Idioms Everyday

UNIT 1 Idioms from Colors Reading In thebRed Read the story. Then discuss the questions. The letter came out of the blue! I wasn't expecting it. But there it was in black and white, signed by the bank manager. I had no money in my checking account. I was in the red. I couldn't believe it. So I went to see the manager. We looked at the problem together. The bank had made a mistake. It had put ten dollars into my account instead of one thousand dollars! Because it was the bank's mistake, there was no delay reopening my account. The manager cut through all the red tape. Now I had money in my account. And I had the green light to write checks again. ::;;;;:

UNIT 1 This story uses color-related idioms to describe a banking mistake and how it was resolved. Here’s what the idioms mean in this context: - **Out of the blue**: Something unexpected. - **In black and white**: Something clear and written down, often referring to official information - **In the red**: Being in debt or having a negative balance in a bank account. - **Cut through all the red tape**: To quickly handle bureaucratic or administrative obstacles. - **Green light**: Permission to proceed with something. Great summary of the idioms! These color-related idioms help paint a clear picture of the situation the narrator faced with the bank. By using these expressions, the story becomes more vivid and relatable.

UNIT 2 Idioms from Food A Real Lemon: Read the story. Then discuss the questions. The used car I bought for three hundred dollars was a lemon. My friends said I was nuts to believe the baloney the seller gave. The seller said that the car was like new, with only ten thousand miles on it. She called it reliable transportation at a very low price. She said she was really selling it for peanuts. Starting the engine of the car was a piece of cake. I just turned the key-no problem. However, soon I was in a pickle: the brakes didn't work! The owner of the Cadillac I hit went bananas when he saw the damage to the front of his car. He started shouting at me and wouldn't stop. Now I have to pay him two thousand dollars to repair his car. But my friend Nina was a peach. She took my car to the garbage dump so that I didn't have to see it again. :::::::::

UNIT 2 This story uses idioms related to food to humorously describe a frustrating experience with a used car. Here are the meanings of the food idioms in the context: - **Lemon**: Something that is defective or doesn't work well, often used for a car. - **Nuts**: Crazy or foolish. - **Baloney**: Nonsense or lies. - **Peanuts**: A very small or insignificant amount of money. - **Piece of cake**: Something that is very easy. - **In a pickle**: In a difficult or problematic situation. - **Bananas**: Extremely angry or upset. - **Peach**: A very kind or helpful person.

UNIT 3 Idioms from Numbers Reading To Go Fishing, or Not to Go Fishing Read the story. Then discuss the questions. For some people, fishing is so enjoyable that it puts them in seventh heaven. For others, fishing is a good time to relax and catch forty winks. I'm of two minds about it. At first sight, fishing seems like fun. But, on second thought, I just don't like to handle a fish when I catch it. To many people who like fishing, it's second nature to look at a river or a lake and know where the fish are. They have a sixth sense that helps them do this. Soon they're catching fish, while I'm still trying to put the worm on the hook. :::::

UNIT 3 This story uses idioms that involve numbers to express the character's mixed feelings about fishing. Here are the meanings of the number idioms in the context: - **Seventh heaven**: A state of extreme happiness or bliss. - **Catch forty winks**: To take a short nap or rest. - **Of two minds**: Being uncertain or having mixed feelings about something. - **Second nature**: Something that comes easily or naturally to someone. - **Sixth sense**: An intuitive ability or a feeling beyond the ordinary five senses. The character is torn between enjoying the relaxation of fishing and feeling uncomfortable with handling fish.

UNIT 4 Idioms from Parts of the Body ON CLOUD NINE. Do You WANT SOME WATCH OUT! A DINOSAUR! BREAD? What a Group! Read the story. Then discuss the questions. Last year my English class was full of characters. That's a polite way of saying it had some unusual people that I'll never forget. One student was such a hard worker that he learned all the idioms in our book by heart. He was always saying things like "I'm on cloud nine," or "I'm green with envy." We never knew if he meant what he said or if he was just practicing English. Another student had a sweet tooth. She would bake lots of breads and cakes and bring them to every class for us to share during breaks. Two students met in the class and fell head over heels in love. We were all invited to their wedding and had a great time. Then there was a student who was always pulling someone's leg. For example, one day before class, he put a long homework assignment on the board and made us think that the teacher had given it. We all had long faces until the teacher came in. Then we realized that someone had played a joke on us. :::;;;

