Exercise 1: Vocabulary
1. Bite the bullet
Definition: To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination.
Example: “I know the surgery will be painful, but I have to bite the bullet and get it done.”
2. Hit the nail on the head
Definition: To accurately identify or say something that is precisely right.
Example: “Sarah hit the nail on the head when she suggested the solution to the problem.”
3. Break the ice
Definition: To initiate or ease a conversation or social interaction in a situation where people are unfamiliar or tense.
Example: “John told a funny joke to break the ice at the business meeting.”
4. Burning the midnight oil
Definition: To work or study late into the night.
Example: “I have a big exam tomorrow, so I’ll be burning the midnight oil tonight.”
5. Cost an arm and a leg
Definition: To be very expensive.
Example: “Buying a brand new sports car can cost an arm and a leg.”
6. Piece of cake
Definition: Something that is very easy or effortless.
Example: “The math problem was a piece of cake for James, who excels in mathematics.”
7. Let the cat out of the bag
Definition: To reveal a secret or confidential information unintentionally.
Example: “I accidentally let the cat out of the bag and told Sarah about the surprise party.”
8. Get a taste of your own medicine
Definition: To experience the same treatment or action that one has given to others.
Example: “After always teasing his younger brother, Peter got a taste of his own medicine when his friends started teasing him.”
Exercise 2: Dialogue
Sara: Hey, Mark, did you hear that David is going to finally bite the bullet and ask Lisa out on a date?
Mark: Really? About time! He’s been interested in her for ages. I hope he hits the nail on the head with his approach and she says yes.
Sara: I agree. It’s high time he breaks the ice with her. They’ve been friends for so long, but he’s never made a move.
Mark: True, and he’s been burning the midnight oil trying to figure out the perfect way to ask her. But you know, dating can cost an arm and a leg these days with all those fancy dinners and activities.
Sara: Well, I think a simple coffee date would be perfect. It’s affordable and a great way to get to know each other. Plus, it’s a piece of cake to plan.
Mark: You’re right. And if things go well, he won’t have to let the cat out of the bag about his feelings; they’ll be obvious.
Sara: Exactly! And if she does say yes, he can remind her to get a taste of her own medicine by making her wait a bit before revealing how much he likes her.
Mark: Haha, that’s a clever strategy. Let’s hope it all goes smoothly for David.
Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks
Alex: Hey, Lisa, I heard you’re working on a new project at work.
Lisa: Yes, that’s right, Alex. It’s a big one, and I have to ___.
Alex: I know what you mean. Sometimes, tackling a challenging project feels like having to ___.
Lisa: Absolutely! But I’d rather face it head-on than ___.
Alex: That’s the spirit! Remember, once you’ve completed it, you’ll feel like you’ve ___.
Options:
-
- hit the nail on the head
- bite the bullet
- break the ice
- burn the midnight oil
- cost an arm and a leg
Exercise 4: Exercises
-
- Create examples using the idioms above.
-
- Discuss which idioms you found interesting.
-
- If that is too easy, challenge yourself and create a dialogue with each idiom!
-
- Discuss which idioms you found interesting.
-
- Are any of the idioms similar or different compared to idioms in your language?
-
- Discuss where you think each idiom got it’s meaning
