Daffodil International University
Faculty of Humanities and Social Science => English => Topic started by: shibli on July 07, 2010, 10:24:38 AM
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I couldn't help it !!!
Daryl I am upset. Somebody told my boss I have a part-time job.
Smith And he doesn't like that ?
Daryl No, he doesn't. He thinks that I am too tired to work.
Smith I am sorry. I have to admit I told him.
Daryl You told him ? Why ?
Smith I couldn't help it. He asked me point-blank.
Explanation :
If you can't help the way you feel or behave, you cannot control it or stop it from happening. You can also say that you can't help yourself.
If you say something point-blank, you say it very directly or rudely, without explaining or apologizing.
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It is up to you !!!
John Would you like to go out to dinner or to a movie ?
Karen Either one, it is up to you .
John What would you prefer ?
Karen I really don't care, I just want to get out of the house.
John Well, then how about dinner and a movie ?
Karen That's a great idea !
Explanation :
If you say that it is up to someone to do something, you mean that it is their responsibility to do it.
Example : -
The choice was up to Paula.
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Smell a Rat
How come the front door is 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
Have you seen their house lately? It's really gone to the dogs.
It's true that it has become 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 could look pretty decent.
Fishy
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 his superior that he thought something strange and suspicious was occurring.
Take the Bull by the Horns
Julie had always felt that she was 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 bull by the horns and went to a professional dance studio for help. She was tired of feeling left out and acted decisively to correct the situation.
Let the cat out of the Bag
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.
For the Birds
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
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 so herself?
That's right. I got it straight from the horse's mouth!
Horse 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.
Cat Got Your Tongue?
Come on, Connie! Tell us what you think about our little ride down the rapids yesterday.
Well, uh...
Wasn't it exciting?
I, 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!
Get in Someone's hair
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 so 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
Jim doesn't play tennis very much, but he's always shooting off his mouth about how good he is. 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
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 late!
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
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 it.
After considering the increasing value of the stamp, he decided that he would not mind paying such a high price for something so rare.
Tongue-in-Cheek
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 was 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.
Pull Someone's Leg
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
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 One's Neck
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.
All Thumbs
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 guess 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
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
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 ? Come on! Let's go ! Forget studying for a while !
Look! Get off my back! I can't go anywhere!
OK. I'll stop bothering you only if you promise to let me know the minute you're finished.
Drive Someone Up a Wall
Wow ! What a great set of drums!
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
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.
Leave Someone High and Dry
Say, Jill. I thought that John was going to help you do the dishes tonight.
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!
Spill the Beans
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 fro 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 was not dampened in the least!
Bite the Dust
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
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.
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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.
Jump the Gun
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 so excited that he became hasty and revealed the news before Denise had a chance to tell them.
Scratch Someone's Back
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.
Turn Someone Off
How was your date with Marty last night ?
Well, it started of 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.
Kick the Bucket
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
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.
Up One's Sleeve
All right, Sara. We know that you're planning something big for Jean's birthday. Mind telling us just what you have up your sleeve ?
I wanted to make his birthday a very special event.
Jean has a sister living in France, and I sent her an airplane ticket so that she could be here for his birthday.
Boy! 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.
Knock Someone's Socks Off
Hi, John. What's new ?
Oh, nothing too much with me, but you ought to see Fredo'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.
Lose One's Shirt
I happened to bump into Dole at lunch yesterday afternoon.
What's new with Dole these days ?
He wasn't doing so well. For one thing, he told me he lost his shirt at the races.
Dole 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.
Lemon
Have you seen Joe'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.
Out of the Woods
Although Eric was well on his way to recovering from his bout with pneumonia, he was still not out of the woods. The doctors told him that he would have to take it easy and avoid exposure to cold, since he was not out of danger and difficulty yet.
Eating 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.
On the Line
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.
Feel Like a Million Dollars
I bumped into Nick at the salon yesterday. He looked great, but I noticed that he had a slight limp when he walked.
I guess you didn't know that he had an operation on his 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.
Hang On
During the depression years the Smiths had a great deal of trouble with their business, but somehow or other they were able to hang on. Although they almost lost their store, they managed to persevere until things got better.
Make Ends Meet
It's almost impossible trying to keep up with the high cost of living.
