Practice Exercise 1
Match the Idiom to Its Meaning
Idioms:
1. Spill the beans
2. Hit the sack
3. Under the weather
4. Piece of cake"
Meanings:
- Go to bed
- Reveal a secret
- Feeling unwell
- Something very easy
Answers:
1. Spill the beans – Reveal a secret
2. Hit the sack – Go to bed
3. Under the weather – Feeling unwell
4. Piece of cake – Something very easy
Practice Exercise 2
Fill in the Blanks with Idioms
Sentences:
1. I didn’t mean to __________; it just slipped out.
2. I’m feeling a bit __________ today, so I’ll stay home.
3. I think it’s time to __________, I’m exhausted.
4. Don’t worry about the test; it’ll be a __________.
Idioms:
Hit the sack
Piece of cake
Spill the beans
Under the weather
Answers:
1. I didn’t mean to spill the beans; it just slipped out.
2. I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’ll stay home.
3. I think it’s time to hit the sack, I’m exhausted.
4. Don’t worry about the test; it’ll be a piece of cake.
Practice Exercise 3
Interpreting Cultural References
Sentences:
1. This project feels like my personal Everest.
2. She met her Waterloo during the final debate.
3. He’s the Einstein of our group.
4. That idea is her Achilles' heel.
Answers:
1. This project feels like my personal Everest.
Explanation:
"Everest" refers to Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, symbolizing a significant and challenging task.
2. She met her Waterloo during the final debate.
Explanation:
"Waterloo" refers to the Battle of Waterloo, where Napoleon was defeated. It symbolizes a decisive or final defeat.
3. He’s the Einstein of our group.
Explanation:
"Einstein" refers to Albert Einstein, a famous physicist, symbolizing someone who is extremely intelligent.
4. That idea is her Achilles' heel.
Explanation:
"Achilles' heel" refers to the single point of vulnerability in a person, originating from Greek mythology.
Listening Exercise
Identify these expressions and explain their meanings.
Audio Clip Exercise
Comprehension Questions:
1. What idioms and cultural references were used in the conversation?
2. What do these expressions mean in the context of the conversation?
Answers:
Idioms/Cultural References:
1. Burning the midnight oil
2. Hit the nail on the head
3. Herculean task
4. Trojan horse
Meanings:
1. Burning the midnight oil
Working late into the night.
2. Hit the nail on the head
To do something exactly right.
3. Herculean task
A very challenging task, requiring great effort
(from Hercules in Greek mythology).
4. Trojan horse
Something that appears valuable but hides a hidden danger
(from the Greek story of the Trojan War).