trap.

Judy

It better not be Bobbie. I don't want to lose another friend to the death of love.

Joe

It's Marie. With the guy from New York..

Judy

No wonder! I saw her wearing a promise ring.

Joe

I encouraged her. I think he's a good catch.

Judy

It better not be just 'cuz he looks like Tom Cruise. Marriage is more than a fling
with a movie-star look-alike.

Explanation :
If you describe someone as a good catch, you mean that they have lots of good qualities
and you think their partner or employer is very lucky to have found them.
Example :
I was so in love with him and all my friends said what a good catch he was.

In the air !!!

Jenny

Vanessa! Guess what. Leo proposed to me!

Vanessa

Wow. Love is in the air. Did you accept?

Jenny

Not yet. I have some doubts...like the age factor. I'm really robbing the cradle
here.

Vanessa

So he's eight years younger...he's mature for his age.

Jenny

I'm worried about the cultural differences, too.

Vanessa

You guys have the same interests and similar personalities. AND you have the
same dreams.

Explanation :
If something is in the air it is felt to be present, but it is not talked about
Example :
There was great excitement in the air ...

Don't flatter yourself !!!

Jean

What is that noise ?

Harry

What noise?

Jean

I hear a girl saying "Harry, honey. Please pick up the phone, you stud..."

Harry

Oh! That's my new cell phone. It must be my latest squeeze, Jane.

Jean

Jane ?

Harry

Yeah. She's totally into me. She calls me all the time.

Jean

Don't flatter yourself!

Explanation :
If someone says to you ' don't flatter yourself ', they mean that they disagree with your good
opinion of yourself.
Example :
I flatter myself that this campaign will put an end to the war.
In a row !!!
Jane

The new year will be here before you know it.

Mei

This year really went by fast.

Jane

It seems every year goes by faster.

Mei

I especially enjoy the new year, though.

Jane

Why ?

Mei

We have three holidays in a row.

Explanation :
If something happens several times in a row, it happens that number of times without a
break. If something happens several days in a row, it happens on each of those days.
Example :
They have won five championships in a row.

Up to something !!!
Jennifer
Yeah, great. But who recorded these for you?
Billy
My classmate, as a joke. It makes me sound like a womanizer.
Jennifer
Well, then let me record one for you.
Billy
OK. Cool. Be sexy. Here. Go!
Jennifer
Hey, jerk! Answer the phone, you idiot!
Billy
Hey! I should have known you were up to something.
Explanation :
If you say that someone is up to something, you mean that they are secretly doing smething
that they should not be doing.
Example :
Why did you need a room unless you were up to something.
Give it to me straight !!!
Boss

As you know Steven, you are a highly-valued worker. However, the company
has run into financial difficulty lately that are causing some unexpected
repercussions.

Steven

Like what ! Give it to me straight.

Boss

I am afraid we have to lay you off.

Explanation :
If you give someone a straight answer , you speak honestly and frankly to them.
Example :
What a shifty arguer he is, refusing ever to give a straight answer to a straight question.
I'll tell you what !!!
Dave

Let's go to the movies in Prickly tomorrow.

Kuno

Ok, where should we meet. Do you know where Lot 10 is ? We went there
together.

Dave

No, I don't remember. Let's meet somewhere outside Prickly.

Kuno

I'll tell you what -- name the place and I'll pick you up.

Explanation :
In spoken English, you use I'll tell you what or I tell you what to introduce suggestion or a
new topic of conversation.
Example :
I tell you what, I'll bring the water in a separate glass.
Whatever you say !!!
Kato

How about having dinner together after work?

Mori

Fine.

Kato

Should we have Japanese or American food ?

Mori

Whatever you say !

Kato

There is a good steak house around the corner.

Mori

That's a good idea.

Explanation :
You say whatever you say to indicate that you accept what someone has said, even though
you do not really them or do not think it is a good idea.
Example :
We'll go in your car, Billy. --- ' Whatever you say '.

It's beyond me !!!

Anthony

How long have you been in this country ?

