Exercise 1: Vocabulary
1. Spill the beans
Definition: To reveal a secret or confidential information.
Example: “Don’t spill the beans about the surprise party. It’s meant to be a secret.”
2. Get your act together
Definition: To organize oneself or improve one’s behavior.
Example: “You need to get your act together if you want to succeed in your studies.”
3. Jump on the bandwagon
Definition: To join or support a popular trend or movement.
Example: “Many companies are jumping on the bandwagon of sustainability by adopting eco-friendly practices.”
4. Barking up the wrong tree
Definition: To pursue a mistaken or incorrect course of action.
Example: “If you think I ate your sandwich, you’re barking up the wrong tree. I didn’t even see it.”
5. Sitting on the fence
Definition: To be undecided or neutral in a dispute or decision.
Example: “She’s sitting on the fence and hasn’t decided which university to attend yet.”
6. A penny saved is a penny earned
Definition: It’s wise to save money because every little bit adds up.
Example: “Instead of buying that expensive gadget, remember that a penny saved is a penny earned.”
7. Curiosity killed the cat
Definition: Being too inquisitive or nosy can lead to trouble.
Example: “Don’t try to open that mysterious package. Remember, curiosity killed the cat.”
8. Walking on eggshells
Definition: To be cautious and delicate in one’s actions or words to avoid causing offense or conflict.
Example: “After their argument, they were walking on eggshells around each other, afraid to say the wrong thing.”
Exercise 2: Dialogue
Sophie: Hey, Mark, I heard you’ve got some juicy gossip about our co-worker’s promotion. What’s the scoop?
Mark: Well, Sophie, you know I wouldn’t normally do this, but I’ll go ahead and spill the beans. Sarah got the promotion because she has an influential mentor in the upper management.
Sophie: Really? That’s interesting. I had no idea. Thanks for spilling the beans, Mark.
Mark: No problem, Sophie. By the way, I’ve noticed that your work has been slipping lately. You really need to get your act together if you want to keep your position.
Sophie: I appreciate your honesty, Mark. I’ve been distracted lately, but I’ll do my best to get my act together and improve my performance.
Mark: That’s the spirit, Sophie. You don’t want to end up barking up the wrong tree and jeopardizing your career.
Sophie: You’re right, Mark. I don’t want to make any mistakes. On another note, have you considered joining the company’s green initiative? Many employees are jumping on the bandwagon to support eco-friendly practices.
Mark: I’ve been thinking about it, Sophie. It seems like a great idea, and I should probably stop sitting on the fence and start taking action.
Sophie: Absolutely, Mark. Remember, a penny saved is a penny earned, and sustainability is not just good for the environment but also for the company’s image.
Mark: You’re right. I don’t want to be the one who missed out on this opportunity. Thanks for the advice, Sophie.
Sophie: No problem, Mark. Just remember not to let your curiosity get the best of you. You know what they say, curiosity killed the cat.
Mark: Ha, don’t worry, Sophie. I’ll be cautious and won’t go overboard. It’s like we’re walking on eggshells around here with all these sensitive topics lately.
Sophie: True, Mark. It’s better to be cautious and avoid unnecessary conflicts.
Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks
Liam: Hey, Sarah, I heard you have some exciting news to share. ______________!
Sarah: Thanks, Liam! Well, I’ve decided to ______________ and start my own business.
Liam: That’s incredible, Sarah! It’s a big step. What made you want to ______________ and become an entrepreneur?
Sarah: I’ve always had a passion for baking, and I finally realized that I shouldn’t be ______________ at a job I don’t love.
Liam: That’s a bold move, Sarah. I admire your determination. So, what’s your business plan?
Sarah: I’m going to open a bakery specializing in unique and customized cakes. I believe that ______________, and I want to offer the best quality cakes to my customers.
Liam: That’s a fantastic idea, Sarah. I’m sure your cakes will be a hit. Just remember not to ______________ when challenges arise in your new venture.
Sarah: Thanks for the encouragement, Liam. I won’t give up easily. I know that sometimes I’ll feel like I’m ______________, but I’m prepared to work hard.
Liam: That’s the spirit, Sarah. I have no doubt you’ll succeed. And if you ever need any help, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sarah: I appreciate that, Liam. It’s friends like you who make this journey less daunting.
Options:
1. Spill the beans
2. Get your act together
3. Jump on the bandwagon
4. Barking up the wrong tree
5. Sitting on the fence
6. A penny saved is a penny earned
7. Curiosity killed the cat
8. Walking on eggshells
Exercise 4: Exercises
- 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
