Harry Collis

Illustrated by Mario Risso

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                                                        The McGra              Companies

Copyright @ 2007, 1987 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. Except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

ISBN-13: 978-0-8442-5446-3 (book alone)

ISBN-10: 0-8442-5446-0 (book alone)

ISBN-13: 978-0-07-148772-6 (book and CD set) ISBN-10:      0-07-148772-7 (book and CD set)

ISBN-13: 978-0-07-148773-3 (book for set)

ISBN-10: 0-07-148773-5 (book for set)

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 85-62572 (0-8442-5446-0)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2006931803 (0-07-148772-7)

McGraw-Hill books are available at special quantity discounts to use as premiums and sales promotions, or for use in corporate training programs. For more information, please write to the Director of Special Sales, professional Publishing, McGraw-Hill, Two Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10121-2298. Or contact your local bookstore.

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Contents

Foreword

Section One:

It's a zoo Out There              1—10

Smell a Rat a Go to the Dogs o Fishy o Take the Bull by the Horns Horse of a Different Color o Let the Cat Out of the Bag o For the Birds Straight From the Horses's Mouth 0 Horse Around o Cat Got Your Tongue?

Section Two:

The Body   Many uses          Il—aa

Get in Someone's Hair a Shoot Off One's Mouth o Jump Down Someone's Throat 0 Pay Through the Nose a Tongue-In-Cheek o Pull Someone's Leg o Play It by Eara Stick Out One's Neck o Shake a Leg o All Thumbs a Not Have a Leg to Stand Ona Get Off Someone's Back

Section Three:

That's Not Nice               23—30

Drive Someone Up a Wall o String Someone Along a Sell

Someone Down the River a Leave Someone High and

Dry D Sell Someone Short a Snow Job o Spill the Beans o Feed Someone a Line

Section Four:

People Do the Strangest Things     31—44

On Ice a Shoot the Breeze a Bite the Dust Bend over Backwards o Hit the Hay D Cough Up o Jump the Gun o Scratch Someone's Back o Hit the Ceiling o Fork Over a Turn Someone Off a Go Fly a Kite a Kick the Bucket a Raise a Stink

Section Five:

Clothes Make the Nan (and Woman) 45--34

Wet Blanket O Keep Under One's Hat o Up One's Sleeve o Dressed to Kill a Give Someone the Slip a Knock Someone's Socks Off O Talk Through One's Hat c Lose

One's Shirt In Stitches o Dressed to the Teeth

Section Six:

When Go Wrong  88—68 Lemon 0 Out of the Woode ( l Get Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed 0 Out on a Limb Eating Someonea Get the Ax 0 In the Hole Bite the Bullet t I Pace the Musica Blow Ito At the End of One'e Rope On One's Last Legg 0 Hot Under the Collar 0 On the Line

Section Seven:

When Things Go Wen       69—78

For 8 Song 0 Make Splash o Have the World by the Tail

0 8itting Pretty U Feel Like a Million Dollars Kick Up One's Heels 0 Bury the Hatchet Paint the Town Red a Get Clean o Come Alive

Section Eight:

Toot One's Own Horn 0 Stick to One's Guns Get the

Ball Rolling 0 Mind One's P's and Q's 0 Hang On a Give

It One's Best Shot 0 Make Ends Meet 0 Get the Jump on

Someone 0 Pull Strings Spread Oneself Too Thin 0 Go to Bat for Someone 0 Duck Soup

Section Nine:           

You Don't Say 91—101 Money Talks c] Let Sleeping Dogg Lie Shape Up or Ship

Out 0 If the Shoe Fits, Wear It Different Strokes For

Different Folks 0 Bark Worse Than One's Bite 0 Eyes

Are Bigger Than One's Stomach Put One's Money

Where One's Mouth Ig The Early Bird Catches the

Worm 0 People Who Live in Glass Houses Shouldn't

Throw Stones

Index to Idioms         loa

Foreword

Nonnative speakers of English can reach a point in their knowledge of the language where they feel comfortable with standard literary speech; however, they're liable to find themselves in hot water when confronted with idiomatic expressions. When hearing an idiom or colloquialism they may feel frustrated and confused, since the true meaning of the idiom generally cannot be determined by a knowledge of its component parts. In many cases an attempt on the part of the learner to tie down a definition of an idiom that would work in all instances is a futile undertaking.

When used by native speakers, idioms sound natural and fit the occasion, since Americans instinctively feel the imagery and impact of what they are saying. A nonnative speaker of English, on the other hand, may know the basic meaning of such expressions as "I gave it my best shot" or "dressed to kill," but still not be able to use them appropriately. For example, if at a formal gathering an American says to the wife of a foreign diplomat that her gown is elegant, or that she looks lovely, and in appreciation for the compliment her answer is, "Thank you, I gave it my best shot!" or "Thanks, I dressed to kill!" , the chances are that the American would be trying his hardest to hold back peals of laughter. Even with a fairly accurate idea of the meaning of an idiomatic expression, the nonnative lacks the intuitive feel for its impact or for the "picture" it creates.

101 American English Idioms is designed to help bridge the gap between "meaning" and "thrust" of American colloquialisms by providing a situation and a graphic illustration of that situation, so that the imagery created by the expression can be felt, rather than simply learned as a stock definition.