Seung

Two months.

Anthony

Is it hard for you to study at an American college ?

Seung

Yes, I find it very difficult. Especially when you can't follow the professor's
lecture.

Anthony

That's because you just arrived. Do you like biology ?

Seung

No. It's beyond me.

Explanation :
If you say that something is beyond someone, you mean that they cannot deal with it.
Example :
Although he could give her sympathy, any practical help would almost certainly be beyond
him ......
You are on the right track !!!
Greg

I am trying to figure out who the murderer is in this story.

Curtis

Who do you think it is !

Greg

I think it's Mr. Johnson because he was in the house at the time of the murder.

Curtis

No, but you are on the right track.

Explanation :
If you are on the right track , you are acting or progressing in a way that is likely to result in
success.
Example :
Guests are returning in increasing numbers - a sure sign that we are on the right track ...

You can say that again !!!

Yin
I think there is a sharp contrast between Americans and Chinese. For example, the
Americans are very individualistic, while the Chinese are very group-oriented.
Yang

You can say that again. Chinese are very concious of what other people think of
them.

Explanation :
You use 'You can say that again' to express strong agreement with what someone has just
said; an informal expression.
Example :
What a tedious job. -- You can say that again !!!

Don't get me wrong !!!

Marcie
Don't get me wrong ! I think Calvin is a very nice person, but you have to
admit he isn't very responsible.
Teddy

I think you are right, he has got a lot of growing up to do.

Explanation :
You say 'Don't get me wrong' when you want to make sure that someone does not
misunderstand what you are doing or sayng or why you are doing or saying it.
Example :
Dont get me wrong, it is interesting work .....

I couldn't help it !!!

Daryl

I am upset. Somebody told my boss I have a part-time job.

Smith

And he doesn't like that ?

Daryl

No, he doesn't. He thinks that I am too tired to work.

Smith

I am sorry. I have to admit I told him.

Daryl

You told him ? Why ?

Smith

I couldn't help it. He asked me point-blank.

Explanation :
If you can't help the way you feel or behave, you cannot control it or stop it from happening.
You can also say that you can't help yourself.
If you say something point-blank, you say it very directly or rudely, without explaining or
apologizing.
It is up to you !!!
John

Would you like to go out to dinner or to a movie ?

Karen

Either one, it is up to you .

John

What would you prefer ?

Karen

I really don't care, I just want to get out of the house.

John

Well, then how about dinner and a movie ?

Karen

That's a great idea !

Explanation :
If you say that it is up to someone to do something, you mean that it is their responsibility to
do it.
Example : The choice was up to Paula.

You can count on us !!!

Stacey

Sue, can you drive Jane and I to the doctor on Monday ?

Sue

I think so.

Stacey

We need a ride very badly, are you sure you will be able to help out ?

Sue

Sure. I will mark it on my calendar so I don't forget.

Stacey

Thanks you are a good friend.

Sue

You can always count on me when you need help.

Explanation :
If you count on someone or count upon them, you rely on them to support you or help you.
Example : I can always count on you to cheer me up .........

It's better than nothing!!!

Jim

Did you ask Mr. Davidson for a raise ?

Carmen

Yes, I asked for 80 cents any hour more.

Jim

Did you get it ?

Carmen

No, I got 30 cents

Jim

That's too bad.

Carmen

Oh, it is alright. It is better than nothing.

Explanation :

If you say that something is better than nothing, you mean that it is not what is required,
but that it is better to have that thing than to have nothing at all.
Example : After all, 15 minutes of exercise is better than nothing.

It is on the tip of my tongue !!!

Mahoney

Do you remember the restaurant we went to Friday.

Marcus

Sure I do. It was the ' Silver Castle '.

Mahoney

No, we've never been to the ' Silver Castle '.

Marcus

Maybe it was the Gold Coin.

Mahoney

No Gee. It is on the tip of my tongue.

Marcus

Never mind. The food was terrible.