UNIT 4 This story humorously highlights the different personalities in an English class, using body-related idioms to describe the students' behaviors and experiences. Here's what the idioms mean in this context: - **By heart**: Memorized completely. - **On cloud nine**: Extremely happy or joyful. - **Green with envy**: Very jealous. - **Sweet tooth**: A strong liking for sweets or sugary foods. - **Head over heels**: Completely in love. - **Pulling someone's leg**: Joking or teasing someone in a playful way. - **Long faces**: Expressions of sadness or disappointment. The story emphasizes the unique traits of each student, from the dedicated learner to the playful prankster, creating a vivid picture of the class dynamics.

UNIT 5 Idioms from People Reading The Real McCoy Read the story. Then discuss the questions. Our boss Virgil is a very original person. He started a business from nothing, and now he's a millionaire. Although he is such a man of means, he remains a sincere, helpful person. If any of his friends needs help, he's the first to give it. He's a true friend, the real McCoy. He does all sorts of jobs in his company, from typing out his own letters to repairing big machines. He's a jack of all trades. And he doesn't bother about keeping up with the Joneses. He doesn't care what people think of his life-style; he doesn't have to have a lot of expensive things. He still drives the old car that he bought ten years ago, and he sometimes wears jeans to work. ::::::

This story describes Virgil, a successful yet humble businessman, using people-related idioms to highlight his character. Here's what the idioms mean in this context: - **Man of means**: A wealthy person. - **The real McCoy**: The genuine article, a true or authentic person. - **Jack of all trades**: Someone who can do many different kinds of work, often proficient in several areas. - **Keeping up with the Joneses**: Trying to match or surpass your neighbors or peers in terms of possessions or lifestyle. Virgil is portrayed as a self-made, down-to-earth individual who values hard work and authenticity over appearances or material wealth.

UNIT 6 Idioms from Animals Two Very Different Brothers Read the story. Then discuss the questions. At school, Randy was shy and as quiet as a mouse. He was also very clever. He had a twin brother, Jason. Jason loved football and had to work like a dog to make good grades. In school, Randy was the bookworm. He loved to read. But without his glasses he could not see. He was as blind as a bat. Jason ate like a horse and was two hundred pounds at age seventeen. Both of them were early birds and got out of bed at four every morning. Randy read and studied. Jason went training. Today, because they were pigheaded and did not give up, Jason is quarterback for the Glendale Geeks, and Randy is the owner of the team. :::::::

UNIT6 This story uses animal-related idioms to highlight the differences between Randy and Jason, twin brothers with distinct personalities and paths to success. Here’s what the idioms mean in the context: - **As quiet as a mouse**: Very quiet and shy. - **Work like a dog**: To work very hard. - **Bookworm**: Someone who loves to read. - **As blind as a bat**: Having very poor eyesight. - **Eat like a horse**: To eat a large amount of food. - **Early bird**: Someone who wakes up early. - **Pigheaded**: Stubborn or determined, not willing to give up. Despite their differences, both brothers achieve success through hard work and determination—Jason as a football quarterback and Randy as the owner of the team. Here are some questions to discuss: 1. How do the idioms help to contrast Randy and Jason’s personalities? 2. How did being "pigheaded" contribute to both brothers' success? 3. What do you think the story suggests about different paths to success? Feel free to share your thoughts!

UNIT 7 Idioms from Geography A Down-to-Earth-Town Read the story. Then discuss the questions. Nothing much ever happens in our town. But, once in a blue moon, everyone gets excited about something. The town picnic in the middle of the summer is the big event of the year. People come to it from all over. But basically Bobtown is a quiet, sleepy old town. Some people say that it's going downhill. It is true that many citizens have moved away. There are empty houses, and real estate is dirt cheap. But the people who stayed have kept the spirit. Yes, Bobtown is a simple place for simple people. People here are down-to-earth. They're not afraid to say what they think. They don't make a mountain out of a molehill. If a problem comes up, they solve it and don't waste time talking about how bad the situation is. Every election, the same mayor wins by a landslide. She gets all eighty votes. :::