The book is divided into nine sections. The title of each section reflects a notion or a manifestation of the physical world, the world of behavior, or the world of the senses with which the reader may easily identify.

It is hoped that the natural tone of the language of the situations in which the idiom is presented will help to convey the feeling of the idiom and the circumstances under which it may be used. The illustrations graphically depicting the meaning of the components of the expressions not only add an element of humor, but also serve to highlight the contrast between the literal and actual meaning of the idioms as presented in the text.

An index is included to facilitate recall and location of the expressions.

101 American English Idioms is intended primarily for all students of English. Nevertheless, because of the graphic humor of the idioms in caricature, native speakers of English will also find the book refreshingly entertaining.

vi

Smell a Rat

(feel that something is wrong)

How come the front door iB open? Didn't you close it before we went shopping?

I'm sure I did. I can't understand it.

Frankly, I smell a rat.

Me, too. I'm convinced that something is definitely wrong here.

We'd better call the police.

Go to the Dogs

(become run-down)

Have you seen their house lately? It's really gone to the doge.

It's true that It has beaomo run-down and in serious need of repair. but I'm sure that it can be fixed up to look like new.

I guess with a little carpentry work and some paint it oould look pretty decent.

9

When the security guard saw a light in the store after closing hours, it seemed to him that there was something fishy going on. He called the central office and explained to hig superior that he thought something strange and zugpiclous was occurring.

Take the Bun by the Horns

situation)

Julie had always felt that she wag missing out on a lot of fun because of her clumsiness on the dance floor. She had been putting off taking lessons, but she finally took the bun by the horns and went to professional dance studio for help. She WB.8 tired of feeling left out and acted decisively to correct the situation.

4

Horse of a Different Color

 (quite a different matter)

Eric likes to play jokes on his friends, but he makes sure that nobody iB hurt by any of his pranks. A prank that hurts someone is a horse of a different colorl Being playful ig one thing, but hurting someone by one's prank is quite a different matter.

Let the Cat Out of

the Bag

(inform beforehand)

Bob was going to retire from teaching in June, and the foreign language department was planning on presenting him with some luggage at his retirement dinner. He wasn't supposed to know about it, but someone let the cat out of the bag. At the dinner Bob acted surprised, even though someone had told him what he was getting before the official presentation.

6

For theBirds

(uninteresting and meaningless)

They went to a poetry reading, but they got bored and restless. As far as they were concerned, it was for the birds! They left during an intermission because they found the reading totally uninteresting and meaningless.

7

Straight

From the

How did you find out that Jill was engaged?

I got the information from a very reliable source.

You mean Jill told you so herself?

That's right. I got it straight trom the hone" mouth I

HorseAround

(play around)

Did you hear about Dave's back injury?

No. How did he get hurt?

Well, after the coach left the gym he decided to stay and horse around on the parallel bars. He somehow lost his grip and fell on his back.

That's too bad, but he shouldn't have been aimlessly playing around on the equipment without proper supervision.

9

 Straight

From the

Horse's Mouth

How did you find out that Jill was engaged?

I got the information from a very reliable source.

You mean Jill told you go herself?

That's right. I got it straight from the horse's mouth I

6

Horse Around

(play around)

Did you hear about Dave's back injury?

No. How did he get hurt?

Well, after the coach left the gym he decided to stay and horse around on the parallel bars. He somehow lost his grip and fell on his back.

That's too bad, but he shouldn't have been aimlessly playing around on the equipment without proper supervision.

9

Cat Got

Your Tongue?

(can't talk?)

Come on, Connie! Tell us what you think about our little ride down the rapids yesterday. wen, uh . . .

Wasn't it exciting? l,uh.. .

What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?

If you must know, I'm keeping quiet because I was scared out of my wits!

10

Get in

Someone's

Hair

(bother someone)

Children! Would you please stop making so much noise!

And for heaven's sake, pick up your clothes and toys! It's hard enough trying to keep this house clean without your throwing your things all over the place!

Clara, I know that the children get in your hair, but you should try not to let it upset you go much.

Listen, Jim. I can't help it. The children bother me and make me very angry when they're so noisy and messy.

Shoot Off

One's Mouth

(express one's opinions loudly)

Jim doesn't play tennis very much, but he's always shooting off his mouth about how good he 18. Yet he's fooling nobody. Jim is somewhat of a braggart and everyone knows that he gives opinions without knowing all the facts and talks as if he knew everything about the game.

Jump Down

Someone's Throat

(become angry with someone)

That's it, Greg! You'd better not come in after midnight again tonight!

I know, dad. You don't have to jump down my throat! I told you that I'd make it home around 11:30. I don't intend to be latel

Well, you've said that before and in you come at 2:30 in the morning. You can't blame me for getting angry and scolding you. I've got good reason.

Pay Through the Nose

(pay too high a price)

At last Mr. Smith came upon the rare stamp he had been seeking at an auction. Since many other stamp collectors would also be bidding for it, he realized that he would have to pay through the nose in order to have lt. After considering the increasing value of the stamp, he decided that he would not mind paying auch a high price for something so rare.

14

Tongue-lnCheek

(not serious)

Why were you teasing Sonia about her new hairdo? She really took offense at what you said.