Explanation :
If something that you want to say is on the tip of your tongue, you think you know it and that
you will be able to remember it very soon.
Example : A sarcastic remark was on the tip of her tongue.

Chances are slim !!!

Carol

What are your chances of getting into Yale ?

Judy

My chances are slim.

Carol

I hear those Ivy League Colleges are tough to get into.

Judy

I know. I'd have better chance at the state University.

Carol

Sure. It's not a bad school either.

Judy

I'd rather be a big fish in a small pond.

Explanation :
If you say that someone doesn't stand a chance of achieving something, you mean that they
cannot possibly achieve it.
Example : Neither is seen as standing any chance of snatching the leadership from him.
It doesn't make any difference !!!
Mike

Shall I pick you up at 5 or 6 ?

Joei

It doesn't make any difference.

Mike

O.K, I will pick you up at 5.

Joei

No problem !

Mike

Shall we play badminton or table tennis on Sunday ?

Joei

It doesn't make any difference.

Explanation :
If something makes no difference, it does not have any effect on what you are doing.
Example : It is sad to see him go but it won't make any difference to the way we conduct our affairs.

Does it ring a bell !!!

Shirley

Guess who I met at the grocery store.

Leonard

I can't imagine.

Shirley

Do you remember Mr. Johnson from our old neighborhood.

Leonard

That name rings a bell, but I can't place him.

Shirley

He used to live in the building next to ours.

Leonard

Oh yes, now I remember. He had dark hair and wore glasses.

Explanation :
If you say that something rings a bell , you mean that it reminds you of something else, but
you cannot remember exactly what it is ......
Let's get to the point !!!
Janet

Good afternoon Bob, isn't it a lovely day ?

Bob

Yes, it is Janet !

Janet

It is the kind of day when you want to go outside.

Bob

Janet, let's get to the point. Do you want the afternoon off ?

Janet

Yes, Bob.

Bob

Alright. As soon as you finish typing. You can go.

Explanation :
When someone comes to the point or gets to the point, they start talking about the thing
that is most important to them.
I tossed and turned all night !!!
Robb

Are you ill ?

Seles

Not really ! I am just tired.

Bobb

Didn't you sleep well last night.

Seles

No, I tossed and turned all night.

Robb

I am sorry to hear that, I hope you sleep better tonight.

Seles

Thank you. I'm sure I will.

Explanation :
If you toss and turn, you move restlessly in bed and cannot sleep properly, for example
because you are ill or worried.
Example : You feel as if you've been tossing and turning all night, and wake up feeling worn out.

It's a piece of cake !!!

Han

What kind of Chinese food would you like to have.

Joe

I'd like to have spring rolls.

Han

Fine. By the way, do you know how to use chopsticks ?

Joe

It's a piece of cake.

Han

How in the world did you learn to use them ?

Joe

I was stationed in Taiwan for five years, you know.

Explanation :
If you think something is very easy to do, you can say it is a piece of cake. People often say
this to stop someone feeling worried about doing something they have to do.
Not that I know of !!!
Mei

Is Mrs. Johnson joining us for dinner ?

Susie

Not that I know of.

Mei

I was hoping she would come with us.

Susie

Why ?

Mei

I would like her to try some of our traditional Chinese foods.

Susie

That's very kind of you.

Explanation :
You say ' Not that I know of ' when someone has asked you whether or not something is true
and you think the answer is; ' no ' but you cannot be sure because you do not know all the
facts.

I'll keep my fingers crossed !!!

Peters

Please have a seat.

Albert

Thank you

Peters

I'm Mr. Peters. The personnel manager. What can I do for you.

Albert

I am looking for a position as a sales representative.

Peters

We may have an opening next week. Please leave your resume, I will keep in
touch with you.

Albert

Thanks. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Explanation :
If you cross your fingers , you put one finger on top of another and hope for good luck. If
you say that someone is keeping their fingers crossed,you mean they are hoping for good
luck.
Example : I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they turn up soon.

Don't get me wrong !!!

Billy

Bill is going to sing tonight.

Lucy

Oh, no !