UNIT7 This story uses geography-related idioms to describe life in a small town, Bobtown, and the nature of its residents. Here’s what the idioms mean in the context: - **Once in a blue moon**: Something that happens very rarely. - **Going downhill**: Declining or getting worse. - **Dirt cheap**: Very inexpensive. - **Down-to-earth**: Practical and unpretentious. - **Make a mountain out of a molehill**: To exaggerate a small problem. - **Wins by a landslide**: To win by a large margin in an election. The story portrays Bobtown as a simple, quiet place with practical, straightforward people who handle problems without drama. Despite the town's decline, its spirit remains strong, and the mayor is a trusted leader, consistently winning by a landslide. Here are some questions to discuss: 1. How do the idioms help to paint a picture of Bobtown and its residents? 2. Why do you think the mayor keeps winning by a landslide every election? 3. What can be inferred about the town's values based on the idioms used? Feel free to share your thoughts!

UNIT 8 Idioms from Recreation A Person on the Ball Read the story. Then discuss the questions. We always knew what our boss, Winona, was thinking. Right off the bat, as soon as she walked through the door, she'd let you know what she wanted you to do. Her style was clear, direct, and open. She always put her cards on the table. If you did something wrong or said something inappropriate, Winona told you that you were off base. If she thought you were doing well and on the ball, she told you that, too. And when she said no, she meant no. No dice. Not many people argued with Winona and won. But I think she really enjoyed people who would stand up to her and give their own opinions. I think she secretly got a kick out of it. ::::::

UNIT8 This story uses idioms related to recreation to describe Winona's direct and straightforward management style. Here’s what the idioms mean in this context: - **Right off the bat**: Immediately or at the start. - **Put her cards on the table**: To be open and honest about what she wants. - **Off base**: Incorrect or not aligned with expectations. - **On the ball**: Alert and effective in handling tasks. - **No dice**: No chance or opportunity; a refusal. - **Get a kick out of**: To enjoy or find pleasure in something. The story highlights Winona’s clear communication style, her ability to recognize when someone is doing well or poorly, and her preference for straightforwardness and candid feedback. Despite her strict demeanor, she seems to appreciate when people stand up to her and share their opinions. Here are some questions to discuss: 1. How does Winona’s use of idioms reflect her management style? 2. What do you think about her approach to giving feedback to her employees? 3. Why might Winona enjoy it when people stand up to her? Feel free to share your thoughts!

UNIT 9 Idioms with the Word And ше Wear and Tear Read the story. Then discuss the questions. It's true that my car looks old and worn out. It's eleven years old, and it has a lot of wear and tear on it. But I'm tired of my friends telling me to get a new car. By and large, my car still runs okay. It takes me where I want to go. I use it to go back and forth to work every day, and it doesn't break down very often. When it does break down, I take it to my mechanics. They know the ins and outs of my car. They don't give me a song and dance. They tell me exactly what's wrong with the car and how much it will cost to fix it. I know that I can trust them. So I feel confident that when I drive my car, it will get me safe and sound to where I'm going. :::::::

This story uses idioms that include the word "and" to describe the condition and reliability of an old car. Here’s what the idioms mean in this context: - **Wear and tear**: Damage or deterioration resulting from normal use over time. - **By and large**: Generally or mostly. - **Back and forth**: Moving repeatedly between two places or states. - **Ins and outs**: The detailed aspects or inner workings of something. - **Song and dance**: A lot of unnecessary or elaborate explanation, often seen as insincere or evasive. - **Safe and sound**: Safe and unharmed. The story highlights that despite the car’s age and appearance, it still functions reliably and is well-maintained. The narrator appreciates the straightforwardness of their mechanics and feels confident in the car's ability to get them to their destination safely. Here are some questions to discuss: 1. How do the idioms help to describe the car’s condition and reliability? 2. Why might the narrator prefer to keep the old car despite its wear and tear? 3. What do you think is the significance of the mechanic’s honesty and knowledge in this story? Feel free to share your thoughts!