I didn't mean to offend her. I wag simply making a tongue-in-cheek remark when I said that it was too elaborate for a girl of her young, tender age.

Well, she thought you were serious. She had no idea that you were just saying that as a joke.

I'm really sorry. I suppose I owe her an apology.

pun

Someone's

(fool someone)

Hey, Al. I was invited to be a judge for the Miss America Beauty Pageant!

Oh, really? Come on, you're pulling my leg!     

No, honestly. Do you really think that I'm trying to fool you with a ridiculous story?

Well, you've told me foolish stories before. I can assure you that this one is for real.

Play It by Ear

(improvise as one goes along)

Let's go to the movies, agreed?

Sure. And what'll we do after that?

Oh, I don't know. Let's play it by ear.

Well, I would like to have a more definite plan of action. Don't be like that. It's always more fun not knowing what to expect and deciding what to do as we go along.

Stick Out

(take a risk)

How come they're asking me to act as their guide through the jungle?

Evidently they think you're the only one who can lead them to the lost temple.

That jungle has danger lurking around every corner. Why should I stick my neck out for them? They didn't pay me for my services.

They know that you would be taking a great risk and could possibly get hurt, but you're the only one with enough knowledge to take them to their destination. I'm sure you'll be amply rewarded.

18

Shake a Leg

(hurry!)

Mary, you always take such a long time to put on your makeup. Come on, shake a legl

I'll be finished in a minute. Be patient.

You've got to hurry or else we won't arrive on time to see the last show.

All Thumbs

( clumsy)

Hey, Bea. Can you help me out? I don't seem to be able to button up the back of my dress.

Sure. Let's see if I can do it for you.

I guesB I'm all thumbs because I'm so nervous. I'm already late for my date.

Well, I suppose that being so nervous would make you clumsy and awkward. But don't worry. I'm sure your date will wait.

Not Have a Leg to Stand On

(to have no good defense for one's opinions or actions)

Tom maintains that the firm owes him some back wages for having worked overtime. However, he won't have a leg to stand on unless he can prove that he put in all those extra hours. He doesn't stand a chance of getting his money without a strong foundation of facts to support his position.

Get Off

Someone's

Back

(stop bothering someone)

Hey, John. I'm bored. Come on, let's go out and do something.

Sorry, I'm right in the middle of studying for a physics exam. I won't be able to make it tonight.

You've been studying for a long time. Why don't you take a break? Coma onl Let's go! Forget studying for a whilel

Lookl Get off my backl I can't go anywherel

OK. I'll stop bothering you only if you promise to let me know the minute you're finished.

22

Drive up a wan

(annoy someone greatly)

Wow! What a great set of drumsl

Yeah, they're great, but I can't play on them when my folks are at home. They say I drive them up a wall with all the loud banging.

I get the same thing at home. My folks tell me that I annoy them and get them really angry whenever I turn up the volume on my stereo.

String

Someone

Along

(lead someone on dishonestly)

Liz had high hopes of marrying Dean. When he ran off with another woman, she realized that he was just stringing her along. She had felt very strongly about him and was really hurt to see that he was deceiving her and had no intentions of ever marrying her.

Sell

Down the River

(betray someone)

I heard that poor Jud landed up in jail.

Yeah. His so-called girlfriend sold him down the river and claimed the reward on him.

I can't understand that. I thought she was devoted to him.

She couldn't have been very devoted to him if she betrayed him and informed the police about his hiding place.

That just goes to show you what people will do for money.

Leave

High and Dry

Say, Jill. I thought that John was going to help you do the dishes tonignt.

So did I. But he left me high and dry.

Where did he go?

Well, he got a call from some of his pals at work to go bowling, and he left me alone to do all this work without any help at all!

Sell

Short

(underestimate someone)

Just because he does not say very much is no reason to sell him short. Actually, he's a profound thinker and a most talented writer. People tend to underestimate him and not give him the credit he deserves because they think he's shy.

(insincere talk)

The salesman tried to convince a group of investors that the properties he was selling would soon be worth much more money than he was asking. However, no one bought anything from him because they felt he was giving them a snow job. No one was deceived by his insincerity and exaggerated claims about the worth of the properties.

spin the Beans

(reveal a secret)

Did you know that Harry was going to take Kathy on a Caribbean cruise?

Yes, I did. He was planning on surprising her with the tickets for their anniversary, but someone spilled the beans.

What a shame! That was supposed to have been a surprise.

Yes, it's too bad that someone told her about the trip beforehand and ruined Harry's surprise.

That's OK. Her enthusiasm wag not dampened in the leastl

(deceive someone)

Mr. Jones had been telling Louise how efficient she was and how much he admired her work at the office. He had promised her a promotion in the near future, but she goon discovered that he was feeding her a line when he passed her by and gave the promotion to someone less capable. Louise was acutely disappointed to find out that Mr. Jones was not telling her the truth, and that he was deceiving her.

On Ice

(set aside for future use)

We've been working on this gales report for some time now. Don't you think we should take a break for some dinner?

Now that you mention it, I am kind of hungry. Let's put the report on ice awhile and grab a bite to eat.

That's fine. I'd be happy to stop working on it and set it adde until we get some food. Greatl Let's lock up and go.

