MIXED IDIOMS AND OTHER EXPRESSIONS

CHECK YOUR ENGLISH VOCABULARY FOR PHRASAL VERBS AND IDIOMS

MIXED IDIOMS AND OTHER EXPRESSIONS

This section looks at some common idioms and other expressions that are not included in the main exercises elsewhere in this book.

Each of the three idioms and other expressions in bold in the following sentence groups can be completed with the same verb. Decide what that verb is in each case, and write it in the sentence. Make sure that you use it in its correct form. The meaning of each idiom is explained in italics at the end of each sentence.

1	(a) I've made a terrible mistake at work, and now my career is ________ by a thread. (to be very likely to fail) (b) I know things are difficult for you at the moment, but ________ in there, OK? (an informal spoken expression used for telling someone to continue doing something in a determined way) (c) How could you treat your best friend like that? ________ your head in shame! (a spoken expression used in a humorous way to tell someone that they have behaved badly)
2	(a) I'm afraid that your argument in favour of moving to a new office doesn't ________ much conviction. (to be capable of persuading someone that something is true, real or practical) (b) Laura's been ________ a torch for Martin for years. (to be in love with someone, usually without them realising this) (c) Dr Watson's opinions have always ________ great weight in this town. (to be respected and have influence)
3	(a) I think I've ________ foul of the boss again. (to get into trouble with someone or something) (b) You certainly ________ on your feet when you got that job. (to be lucky and get into a good situation after being in a difficult one) (c) Nobody ever laughs at my jokes. They always ________ flat. (to not succeed in entertaining someone or making them laugh)
4	(a) Let's go out for dinner. I know somewhere that won't ________ the bank. (an expression used for saying that something does not cost very much money) (b) Our company has ________ new ground with its latest range of laptop computer. (to do something completely different from what has been done before) (c) Everyone was a bit quiet until Ronnie ________ the ice by telling a joke. (to make people feel more relaxed and ready to talk, for example at the beginning of a party)
5	(a) I think it's time that you and Lisa ________ bygones be bygones. (to decide to forget about a disagreement or something unpleasant that has happened in the past) (b) She promised to keep my news a secret, but she ________ it slip at the party. (to reveal a secret either by accident, or by making it seem like an accident) (c) I originally wanted £2500 for my car, but I ________ it go for £2000. (to sell something, usually for a cheaper price than you originally wanted)
6	(a) Mr Gomm is the person who ________ the shots in this company. (to be in a position of control or authority) (b) I think we've done everything we can with this report. Let's ________ it a day. (to decide that you have finished doing something) (c) Have you ever seen 'The Godfather'? Now that's what I ________ a good film! (an informal spoken expression used for emphasising that something is a very good example of what you are talking about)
7	(a) I'm going to tell you something important, but I want you to ________ it to yourself. (to not tell anyone else about something) (b) Trudi is a very private person. She likes to ________ herself to herself. (to stay alone or with your family rather than spend time with other people) (c) I don't earn much money, but it ________ the wolf from the door. (to have enough money to pay for important things, like food, rent, bills, etc)
8	(a) Louise is always able to ________ her own in an argument. (to be as good as other more experienced or stronger people, for example in an argument) (b) I wanted to speak, but I was told to ________ my tongue. (to not say anything) (c) ________ it! Where do you think you're going? (a spoken expression used for telling someone not to move)
9	(a) ________ how you go. (an informal spoken expression used for saying goodbye to someone you know well) (b) What did Peter and I talk about? Never you ________! (an informal spoken expression used for refusing to tell someone something) (c) "Would you like one of these cakes?" "Thanks, I don't ________ if I do." (a spoken expression used in a polite and humorous way to accept something that someone has offered you)
10	(a) Why are you so unhappy? You have a wonderful family, a good job and a lovely house. You should ________ your blessings. (to tell someone that they should realize there are good things in their life and that they should appreciate them) (b) You haven't got the job yet. Don't ________ your chickens (before they've hatched). (an expression used for telling someone not to make plans that depend on the success of something until they are certain that it is successful) (c) The whole town is ________ the cost of today's terrorist attack. (to realise what has been lost or damaged as a result of something)
11	(a) I wish Toby would ________ his weight a bit. (to work as hard as the other people who are doing an activity or job) (b) I want this project to be successful. Let's ________ out all the stops. (to make a big effort so that something happens or is successful) (c) Susan phoned in to say she's sick, but I think she's ________ a fast one. (to trick someone or say something that isn't true)
12	(a) If you ________ your cards right, you can come over for dinner tonight. (informal – used for saying that if someone behaves in the right way, they might be successful) (b) You're ________ with fire, talking to her like that. (to do something dangerous or risky that could cause problems for you) (c) I think we can eat these pies cold, but let's ________ it safe and heat them in the microwave. (to avoid taking any risks)
13	(a) I don't know how you can ________ your face in here. (informal – to go somewhere where other people will see you, especially when they might not want you to be there) (b) Right, I'm going to ________ everyone in this office who's boss. (informal – to make people aware that you have more power or authority than them) (c) I've spent a lot of money, and have nothing to ________ for it. (to have achieved nothing as a result of something you have done)
14	(a) I'm half ________ that Mark won't come to the party. (a spoken expression used about your feelings when you are not sure whether you want something or not) (b) I ________ to God it doesn't rain in the next hour. (a spoken expression used for emphasising that you do or don't want something to happen) (c) "Thanks for lending me the money. I'll pay it back tomorrow." "I should ________ so." (an informal spoken expression used for emphasising that you feel it is important that something will happen)
15	(a) You paid £200 for that old computer? Somebody ________ you coming. (to realise that someone is easy to trick or cheat) (b) According to this story in the paper, a child in the USA is divorcing his parents. Huh! Now I've ________ everything! (a spoken expression used for saying that you find something very shocking or surprising) (c) My father has finally ________ the light and bought a computer. (to suddenly realise or understand something, usually in a way that improves your life)

ANSWER KEY

1. (a) hanging (We can also say hanging in the balance), (b) hang, (c) Hang 2. (a) carry, (b) carrying, (c) carried 3. (a) fallen, (b) fell, (c) fall 4. (a) break, (b) broken, (c) broke 5. (a) let (We can also say bury the hatchet), (b) let, (c) let 6. (a) calls, (b) call, (c) call 7. (a) keep (We can also say keep mum, keep it dark or keep it under your hat), (b) keep, (c) keeps 8. (a) hold, (b) hold, (c) Hold 9. (a) Mind, (b) mind, (c) mind 10. (a) count, (b) count, (c) counting 11. (a) pull, (b) pull, (c) pulling 12. (a) play, (b) playing, (c) play 13. (a) show, (b) show, (c) show 14. (a) hoping, (b) hope, (c) hope 15. (a) saw, (b) seen,(c) seen