Example Dialogue Emma : Are you going to get this new smartphone? Dylan : What? No way! It costs an arm and a leg. I can t possibly afford it. Mary : How did your exam go? Lyn : It was a piece of cake! I got the best results. I m over the moon! I just can t stop smiling. Sam : I am going to punch him in the face!! Jack : Sam, Sam! Take it easy! Violence is never the answer. Ivan : Did you like the performance yesterday? Darren : It was caught between two stools: a play and a ballet... I didn t really like it. Try to figure out the meaning of these idioms. 1
Example Passage I have always thought that kayaking was a piece of cake. This summer my friend Oscar proved me wrong. He happened to love the sport, so he invited me to go with him during my holiday. I accepted his invitation. Kayaking turned out to be extremely strenuous. Plus, the gear costs an arm and a leg! All my life I fell between two stools. I tried to appear active, but I never did sports. So I was worried whether I was fit enough. Fortunately, Oscar told me to take it easy and assured me that everything would be all right. After some practice, we went on to try the real deal. At the end of the day, I was over the moon. I had never had so much fun in my life! Again, try to figure out the meaning of these idioms. 2
Definitions (a) piece of cake something easy to do You want me to fix the sink? Piece of cake. That move is a piece of cake. I ve done a thousand times. cost an arm and a leg to be very expensive This dress is so beautiful, but it costs an arm and a leg! He has a powerful PC, but it cost him an arm and a leg. caught/fall between two stools trying to fit two options/requirements (often failing both) My recipe got caught between two stools; it was neither a main course, nor a dessert. over the moon extremely pleased and happy Jessica is over the moon. She s getting married next week. When he sent me flowers, I was over the moon! take it easy to relax and not get too excited or angry There is plenty of time before the exam, so take it easy. She said I looked tired and told me to take it easy. Make sure you can understand the meaning of these idioms. 3
Practice Fill in the blanks with the correct idioms (in the correct form) to complete the dialogue. 1 I love this brand, but their products. 2 My aunt always tells me to when I m worried. 3 I m good at math; equations are. 4 The film was - it was both a drama and comedy. 5 I can t possibly afford a trip to Madagascar; it. 6 When I saw my best friend, who I haven t seen for two years, I was. 7 This dress-jacket model. I doubt it will be popular! 8, Mary. No need to beat yourself up! You ll get her next time. 9 Making omelets is! Here, let me teach you. 10 We are now going out! I m! APPLICATION: Create your own sentences using these idioms. 4
Exercise Fill in the blanks with the correct idioms (in the correct form) to complete the dialogue. (Mia and Jun are at a clothing store.) Mia : Wow, this jacket is amazing! Jun : Yeah. It s kind of, though; it s a jacket and hoodie in one. Mia : That s exactly why it s so amazing! Jun : Do you want to try it on? Mia : No... Just look at the price! It. Jun : Yeah, it does. Do you want something like this? Mia : I would be if I had it. Jun : How about you just make your own? You can sew a jacket and hoodie together, can t you?, right? Mia : Sewing is not as simple as you think! Jun : Hey, hey.! Mia : Sorry, Jun. I probably should try making one myself. APPLICATION: Create your own dialogue using these idioms. 5