UNIT 10 Idioms from Household Items and Tools A Flash in the Pan Read the story. Then discuss the questions. My friend Marta wanted me to be in the talent contest with her. I didn't want to get onstage. I have no talent. But she said that I was a wet blanket and that I never wanted to do anything fun. I decided to throw in the towel and not to argue with her. At the contest, Marta sang a Beatles song. Then it was my turn. Fortunately, I'd found one of my nephew's old puppets. I did a ventriloquist act, in which it looked as if the puppet and I were trading old jokes. My friends who saw me onstage must have thought I had a screw loose. I was surprised that the audience laughed and seemed to enjoy my act. Then it was time for the winner of the contest to be named. I could see Marta, waiting on pins and needles, hoping to win. I could see that she was angry when my name was called. She didn't talk to me for a week. But now we've buried the hatchet and we are friends again. But my victory was a flash in the pan. I have never been onstage before or since. :::::

UNIT10 This story uses idioms related to household items and tools to describe an experience in a talent contest. Here’s what the idioms mean in this context: - **Wet blanket**: A person who dampens others’ enthusiasm or enjoyment. - **Throw in the towel**: To give up or concede defeat. - **Screw loose**: To be eccentric or a bit crazy. - **On pins and needles**: Anxiously waiting. - **Buried the hatchet**: Reconciled or made peace after a disagreement. - **Flash in the pan**: Something that seems impressive or promising but turns out to be short-lived or unsuccessful. The story illustrates the narrator’s reluctance to participate in the contest and their unexpected success with a ventriloquist act, despite initial doubts. Marta’s reaction to the outcome leads to a brief period of tension, but they eventually reconcile. The narrator reflects that their moment of fame was fleeting, as they have not performed onstage again. Here are some questions to discuss: 1. How do the idioms help to convey the narrator’s feelings and experiences during the talent contest? 2. What do you think motivated the narrator to participate despite their initial reluctance? 3. How did the outcome of the contest affect the relationship between the narrator and Marta? Feel free to share your thoughts!

UNIT 11 Idioms from Medicine A Lot of Nerve Read the story. Then discuss the questions. I like birds. They're beautiful when they fly. Many of them have lovely colors. But I was sick and tired of that pigeon. It caused too much trouble. It really had a lot of nerve. Every morning it came to my backyard and ate all the baby lettuces one by one. It was very careful to eat the best. It took great pains to do so. And so I decided to stop its mischief. I wanted to give the bird a taste of its own medicine. I built the ugliest-looking scarecrow you ever saw. I dressed it in old clothes and put it in the yard. Would it work? I really wasn't sure. I felt it in my bones that the bird might know it was a trick. The next day I decided to see what was happening. I paused for a moment, held my breath, and looked out the window. There in the middle of the yard was the pigeon pulling out straws from the hat on my scarecrow. And I could see that more lettuce had been eaten. Clearly, I had to think of a new plan. :::::

UNIT11 This story uses idioms related to medicine to describe the narrator’s attempt to deal with a troublesome pigeon. Here’s what the idioms mean in this context: - **A lot of nerve**: To be very bold or impudent. - **Took great pains**: Made a lot of effort or was very meticulous. - **Taste of its own medicine**: Experiencing the same negative treatment that one has given to others. - **Felt it in my bones**: Had a strong intuition or premonition. - **Hold my breath**: To wait anxiously or in anticipation. The story shows the narrator’s frustration with the pigeon and their attempt to scare it away using a scarecrow. Despite their efforts, the pigeon remains undeterred, leading the narrator to reconsider their approach. Here are some questions to discuss: 1. How do the idioms help to convey the narrator’s feelings about the pigeon and the scarecrow? 2. What does the pigeon’s reaction to the scarecrow suggest about the effectiveness of the narrator’s plan? 3. What might the narrator consider doing next to solve the problem with the pigeon? Feel free to share your thoughts!

