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Master The Idioms

None of the materials in this work may be used, reproduced or transmitted, in whole or
in part, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
uploading, downloading, or the use of any information, without permission in writing
from the authors.
To request such permission and for further inquiries, email the author:
afshinafshar@live.com
Ϯ

Contents
Introduction ..............................................................................................................................4
Lesson 1 ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Lesson 2 ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Lesson 3 ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Lesson 4 ................................................................................................................................... 11
Lesson 5 ................................................................................................................................... 13
Lesson 6 ................................................................................................................................... 15
Lesson 7 ................................................................................................................................... 17
Lesson 8 ................................................................................................................................... 19
Lesson 9 ................................................................................................................................... 21
Lesson 10 ................................................................................................................................. 23
Lesson 11 ................................................................................................................................. 25
Lesson 12 ................................................................................................................................. 27
Lesson 13 ................................................................................................................................. 29
Lesson 14 ................................................................................................................................. 31
Lesson 15 ................................................................................................................................. 33
Lesson 16 ................................................................................................................................. 35
Lesson 17 ................................................................................................................................. 37
Lesson 18 ................................................................................................................................. 39
Lesson 19 ................................................................................................................................. 41
Lesson 20 ................................................................................................................................. 43
References ............................................................................................................................... 45
ϯ

Introduction
Learning a new language needs perseverance and systematic practice. Language learners need to learn
not only the skills and sub skills, but also other linguistic features such as idiomatic expressions. Idiom
learning is an area bound to challenge many of the L2 learners. Idioms add colour to the language.
Master idioms and your speech will be less awkward, less unfamiliar. You`ll also understand more of
what you read and hear. Often a student of English language tries to translate idioms word-for-word, or
literally. If you translate each word on its own, you`ll miss the meaning and in many cases end up in
nonsense. Add idioms to your speech and writing just as you add vocabulary. You may find it helpful
to write all of the expressions in this book down on note cards and review them whenever you have
free time.
The significant part of this book is using six idioms in every conversation. All idioms in this book are
shown in bold. Definitions of the idioms are included in each lesson and are listed in charts. You`ll
notice that examples of each idiom in the charts are in italics. It contributes students learn when and
how to use the idioms in English.

ϰ

Lesson 1
Radin: What`s the matter? You look upset.
Alborz: I give up! I`ll never learn English grammar easily.
Radin: That`s easy.
Alborz: I mean the English grammar is really hard. For example, you have to learn the
irregular verbs by heart.
Radin: Why don`t you sleep with the grammar book under your pillow? Probably that
will help you.
Alborz: Don`t make fun of me! This is serious. We`re going to have a grammar test
next week.
Radin: Ok, I`ll help you brush up on those verbs.
Alborz: Easier said than done!
ϱ

Lesson 1 : Idioms & Expressions
1. What`s the matter?:
What`s wrong? , What`s the problem?
What`s the matter with you, why are you so unhappy?
What`s the matter with the baby? She`s been crying all day.
2. Give something or someone up:

To stop or abandon doing something.
Gloria tried to be friendly with Kelly, but finally gave up.
James has to give up swimming because of an ear infection.
3. By heart:
By memory.
An actor must learn his lines by heart.
I can`t sing that song in front of an audience if I don`t know the words by heart!
4. Make fun of someone or something:

To laugh at, joke about someone or something.
Please stop making fun of the movie.
You can make fun of me all you want, but I love these shoes.
5. Brush up on something:
To review, study again.
My German is weak. I need to brush up on my German.
I need to brush up on factorials before attempting to teach them on Monday.
6. Easier said than done:

A task that is easier to talk about than to do.
µ$OO\RXKDYHWRGRLVFOLPEDODGGHUDQGPHQGWKHURRI¶(DVLHUVDLGWKDQGRQH,CPWHUULILHGRIKHLJKWV
I know you`re confident in your idea, but starting a company from the ground up is easier said than
done.
ϲ

Lesson 2
Afshin: What a cute baby! And certainly he takes after me, doesn`t he?
Shadi: Oh, yes. He doesn`t look like me at all. He has your eyes & chin.
Afshin: Uh-oh! He`s going to cry again!
Shadi: Take it easy, Afshin. He`s only yawning. Besides, you can`t go to pieces every
time the baby cries. Your mother told me you only stopped crying to eat.
Afshin: You`re right. I shouldn`t be so nervous. We`ll have to take turns watching him
when you go back to work.
Shadi: Now he`s really crying.
Afshin: I guess he has my personality, too. Like father, like son.

