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1. Put a sock in it
Definition: To ask someone to be quiet or stop talking.
Example: “The noise from the construction was too loud, so I yelled at them to put a sock in it.”
2. Steal the show
Definition: To attract the most attention or praise in a performance or event.
Example: “Her energetic dance moves and charismatic stage presence stole the show at the talent competition.”
3. The whole nine yards
Definition: To do everything possible or to the maximum extent.
Example: “He went the whole nine yards to plan the perfect surprise party for his best friend.”
4. Catch some z’s
Definition: To get some sleep or take a nap.
Example: “I’m feeling tired. I’m going to lie down and catch some z’s for a while.”
5. Face the music
Definition: To accept and deal with the consequences of one’s actions.
Example: “He knew he had made a mistake and had to face the music when his boss called him into the office.”
6. In the blink of an eye
Definition: Very quickly or in an extremely short amount of time.
Example: “The thief grabbed the wallet and was gone in the blink of an eye.”
7. Call it a day
Definition: To stop working or end an activity for the day.
Example: “We’ve been working for hours, and it’s getting late. Let’s call it a day and continue tomorrow.”
8. To steal someone’s thunder
Definition: To take credit for someone else’s idea or achievement.
Example: “I had a great idea for a project, but my colleague stole my thunder and presented it as their own.”
Exercise 2: Dialogue
Laura: Hey, Mark, could you please put a sock in it? I’m trying to concentrate on my work, and your phone conversation is really loud.
Mark: Sorry, Laura. I didn’t realize I was being so noisy. I’ll keep it down.
Laura: Thanks, Mark. Speaking of noise, did you hear about the band that performed at the park yesterday?
Mark: Yeah, I heard they were amazing. The lead singer’s powerful voice really stole the show!
Laura: Absolutely! She had the crowd cheering and dancing the whole time. They played for nearly three hours straight! It was like they gave it the whole nine yards.
Mark: Wow, that’s impressive. After work, I’m planning to catch some z’s. I had trouble sleeping last night.
Laura: That’s a good idea, Mark. Lack of sleep can affect your performance at work. By the way, did you finish the report for the meeting tomorrow?
Mark: Yes, I did, but I found a mistake in the budget section. I’ll need to correct it before the meeting.
Laura: Well, you’ll have to face the music and explain the error to the team. Honesty is the best policy.
Mark: You’re right, Laura. I’ll admit my mistake and make the necessary changes. Afterward, I’ll call it a day and head home.
Laura: Sounds like a plan, Mark. And remember, if someone tries to take credit for your hard work, don’t let them steal your thunder.
Mark: Thanks, Laura. I’ll keep that in mind and make sure I get the recognition I deserve.
Exercise 3: Fill in the blanks
Sarah: Hey, John, can you please ______________? Your singing in the shower is so loud, I can’t hear myself think.
John: Oops, sorry about that, Sarah. I’ll try to be more considerate next time.
Sarah: No problem. Speaking of singing, did you hear about the talent show last night?
John: Yes, I did! Lisa’s performance was incredible. Her rendition of the song really ______________!
Sarah: Absolutely, John. She had everyone in the audience cheering and clapping. It was like she gave it ______________.
John: She must have rehearsed for hours to get that good. By the way, I’m going to ______________ this afternoon. I’m feeling exhausted.
Sarah: That’s a good idea, John. A quick nap can do wonders. Also, did you finish that project report?
John: Yes, I did, but there’s a small error in the calculations. I’ll need to correct it before the meeting.
Sarah: Well, you’ll have to ______________ and explain the mistake to the team. Honesty is the best approach.
John: You’re right, Sarah. I’ll own up to it and make the necessary changes. After that, I’ll ______________ and relax.
Sarah: Sounds like a plan, John. And remember, don’t let anyone ______________ when it comes to your ideas and hard work.
John: Thanks, Sarah. I’ll make sure to get the credit I deserve.
Options:
1. put a sock in it
2. steal the show
3. the whole nine yards
4. catch some z’s
5. face the music
6. call it a day
7. steal your thunder
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
