***Remember to use idioms appropriately in context to convey their intended meanings.
Exercise 1: Vocabulary
1. Keep your chin up
Definition: To stay positive and hopeful in difficult times.
Example: “I know you didn’t get the promotion, but keep your chin up. Another opportunity will come along.”
2. Hold your horses
Definition: To be patient or wait a moment.
Example: “Hold your horses! Let’s make sure everyone is ready before we start the game.”
3. Put all your eggs in one basket
Definition: To risk everything on a single venture or opportunity.
Example: “Investing all your savings in a single stock is risky. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
4. A taste of your own medicine
Definition: To experience the same negative treatment that one has given to others.
Example: “He’s always making fun of others. It’s about time he gets a taste of his own medicine.
5. Fish out of water
Definition: To feel uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation.
Example: “As an introvert, attending a large party made me feel like a fish out of water.”
6. Hit the jackpot
Definition: To achieve a great success or win a large prize.
Example: “She hit the jackpot when she won the lottery.”
7. Break a sweat
Definition: To exert physical effort or work hard.
Example: “If you want to get fit, you need to break a sweat during your workouts.”
8. Make a mountain out of a molehill
Definition: To exaggerate or blow a small issue out of proportion.
Example: “He made a mountain out of a molehill by overreacting to a minor mistake.”
Exercise 2: Dialogue
Alex: Hey, Sarah, I’ve been feeling a bit down lately. Work has been so demanding, and it feels like I’m constantly facing one obstacle after another.
Sarah: I get it, Alex. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But remember to keep your chin up. Tough times don’t last forever, and you’ll get through this.
Alex: Thanks, Sarah. Sometimes, I just wish I could speed up the process, you know? But I know I need to hold your horses and be patient.
Sarah: That’s the right attitude, Alex. Rushing into things can sometimes lead to mistakes. It’s better to take your time and do things right. And hey, speaking of work, I heard you’re considering investing a large sum in a single stock. Is that true?
Alex: Yeah, I’ve been thinking about it, but I’m not entirely sure if it’s the right move. I don’t want to put all my eggs in one basket.
Sarah: That’s a wise decision. Diversifying your investments is usually a safer approach. You don’t want to risk everything on a single venture.
Alex: You’re right, Sarah. I appreciate your advice. By the way, I noticed Mark has been getting a lot of criticism lately for his behavior at the office.
Sarah: Yeah, people are finally speaking up about it. It’s like he’s getting a taste of his own medicine now that he’s experiencing what he’s put others through.
Alex: It’s interesting how things come full circle. And you know, at our last team-building event, I felt like a fish out of water. I’m not much of a social butterfly.
Sarah: It can be challenging, especially if you’re introverted. But don’t worry, Alex, you’re not alone in feeling that way sometimes.
Alex: Thanks for understanding, Sarah. I just hope the next event won’t be as overwhelming. Maybe I’ll hit the jackpot and find a more comfortable situation.
Sarah: Who knows, Alex? Life can surprise you when you least expect it. And hey, if you’re ever looking to de-stress, we could go to the gym together and break a sweat.
Alex: That’s a great idea, Sarah! Let’s do it. I need some exercise to clear my mind. I just need to stop making a mountain out of a molehill and focus on what really matters.
Sarah: Exactly, Alex. One step at a time, and you’ll overcome any challenge that comes your way.
Exercise 3: Fill in the blanks
David: Hey, Lisa, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something.
Lisa: Sure, David, what’s on your mind?
David: Well, I’m trying to find a way to ________________. I want to spend more time with my family, and I also want to volunteer for the local charity. It’s been a real challenge to balance both.
Lisa: I understand, David. It can be tough. But remember, sometimes you just need to ________________ and prioritize what’s most important at the moment.
David: You’re right, Lisa. I shouldn’t rush into things. It’s just that I don’t want to miss out on either opportunity.
Lisa: I get it, but be careful not to ________________. You don’t want to overcommit and end up not being able to fulfill your responsibilities to either your family or the charity.
David: You’re absolutely right. I need to find a balance. By the way, have you heard about Mark’s recent troubles at work?
Lisa: Yes, I have. It seems like he’s finally getting ________________ for the way he treated his colleagues in the past.
David: It’s true. Karma has a way of catching up with people. But, you know, at the company’s annual gala, I always feel like a ________________. I’m not really comfortable in those formal social settings.
Lisa: I can relate, David. Those events can be challenging, even for the most outgoing people. Just remember that it’s okay to take a break and step away if you start feeling overwhelmed.
David: Thanks, Lisa, that’s good advice. I’ll keep that in mind for the next gala. Maybe I’ll even ________________ and find some enjoyable conversations.
Lisa: Who knows? Life can surprise you when you least expect it. And speaking of surprises, if you ever want to de-stress, we could go for a run together and ________________.
David: That sounds like a fantastic idea, Lisa! It’s time to stop ________________ when it comes to my social anxieties.
Lisa: Exactly, David. One step at a time, and you’ll become more comfortable in those situations
Options:
1. kill two birds with one stone
2. hold your horses
3. put all your eggs in one basket
4. a taste of your own medicine
5. fish out of water
6. hit the jackpot
7. break a sweat
8. making a mountain out of a molehill
Exercise 4: Exercises
- Create examples using the idioms above.
- If that is too easy, challenge yourself and create a dialogue with each idioms.
- 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