ϳ

1. Takes after someone:
To resemble one, as in appearance, behavior, attitude, etc.
She takes after me with her fair hair and skin, but she has her mother's eyes.
Don`t you think that Sally takes after her mother? No, Sally takes after her Aunt Ann.
2. At all:
In any manner, to any degree, in any way.
I don`t care about him at all.
The doctor told him not to eat any sugar at all.
3. Take it easy:
To relax, be calm.
I told John to take it easy and stop worrying about everything.
Why don`t you take it easy for a little while? We don`t need to leave for another two hours.
4. Go to pieces:
To become very emotional.
When she heard of his death, she went to pieces.
I can`t watch those sappy movies because I just go to pieces every time.
5. Take turns:
To alternate (doing something) with someone.
My brother and I took turns going down the slide.
Please take turns instead of everyone talking at once.
6. Like father, like son:

Said when a son shows similarities to his father in mannerisms, interests, behavior, etc.
A: George's father smoked all the time, and now George is smoking excessively, too.
B: Like father, like son.
,DOZD\VEHOLHYHLQWKHVD\LQJ³OLNHIDWKHUOLNHVRQ´and I know this little baby will grow up to
be just as handsome and talented as his daddy.
ϴ

Lesson 3
Sam: Would you like to play volleyball with us this week?
Nariman: I`d like to, but I`m really out of shape. I haven`t exercised much all winter.
My wife keeps telling me that you have to get in shape.
Sam: That`s okay. None of us is professional.
Nariman: How often do you play?
Sam: Every other Saturday. We`d rather play more often, but it`s difficult to find a
time when everyone can get together.
Nariman: What time do you begin?
Sam: At 9:00 A.M. I`ll look forward to seeing you then.
ϵ

1. Out of shape:
Not in a good physical condition.
I get out of breath when I run because I`m out of shape.
I`ve gotten pretty out of shape after working behind a desk for so many years.
2. Get in shape:
To become strong or fit.
Wow, Jim has really gotten in shape lately.
Boy, I really need to get into shape. Ten years working behind a desk has given me quite a belly!
3. Every other:
Every second thing in a series.
I buy milk every other day.
We go abroad for two weeks every other year.
4. Would rather:
Would prefer to do something.
She said she would rather not talk to you right now.
I would rather go and see a movie, to be honest, but we can go dancing if you like.
5. Get together:
To come together.
I got together with my friends on my birthday.
You need to get it together and finish packing so that we can leave for the airport on time
tomorrow morning.
6. Look forward to doing something.

To expect or hope for something.
She looks forward to having her baby next month.
My mother says she looks forward to meeting you.
ϭϬ

Lesson 4
Parsa: Where would you like to go for dinner?
Janan: Well, there is a new French restaurant downtown, or we can go to the seafood
place on Lincoln Avenue. What do you think?
Parsa: It`s up to you. Whatever you say is fine with me.
Janan: You should choose the restaurant if you`re going to foot the bill.
Parsa: Actually, I thought we could split the bill tonight. I don`t have much money.
Janan: Oh, On second thought, let`s go to KFC. I haven`t been there for a long time.
Parsa: That`s a great idea. That way we don`t have to dress up.
ϭϭ

1. Up to someone:
Someone's responsibility to decide or dictate. Someone`s decision to make.
I`d like to help you, but it`s not up to me. You`ll have to ask Karen.
If it were up to me, I would say yes. It is up to the decision of the judges!
2. Fine with/by me:

That is agreeable as far as I am concerned.
"How do you feel about going to the eight o'clock movie?" "Fine with me!"
Can I take twenty dollars out of your wallet? That`s fine by me, if you can find it, of course.
3. Foot the bill:

To pay for something.
My boss took me out for lunch and the company footed the bill.
I hope the production company is footing the bill for all of this air travel.
4. Split the bill:

To share the cost of a meal in a restaurant.
The total bill is then $ 60, and everyone decides to split the bill evenly, for $ 20 each.
It is most common among friends, colleagues and couples to split the bill or request separate bills.
5. On second thought:
Having reconsidered or revised one's opinion of something.
I`ll take a tuna sandwich. Actually, on second thought, I`ll have the soup.
On second thought, maybe you should sell your house and move into an apartment.
6. Dress up:
To dress formally, perhaps more formally than usual.
You need to dress up for this event tonight, a suit and tie would be appropriate.
I dressed up for the birthday party and was embarrassed to find all of the other guests in shorts and
T-shirts.
ϭϮ

Lesson 5
Avin: Are you going to visit your in-laws on your holidays?
Maneli: I`m afraid not. My husband just doesn`t get along with his older brother.
Sometimes he goes off the deep end.
Avin: Oh, really? Why not?
Maneli: Poor Kiarash does his best but they disagree about everything such as politics,
religion, sports and even the weather!
Avin: That`s too bad. Do they lose their temper?
Maneli: Yes they do. Sometimes they become very angry when they don`t see eye to
eye.
Avin: Well, don`t worry too much. Brothers often argue. I`m sure they`ll make up soon.
ϭϯ