Shoot the

Breeze

(chat informally)

What are you going to be doing this afternoon?

Oh, I don't have anything in particular in mind.

Why don't you come over to my place? We can listen to some records and shoot the breeze.

That sounds OK to me. I'd like to relax listening to music and visit and chat informally until my folks get back from shopping.

Bite theDust

(go down in defeat)

Andy did exceptionally well in all of the track events, but he bit the dust in the high jump competition. Much to the disappointment of his fans, he went down in defeat, losing to a competitor from the visiting team.

Bend Over

Backwards

(try very hard)

When Joan first started teaching she was afraid that she would have a lot of trouble getting used to the kids and to the faculty. Her fears turned out to be unfounded, since everybody bent over backwards to help her. Everyone tried very hard to help her feel comfortable and adjust to the school.

34

Hit Hay

(go to bed)

Listen, Kim. We're going to be really busy with moving tomorrow, and we've got to get an early start.

I guess you're right. We'll need all the rest we can get.

What do you say we hit the hay now?

Agreed. Let's go to bed and get a good night's sleep. It's going to be a long day.

Cough up

Say, Greg. Did you finally get that computer that you wanted so much?

Not yet. I needed to raise a couple of hundred dollars more.

Is it going to take you a while to raise the money?

It would have taken me forever, but dad said he'd cough up the money I need since I'm going to be using the computer for my school work.

Maybe it was difficult for your dad to give you the money—but then, he knows that it's for a good cause.

36

Jump Gun

(to be hasty)

Denise was planning on telling her grandparents that the doctor said she was going to have twins, but when her dad found out he jumped the gun and told them before Denise could say a word. He wag so excited that he became hasty and revealed the news before Denise had a chance to tell them.

Cough up

Say, Greg. Did you finally get that computer that you wanted so much?

Not yet. I needed to raise a couple of hundred dollars more.

1B it going to take you a while to raise the money?

It would have taken me forever, but dad said he'd cough up the money I need since I'm going to be using the computer for my school work.

Maybe it was difficult for your dad to give you the money—but then, he knows that it's for a good cause.

Jump   Gun

(to be hasty)

Denise was planning on telling her grandparents that the doctor said she was going to have twins, but when her dad found out he jumped the gun and told them before Denise could say a word. He was go excited that he became hasty and revealed the news before Denise had a chance to tell them.

Scratch

Someone's

Back

(return a favor)

Hey, Bea. I need some help stacking these boxes. Would you please give me a hand?

OK. And I need some help tidying up the house. How about your helping me out after that?

OK. If you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.

I know you don't like doing housework, but I'll help you with the boxes if you promise to return the favor.

No problem. I'll even do the windows.

Hit

Ceiling

(become very angry)

Don's father hit the ceiling when he was informed that his son had been detained by the police for disorderly conduct. He became violently angry, since he had often warned his son not to keep company with that group of boys.

ForkOver

(hand over, give)

Hey, Dan. How come you're looking so sad?

It's nothing, really. I unexpectedly bumped into Ralph and he asked me to fork over the ten bucks I owed him.

Did he expect you to pay him back right then and there?

Yes, he did. It was all the money I had, and I had to hand it over to him.

Don't complain. After all, he did you a favor by lending it to you in the first place.

Turn

(disgust someone)

How was your date with Marty last night?

Well, it started off OK, but he really turned me off when we went for a snack after the movies.

Did he say or do something to annoy you?

Frankly, he disgusted me when he tried to talk with his mouth full.

I don't blame you. That would have really bothered me too.

Go Fly a Kite

(go away!)

For the past three hours Jerry had been trying to convince Linda to go to the art exhibition with him. She had been refusing all along and finally in desperation ghe told him, "Go fly a kite!" Jerry didn't like to be told to go away in such a forceful manner. Nevertheless, he finally stopped trying to get Linda to attend the exhibition.

Kick the

(die)

It's been said that the old man knew of a buried treasure, but he kicked the bucket before telling anyone where it was. If the treasure exists, the old man unfortunately took the secret of its location with him when he died.

Wet Blanket

(dull or boring person who spoils the happiness of others)

James was not invited to go on the outing with the rest of the group because he's such a wet blanket. On many previous occasions he has kept others from enjoying themselves by his pessimism and lack of enthusiasm. It's understandable that no one wants him around.

46

Keep Under One's Hat

(keep something a secret)

Although the contestants were most anxious to know who won the prizes in the piano competition, the judges kept the results under their hats, They kept the resuits a secret so that the formal announcements could be made in public at the awards ceremony.

(concealed)

All right, Sara. We know that you're planning something big for Jean-Paul's birthday. Mind telling us just what you have up your sleeve?

I wanted to make his birthday a very special event. Jean-Paul has a sister living in France, and I sent her an airplane ticket so that she could be here for his birthday.

Boyl That is something special! We kind of guessed that you had some concealed plan and were waiting for the right time to reveal it.

Well, I didn't want to say anything until I was sure she could come.

47

Dressed to

(wear one's finest clothing)

The reception for the new Swedish ambassador at the Jennison's was quite lavish. Naturally, everybody was dressed to kill. Since it was a formal occasion, everyone was dressed in their finest, most elegant clothes.

