Exercise 1: Vocabulary
1. Have a bee in one’s bonnet
Definition: To be obsessed or preoccupied with something.
Example: “She has a bee in her bonnet about organizing her closet.”
2. A leopard can’t change its spots
Definition: People can’t change their inherent nature or behavior.
Example: “I don’t trust him to stay committed; a leopard can’t change its spots.”
3. Caught red-handed
Definition: Caught in the act of doing something wrong or illegal.
Example: “The thief was caught red-handed while trying to steal from the jewelry store.”
4. Wild goose chase
Definition: A futile or hopeless pursuit.
Example: “Searching for the lost keys turned out to be a wild goose chase.”
5. Raining buckets
Definition: Raining heavily.
Example: “I don’t want to go out; it’s raining buckets!”
6. Rub someone the wrong way
Definition: To irritate or annoy someone.
Example: “Her constant complaining really rubs me the wrong way.”
7. In the doghouse
Definition: In disfavor or facing someone’s displeasure.
Example: “After forgetting our anniversary, he’s definitely in the doghouse.”
8. Hold the fort
Definition: To maintain control or responsibility for a situation while someone is temporarily absent.
Example: “I’ll be gone for a few hours; can you hold the fort and manage things here?”
Exercise 2: Dialogue
Sophia: Hey, Mark, have you noticed how Jane always seems to have a bee in her bonnet about something lately?
Mark: Oh, definitely. She’s been obsessed with that new fitness trend. Every conversation turns into a discussion about diet and exercise.
Sophia: I know, right? It’s like she thinks we’re all on the same page about it. Speaking of which, did you hear about Greg’s plan to start his own business?
Mark: Yes, I did. I hope he’s aware that a leopard can’t change its spots; he’s never been the most organized person.
Sophia: That’s true. Let’s just hope he can prove us wrong. By the way, have you seen Lisa? I heard she was caught red-handed taking office supplies without permission.
Mark: Yes, I saw her in the manager’s office earlier. She must be in big trouble. It’s like she led herself on a wild goose chase trying to get away with it.
Sophia: I feel sorry for her. It’s not worth risking her job like that. Anyway, look outside; it’s raining buckets! I’m glad we’re in here and not out there.
Mark: Agreed. I’d rather not get wet. And speaking of things we’d rather avoid, could you please talk to Robert for me? He always rubs me the wrong way with his constant interruptions during meetings.
Sophia: Of course, I’ll have a chat with him. And about Lisa, maybe we can help her get out of the manager’s doghouse if she’s willing to apologize.
Mark: Thanks, Sophia. You’re always so understanding and willing to hold the fort when it comes to keeping our team on track.
Sophia: No problem, Mark. We’re a team, and we have to support each other.
Exercise 3: Fill in the blanks
Alex: Hey, Sarah, I couldn’t help but notice that you’ve ______________ about redecorating your living room.
Sarah: Oh, you’re absolutely right. I’ve been searching for new furniture and color schemes nonstop. It’s become an obsession.
Alex: Well, it’s your space, so you should make it your own. On another note, did you hear about Michael’s plan to become a vegetarian?
Sarah: Yes, I did. But I can’t help thinking that ______________. He’s always been a die-hard meat lover.
Alex: True, true. People don’t change their eating habits overnight. Anyway, speaking of change, did you hear about Lisa? She was ______________ taking office supplies without permission.
Sarah: Yes, I did. It’s shocking; I never thought she’d do something like that. It’s like she led herself on a ______________ thinking she could get away with it.
Alex: Agreed. It’s a shame she put her job at risk like that. And speaking of risky situations, it looks like it’s ______________ outside. We should stay in and avoid getting soaked.
Sarah: Absolutely. I’m glad we’re indoors. By the way, could you please talk to Robert about his constant interruptions during meetings? He really ______________ with his behavior.
Alex: Of course, Sarah. I’ll address it with him. And as for Lisa, maybe we can help her get out of the manager’s ______________ if she’s willing to apologize.
Sarah: Thanks, Alex. Teamwork is essential, and we need to ______________ when it comes to supporting our colleagues.
Options:
1. have a bee in one’s bonnet
2. a leopard can’t change its spots
3. caught red-handed
4. a wild goose chase
5. raining buckets
6. rub someone the wrong way
7. in the doghouse
8. hold the fort
Exercise 4: Discussion
- Create examples using the idioms above.
- 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 its meaning.