1. Get along with someone:
To have a friendly, pleasant relationship with someone.
My boss and I get along very well.
The mother asked her children to stop fighting and try to get along with each other.
2. Goes off the deep end:

If someone goes off the deep end, he becomes very angry.
My dad went off the deep end when he found out what I`d done.
Don`t tell your father that you lost the money, he`ll just go off the deep end.
3. Do one`s best:
To try as hard as you can do.
Tom isn`t doing his best. We may have to replace him.
I`m just not good at math, so believe me, a B grade in Algebra means that I`ve done my best.
4. Lose one`s temper:

To become very angry.
The director lost his temper and shouted at the actors.
I`m usually a pretty calm person, but whenever I start driving, I find I lose my temper at the
slightest inconvenience.
5. See eye to eye:

To agree with someone, to share someone's position or opinion.
I`m not going to argue the point with you, Alex. We just don`t see eye to eye.
His mother and I don`t see eye to eye about his decision to drop out of college.
6. Make up:
To become friends again after an argument or fight.
They made up with each other and are now very good friends.
Children usually make up with their friends quickly after fights.
ϭϰ

Lesson 6
Abtin: Can I count on you to help me move next Saturday?
Bardia: No problem. What time?
Abtin: About 8:00 A.M. Are you sure you can come?
Bardia: I`ll be there. Don`t worry.
Abtin: You know the last time you offered to help me, you showed up there three hours
after we had finished.
Bardia: I didn`t come late on purpose. I slept through my alarm, I won`t let you down
this time.
Abtin: Thanks. I really need your help and please let me know if you`re going to be
late.
Bardia: Don`t worry I`m a man of my word.
ϭϱ

1. Count on someone or something:
To rely on someone or something.
Carol was counting on getting a raise in spring.
I can always count on my sister to cheer me up after a tough day.
2. Show up:
To appear or arrive.
Tom showed up at my door with flowers to apologize for his rude remarks.
Please fill in your exam with blue or black ink, pencil will not show up correctly when we scan
the papers.
3. On purpose:
With deliberate intention, not accidentally.
Don`t shout at me like that. I didn`t break it on purpose.
He took the worst job he could find on purpose, and then wrote a book about his experiences.
4. Let someone down:

To disappoint someone.
I was counting on John to come, but he let me down.
I`m counting on you to close this deal, Robert, don`t let me down.
5. Let someone know:

To inform someone.
I let the boss know about the development yesterday.
Be sure to let me know if anything changes between now and then.
6. A man of one`s word:

One who keeps promises, one who can be trusted.
You can count on Rudy. He`s a man of his word.
I`ve found Martin to be a man of his word so far, so I`m confident he`ll get us the best deal
possible.
ϭϲ

Lesson 7
Jasmine: I`m off to the KL tower. Do you want to come?
Kamran: We`re here on business!
Jasmine: We`ve got a whole week here. Let`s get to know the country better. You`ll
change your tune when you see the city.
Kamran: By going to a tourist trap? I don`t feel like sightseeing. I think I`ll stick
around the hotel.
Jasmine: Don`t be a couch potato! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Kamran: Ok let`s go see the Petronas Twin Towers.
ϭϳ

1. Off to:
Going to, leaving for a place.
I`m off to Kish island tonight.
We`re off to the Bahamas for the next two weeks.
2. Change one`s tune:

To change one's attitude, opinion, manner, or stance on something, typically in a way that is
more positive or agreeable.
Wait till they see you in action. They`ll change their tune then.
After I threatened him with no allowance, my son changed his tune and started doing his chores.
3. Tourist trap:
A place set up to lure tourists in to spend money.
It looked like a tourist trap, so we didn`t even stop the car.
This area became known as "The Front ", a notorious tourist trap.
4. Stick around:
To remain in a place.
I told him he might want to stick around the airport.
Anna, please stick around for a while. I want to talk to you later.
5. Couch potato:
A lazy person, addicted to television watching.
At home, he`s a total couch potato.
If there were a prize for the best couch potato, my husband would win it.
6. Once-in-a-lifetime:
Unlikely to occur again.
Shopping for wedding rings is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
She offered me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but I turned it down.
ϭϴ

Lesson 8
Sarah: Would you drop this dress off at the dry cleaner for me?
Mehrad: Ok, but it`s a little out of my way. Can I do it tomorrow?
Sarah: Yes, but if you take it today, I`ll be able to pick it up on Saturday morning. I`d
like to have it in time for the wedding.
Mehrad: Wedding? What wedding?
Sarah: Don`t you remember! Your niece Shahrzad is going to get married on Saturday.
Mehrad: Oh, no! That`s the day of the soccer game championship. I had to buy tickets a
month in advance.
Sarah: I know you inside out! Surely, you can see that the wedding is more important.
Shahrzad is going to get married only a once in a lifetime!
ϭϵ