Give Someone the Slip

(make a getaway)

The police were chasing the thief through the streets of the city, but he managed to give them the Blip. No wonder. There were so many people around that the thief managed to escape by getting lost in the crowds.

49

Knock

Someone's

(enthuse and excite)

Hi, John. What's new?

Oh, nothing too much with me, but you ought to see A1fredo's new car. It'll knock your socks off!

So, he finally got that Italian sports car he's been dreaming about.

He sure did! When you see all the custom features that it has, you'll get so enthused and excited you won't know what to do!

Boy, I can hardly wait to go for a ride in it!

Talk Through

One's Hat

(make foolish statements)

We were discussing ethnic traditions and customs with Fred the other day, and he showed just how little he knew about other cultures.

What do you mean?

Well, he said that as far as he could tell, there wasn't much difference in behavior and temperament between the English and the Hispanics.

It's plain to see that he was talking through his hat! True, but Fred thinks he's an authority on everything. It was difficult to convince him that he was talking ignorantly. He's got a reputation for making fooliBh, inaccurate statements.

61

Lose One's Shirt

I happened to bump into Doug at lunch yesterday afternoon.

What's new with Doug thes e days?

He wasn't doing go well. For one thing, he told me he lost his shirt at the races.

Doug has always liked to bet on the horses. I'm not surprised that he lost a great deal of money.

Yeah. At this rate he'll never have a penny to his name!

62

(laughing very hard)

Danny wag hilarious at the party the other night. He had us all in stitches! I didn't realize that he was such a comedian.

He's always been funny, but last night he outdid himself. He had us laughing so hard that it hurt our sides.

53

(dressed elegantly)

Did you see Hilda at the party last night?

Yes, I did. She was really dressed to the teeth!

Well, she had on her finest, most elegant clothing because she was out to make a good impression on Bill.

54

(something defective)

Have you seen Joanne's new car yet?

Yeah. It looks good, but she's had nothing but problems with it.

That's too bad. It sounds like she got a real lemon. She sure did! No sooner did she drive it home from the dealer's than it proved defective and started breaking down.

55

(out of danger)

Get Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed

(wake up in a bad mood)

What's the matter with Bernard today? He started shouting from the moment he stepped into the office.

I don't know. He usually doesn't act that way at all. I guess he got up on the wrong side of the bed.

Just because he woke up in a bad mood is no reason for him to be so cross and to go around shouting at everybody.

Hopefully he'll relax as the day goes on. Amen!

67

Out on a Limb

(in a risky position)

The members of the committee realized that their position against expanding the student aid program was an unpopular one, and that they were going out on a limb by voting against the program. Nevertheless, their position was justified to a certain extent. Although they knew that they were placing themselves in a risky position, they felt that other budgetary considerations were of greater urgency.

Eating

(bothering or worrying someone)

Hey, Alice. What's been eating you lately? Don't you realize how rude and irritable you've become?

I know. I'm really sorry for the way I've been acting. Well, why don't you tell me what has been bothering and upsetting you and maybe we can work your problem out together.

I'll admit that it would help to talk to someone about it.

59

Get Ax

(be dismissed, fired)

I feel sorry for Richard. He was feeling quite depressed when I ran into him.

Did he tell you what was bothering him?

Among other things, he informed me that he got the ax at work.

That's strange. He's always been a conscientious worker. I wonder why they dismissed him from his job?

Evidently he had a disagreement on company policies with one of the top executives.

(in debt)

Unfortunately, Peter had to sell his neighborhood hardware store. Because of competition from the bigger stores in the shopping center, he was going in the hole every month. His store was small and did not generate enough income to meet expenses. As a consequence, he was rapidly losing money and going into debt.

61

Get Ax

(be dismissed, fired)

I feel sorry for Richard. He was feeling quite depressed when I ran into him.

Did he tell you what was bothering him?

Among other things, he informed me that he got the ax at work.

That's strange. He's always been a conscientious worker. I wonder why they dismissed him from his job?

Evidently he had a disagreement on company policies with one of the top executives.

60

In   Hole

(in debt)

Unfortunately, Peter had to sell hig neighborhood hardware store. Because of competition from the bigger stores in the shopping center, he was going in the hole every month. His store wag small and did not generate enough income to meet expenses. As a consequence, he was rapidly losing money and going into debt.

61

BitetheBullet

(endure in a difficult situation)

We really had a frightening experience when we went hunting last month.

What happened?

We got lost in the wilderness and had to bite the bullet until help arrived.

Did you manage OK?

Barely. We weren't prepared for the cold weather and we couldn't find any shelter. We had to endure in a very trying situation. We almost froze by the time they found us.

62

Face the Music

It's no wonder you have a stomachache. I told you not to eat so many green apples. You don't listen, and now you're going to have to face the music.

The trouble with me is that I can't stop with just one or two, especially when they're go tart. I'll admit that I tend to forget that eventually I'm going to have to accept the consequences for what I've done. I sure hope it was worth it!

63

BitetheBullet

(endure in a difficult situation)

We really had a frightening experience when we went hunting last month.

What happened?

We got lost In the wilderness and had to bite the bullet until help arrived.

Did you manage OK?

Barely. We weren't prepared for the cold weather and we couldn't find any shelter. We had to endure in a very trying situation. We almost froze by the time they found us.

ea

race theMusic

Blow It

(fan at something)

How did you do on the history exam?