It's true. Things are so 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.
Money talks
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 influence people, but I refuse 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.
The Early Bird Catches the Worm
Marc, the lines for the rock festival are going to be miles long! If you expect to get tickets for you and Mary, remember that old saying. " The early bird catches the worm "
I guess you're right. Mary 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 !
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I have a gut feeling !!!
Rebecca What's that in your hand ?
Milner My ticket to heaven.
Rebecca Is that why you're praying ?
Milner I'm saying the "Hail Mary" for good luck.
Rebecca I don't think Mary cares about your lottery ticket.
Milner You just wait. I have a gut feeling that I'm on to something big here.
Explanation :
Gut feeling - a strong belief about someone or something
Example : I have a gut feeling that the relationship won't last.
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Working up a storm !!!
Milford
Anyone home ? Lois !
Lois I'm in the kitchen...let yourself in !
Milford Wow ! You're really working up a storm !
Lois I know. I've even worked up a sweat.
Milford You look like a cooking show host--only messier.
Explanation :
Work/cook up a storm - to do something with a lot of energy and often skill
Example : Rob was in the kitchen cooking up a storm.
It slips my mind !!!
Lucille I've got to get dad a Father's Day gift.
Donn Thanks for reminding me. It always slips my mind.
Lucille This year I'm going to get him a gag gift.
Donn Cool ! That's a great idea. What did you have in mind ?
Lucille Well, we have a tradition in my family ...
Donn Don't tell me: socks.
Explanation :
Slips sb's mind - to be forgotten
Example : I forgot I'd arranged to meet Richard last night - it completely slipped my mind.
Make it snappy !!!
Markus Is everything OK, officer ?
Police Officer Yes, but I'm going to have to issue you a ticket.
Markus Could you make it snappy ? I'm on my way to collect 500 grand !
Police Officer Are you a drug dealer or something ?
Markus No ! I'm on TV !
Police Officer Well, isn't that nice ! Now can you sign here, please ?
Explanation :
Make it snappy - tell someone that you want them to do something immediately and to do it quickly
Example : I'd like my bill please, waiter, and make it snappy.
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Narrow down your search !!!
Tim I can't believe how many cars are for sale -- six pages of classifieds. Where do I start ?
Lindsey Narrow down your search. Were you planning to buy a new car, or a used one ?
Tim Maybe new, to be safe.
Lindsey Personally, I think buying a new car is a waste of money.
Tim A waste of money ?
Lindsey As soon as you drive it home, it loses a lot of its value.
Explanation :
Narrow down - to make a number or list of things smaller and clearer, by removing the things that are least important, necessary or suitable
Example : We narrowed the list of candidates down from ten to three.
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The sentences below are commonly used by native speakers, so non-native speakers of English can make full use of their speeches in their daily English conversation.
I just have to stop off ( to visit or stay at a place briefly when you are going somewhere else ) in the bathroom.
Shona : " Jeannie, may I use your bathroom ? "
Jeannie : Go ahead, but make it snappy, okay ? ( to tell someone that you want them to do something immediately and to do it quickly )
You should have heard the fuss my mom kicked up !
And could I have a long-sleeved jacket this time ? The short-sleeved ones are so babyish.
Sorry, I am terrible with names !
If it's any consolation, Mom yells the most at the students she thinks are the best.
I guess I'm grinning because Jeannie didn't holler very much for a change.
Hugh MacKendrick is a real slave driver.
He's so cute that it's a shame he's not nicer.
... even though Hugh is obviously out of my league.( to be too good or too expensive for you ) The championship doesn't have to be ....
Oh, Shona. You are such a party pooper. ( someone who spoils other people's enjoyment by disapproving of or not taking part in a particular activity )
You could if you put your mind to it.
I saw them going into that pizza parlor on Austin Street. Are they dating ?
..... hoping she didn't sound too breathless.
I thought it might brighten up my practices.
Well, we're just starting out, so we foul up sometimes.
Don't you need a jacket or anything ? It's freezing out.
Hugh : And here you are spending your coffee break with another Highland dancer.
Shona : But that's by choice.
If you keep working on it hard, I think you have a real shot at it this year, ...
But I haven't been very up front about - somebody else.