1. Drop someone or something off:
To leave someone or something at the destination to which one has transported it.
When do I need to drop the kids off at soccer practice?
I`ll come to your house tonight and drop off your cake pan.
2. Out of one`s way:

Away from the direction in which one is going or normally goes.
I drove 20 miles out of my way to take Helen home.
Your address is completely out of my way, sorry I can`t go there.
3. Pick someone up:

Take away from a place.
Please come to my office and pick me up at noon.
The rescue helicopter picked up seven passengers after the plane crash.
4. In time:
Not late.
Make sure that you get here in time for the concert.
I need to get home in time to take a shower before the party.
5. In advance:
Before it is due.
It`s cheaper if you book the tickets in advance.
I like to check out the route in advance, so I don`t run into any surprise when I`m driving to my
interview.
6. Know someone or something inside out:

To be thoroughly familiar with someone or something.
If you study this material for weeks, you`ll know it inside out by the test date.
I just think you should know a person inside out before you decide to marry her.
ϮϬ

Lesson 9
Tannaz: Hi Anahita, I`m glad you called. I was about to call you.
Anahita: Really? Why?
Tannaz: I found out there`s a job opportunity for an accounting in the company where I
work. I thought you might be interested in it.
Anahita: I am. I`ll call you tomorrow morning and make an appointment for an
interview. You should get in touch with Mr. Smith. He`s in charge of accounting
department.
Tannaz: Thanks for telling me about the job. You are my friend in a high place.
Anahita: I am happy to help. After all, what friends are for?
Ϯϭ

1. Be about to:
To be ready to do something.
I was about to call him when he walked into the room.
I was just about to put the roast in the oven when the doorbell rang.
2. Find out:
To get information or discover something.
He was very happy when he found out he got A in the exam.
I`m not sure what his phone number is, but I`ll find out for you.
3. Get in touch with:

To make contact with someone or something.
Please get in touch as soon as you`re back home!
Here`s my phone number in case you need to get in touch with me.
4. In charge of:
Having control over or responsibility for something.
You`re in charge of making the salad.
Mr. Moore is in charge of the teaching department.
5. A friend in a high place:

A powerful friend who typically helps one to get or do what one wants.
I`m not too worried about this charge against me, I have friends in high places.
She must have friends in high places because she is definitely unqualified for that job.
6. After all:
Used to introduce a reason or an explanation.
Be nice to Jason. He had a hard day at work, after all.
Ray`s work schedule changed, so he`ll be able to visit us after all.
ϮϮ

Lesson 10
Mehrzad: That teacher always finds fault with my composition. I spent a lot of time on
this one last week and now he wants me to do it over.
Cyrus: What`s the problem?
Mehrzad: Some small mistakes, that`s all. Look at my paper.
Cyrus: These spelling errors do stand out. There shouldn`t be a Y in studies, and you
forgot the second P in stopped.
Mehrzad: I`m not to blame, it`s about English language. In Persian language, the
spelling is very regular.
Cyrus: English has basic rules, too. First things first, you`ll be better off if you learn
them.
Ϯϯ

1. Find fault with:
To find a problem or issue with someone or something.
Anna will be single forever if she keeps finding fault with every man she dates.
How could you find fault with this project? It met all of the requirements on the rubric.
2. Do something over:
To repeat something, to do something again.
This setup won`t work; I`ll have to do it over again.
The teacher told me that I have to do this project over because it`s too sloppy.
3. Stand out:
To be obvious, noticeable, conspicuous or prominent.
Her haircut really makes her stand out from the rest of her friends.
The moon stands out among the stars. The champion athletes stand out among their peers.
4. Be to blame:
Be responsible for something wrong.
If anyone`s to blame, LW¶V me.
I heard that slippery roads were to blame for the accident here this morning.
5. First things first:

The most important task gets priority.
I very much wanted to see that movie, but first things first, the paper's due tomorrow.
First things first, we must make sure the electricity is turned off before we start repairing the cooker.
6. Be better off:
Be in a better situation.
Oh, honey, you`re better off without him.
With that big raise, you`re now better off than most of your neighbors.
Ϯϰ

Lesson 11
Xerxes: How is your cousin Bardia? I haven`t seen him for ages.
Homayoun: He`s in the hospital with pneumonia. It was touch and go for while, but
he`s much better now.
Xerxes: I`m sorry to hear that he has been sick. Isn`t he a GP?
Homayoun: Yes, and everyone knows that doctors are sometimes the worst patients.
He`s not used to staying in bed and he complains all the time. These days he tastes his
own medicine.
Xerxes: Well, I hope he gets over it soon.
Homayoun: I`m sure the family will be happy when he`s up and about, too.
Xerxes: I`ll visit him tomorrow. Maybe he`ll be better if he has someone to keep him
company.
Ϯϱ