I think I blew it! There was a section on the Civil War, and that's the chapter in the book that I studied the least.

Well, at this point you can't really be sure that you completely failed the examination. You must have done okay on the rest of the test.

Perhaps I didn't fail the entire exam, but I'm sure that I didn't do well.

At the End of

(at the limit of one's ability to cope)

The Jones's housekeeper was completely uselessl Poor Mrs. Jones felt that she wag at the end of her rope when she walked into the house and saw the children crying and unfed, dirty dishes in the sink, and clothes strewn all over the place. She had had to leave the house and children in someone else's care while she was off on business. Now that she came back to all of this disorder and disarray, she felt that she had reached the limit of her ability to cope with the situation.

On One's

Last Legs

(sick and failing)

Poor Mike. He was one of the greatest musicians I've ever known, but when I saw him the other day he looked like he was on his last legs.

Yeah. He hardly plays any more.

What made him give up his music?

Apparently he lost confidence in himself at some point in hig career, and he's been sick and failing ever since.

(extremely angry)

Did you see how Bill came in to work this morning?

Did I everl Boy, was he hot under the collar!

What brought that on?

He said that he was extremely angry because he got stuck in slow-moving traffic and arrived late for an important business meeting.

(in danger of being lost)

Lately Tom's been more conscientious about the accuracy and quality of his work with the company. He was warned that his job was on the line because of his lack of concern for his duties. When Tom was alerted that he was in danger of losing his job, he began to take his obligations with the company more seriously.

(for very little money)

Sara, I picked up the perfect chair for the living room the other day.

That's wonderful. I know you've been looking for some time. Where did you finally come across what you wanted?

I was really quite lucky. I got it for a song at a little furniture store. I was able to buy it for very little money because the owners of the store were right in the middle of their spring liquidation sale.

Makea Splash

(be successful and attract attention)

Do you remember Andre and Jack?

Yes, I do. Weren't they working together on some kind of a novel?

That's right. It was finally published and I understand that it made quite a splash both domestically and abroad.

That's great newsl They're both talented and hardworking. It's good to hear that the book wag go successfui and attracted such a great deal of attention.

Have the World by the Tail

(be successful and happy)

Marc finished school at the top of his class and he was offered an excellent position with an accounting firm. Now he feels that he has the world by the tail. Everything has been working out for him lately, and it's no wonder that he's feeling so successful and happy.

Sitting Pretty

(in a fortunate position)

I heard that Michael and Jennifer got a good price when they gold their house.

Yes, they did. Now they're really sitting pretty. As a matter of fact, they're thinking of going on a long vacation.

I wish I were in such a fortunate position. I haven't had a vacation in years.

Feel Like a

Minion Dollars

knee.

No, I didn't. How's he feeling?

He says he's feeling like a million dollars now. Apparently the pain in his knee is all gone.

It's good that he's feeling so wonderful. It must be a refreshing change not having to put up with all that discomfort.

Kick up

(celebrate)

The prerequisites for admission to the Theater  ts School are quite demanding, and those student who were finally accepted had reason to kick up their heels. It was only natural that those who made it through the exams and interviews would want to celebrate the occasion by going out and having a good time.

Bury the

 Hatchet

(make peace)

Somebody told me that you and Doug had been quarreling over the construction site of the new building.

That's true, but we worked out the problem and decided to bury the hatchet.

Glad to hear that. You guys have always worked well together.

Well, once we came to the conclusion that we both had the game goal in mind, we put an end to our bitter feeling and made peace with each other.

Paint the

Town Red

(carouse and have a good time)

How did you enjoy your vacation to Europe last summer?

It was marvelous. I'll never forget the time we hadewhen we were in Rome. There was no end to things to ee and do.

And how was the night life?

Greatl We painted the town red the first three nights we were there.

Didn't that get to be pretty expensive?

I guess so, but we were so excited by all that the city had to offer that we went out carousing without thinking about the cost.

Get Away

Clean

.7

(escape punishment)

After robbing a neighborhood bank, the robbers sped off in a waiting car and got away clean. In spite of all police efforts to apprehend them, the criminals were never caught and punished for their crime.

77

Come Alive

(brighten up and become active)

Up to now the guests at the party had been eating and making small talk, but when the rock band arrived, everyone came alive. When the band started playing all the latest rock hits, everybody brightened up and became very active.

Toot One's

Own Horn

(boast)

Michael's last novel wag a, best seller. He hag no need to toot his own horn about his literary accomplishmentB. His readers and critics alike will now become aware of his talent. He won't have to boast about his skill and success as a writer.

Stick to

One's Guns

(maintain one's position)

In spite of the fact that it was inadvisable to have a controversial figure address the club, the chairman stuck to his guns and insisted that it would make good sense to hear the other side of the question before taking a vote on the issue. He maintained his opinion and position on the matter, even though a number of memberg tried to make him change his mind.

Get the Ban

Rolling

(initiate action)

Look! You've been talking about repairing the roof for weeks now. Don't you think it's about time to get the ball rolling?

I know, but I've been busy with other things. I promise I'll get to it this weekend.

The time to start doing it iB right now! According to the weather report it's supposed to rain tomorrow.

