= Easy English =
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4
EXERCISES
A. Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized word or words in each
sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are indicated by number.
1. Nan is trying to find the purse that she lost yesterday.
a. finding out b. looking at c. looking for
2. As is typical, Doug is late for the meeting.
a. At last b. All along c. As usual
3. Were you able to determine what his occupation is?
a. to find out b. to pick up (Lesson 1) c. to call on
4. I am very weary after all that physical exercise today.
a. turned off (Lesson 1) b. tired out c. never mind
5. John's mother knew that he wasn't telling the truth from the beginning.
a. all along b. all right c. little by little
6. Some old friends of mine visited us last night.
a. called on b. called up (Lesson 1) c. wore out
7. Eventually, Mario will be able to speak English better than he does now.
a. Never mind b. Sooner or later (Lesson 1) c. At last
8. Is it acceptable for Mary to borrow our car for a few hours?
a. right away (Lesson 1) b. all right c. step by step
9. Would you please give your attention to me while I'm talking?
a. dress up b. look at c. wear out
10. They waited for forty-five minutes until finally the waiter brought their food.
a. at last b. little by little c. at first (Lesson 1)
B. Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from this unit only.
Bob: Jim, should we ___________________________ for the party tonight?
Jim: No, informal clothes are fine I'm ______________________ my shoes. Have you seen them?
Bob: No. Did you check that closet by the front door?
Jim: Of course, I did! Gosh, my legs hurt. I'm really _____________________ from playing so much soccer
today.
Bob: What did you say?
Jim: Oh, __________________________. It wasn't important.
Bob: Sorry, I'm ____________________ the TV news. It's about the robbery.
Jim: Have the police ______________________ who stole the million dollars?
Bob: No, they haven't.
Jim: ______________________ I've found my shoes! They were in that closet by the door
______________________!
Bob: I told you so!
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5
LESSON 3
to pick out: to choose, to select (S)
- Ann picked out a good book to give to her brother as a graduation gift.
- Johnny, if you want me to buy you a toy, then pick one out now.
to take one's (my, his, your, etc.) time: to do without rush, not to hurry
This idiom is often used in the imperative form. (See the first example.)
- There's no need to hurry doing those exercises. Take your time.
- William never works rapidly. He always takes his time in everything that he does.
to talk over: to discuss or consider a situation with others (S)
- We talked over Carlo's plan to install an air conditioner in the room, but we couldn't reach a decision.
- Before I accepted the new job offer, I talked the matter over with my wife.
to lie down: to place oneself in a flat position, to recline
- If you are tired, why don't you lie down for an hour or so?
- The doctor says that Grace must lie down and rest for a short time every afternoon.
to stand up: to rise from a sitting or lying position (also: to get up)
- When the president entered the room, everyone stood up.
- Suzy, stop rolling around on the floor; get up now.
to sit down: to be seated (also: to take a seat)
- We sat down on the park bench and watched the children play.
- There aren't any more chairs, but you can take a seat on the floor.
all (day, week, month, year) long: the entire day, week, month, year
- I've been working on my income tax forms all day long. I've hardly had time to eat.
- It's been raining all week long. We haven't seen the sun since last Monday.
by oneself: alone, without assistance
- Francis translated that French novel by himself. No one helped him.
- Paula likes to walk through the woods by herself, but her brother prefers to walk with a companion.
on purpose: for a reason, deliberately
This idiom is usually used when someone does something wrong or unfair.
- Do you think that she didn't come to the meeting on purpose?
- It was no accident that he broke my glasses. He did it on purpose.
to get along with someone (something): to associate or work well with; to succeed or manage in
doing (also: to get on with someone or something)
- Terry isn't getting along with her new roommate; they argue constantly.
- How are you getting on with your studies?
to make a difference (to someone): to be of importance (to), to affect
This idiom is often used with adjectives to show the degree of importance.
- It makes a big difference to me whether he likes the food I serve.
- Does it make any difference to you where we go for dinner?
- No, it doesn't make any difference.
- It makes no difference to Lisa either.
to take out: to remove, to extract (S); to go on a date with (S) (also: to go out with)
- Students, take out your books and open them to page twelve.
- Did you take Sue out last night?