1. For ages:
For a long time.
Simon, I haven`t seen you for ages.
We haven`t been here for ages; we must come here more often.
2. Be touch and go:

Be uncertain of a result.
It was touch and go but the plane landed safely.
Jane had a serious operation and everything was touch and go for two days after her surgery.
3. Taste of one`s own medicine:

An experience of the unpleasant thing.
The tables have turned, however, and now you will get a taste of your own medicine.
You deserve to get a taste of your own medicine and feel the same terror that everyone you killed
felt.
4. Get over:
To recover or heal from some physical or mental ailment.
It took a long time to get over the flu.
It took her nearly four months to get over that bout of pneumonia.
5. Be up and about:
Out of bed after being ill/sick or sleeping:
She was off work for a week, but she`s up and about again now.
The surgery went very well, and the doctor is optimistic that she`ll be up and about soon.
6. Keep someone company:

To stay with or accompany someone.
Bill has been keeping company with Ann for three months.
I`ve promised to keep my sister company while her husband is away.
Ϯϲ

Lesson 12
Darius: Guess who I saw today?
Tahmineh: Who?
Darius: Armin. I ran into him at the post office.
Tahmineh: I haven`t seen him for ages. Is he still going out with that girl who was hard
to deal with?
Darius: No, he felt in love with someone he met at work and they`re going to get
married next month. By the way, I invited them to dinner this evening. They should be
here in an hour.
Tahmineh: Tonight we`re out of bread, butter, and coffee.
Darius: Don`t worry darling, I`ll go to supermarket.
Ϯϳ

1. Ran into someone:
To encounter someone by chance.
Oh, I didn`t tell you that I ran into Mary when I was at the movie theater.
Everyone comes from all over town to this market on the weekend, so you never know whom you
might run into.
2. Go out:
To go out with someone for entertainment.
Sarah likes going out and have a good time.
Is Bob still going out with Sally? No, they`ve stopped going out.
3. To deal with someone or something:

To manage or handle someone or something.
I just can`t deal with him when gets hysterical like this.
She also said the uncertainty of the past week had been very hard to deal with.
4. Fall in love with someone:

Begin to love someone.
When they fell in love, they thought it would last forever.
My parents met at a summer job, started to hang out, and then fell in love with each other.
5. By the way:
A phrase indicating that the speaker is adding information.
By the way, have you seen my keys anywhere?
I had a meeting with Graham at work today. By the way, I`ve invited him and his wife to lunch on
Sunday.
6. Be out of something:
To no longer have a supply of something.
The printer is out of paper.
Would you mind going to the store? We`re out of milk.
Ϯϴ

Lesson 13
Abtin: How do you like Chicago?
Farahnaz: I haven`t made up my mind yet. I`ve been here only for three months, you
know. I`m somehow homesick.
Abtin: Where do you live?
Farahnaz: On Jackson Blvd.
Abtin: Oh, Look on the bright side, I used to live there. I still have quite a few friends
there.
Farahnaz: I haven`t made friends with anyone. I`m an introvert, It`s difficult for me to
talk to people I don`t know.
Abtin: Well, keep trying. People from Chicago are really friendly. I`ll introduce you to
some of my friends. No man is an island.
Ϯϵ

1. Make up one`s mind:
To make a final decision after a period of consideration.
I`ve made up my mind, and I think we should move after all.
I`m not sure what flavor I want; I`m still making my mind up.
2. Look on the bright side:

To consider the positive aspects of a negative situation.
Look on the bright side. You still have a job.
Look on the bright side. Things could have been much worse than they are.
3. Quite a few:
Much or many.
There were quite a few people at the reception.
Please take some cake home with you; there`s quite a few pieces left.
4. Make friends with someone:

To form a new friendship with someone.
Did you make any friends at school?
I`ve made friends with one of the guys who works in my department.
5. Keep doing something:

Continue doing something.
I keep telling you, but you won`t listen.
She pretended not to hear, and kept on walking.
6. No man is an island:
Human beings necessarily depend on one another.
You can`t manage this all by yourself; no man is an island.
Look, I know you`re very proud man, but you need to let other people help you if you`re in trouble.
No man is an island, Dan.
ϯϬ

Lesson 14
Artemis: Will I see you at Mike`s picnic tomorrow?
Kasra: Sure, everyone will be there. What are you going to take?
Artemis: Potato salad. I`ve already made it. How about you?
Kasra: Oh, no! I was going to make potato salad as well. Now I`ll have to come up
with something else. One potato salad is enough.
Artemis: Don`t worry. You still have time to think it over.
Kasra: Yes, and if it continuous pouring down like this, Mike might call the picnic
off.
Artemis: Don`t say that! What will I do with twenty pounds of potato salad?
Kasra: Probably, the picnic might end up in limbo if it rains!
ϯϭ