Billy

Don't you like his singing ?

Lucy

It's not that. Don't get me wrong !!!

Billy

What's the problem then ?

Lucy

He only knows one song.

Explanation :
If you say ' Don't get me wrong ' when you want to make sure that someone does not
misunderstand what you are doing or saying, or why you are doing or saying it.
Example : Don't get me wrong, it's interesting work.

Out of the question !!!

Robert

I am going to look at new cars tomorrow.

James

I wish I could have one.

Robert

Why don't you come along ?

James

I'd like to but I don't want to be tempted.

Robert

I am sure you could get a good deal.

James

No, buying a new car is out of the question for me right now.

Explanation :
If you say that something is out of the question, you are emphasing that it is completely
impossible or unacceptable.
Example : For the homeless, private medical care is simply out of the question .......
I am broke !!!
Robert

Are you going to Hawaii on your vacation ?

James

Not this year.

Robert

Why not ?

James

For a good reason, I am broke.

Robert

Oh! Come on.

James

Seriously, I am flat broke.

Explanation :
If you are broke, you have no money.
If a company or person goes broke they lose money and are unable to continue in business
or to pay their debts.
If you go for broke, you take the most extreme or risky of the possible courses of action in
order to try and achieve success

Brush up on !!!
Jeff

Do you have a driver's license ?

Mike

No. I am going to take the test in a couple of weeks .

Jeff

Didn't you drive in your country ?

Mike

Yes, but I have to brush up on my driving.

Jeff

And. You have to study the traffic rules too !

Mike

Yes, there is a lot of new things I must learn.

Explanation :
If you brush up something or brush up on it, you practise it or improve your knowledge of it.
Example :
Eleanor spent much of the summer brushing up on her driving.

Rain Check !!!

Jean

My brother and his family will be coming into town next week.

Joe

Is he the one who writes articles for the English Post ?

Jean

Right, why don't you come over next Sunday to meet him.

Joe

I'd love to but I can't. Can you give me a rain check !!!

Jean

Sure, they'll be here for a week. So just let me know when you can come.

Joe

Ok! I will be very interested in seeing him.

Explanation :
If you say you will take a rain check on an offer or suggestion, you mean that you do not
want to accept it straight away, but you might accept it at another time.
Example :
I was planning to ask you in for a brandy, but if you want to take a rain check, that's fine .......

I am starving !!!
Yin

I think we should get something to eat.

Linda

Are you hungry ?

Yin

Hungry ? I'm starving.

Linda

There is an Italian restaurant near here.

Yin

Is the food very hot ?

Linda

It's kind of hot, but it's very tasty.

Explanation :
If you say that you are starving , you mean that you are very hungry.
Example :
Apart from anything else I was starving.

My sister's hobby is dress making !!!

Marion
You look slimmer than when I saw you last.
Hettie

Yes, I must have lost six pounds over the last two months. my best dress is
now too big for me.. I can't wear it any more.

Marion

Don't say that, I think I can help you.

Hettie

How do you mean ?

Marion

Well, my sister's hobby is dress making and I'm sure she wouldn't mind
taking it in so that it'll fit you again. I'll ask her.

Hettie

That would be fantastic. I'm no good at sewing myself.

You've been ripped off !!!

Terry

What do you think of my new suit ?

Michael

Not bad. I like the wide lapels and the pant cuffs. It reminds me of one I saw in
the department store the other day. Did you get it there ?

Terry

No, I got it at that new outfitters on the main street.

Michael

How much did it cost ?

Terry

Three hundred and fifty dollars.

Michael

What ? You could have got the one from the department store for $200.
You've been ripped off !

Explanation :
If someone rips you off, they cheat you by charging you too much money for something or
by selling you something that is faulty
Example : The Consumer federation claims banks are ripping you off by not passing along
savings on interest rates ...

She's got a really green thumb !!!

Gordon
What a beautiful garden your parents have !
Fiona

I'm glad you like it. They certainly spend a lot of time on it.

Gordon

And the houseplants are also very attractive.