UNIT 12 Idioms from Plants Undecided Read the story. Then discuss the questions. Eustacia always wanted her life to be a bed of roses. She wanted everything to be easy and comfortable. But when she had a choice or decision to make, she could not do it. When you asked her what she was going to do, she always beat around the bush. She never gave a direct answer. And when she did decide something, she usually made a mistake. She was always barking up the wrong tree. So, she decided to turn over a new leaf and change her life. But when she finally made up her mind to change, she couldn't decide what to do. That was the last straw. She realized that she would never change. In a nutshell, if you want to describe Eustacia, you could say that she isn't good at making decisions. ::::::

UNIT12 This story uses plant-related idioms to illustrate Eustacia’s indecisiveness and struggles with decision-making. Here’s what the idioms mean in this context: - **Bed of roses**: An ideal, comfortable, and easy situation. - **Beat around the bush**: To avoid giving a direct answer or addressing the main issue. - **Barking up the wrong tree**: To pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action. - **Turn over a new leaf**: To make a fresh start or change one’s behavior. - **The last straw**: The final problem or issue that causes someone to lose patience. - **In a nutshell**: Summarized or presented in a concise manner. The story highlights Eustacia’s desire for an easy life but her difficulty in making decisions and following through with them. Despite her attempts to change, she finds herself still struggling with indecision. Here are some questions to discuss: 1. How do the idioms help to describe Eustacia’s character and her approach to decision-making? 2. Why do you think Eustacia struggles with making decisions and sticking to them? 3. What do you think might help Eustacia become better at making decisions? Feel free to share your thoughts!

UNIT 13 Idioms from Clothes In the Boss's Shoes Read the story. Then discuss the questions. Some people get angry easily. You have to be careful and handle them with kid gloves. My boss is always angry. He's always hot under the collar about something. If sales are bad, he gets very nervous. He's afraid that he's going to lose everything. He thinks he's about to lose his shirt. But the business never makes very much money. We always run on a shoestring. In business, you have to be calm and keep your temper. You have to keep your shirt on. Our business might be better if my boss could stay calm. Still, I prefer to be me than to have my boss's job. I don't want to be in his shoes. He's under too much pressure. :::::

UNIT 13 Idioms from Clothes In the Boss's Shoes Read the story. Then discuss the questions. Some people get angry easily. You have to be careful and handle them with kid gloves. My boss is always angry. He's always hot under the collar about something. If sales are bad, he gets very nervous. He's afraid that he's going to lose everything. He thinks he's about to lose his shirt. But the business never makes very much money. We always run on a shoestring. In business, you have to be calm and keep your temper. You have to keep your shirt on. Our business might be better if my boss could stay calm. Still, I prefer to be me than to have my boss's job. I don't want to be in his shoes. He's under too much pressure. :::::

UNIT13 This story uses clothing-related idioms to describe the boss’s behavior and the challenges of his job. Here’s what the idioms mean in this context: - **Handle with kid gloves**: To deal with someone very carefully and gently. - **Hot under the collar**: Angry or upset. - **Lose his shirt**: To suffer a significant financial loss. - **Run on a shoestring**: To operate with a very limited budget. - **Keep your shirt on**: To remain calm and not get upset. - **In his shoes**: In someone else's situation or position. The story shows that the boss is frequently angry and stressed about the financial situation of the business. The narrator recognizes that the business operates on a tight budget and suggests that the boss’s inability to stay calm might be contributing to the business's challenges. Despite the difficulties, the narrator prefers their own position to the boss's, given the pressure involved. Here are some questions to discuss: 1. How do the idioms help to illustrate the boss's behavior and the work environment? 2. Why might the boss’s constant anger and stress impact the business? 3. What are the potential benefits of staying calm in a challenging work situation? Feel free to share your thoughts!

UNIT 14 Idioms from Time Cat Time Read the story. Then discuss the questions. My cat is an expert at waiting for things to happen. Waiting around and killing time is her specialty. She watches the birds in the backyard for a couple of hours at a time. Like all cats, she never makes plans. She'll do many things on the spur of the moment. For example, if she suddenly feels that the time is right, she'll try to go fishing in my fish tank. Her favorite hobby is tree climbing. Give her a dangerous tree and she won't hesitate. In no time, I'll have to call the fire department to come and get her down. When she hears the fire engine, she gets scared and jumps out of the tree. She always lands on her four feet in the nick of time-justbefore she hits the ground. Then she walks away as if there's no problem. ::::::

UNIT14 This story uses time-related idioms to describe the cat’s behavior and habits. Here’s what the idioms mean in this context: - **Killing time**: Passing time in a way that is not very productive. - **On the spur of the moment**: Doing something suddenly and without planning. - **In no time**: Very quickly. - **In the nick of time**: Just before it is too late. The story highlights the cat’s natural ability to wait patiently, act spontaneously, and handle risky situations with impressive agility. Despite the dangers, the cat manages to escape trouble just in time. Here are some questions to discuss: 1. How do the idioms help to portray the cat’s personality and behavior? 2. Why might the cat’s spontaneity lead to dangerous situations? 3. What does the cat’s ability to land on her feet in the nick of time suggest about her agility and instincts? Feel free to share your thoughts!