1. As well:
Also, in addition.
Why don`t you come along as well?
Mary is going to Italy and to France as well.
2. Come up with something:

To devise or produce something.
Good luck coming up with the money for a new car!
Who came up with the idea for this marketing campaign?
3. Think over:
To consider carefully.
Think it over, and let me know in the morning if you want the job.
I spent the next few days thinking over everything she`d said to me just before she died.
4. Pour down:
To rain heavily without stopping.
It poured down all night.
The rain was pouring and I was quickly soaked.
5. Call something off:

To cancel a project, event, or activity.
The coach called football practice off because of the rain.
I was supposed to go out tonight, but Marisa is sick and called off our dinner.
6. In limbo:
A situation or circumstance in which the outcome is uncertain.
Our plans for renting an apartment in Spain are in limbo at the moment.
We`re kind of in limbo out here until the French authorities reopen the airports.
ϯϮ

Lesson 15
Kiana: Look at all these bills! How we ever pay them?
Ashkan: It`s difficult to make ends meet these days. We`ll have to do without
something.
Kiana: Ok, but what?
Ashkan: Well, we can sell the car and use public transportation or walk.
Kiana: Isn`t there any other way we can cut down on expenses?
Ashkan: I don`t think so. Selling the car is the only thing that will help in the long run.
Now we are in the gutter.
Kiana: Let`s sleep on it. Things always look better in the morning.
ϯϯ

1. Make ends meet:
To earn just enough money to live or pay one's bills.
I have to work at two jobs to make ends meet.
Actually, I think she`s having trouble making ends meet, now that she`s retired.
2. Do without:
To live, manage, cope, and continue without.
They will just have to do without a vacation this year.
I was running late this morning, so I had to do without coffee.
3. Cut down on:

To reduce the amount of something or of doing something.
The doctor told him to cut down on his drinking.
You will have to cut down on the time it takes you to get ready in the morning.
4. In the long run:

Over or after a long period of time; in the end.
I know it`s a lot of money to spend on a mattress, but trust me, it will be worth it in the long run.
Buying your own house is a big expense at first but in the long run it`s cheaper than paying rent.
5. In the gutter:
In a bad social condition; In a state of total waste or failure.
My dad once threw our entire life savings in the gutter betting on horses one weekend.
My father`s company is now going to be in the gutter because of the way the incompetent new CEO
is running things.
6. Sleep on:
To postpone a decision until the following day so that one has additional time to consider it.
It sounds like a good idea, but I'd like to sleep on it.
I`m still not sure if I`m ready to spend that much money. Can I sleep on it?
ϯϰ

Lesson 16
Anahita: Would you give me a hand with this box?
Parisa: 6XUHXJK«LWCVKHDY\No wonder you could lift it yourself. What`s in it?
Anahita: Oh, just some old clothes. I don`t know what to do with them. I`m not really a
hoarder!
Parisa: You know, you really should get rid of some of these things. You never wear
them.
Anahita: Ok. I think I`ll start with this old sweater.
Parisa: Hey! That`s a very nice sweater, and look at this beautiful blouse! Can I try
them on?
Anahita: Yes, why not?
Parisa: This sweater fits me like a glove.
Anahita: I have a good idea. Why don`t you take the box home with you? That way you
can take your time and look at everything.
ϯϱ

1. Give someone a hand:
To help someone.
Let me give you a hand with these suitcases.
I hope that someone will give me a hand with these bags, there`s no way I`ll make it to the fifth floor on
my own!
2. No wonder:
It is not surprising or unexpected at all.
No wonder the baby is crying. She`s wet.
You just worked a 20-hour shift. It`s no wonder you look so tired.
3. To be a hoarder:
To be a person who collects and saves items.
I`m a terrible hoarder. I never throw anything away.
My old roommate was such a hoarder that after six months, I could barely walk through the living room
without tripping over his collection of junk.
4. Get rid of someone or something:

To discard, eliminate, or become free from something or someone.
Would you please get rid of that filthy couch already?
We finally got rid of your younger brother, he`s so annoying!
5. Fit like a glove:

To fit very well.
You look wonderful in that dress. It fits you like a glove.
These shoes are too big, I need to find ones that fit like a glove so that I don`t trip.
6. Take one`s time:

To act slowly or at one`s leisure.
There is no hurry. Please take your time.
Bill is very careful and takes his time so he won`t make any mistakes.
ϯϲ

Lesson 17
Tannaz: Did you see this article in the newspaper? Two men broke into a house near
here last night and took more than $3.000 in cash.
Khosrow: Did they get away with it?
Tannaz: Yes, the police are still looking for them.
Khosrow: That`s nothing. A man held my uncle up on the street last week in the middle
of the afternoon!
Tannaz: Really? Where did that take place?
Khosrow: Only a block from here. Right in front of the post office. I think the crime
wave is increasing.
Tannaz: From now on, I`m going to keep my money in the bank.
ϯϳ