Mind One's

P's and Q's

(take care in speech and action)

Listen, Larry. If you want an invitation to Clarissa's party you'd better mind your P'8 and Q'8.

But I haven't been doing anything to offend her.

I'll tell you one thing. You're going to have to be careful of what you say and how you act around Susan.

Come on! Susan and I are just friends.

I know that, but Clarissa is the jealous type. She's liable to think that something is going on between the two of you.

 Hang On

During the depression years the Smiths had a great deal of trouble with their businesg, but somehow or other they were able to hang on. Although they almost lost their store, they managed to persevere until things got better.

Give It One's

Best Shot

(try hard)

Can you do anything about repairing this TV set?

I'm not much of an electrician, but I'll give it my best shot.

Many thanks. I'd be most appreciative.

OK. I'll try my hardest to fix it, but I'm not promising that I'll succeed.

At thig point, I'll take all the help I can get.

Make Ends

Meet

(pay one's bills)

It's almost Impossible trying to keep up with the high cost of living.

It's true. Things are go expensive nowadays that it's very difficult to make ends meet.

You know, even with Lucie's salary, our combined income is hardly enough to pay all the bills.

Get the Jump on Someone

(get the advantage over someone)

Did you have a nice time at the school dance last night? To tell you the truth, I would have•enjoyed myself more if I had been able to go with Teresa instead of Elena.

Why didn't you ask Teresa in the first place?

I was about to, but Benito got the jump on me.

How did he manage to do that?

He got the advantage over me by telling Teresa that if she went with him, he'd take her out to dinner and then to the dance in his brand new convertible.

Well, now, she can hardly be blamed for accepting an offer like thatl

pull Strings

( exert influenc e )

Steven had been unsuccessful in getting tickets for the opening game of the season. However, he pulled some •tringe with the manager of the team and got excellent seats. There's no doubt that he got the tickets only by exerting his influence with a person important enough to help him get what he wanted.

Spread Oneself

Too Thin

(become involved in too many activities)

Although Teresa has always been an excellent student, her marks have been going down lately because she is spreading herself too thin. Besides spending a great deal of time in after-school sports, she got a part-time job as a clerk in a department store. It's only natural that her grades would suffer. She is becoming involved in so many activities that she cannot devote the time that it takes to excel in any one of them.

Go to Bat for

(help out and support someone)

18 it true that Don got into some trouble at work last week?

Yes, he did. He was reproached for not turning in his gales reports, but his secretary went to bat for

What was she able to do?

She helped him out a great deal by admitting that she had misplaced the reports that he gave her to be

So, it was her fault, not his. Right.

Duck Soup

(easy, effortless)

Can you help me hook up my new stereo equipment? I'm having quite a bit of trouble with all these connections.

Sure. That's duck soup for me.

Well, with all your experience in electronics, I have no doubt that it will be very easy for you to do. No problem. Glad to help out.

(money can influence people)

We've been waiting for three months to get delivery on our car, and people who put in their order after us have already gotten theirs.

Well, money talks. Why don't you try giving the dealer a little something extra to move things along?

I know full well that money has the power to innuence people, but I refuge to pay extra for a service that is owed to me as a client.

If you want to have your car maybe you'd better reconsider.

91

Let Sleeping

Dogs Lie

(do not agitate a potential source of trouble)

You'd better not say anything to the owner of the building about painting your apartment. If I were you I'd let sleeping dogs lie. The last time you asked him to do some repairs, he raised your rent.

You're telling me not to make trouble if I don't have to, but I'm going to risk making him angry, since I can no longer stand to look at the paint peeling off the walls.

Shape Up or

Ship Out

(behave properly or leave !)

Al had been constantly reprimanded for being negligent on the job. Finally, in desperation his supervisor exclaimed, "Shape up or ship out!" Al admitted that he had not been taking his work seriously and realized that he should be more conscientious about his job or he would be discharged.

93

If the Shoe

Fits, Wear It

(admit the truth)

Joe feels rather badly because he's always being criticized for his sloppy personal appearance.

With reason. "If the shoe fits, wear it," I always say. Still, I can't help feeling sorry for the guy. I know that what people say about him true, and that he should admit it. He doesn't seem to want to improve his appearance. Evidenbly, he himself can't gee anything wrong with the way he looks.

Different

Strokes For

Different Folks

(everyone has different interests and tastes)

It's hard to understand how Millie and Ron ever got together. She has always gone in for sailing and he can't stand to be on water. He enjoys the opera and she likes jazz.

You know what they say: "Different strokes for dif* ferent    "

You don't have to tell me that everyone has different interests and tastes. I still can't figure out what attracted them to each other in the first place. Haven't you heard that opposites attract?

Bark Worse

Than One's Bite

(not as bad-tempered as one appears)

On occasion Mr. Hopkins speaks harshly to his students, especially when they fail to complete their homework assignment. Nevertheless, they all know that his bark is worse than his bite. He threatens to keep them after school and to inform their parents, but he's not really as bad-tempered as he appears.

Eyes Are

Bigger Than One's Stomach

(take more food than one can eat)

Chris, why don't you finish eating that third helping of dessert?

I gueBB my eyes were bigger than my stomach when I said I wanted more.