- No, she couldn't go out with me.
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6
EXERÑISES
A. Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized word or words in each
sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are indicated by number.
1. I think that you should remove the last two sentences in the paragraph.
a. take out b. pick out c. talk over
2. If you don't hurry in completing your schoolwork, you'll do a better job.
a. get off (Lesson 1) b. lie down c. take your time
3. How are you succeeding in your new job?
a. getting on with b. making a difference to c. picking out
4. I don't like to go to the movies alone.
a. as usual (Lesson 2) b. by myself c. on purpose
5. Do you have a moment to try to find my keys with me?
a. to talk over b. to look for (Lesson 2) c. to get up
6. The child said that she didn't break the window deliberately.
a. on purpose b. all day long c. making a difference
7. Did you go on a date with your new girlfriend again today?
a. get along with b. stand up c. go out with
8. It's cold outside; you'd better place a sweater on yourself.
a. sit down b. put on (Lesson 1) c. take out
9. Fortunately, Marie is associating well with her new co-workers.
a. calling on (Lesson 2) b. talking over c. getting along with
10. Don't sit on the dirty ground like that; rise right now!
a. get up b. lie down c. sit down
B. Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from this unit only.
Jean: Hi, Pete. Did you come ______________________?
Pete: Yes, Sarah wasn't able to come. She's at the dentist's office.
Jean: Oh? Why is that?
Pete: The dentist has to _____________________ one of her teeth. She has been complaining of pain
_________________ week __________________.
Jean: That's too bad. Well, I'm glad you're early.
Pete: Why? I didn't come early ____________________.
Jean: I know, but now we have time to ____________________ that important matter about the new
employee.
Pete: You mean the employee who's not ______________________________ her co-workers?
Jean: Exactly. But please, take off your coat first and _______________ on the couch.
Pete: Thanks.
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7
LESSON 4
to take part in: to be involved in, to participate in (also: to be in on)
- Martin was sick and could not take part in the meeting yesterday.
- I didn't want to be in on their argument, so I remained silent.
at all: to any degree (also: in the least)
This idiom is used with the negative to add emphasis to a statement.
- Larry isn't at all shy about expressing his opinions.
- When I asked Donna whether she was tired, she said, "Not in the least. I'm full of energy."
to look up: to locate information in a directory, dictionary, book, etc. (S)
- Ellen suggested that we look up Lee's telephone number in the directory.
- Students should try to understand the meaning of a new word from context before looking the word up in the
dictionary.
to wait on someone: to serve in a store or restaurant
- A very pleasant young clerk waited on me in that shop.
- The restaurant waitress asked us, "Has anyone waited on you yet?"
at least: a minimum of, no fewer (or less) than
- I spend at least two hours every night on my studies.
- Mike claims that he drinks at least a quart of water every day.
so far: until now, until the present time (also: up to now, as of yet)
This idiom is usually used with the present perfect tense.
- So far, this year has been excellent for business. I hope that the good luck continues.
- How many idioms have we studied in this book up to now?
- As of yet, we have not had an answer from him.
to take a walk, stroll, hike, etc.: to go for a walk, stroll, hike, etc
A stroll involves slow, easy walking; a hike involves serious, strenuous walking.
- Last evening we took a walk around the park.
- It's a fine day. Would you like to take a stroll along Mason Boulevard?
- Let's take a hike up Cowles Mountain this afternoon.
to take a trip (to): to go on a journey, to travel
- I'm so busy at work that I have no time to take a trip.
- During the summer holidays, the Thompsons took a trip to Europe.
to try on: to wear clothes to check the style or fit before buying (S)
- He tried on several suits before he picked out a blue one.
- Why don't you try these shoes on next?
to think over: to consider carefully before deciding (S)
- I'd like to think over your offer first. Then can we talk it over tomorrow?
- You don't have to give me your decision now. Think it over for a while.
to take place: to occur, to happen according to plan
- The regular meetings of the committee take place in Constitution Hall.
- I thought that the celebration was taking place at John's house.
to put away: to remove from sight, to put in the proper place (S)
- Please put away your papers before you open the test booklet.
- John put the notepad away in his desk when he was finished with it.
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8
EXERCISES
A. Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized word or words in each
sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are indicated by number.