1. Break into:
To enter somewhere by force.
Someone broke into my car and stole my wallet.
Burglars broke into the warehouse and stole $20.000 worth of appliances.
2. Get away with someone or something:

To do something wrong and not be caught.
The kidnapper got away with little Brian.
The robbers got away with the TV but not much else.
3. Hold up someone or something:

To rob someone or something, especially when armed.
The mild-looking man held up the bank and shot a teller.
Do you think you would recognize the guy who held you up at gunpoint?
4. Take place:
To happen.
The meeting will take place at eight R¶FORFN
Some strange things had taken place in that old castle.
5. Crime wave:
A sudden increase in the number of crime.
Much of the crime wave derives directly from poverty.
The country believes that the current crime wave is a matter of great concern to most people.
6. From now on:

Starting today and continuing into the future.
I promise to check the business E-mails everyday from now on.
I`m sorry, I`ll take my responsibilities more seriously from now on.
ϯϴ

Lesson 18
Arya: Have you done your project yet?
Rozhan: No, but I`ll have plenty of time to do it next week.
Arya: That`s what you said last week and the week before. You can`t put it off forever.
You should take advantage of your free time and do some work.
Rozhan: The truth is, I`ve fallen behind in all my classes and I don`t know if I can ever
catch up.
Arya: Well, talking about it won`t help at this point.
Rozhan: You`re right. I`ll start on it tomorrow.
Arya: Not tomorrow! Today! Tomorrow never comes.
ϯϵ

1. Put something off:
To postpone something; to schedule something for a later time.
I have to put off our meeting until a later time.
I put off a visit to the dentist as long as I could.
2. Take advantage of something:

To use a particular situation to do or get what you want.
Try to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.
Please take advantage of the consultant while she is here in the office.
3. Fall behind something:

Do something more slowly than expected.
I`ve fallen behind with that show. Can you tell me what happened in the latest episode?
Despite a strange performance in the beginning, he fell behind in the second half of the race and
finished last.
4. Catch up (on) something:

To make an effort to become current with something after having fallen behind.
I missed this week's episode, but I`ll catch up over the weekend.
You need to catch up on all the homework you missed while you had the flu.
5. At this point:
At this time.
At this point in time, we don't need a new refrigerator.
At this point, we are the best-ranked football team in the country.
6. Tomorrow never comes:

Often used to express that you shouldn`t put off doing something until tomorrow if you can
accomplish it today.
He keeps saying that he`ll get around to the assignment tomorrow, but somehow tomorrow never
comes.
Stop putting off your responsibilities until tomorrow. Tomorrow never comes, so take care of your
business today.
ϰϬ

Lesson 19
Kaveh: Please help me. I thought my little brother is right behind me, but all of a
sudden when I looked back he wasn`t there.
Salesperson: He probably got lost in the crowd. There are many shoppers in the store
today. What does he have on?
Kaveh: A yellow jacket and blue pants. He`s only four.
Salesperson: I think I see him near the elevators. Does he have a red hair and freckles?
Kaveh: Yes, that`s him. Thank goodness!
Salesperson: Don`t let go of his hand after this.
Kaveh: Don`t worry. I`ll keep an eye on him.
ϰϭ

1. All of a sudden:
Very quickly and unexpectedly; suddenly.
I was sitting reading my book when all of a sudden the lights went out.
I thought Laura and I were friends, but all of a sudden, she stopped talking to me.
2. Get lost:
To lose one`s way or direction.
It`s easy to get lost in this strange and crowded city.
I got lost on one of the streets and ended up on a narrow hardtop mountain road.
3. Have on:
To wear something.
Nearly every Filipino seems to have on clothes that were laundered the day before.
Now I have on a bright neon lime green T-shirt and I`m not a small girl, so you can`t miss me.
4. Thank goodness:
Used to show that you are very glad about something.
Thank goodness, this dress still fits; I have nothing else to wear.
Thank goodness, we bought our tickets early; the concert is now sold out.
5. Let go of someone or something:

To release someone or something.
Please let go of me, you`re hurting my arm!
The child let go of the string, and the balloon floated up and away into the sky.
6. Keep an eye on someone or something:

To watch someone or something carefully.
Sure, I can keep an eye on the baby while you go to the store.
You need to keep your eye on the soup so that it doesn`t bubble over.
ϰϮ

Lesson 20
Macan: Did you say sheep?
Donya: No, I said ship. Sometimes I have quite a bit of trouble with pronunciation.
Macan: Oh, sheep and ship. It`s easy to mix them up.
Donya: Yes, the difference between them is really difficult for me, not to mention
words like cap and cab, I often can`t tell them apart.
Macan: Even so, it`ll be easier for you when you`ve been in the United States longer.
You have to get into the habit of practicing daily.
Donya: I hope you`re right.
Macan: I`m sure of it!
ϰϯ