..... maybe he just wants more people to fill out the audience, but I am dying to go.
I'll call you later about Friday night, OK ?
You'd think I was planning to pull an all-nighter or something.
..... she was speechless with delight.
I don't want to gush or anything, -- but well, you are great.
You should come jam with us sometime.
Bye, Mom don't wait up.
This girl definitely has taste. It's not fair, MacKendrick. You always hog all quality women.
This round's on me. You can get the next one if you want.
Myles seemed to be a big hit with all the girls.
Last Sunday I wanted to kiss you too, but I was afraid that if I did, you'd think I was being fresh. ( being too confident and showing a lack of respect, or showing by your actions or words that you want to have sex with someone )
.... savoring ( to enjoy food or an experience slowly, in order to appreciate it as much as possible ) the memory of Hugh's kisses ......
I was a total wreck ( A person who is physically or mentally broken down or worn out ) that day.
I thought maybe you had an ulterior motive.
So you saw through my diabolical plot, uh ?
I understand you have a pretty good shot at that second runner-up again.
Shona has an even better shot at winning first place, Aynsley, so you'd better be on your toes.
Hugh let out a whoop of laughter.
It's a lot of hard work and everything, but I really love it.
You can't risk it, not with the championships so close.
Finally they nodded their heads in unison.
I wish you two wouldn't holler at me like that. It's awfully embarassing when I'm with a guy.
You better win that championship just to make up for all this neglect.
Have you got your hooks into John Powell yet ?
Mom, you weren't supposed to let on, I wanted to surprise her.
You're really starting to show a lot of poise, .......
Pair that with poise, and in my opinion you've got Aynsley beat.
She's still on my case for coming home late the last couple of times we went out.
You'll have a whole week to rest up for it.
I fell on the way home, I didn't damage anything vital, but I feel kind of achy.
Will you please stop channel-hopping .......
In answer to her parents' worried questions, she confessed that she and Hugh had broken up.
I'm just picking up a pair of panty hose. would you believe every pair I own has a run. ( a long vertical hole in tights and stockings )
I bet she's planning on making a big play for him tonight at Cathy Davidson's very exclusively party.
Now that Hugh's available, she'll probably be all over him, trying to catch him on the rebound.
I don't like any of these dresses, they're really tacky. ( of cheap quality or in bad style )
.... you should have seen him tripping all over his feet. He simply couldn't keep time with the music.
Afterward she ran some errands for her mother, then spent the rest of the day working on an English paper, doing household chores, and listening for the phone.
Vandals is a new teen club that just opened up.
You're not much of a talker, are you ?
Kim : I thought he'd be a refreshing change from you-know-who.
Shona : ' Refreshing ' is hardly the word for it.
Can't you put a smile on your face and make the best of it for tonight ?
I was feeling kind of lonely and mixed up.
Her legs felt rubbery ( weak ) as she climbed the stairs, as if .....
You're not still moping about Hugh, are you ?
He's bound to be there, whether he wants to come or not. Jeannie and Christina wouldn't let him wimp out. ( to decide not to do something because you are too frightened )
Ok that's enough play-by-play ( A detailed commentary of an event as it unfolds ), I don't want to know what happens next !
Are you two up to joining me ?
Aynsley was talking a blue streak ( to talk quickly and without stopping ) , but Hugh didn't seem to be paying much attention.
I can't believe she actually got him up on his feet.
I think I just saw him heading for the refreshment stand.
Your father just threw his back out ( to injure one's back in some way ) on the dancer floor.
I told you I was a rotten dancer.
Shona raced to the kitchen on tiptoe .......
I know I should have called you, but I guess my pride got in the way.
I was so wrapped up in how important the championship is to me that I didn't spare a thought for how important your gig was to you.
You'll need to be well rested for the competition tomorrow.
I'm just beginning to recuperate from an overdose of it.
You absolutely sparkled up there onstage.
Oh please, you're going to give me a swelled head.
She knew she stood a better chance of winning the championship since her chief competitor wasn't in top form.
Today's competition would determine whether she was a champion Highland dncer or just an also-ran. ( someone in a competition who is unlikely to do well or who has failed )
If you don't want me to coach you for the nationals, I won't.