1. You'll have to locate his number in the telephone book.
a. to think over b. to wait on c. to look up
2. Let's go on a serious walk in the mountains this weekend.
a. take a hike b. take a trip c. take a stroll
3. You ought to spend a minimum of an hour outside in the fresh air.
a. in the least b. as usual (Lesson 2) c. at least
4. Would you like me to help you choose a new dress for the dance?
a. pick out (Lesson 3) b. try on c. put away
5. I've always wanted to journey to Alaska during the summer.
a. to take a walk b. to take a trip c. to take a stroll
6. It took a long time for the store clerk to serve us.
a. to call on (Lesson 2) b. to take part in c. to wait on
7. I don't enjoy this hot, humid weather to any degree.
a. at all b. up to now c. at last (Lesson 2)
8. Our guest will arrive soon; please remove your dirty clothes from sight.
a. try on b. put away c. get off (Lesson 1)
9. I'd better switch on the light so that we can see better in here.
a. be in on b. turn on (Lesson 1) c. try on
10. James didn't want to be involved in the preparations for the conference.
a. to take part in b. to take place c. to try on
B. Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from this unit only.
Mara: Where's the store clerk?
Ted: I don't know. It's taking him too long to ________________ us.
Mara: I don't like the service in this store _______________. I feel like leaving right now.
Ted: Oh, no, let's not do that. How many dresses have you tried on ______________?
Mara: Oh, I've tried on about eight dresses.
Ted: Well, after all that time and effort, you should buy __________________ one, don't you think?
Mara: No, never mind. I'm so upset that I need to _____________________ outside in the fresh air.
Ted: Mara, I think that you're making the wrong decision. You should __________ it ___________ first. This
is really a nice dress at a great price.
Mara: Well I guess a few more minutes of waiting won't make a difference.
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9
LESSON 5
to look out: to be careful or cautious (also: to watch out)
Both of these idioms can occur with the preposition for.
- "Look out!" Jeffrey cried as his friend almost stepped in a big hole in the ground.
- Look out for reckless drivers whenever you cross the street.
- Small children should always watch out for strangers offering candy.
to shake hands: to exchange greetings by clasping hands
- When people meet for the first time, they usually shake hands.
- The student warmly shook hands with his old professor.
to get back: to return (S)
- Mr. Harris got back from his business trip to Chicago this morning.
- Could you get the children back home by five o'clock?
to catch cold: to become sick with a cold of the nose or throat
- If you go out in this rain, you will surely catch cold.
- How did she ever catch cold in such warm weather?
to get over: to recover from an illness; to accept a loss or sorrow
- It took me over a month to get over my cold, but I'm finally well now.
- It seems that Mr. Mason will never get over the death of his wife.
to make up one's (my, his, your, etc.) mind: to reach a decision, to decide finally
- Sally is considering several colleges to attend, but she hasn't made up her mind yet.
- When are you going to make up your mind about your vacation plans?
to change one's (my, his, your, etc.) mind: to alter one's decision or opinion
- We have changed our minds and are going to Canada instead of California this summer.
- Matthew has changed his mind several times about buying a new car.
for the time being: temporarily (also: for now)
- For the time being, Janet is working as a waitress, but she really hopes to become an actress soon.
- We're living in an apartment for now, but soon we'll be looking for a house to buy.
for good: permanently, forever
- Ruth has returned to Canada for good. She won't ever live in the United States again.
- Are you finished with school for good, or will you continue your studies some day?
to call off: to cancel (S)
- The referee called off the soccer game because of the darkness.
- The president called the meeting off because she had to leave town.
to put off: to postpone (S)
- Many students put off doing their assignments until the last minute.
- Let's put the party off until next weekend, okay?
in a hurry: hurried, rushed (also: in a rush)
- Alex seems in a hurry; he must be late for his train again.
- She's always in a rush in the morning to get the kids to school.
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10
EXERCISES
A. Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized word or words in each
sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are indicated by number.