Fiona

They're my mother's specialty. Some of them are nearly twenty years old.

Gordon

Good heavens, how does she do it ?

Fiona

She's got a really green thumb; plants seem to respond to her.

Explanation :
If you say someone has green fingers, or green thumb, you mean that they are very good at
gardening and their plants grow well.
Example : You don't need green thumb to fill your home with lush leaves.
I've got it on thirty days' free trial !!!

Alistair Why are you talking to your computer. Is it lonely ?

David No, don't be silly, I'm trying out some new speech recognition software. Alistair How
does it work ?
David Well, I just speak what I want to say into the microphone and my words appear on the
screen. It's magic !
Alistair It must be very expensive.
David It's not cheap but I haven't actually paid anything yet.
Alistair How come ?
David I've got it on thirty days' free trial. If I'm not satisfied with it, I can return it free of
charge as long as I do so within 30 days.
Have you got them in my size ?
Shopper Excuse me, could you show me to the skirts section please ?
Clerk Certainly madam, please come this way..
Shopper Ah! these are just what I've been looking for. Have you got them in my size ? I'm
a size 8.
Clerk Just a moment ..... ! I'm afraid not madam. We appear to be temporarily out of stock.
Shopper Oh, how disappointing ! When will you next have some in ?
Clerk We should be getting a delivery at the beginning of next week.
I haggled him down to $25 !!!
Danielle
I like your new anorak, it looks really expensive, where did you get it - in that
upscale sports shop in the mall ?
Russell
Well thanks, but no I didn't. I got it in the market.
Danielle

How much did you pay for it ?

Russell

Not as much as the man asked for. He wanted $45.

Danielle

That would have been a bit steep, it's almost the shop price.

Russell

I know, but I haggled him down to $25, so I reckon I've got a bit of a bargain.

Explanation :
If you haggle, you argue about something before reaching an agreement, especially about
the cost of something that you are buying.
Example : Ella showed her the best places to go for a good buy, and taught her how to
haggle with used furniture dealers ....
She sight-reads really well !!!
Clare
My elder sister is always in demand at family parties.
Angie

Why, is she a good singer ?

Clare

No, she plays the piano really well and she can play whatever music anyone
puts in front of her.

Angie

I can play the piano, but I couldn't do that. How does she do it ?

Clare

She sight-reads really well.

Angie

I wish I could do that, it's a great skill.

Explanation :
Someone who can sight-read can play or sing music from a printed sheet the first time they
see it, without practising it beforehand.
Example : Symphony musicians cannot necessarily sight-read.

She enjoys doing still lifes !!!

Cindy
My sister started a new hobby a few months ago.
Heather

Really ? Tell me more.

Cindy

She's been learning to paint watercolors.

Heather

How interesting. What are her favorite subjects ?

Cindy

She likes painting landscapes best, but she also enjoys doing still lifes.

Heather

I envy her. I've tried to paint in the past, but I'm no good - I have no artistic
talent.

Explanation :
still lifes ( plural ) - a type of painting or drawing of an arrangement of objects that do not
move, such as flowers, fruit, bowls, etc
Example : We went to an exhibition of 17th century Dutch still lifes.

That's my aim !!!

Danny
I've just had a great piece of luck.
Fred

Don't tell me you've won the lottery this week.

Danny

Not quite, I've got a free weekly riding lesson at the local riding stables.

Fred

I know you love horses. How did you manage that ?

Danny

I offered to muck out the stables and to help groom the horses for four hours
every week.
That's not a bad bargain. It won't be long before you're an accomplished
horseman if you can keep the arrangement going for any length of time.

Fred
Danny

That's my aim.

Explanation :
The aim of something that you do is the purpose for which you do it or the result that it is
intended to achieve.
Example : ..... a research program that has largely failed to achieve its principal aims.

To be neutered !!!
Mary
Can I see the new kittens ?
Isobel

Of course, they're over here with their mother in this basket.

Mary

There are five ! Aren't they tiny and so sweet ?