I'm not surprised. The same thing happens to me. Sometimes, when I'm really hungry, I'll take more food than I can possibly eat.

Put One's

Money

Where One's

Mouth Is

(follow through with

a stated intention)

You've been promising to take us to Disneyland for the past two years. Since the kids are free, how about putting your money where your mouth is?

You don't have to remind me. I have every intention of doing exactly what I said I'd do. But you yourself know that in the past we have been unable to go because of other financial obligations. Things have eased up and it looks like we'll be able to go this year.

The Early Bird Catches the Worm

(arriving early gives one an advantage)

Marc, the lines for the rock festival are going to be miles longl If you expect to get tickets for you and Marika, remember that old saying, "The early bird catches the worm."

I guess you're right. Marika is looking forward to the concert, and I'd hate to disappoint her. I'll get up real early to get a place at the head of the line. That way I'll get the tickets I want, for sure!

People who

Live in

Glass Houses

Shouldn't

Throw Stones

(one should not criticize when one is equally at fault)

Janet has often criticized her friend Lois for driving too fast, yet she herself has had her license suspended for exceeding the speed limit. Lois once tried to tell her that people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, but it didn't do much good. Janet simply didn't accept the fact that she should not pass judgment on other people when she is just as bad as they are.

All's well

That Ends wen

(a successful outcome is worth the effort)

Hi, Benito. How are things going?

Well, everything's OK now. Remember that teaching job for which I applied?

Yes, I sure do.

Well, I wag finally hired, but I had a bit of a rough time before I got it. Between all that paperwork and all those interviews, I'm all worn out. Thank goodness it's all over.

Great! All's wen that ends wen. After all that you went through, I'm happy to hear that things finally turned out satisfactorily for you.

Yes. I'm happy, too. It wag really worth the effort.

Index to Idioms

all's well that ends well (a successful outcome ig worth the effort) 101 an thumbs (clumsy) 20 at the end of one's rope (at the limit of one's ability to cope)

65

bark worse than one's bite (not as bad-tempered as one appears) 96 bend over backwards (try very hard) 34 bite the bullet (endure in a difficult Situation) 62 bite the dust ( go down in defeat)

33 blow it (fail at something) 64 bury the hatchet (make peace)

75

c

cat got your tongue? (can't talk?) 10 come alive (brighten up and become active) 78 cou@ up (give unwillingly) 36

different strokes for different folks (everyone hag different interests and tastes) 95

dressed to kill (wear one's fin-

est clothing) 48

dressed to the teeth (dressed

elegantly) 54

drive someone up a wali (annoy someone greatly) 23

duck soup (easy, effortless) 90

early bird catches the worm (arriving early gives one an advantage) 99

eating someone (bothering or worrying someone) 59 eyes are bigger than one's stomach (take more food than one can eat) 97

face the music (accept the consequences) 63 feed someone a line (deceive someone) 30 feel like a million dollars (feel wonderful) 73 fishy (strange and suspicious)

for a song (for very little money) 69 for the birds (uninteresting and meaningless) 7 fork over (hand over, give) 40

get away clean (escape punishment) 77

get in someone's hair (bother someone) Il get ON someone's back (stop bothering someone) 22 get the ax (be dismissed, fired)

get the ball roiling (initiate action) 81 get the jump on someone (get the advantage over someone)

get up on the wrong side of the bed (wake up in a bad mood)

57 give it one's best shot (try hard) 84

give someone the sup (make a getaway) 49 go fly a kite (go away!) 42 go to bat for someone (help out and support someone) 89

go to the dogs (become rundown) 2

hang on (persevere) 83 have the world by the tan (be successful and happy) 71 hit the ceiling (become very angry) 39 hit the hay (go to bed) 36 horse around (play around) 9 horse of a different color

(quite a different matter) 5 hot under the collar (extremely angry) 67

1

it the shoe fits, wear it (admit the truth) 94

in stitches (laughing very hard)

53

In the hole (in debt) 61

jump down someone's throat (become angry with someone)  13 jump the gun (to be hasty) 37

keep under one's hat (keep something a secret) 46

kick the bucket (die) 43 kick up one's heels (celebrate)

74 knock someone's socks ON (enthuse and excite) 50

leave someone and dry

(abandon someone) 26 lemon (something defective) 55 let sleeping dogs lie (do not agitate a potential source Of trouble) 92

let the cat out of the bag (inform beforehand) 6 loge one's shirt (lose a great deal of money) 52

mare a splash (be successful and attract attention) 70 make ends meet (pay one's bills) 85

mind one's Vs and Q's (take care in speech and action)

82 money talks (money can innuence people) 91

not have a leg to stand on (to have no good defense for one's opinion or actions) 21

on ice (set aside for future use)

31 on one's last legg (Bick and failing) 66 on the line (in danger of being lost) 68

out of the woods (out of danger)

56 out on a limb (in a risky position) 58

paint the town red (carouse and have a good time) 76

pay through the nose (pay too

high a price) 14

people who live in gags houses shouldn't throw stones (one should not critiCize when one is equally at

fault) 100

play it by ear (improvise as one goes along) 17 pull someone's leg (fool someone) 16 pun strings (exert influence)

107 put one's money where one's mouth Is (follow through with a stated intention) 98