1. Will you return in time for dinner or will you be home late tonight?
a. put off b. get back c. take place (Lesson 4)
2. It took me a long time to recover from the sadness of losing my girlfriend.
a. to get over b. to look out c. to change my mind
3. Do you think it's too early to telephone Cindy this morning?
a. to call off b. to call on (Lesson 2) c. to call up (Lesson 1)
4. James dislikes his smoking habit so much that he wants to quit forever.
a. for the time being b. for good c. in a hurry
5. At the last moment, Judy altered her decision about getting married so quickly.
a. changed her mind b. made up her mind c. never mind (Lesson 2)
6. Judy wanted to postpone the wedding for another two or three months.
a. to call off b. to put off c. to turn off (Lesson 1)
7. I'd like you to remove those toys from sight before they get broken.
a. to put away b. to take out (Lesson 3) c. to look out
8. If you don't wear a sweater in this cold weather, you'll become sick.
a. get over b. catch cold c. tire out (Lesson 2)
9. I still have a lot of work to do, but I feel like stopping temporarily.
a. in a hurry b. to shake hands c. for now
10. If you don't be careful, you'll cut your hands on that sharp knife.
a. look up (Lesson 4) b. watch out c. make up your mind
B. Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from this unit only.
Todd: Mark! I was wondering when you would ________________ home!
Mark: Hi, Todd. I'm sorry, but I had a late meeting today.
Todd: Usually you leave a note in the morning when you'll be late.
Mark: I know, but I had to leave _______________ to catch the bus to work I almost missed it.
Todd: Say, what do you think? Should I go to a movie tonight with Sheila and Dick, or shouldn't I? I need to
________________ soon.
Mark: What do you mean? You haven't ___________________________ your cold yet, have you?
Todd: No, I haven't, but I feel much better.
Mark: I think that you feel better ______________________ only because you stayed home all day.
Todd: I guess you're right. Do you think that I should ________________ going with them until another time?
Mark: That would be my advice.
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11
LESSON 6
under the weather: not feeling well, sick
- John stayed home from work because he was feeling under the weather.
- When you catch cold, you feel under the weather.
to hang up: to place clothes on a hook or hanger (S), to replace the receiver on the phone at the end of a
conversation (S)
- Would you like me to hang up your coat for you in the closet?
- The operator told me to hang the phone up and call the number again.
to count on: to trust someone in time of need (also: to depend on)
- I can count on my parents to help me in an emergency.
- Don't depend on Frank to lend you any money; he doesn't have any.
to make friends (with): to become friendly with others
- Patricia is a shy girl and doesn't make friends easily.
- During the cruise Ronald made friends with almost everyone on the ship.
out of order: not in working condition
- The elevator was out of order, so we had to walk to the tenth floor of the building.
- We couldn't use the soft drink machine because it was out of order.
to get to: to be able to do something special; to arrive at a place, such as home, work, etc.
For the second definition, do not use the preposition to with the words home or there.
- The children got to stay up late and watch a good movie for the family.
- I missed the bus and couldn't get to the office until ten o'clock.
- When are you planning to get home tonight?
few and far between: not frequent, unusual, rare
- The times that our children get to stay up late are few and far between.
- Airplane travel is very safe because accidents are few and far between.
to look over: to examine, to inspect closely (also: to go over, to read over, to check over) (S)
Go over is different from the other forms because it is not separable.
- I want to look my homework over again before I give it to the teacher.
- The politician went over his speech before the important presentation.
- You should never sign any legal paper without checking it over first.
to have (time) off: to have free time, not to have to work (also: to take time off (S))
The related form (S) to take time off is used when someone makes a decision to have free time, sometimes
when others might not agree with the decision.
- Every morning the company workers have time off for a coffee break.
- Several workers took the afternoon off to go to a baseball game.
to go on: to happen; to resume, to continue (also: to keep on)
- Many people gathered near the accident to see what was going on.
- I didn't mean to interrupt you. Please go on.
- The speaker kept on talking even though most of the audience had left.
to put out: to extinguish, to cause to stop functioning (S)
To put out has the same meaning as to turn off (Lesson 1) for a light fixture.
- No smoking is allowed in here. Please put out your cigarette.
- The fire fighters worked hard to put the brush fire out.
- Please put out the light before you leave. Okay, I'll put it out.
all of a sudden: suddenly, without warning (also: all at once)
- All of a sudden Ed appeared at the door. We weren't expecting him to drop by.
