Idioms in our life

Амбалова Наталья Хасанбековна

Методическое пособие

IDIOMS IN OUR LIFE

Every language has popular expressions which are considered to be part of normal, everyday speech. Although these expressions are used frequently In conversational English, they are unique because they are composed of words which don't always mean what you would expect. These common expressions are known as idioms. An idiom cannot be translated literally. Attempts to do so often lead to confusion and traslation. For example, “You're pulling my leg" means “you’re kidding or not telling the truth.” It doesn't really mean that you are holding my leg and pulling on it.

Although you learn English grammar and vocabulary, it is important to develop the ability to use these common expressions. A knowledge of idioms will help you improve your speech communication skills. A familiarity with these expressions will enable you to better understand your American friends and will help you to express yourself in a natural, inormal manner. Unfortunately, dictionaries don’t always explain the meanings of idioms.

This chapter has been created to teach you a variety of these expressions in a meaningful context. Try to use idioms in your everyday speech whenever possible. As you study this chapter, your teacher will explain, give examples, and answer your questions.

IDIOMS WITH NAMES OF BODY PARTS

1. pull one’s leg (to joke about something or exaggerate)

"Don't pull my leg, tell me the truth!”

1. leg to stand on (proof or support for an idea or decision)

"Without a witness, you don’t have a leg to stand on."

1. last leg (the final part, the last phase)

"Asia will be the last leg of my around-the-world trip.”

1. foot the bill (pay the costs or expenses)

“My father is Footing the bill for my education."

1. stand on one's own two feet (to be independent or responsible for one’s own life)

“Now that you are 21, you should stand on your own two feet."

1. put one's foot down (to take a firm stand, to enforce a command)

“My father put his foot down and won’t let me use the car.”

1. put a foot in one’s mouth (to say something embarrassing)

“Think before you speak so you don’t put your foot in your mouth."

8. make one’s mouth water (to make hungry or stimulate the appetite)

“The smell of mom’s cooking makes my mouth water."

1. melts in your mouth (tastes very good, delicious)

“Grandmother’s apple pie melts in your mouth."

10. see eye to eye (to agree completely)

“We get along well because we usually see eye to eye”

11. pull the wool over one’s eyes (to deceive or trick someone)

“My teacher didn’t believe my excuse, I couldn’t pull the wool over her eyes”

12. butterflies in one’s stomach (to be very nervous)

"When I speak before large groups, I get butterflies in my stomach."

13. over one’s head (to be unable to meet responsibilities or debts)

“Stella can’t pay her bills, she’s over her head in debt.”

14. lose one’s head (to act irresponsibly or foolishly without thinking; to become very excited)

“After I got a small raise, I lost my head and bought an expensive car.”

15. out of hand (to be out of control)

“The poorly conducted meeting got out of hand."

16. lend a hand (to provide help or assistance)

“I’ll lend a hand and help my friend fix his car.”

17. heart's not in it (not interested or enthusiastic)

“My heart's not in doing housework today.”

18. by heart (to know by memory)

“I know the ‘Pledge of Allegiance’ by heart."/

19. slap In the face (a bad insult)

“John called me stupid; that’s a real slap in the face.”

20. elbow room (space to move around)

“I don’t like small spaces, I like lots of elbow room.”

21. hold one’s tongue (to keep quiet)

“Please hold your tongue, I don’t want to hear it.”

22. wet behind the ears (to have very little experience)

“He’s not ready to be the boss, he’s still wet behind the ears."

23. all ears (to listen carefully)

“Tell me what is bothering you, I’m all ears."

24. cross one’s fingers (to wish for good luck or success)

“I’ll cross my fingers that you’ll win the race.”

25. on the nose (perfect with no mistake; at that exact time) "Your answer to that question was right on the nose."

REVIEW TEST I (IDIOMS WITH BODY PARTS)

On the line to the left of each number, write the letter of the choice which best shows the meaning of the idiom in italics.

__ 1. Jose doesn’t stand on his own two feet.

1. He prefers to sit on a chair.

b. He broke a leg and can’t stand up.

c. He always asks others to help him.

__2. Chocolate makes my mouth water.

a. It makes me want some.

b. It makes me thirsty.

c. It takes away my hunger

___ 3. This is getting out of hand.

1. The bird in my hand flew away.

2. I burned my hand on the stove.

3. The situation is out of control.

____ 4. That was a slap in the face.

1. My friend hit me in the face.

2. My boss said I am lazy.

3. A tree branch hit me in the face.

____ 5. Ali is over his head.

1. He is swimming in the ocean.

2. He is a very short person.

3. He can’t pay his bills.

____ 6. Susanna is wet behind the ears.

1. She forgot to dry her ears after a shower.

2. She doesn’t have much experience.

3. She got wet in the rain.

___ 7. Kim doesn't know when to hold his tongue.

1. He always tells important secrets.

2. He can’t roll his tongue up.

3. He always sticks his tongue out when he is angry.

____ 8. They don't see eye to eye.

1. They never look at each other.

2. They always wear dark sunglasses.

3. They don’t agree with each other.

___ 9. That car is on its last leg.

1. It only has one tire.

2. It needs a paint job.

3. It is about to break down completely.

___10.You got that right on the nose.

1. The ball hit your nose and broke it.

2. A fly landed on your nose.

3. You did the assignment perfectly