UNIT 15 Idioms from the Weather A Breeze Read the story. Then discuss the questions. For some folks, everything is easy. Life is a breeze. They're always healthy. They're never under the weather. If they walk into a room full of strangers, they make friends in five minutes. They have no trouble breaking the ice. They earn enough to save some money every week. They're saving money for a rainy day. So if trouble ever does come, they'll be able to weather the storm. Yes, some people have no problems if times are good or bad. They're okay come rain or shine. ::;;

UNIT15 This story uses weather-related idioms to describe people who seem to handle life effortlessly. Here’s what the idioms mean in this context: - **Life is a breeze**: Life is easy and carefree. - **Under the weather**: Feeling ill or unwell. - **Breaking the ice**: Making people feel comfortable and starting conversations. - **Saving money for a rainy day**: Putting aside money for future difficulties or emergencies. - **Weather the storm**: To endure or get through a difficult situation. - **Come rain or shine**: Regardless of the circumstances, whether good or bad. The story contrasts people who seem to handle everything effortlessly with those who may struggle more. These individuals are depicted as managing both good and bad times with ease, thanks to their preparation and positive demeanor. Here are some questions to discuss: 1. How do the idioms help to illustrate the ease with which these people handle life? 2. Why might some people find it easier to navigate challenges compared to others? 3. What qualities or behaviors contribute to someone being able to “weather the storm” effectively? Feel free to share your thoughts!

UNIT 16 Idioms from around the House Bringing Down the House Read the story. Then discuss the questions. At the age of twenty-two, Ron decided that he wanted to become a comedian. When he told his father, the old man hit the ceiling. Ron's father shouted that Ron was throwing his college education down the drain and that he would end up as a bum. But Ron was serious about his career. He took steps to become a good comic. He studied acting, talked to comedians, and kept a book of jokes. He soon got his foot in the door and was performing in comedy clubs. And soon his act was bringing down the house. The audience would laugh and clap at all of Ron's jokes. Ron ended up in the big time, as a major celebrity. This fact hit home when he returned to our town earlier this year. The town rolled out the red carpet for him. There was a big parade, and everything in town was on the house for Ron. Now, even Ron's father laughs at his jokes. :::::

UNIT16 This story uses house-related idioms to describe Ron's journey to becoming a successful comedian and his relationship with his father. Here’s what the idioms mean in this context: - **Hit the ceiling**: To become very angry. - **Down the drain**: Wasted or lost. - **Get his foot in the door**: To take the first step toward achieving something, often in a new career or industry. - **Bringing down the house**: To perform so well that the audience reacts with great enthusiasm, often with loud applause and laughter. - **Hit home**: To have a deep, personal impact. - **Roll out the red carpet**: To give someone a special welcome, often with great ceremony and honor. - **On the house**: Something that is free, usually provided as a courtesy or gift. The story highlights how Ron pursued his passion for comedy despite his father's initial anger and skepticism. Through hard work and perseverance, Ron became successful, eventually earning the admiration of his hometown—and even his father. Here are some questions to discuss: 1. How do the idioms help to illustrate Ron's journey from uncertainty to success? 2. Why do you think Ron’s father eventually changed his mind and supported his career choice? 3. What role does perseverance play in achieving success, as seen in Ron’s story? Feel free to share your thoughts!