- All at once Millie got up and left the house without any explanation.
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12
EXERCISES
A. Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized word or words in each
sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are indicated by number.
1. The businessman inspected the contract carefully before signing it.
a. looked over b. looked out (Lesson 5) c. counted on
2. What's happening, John? The smoke alarm is ringing but there's no fire!
a. putting out b. going on c. hanging up
3. The dark clouds rolled in quickly and it began to rain without warning.
a. all along (Lesson 2) b. out of order c. all of a sudden
4. When do you think that we'll arrive at the hotel this evening?
a. get on (Lesson 1) b. go on c. get to
5. I'm busy this week, but I hope to have time free next week.
a. to take my time (Lesson 3) b. to have time off c. to check over
6. Gradually I'm learning how to play tennis, thanks to my kind instructor.
a. Little by little (Lesson 2) b. All at once c. Few and far between
7. It's nice to know that I can trust you to help me when I need it.
a. count on b. check over c. make friends
8. The phone is making noise because you forgot to replace the receiver.
a. to go over b. to take place (Lesson 4) c. to hang up
9. He's so careful when he plays sports that injuries are unusual for him.
a. under the weather b. few and far between c. out of order
10. The students were happy because they were able to leave class early.
a. took time off to b. went on c. got to
B. Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from this unit only.
Tina: What's wrong, Matt? You look ______________________________.
Matt: I know. I don't feel well.
Tina: You looked fine an hour ago. It must have happened _______________________________.
Matt: It did. I was talking to Mike on the phone, and after I _______________ the receiver, it hit me.
Tina: Wow. Do you think that you can still ________________ my paper for me later? You're good at finding
my mistakes.
Matt: Of course, Tina. You can ________________ me to do that for you. First, though, I'd like to lie down.
Tina: Okay. Would you like me to ________________________ the light?
Matt: Thanks. I'll be fine in a while.
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13
LESSON 7
to point out: to show, to indicate, to bring to one's attention (S)
- What important buildings did the tour guide point out to you?
- The teacher pointed out the mistakes in my composition.
- A friend pointed the famous actor out to me.
to be up: to expire, to be finished
This idiom is used only with the word time as the subject.
- "The time is up," the teacher said at the end of the test period.
- We have to leave the tennis court because our hour is up; some other people want to use it now.
to be over: to be finished, to end (also: to be through)
This idiom is used for activities and events.
- After the dance was over, we all went to a restaurant.
- The meeting was through ten minutes earlier than everyone expected.
on time: exactly at the correct time, punctually
- I thought that Margaret would arrive late, but she was right on time.
- Did you get to work on time this morning, or did rush hour traffic delay you?
in time to (do something): before the time necessary to do something
- We entered the theater just in time to see the beginning of the movie.
- The truck was not able to stop in time to prevent an accident.
to get better (worse, etc.): to become better, worse, etc.
- Heather has been sick for a month, but now she is getting better.
- This medicine isn't helping me. Instead of getting better, I'm getting worse.
to get sick (well, tired, busy, wet, etc.): to become sick, well, tired, busy, wet, etc.
This idiom consists of a combination of get and various adjectives.
- Gerald got sick last week and has been in bed since that time.
- Every afternoon I get very hungry, so I eat a snack.
had better (do something): should, ought to, be advisable to
This idiom is most often used in contracted form (I'd better).
- I think you'd better speak to Mr. White right away about this matter.
- The doctor told the patient that he'd better go home and rest.
would rather (do something): prefer to (also: would just as soon (do something) as (do
something else))
- Would you rather have the appointment this Friday or next Monday?
- I would just as soon go for a walk as watch TV right now.
to call it a day/night: to stop working for the rest of the day/ night
- Herb tried to repair his car engine all morning before he called it a day and went fishing.
- We've been working hard on this project all evening; let's call it a night.
to figure out: to solve, to find a solution (S); to understand (S)
- How long did it take you to figure out the answer to the math problem?
- I was never able to figure it out.
to think of: to have a (good or bad) opinion of
This idiom is often used in the negative or with adjectives such as much and highly.
- I don't think much of him as a baseball player; he's a slow runner and a poor hitter.
- James thinks highly of his new boss, who is a kind and helpful person.
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