Isobel

Yes, they're only a few hours old and their eyes haven't opened yet.

Mary

Is this the mother cat's first litter ?

Isobel

Yes it is, and happily they all seem to be healthy.

Mary

Do you expect her to have more in the future ?

Isobel

No, we'll be taking her to the vet to be neutered as soon as she has
recovered from the birth.

Explanation :

When an animal is neutered, its reproductive organs are removed.

Example : We ask the public to have their dogs neutered and keep them under close
supervision.
We must keep him on a leash !!!
Martha
I'm really enjoying this walk in the country and so is the dog.
Hank

Yes, he's running here, there and everywhere.

Martha

Oh look, there are sheep in the next field !

Hank

I'll grab him straight away and put him on the leash. Here boy !

Martha

Thank goodness you managed to catch him before he spotted the sheep and
started chasing them.
Yes, we must keep him on leash from now on. Farmers around here are
likely to shoot on sight any dogs they catch worrying their sheep.

Hank

Explanation :
A dog's leash is a long thin piece of leather or a chain, which you attach to the dog's collar
so that you can keep the dog under control.
Example : All dogs in public places should be on a leash.

It's very attached to him !!!

Eddie
I'm sorry that the parrot is squawking its head off.
Denise

What's the matter with it ?

Eddie

Well it's just spotted a cat outside the window and it really doesn't like cats.

Denise

Do you ever let it out of its cage ?

Eddie

My father does. It's very attached to him so it perches on his shoulder and
behaves itself when he's around.

Denise

Would you ever let it out ?

Eddie

Oh no, because it's more than likely to give me a nasty nip if I do.

Explanation :
If you are attached to someone or something, you are very fond of them.
Example : She is very attached to her family and friends.

Heel girl, heel ! Sit !!!

Zoe
Is that your new dog ? What is it ?
Fay

Yes, she's a chow chow and only six months old.

Zoe

Are you taking her for a walk ?

Fay

That too, but I'm also giving her obedience training.

Zoe

Let's have a demonstration.

Fay

All right, here we go : [ To the dog ] Heel girl, heel ! sit !!! There's a good girl.

Zoe

That's very impressive. She came to heel and sat straight away.

Fay

Yes, she's a very obedient dog.

We had to have our cat put to sleep !!!

Cindy
What's the matter, you look as if you've been crying ?
Betsy

I have, I've just come from the vet's.

Cindy

What happened ?

Betsy

We had to have our cat put to sleep. She had a tumor which was incurable.

Cindy

Oh dear ! I'm really sorry to hear that. How old was she ?

Betsy

She was 15, which is quite old for a cat. But she really was like one of the
family. That's why we're all so upset.

Explanation :
If a sick or injured animal is put to sleep, it is painlessly killed by a vet.
Example : I'm going take the dog down to the vet's and have her put to sleep.
He's a thoroughbred Boxer with an outstanding pedigree !!!
Jack
Is that your new dog ?
Jill

Yes, we've only had him a week.

Jack

He's really handsome and very lively.

Jill

He should be, he cost a fortune.

Jack

Why was he so expensive ?

Jill

He's a thoroughbred Boxer with an outstanding pedigree that's why. We

got him from a top breeder.

Jack

Do you intend to show him ?

Jill

We're not sure; we'll take a breeder's advice on that.

Explanation :
A pedigree animal is descended from animals which have all been of a particular type, and is
therefore considered to be of good quality.
Example : a pedigree dog

Our cat had a litter !!!

Millie
What a playful litter kitten! Is it a boy or a girl ?
Janet

It's a girl. We've decided to call her Winkie.

Millie

How sweet ! How old is she ?

Janet

Only six weeks.

Millie

Did you get her from a pet shop ?

Janet

No, our cat had a litter for four and she's the only one left.

Millie

How do you mean ?

Janet

Well we've given the other three to friends but decided to keep her, as she
was the prettiest of the bunch.

Explanation :
A litter is a group of animals born to the same mother at the same time.
Example : a litter of pups