Exercise 6:

Fill in the blanks with idioms from the list. It may be necessary to change the verb forms in
order for the sentence to be grammatically correct

In hot water – in the dark – in the long run – in no time – in a nutshell – in the same boat –
in person – in store – in favor of - iron out – join the club – jump to conclusions – keep an
eye on – keep an eye out for – keep on (with) – keep track of – keep up with – kill time –
know like the back of one’s hand – lay off – learn the ropes – leave out – leave sb /sth alone
– let sb down – let up – look after – look for- look forward to - look into

1. Will you --------------------------------------- my dog while I go in the drug store?

2. Kathy’s daughter has such short legs that she has a hard time ------------------- the other
children.
3. The store had to ----------------------- a number of clerks because sales were down.
4. “You must be anxious to go on your vacation.” “I certainly am. I’m really
-------------------- this trip.
5. Don’t --------------------------------. Maybe your jewelry wasn’t stolen after all.
6. “I need to find a new apartment.” “There might be some vacancies in the building where
I live. I’ll ----------------------------------- one.”
7. The company may lose some money now, but ------------------------------- this is a good
investment.
8. Alex complained that no one invited him to any social events and that he felt ------
9. “Can you hurry over here? I need to see you right away.” “Sure. I’ll be there
-------------------.”
10. “May I help you, sir?” “No, I’m just looking around and trying to ------------ some
------------- until my wife finishes shopping.”
11. “Has it stopped raining yet?” “No, but it’s beginning to ------------------- a little.”
12. “I can’t go to Daryl’s party this weekend. I have to study.” “Guess we’re
-----------------------------------------. I’ve got to study too.”
13. “Should we stop and spend the night at this motel?” “No, let’s ---------------------- driving
for a few more miles.”
14. If you find a baby animal in the woods, don’t touch it. Just ------------ it ------------.
15. I -------------- all over the town ------------ a good used car, but I couldn’t find one.
16. Stella’s sister --------------------------- her baby while Stella is at work.
17. “If you don’t know how to use this software, why don’t you ask Joanne to help?” “I did
ask her, but I’m still --------------------. I didn’t understand a word she said.”
18. The police are --------------------------- the crime.
19. “Did Amanda ever complete her project?” “She’s almost finished. She just has a few
minor problems left to -----------------------------.”
20. Alfred is ----------------------------------- with his boss because he didn’t finish an
important project by the deadline.
21. “Has Marilyn gotten used to her new job at the bank yet?” “It took her a while, but I think
she’s finally -------------------------------------- there.”
22. Are you ---------------------------------- this proposal or against it?
23. Are you familiar with this neighbourhood?” “I grew up here, so I ---------- it ------
24. “Is your roommate at home now?” “I have no idea. I can never ----------------------his
comings and goings.”
25. “I understand that you have a new dean over at the Business School.” “Yes, his name is
Dean Nishimura. He has a completely different philosophy of business education from
the one dean Woodford had, so I’m sure that some big changes are -------------------------
for us.”