UNIT 17 Idioms with the Word As As Fit as a Fiddle Read the story. Then discuss the questions. I had the flu last week. I was as sick as a dog. After four days in bed, I was as weak as a kitten. I barely had the strength to get out of bed. My friend Clarence called me every morning and evening to see if I needed anything. His calls were as regular as clockwork. At first, my fever would not go away. It was as stubborn as a mule. Then I began to feel better. On day five I was as hungry as a bear. All I wanted was food. Now I'm fine. I'm as fit as a fiddle. :::::;

This story uses idioms with the word "as" to describe the speaker’s experience recovering from the flu. Here’s what the idioms mean in this context: - **As sick as a dog**: Extremely ill. - **As weak as a kitten**: Very weak or fragile. - **As regular as clockwork**: Happening consistently and predictably. - **As stubborn as a mule**: Extremely stubborn or difficult to change. - **As hungry as a bear**: Very hungry. - **As fit as a fiddle**: In excellent health. The story describes the speaker's progression from being extremely sick to fully recovering, thanks to rest and support from their friend Clarence. Here are some questions to discuss: 1. How do the idioms help illustrate the speaker's journey through illness and recovery? 2. Why do you think Clarence's consistent check-ins were important during the speaker’s illness? 3. How do the idioms contribute to the overall tone and relatability of the story? Feel free to share your thoughts!

UNIT 18 Idioms with Repetition A Fuddy-Duddy or a Hotshot? Read the story. Then discuss the questions. A lot of people thought Uncle Max was crazy. He was always losing things in his topsy-turvy office where papers were scattered all over, or he was trying to explain some new scientific mumbo jumbo that no one else could understand. He was so wishy-washy that I once saw him waste ten minutes trying to decide whether to wear a blue shirt or a white one. It was only later we discovered that the old fuddy- duddy, who spent most of his time alone with his books, was a very important scientist. He worked in a secret government operation. He was a hotshot rocket technicianin one of the most hush-hush projects of this century. ::::

This story contrasts two very different perceptions of Uncle Max using idioms with repetition. Here’s what the idioms mean in this context: - **Topsy-turvy**: Disorganized or in chaos. - **Mumbo jumbo**: Nonsensical or meaningless speech, often difficult to understand. - **Wishy-washy**: Indecisive or lacking firmness. - **Fuddy-duddy**: Someone who is old-fashioned, dull, or overly conservative. - **Hotshot**: A highly talented or skilled person. - **Hush-hush**: Secretive or confidential. The story illustrates how appearances can be deceiving. While Uncle Max may have seemed eccentric or unremarkable to those around him, he was actually a highly skilled scientist working on secret government projects. Here are some questions to discuss: 1. How do the idioms shape the reader’s perception of Uncle Max at the beginning versus the end of the story? 2. Why do you think people underestimated Uncle Max? 3. How does the revelation of Uncle Max's true occupation change the tone of the story? Feel free to share your thoughts!

UNIT 19 Idioms with Words That Go Together I A Big Puzzle PUZZLE 5000 F Read the story. Then discuss the questions. A while ago, I decided to put together one of those five thousand-piece jigsaw puzzles all by myself. I was sure that I could do it because I'm good at all kinds of games-from crossword puzzles to video games. But it wasn't so easy after all. First, I put all the pieces on the table, and I started to work on the sky part of the puzzle. But every other piece was blue and seemed to fit in the sky. I must have stared at the pieces for two hours. "Take it easy," I told myself. "Sooner or later you'll put some pieces together." And I was right. Before long, I had several pieces together. But finishing the entire puzzle was a project that took me quite a few months. Of course, at the end, I learned the most important fact about putting together puzzles. The last piece is always missing! Just the other day I found that missing piece behind the sofa. No wonder I hadn't found it before! :::::

This story uses idioms to describe the challenge of completing a large jigsaw puzzle and the patience required to succeed. Here’s what the idioms mean in this context: - **Take it easy**: To relax and not stress out. - **Sooner or later**: Something will eventually happen, even if it takes time. The story revolves around the idea of perseverance, patience, and the frustrations that come with difficult tasks. Despite initial difficulties, the speaker makes progress and learns that the journey of completing the puzzle was just as important as finishing it—especially with the humorous twist of finding the last piece behind the sofa. Here are some questions to discuss: 1. Why do you think the speaker kept working on the puzzle despite the difficulties? 2. How does the story convey the importance of patience when working on complex tasks? 3. How does the discovery of the missing piece at the end add humor to the story? Let me know your thoughts!