1. Quite a bit of something:
A significant amount of something.
Please take some cake home with you, there`s quite a bit left.
Do you need help parking? You`re having quite a bit of trouble getting into that space.
2. Mix someone or something up:

To confuse one thing for another.
Please don`t ask questions now; you`ll mix me up!
I`m sorry I`m late, I must have mixed up the time for our meeting.
3. Not to mention:
In addition to, as well as.
Dave teaches trumpet and trombone, not to mention other brass instruments.
They have two massive houses in the city, not to mention their vacation home by the beach.
4. Tell someone or something apart:

To distinguish one from another.
Even our parents sometimes have trouble telling me and my brother apart.
The two cakes look different, but in taste, I can`t tell this one and that one apart.
5. Even so:
However, nevertheless, in spite of something.
She claimed it contained no garlic, but even so I could taste it.
I know you`re not happy with mom right now, but even so, you should tell her that you arrived in
London safely.
6. Get into the habit of something:

To do something habitually.
I`ve got into the habit of doing 50 push-ups every morning when I get out of bed.
If you get into the habit of investing some of your spare income, you`ll be pleasantly surprised how
much can build up.
ϰϰ

References
Ayto, J., & Simpson, J. (2010). Oxford Dictionary of Modern Slang (2nd ed.). Oxford
University Press.
Dixson, R. J. (2003). Essential Idioms in English: Phrasal verbs and collocations (5th
th.). Pearson Education.
O`Dell, F., & MacCarthy, M. (2002). English Idioms in Use Intermediate: 60 Units of
vocabulary reference and practice. Cambridge University Press.
O`Dell, F., & MacCarthy, M. (2010). English Idioms in Use Advanced: 60 Units of
vocabulary reference and practice. Cambridge University Press.
Spears, R. A. (2000). NTC`S American Idioms Dictionary: The most practical reference
for the everyday expressions of contemporary American English (3rd rd.). NTC
Publishing Group.
Wright, J. (1999). Idioms Organiser: Organised by methaphor, topic and keyword (1st
st.). Heinle ELT.
ϰϱ

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Master The Idioms

Radin: What`s the matter? You look upset.

Alborz: I give up! I`ll never learn English grammar easily.

Radin: That`s easy.

Radin: Ok, I`ll help you brush up on those verbs.

Alborz: Easier said than done!

2. Give something or someone up:

4. Make fun of someone or something:

6. Easier said than done:

Afshin: Uh-oh! He`s going to cry again!

Shadi: Now he`s really crying.

Afshin: I guess he has my personality, too. Like father, like son.

6. Like father, like son:

Sam: Would you like to play volleyball with us this week?

Sam: That`s okay. None of us is professional.

Nariman: How often do you play?

Nariman: What time do you begin?

Sam: At 9:00 A.M. I`ll look forward to seeing you then.

6. Look forward to doing something.

Parsa: Where would you like to go for dinner?

Parsa: It`s up to you. Whatever you say is fine with me.

2. Fine with/by me:

3. Foot the bill:

4. Split the bill:

Avin: Are you going to visit your in-laws on your holidays?

Avin: Oh, really? Why not?

Avin: That`s too bad. Do they lose their temper?

2. Goes off the deep end:

4. Lose one`s temper:

5. See eye to eye:

Abtin: Can I count on you to help me move next Saturday?

Bardia: No problem. What time?

Bardia: I`ll be there. Don`t worry.

Bardia: Don`t worry I`m a man of my word.

4. Let someone down:

5. Let someone know:

6. A man of one`s word:

Jasmine: I`m off to the KL tower. Do you want to come?

Kamran: We`re here on business!

Jasmine: Don`t be a couch potato! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Kamran: Ok let`s go see the Petronas Twin Towers.

2. Change one`s tune:

Mehrad: Ok, but it`s a little out of my way. Can I do it tomorrow?

Mehrad: Wedding? What wedding?

2. Out of one`s way:

3. Pick someone up:

6. Know someone or something inside out:

Anahita: Really? Why?

Anahita: I am happy to help. After all, what friends are for?

3. Get in touch with:

5. A friend in a high place:

Cyrus: What`s the problem?

Mehrzad: Some small mistakes, that`s all. Look at my paper.

5. First things first:

Xerxes: Well, I hope he gets over it soon.

2. Be touch and go:

3. Taste of one`s own medicine:

6. Keep someone company:

Darius: Guess who I saw today?

Darius: Armin. I ran into him at the post office.

.! /'0

Parisa: 6XUHXJK«LWCVKHDY\No wonder you could lift it yourself. What`s in it?