5. What associations does the literal reading of the given phraseological units evoke? Analyze the link between these associations and the figurative meaning of the phraseological units.

M o d e 1: to get wind of — 'to receive early warning of imminent events, often from a confidential source': We got wind of his resignation a week before it was announced in the newspapers.

• Associations evoked by the literal reading of the phraseological unit to get wind of 'are connected with the idea of an animal whose acute sense of smell allows it to scent danger in the wind.

1. to rain cats and dogs — 'to pour with rain, to rain very hard': We went to Ireland but we can hardly say we saw it. It rained cats and dogs every single day. 2. to cast a cloud over — 'to sadden, to fill with gloom, to mar one's pleasure': The news of her father's illness cast a cloud over Mary's honeymoon. 3. to show one's teeth — 'use one's power or authority in an aggressive or intimidating way': Matron looked a comfortable, motherly soul but she soon showed her teeth if any of the inmates gave signs of having minds of their own. 4. to mend one's manners — 'become more civil or refined in speech and behaviour': I will implement my promise to send you twenty-five ponds, but not until cat-and-dog life you led together. 3. to make eyes at someone — 'to look at someone in a way that clearly indicates one's interest in them': This party was a great disappointment. Ann made eyes at almost every man, except him. 4. a gentle giant — 'a man who is very tall and strong, but has a very quiet, gentle character that does not match his appear­ance': As placid and amiable as he was tall, he became known as the gentle giant. 5. a big wig — 'an important or influential person': He became a big wig in the world of politics. 6. to tell tales — 'make known or gossip about another person's secret, wrongdoings, or faults': Jenny, it's unfair. All we got was what we pinched out (of) the larder and then you used to go and tell tales to mother. 7. to have a roving eye — 'to be always looking for a pretty face': It's a pity, Anne's husband has a roving eye and always seem to be with a pretty girl. If his wife wasn't around, he had a roving eye. 8. to pour out one's heart — 'to confide all one's sorrows, fears, anxieties, hopes and joys to another person': When we were alone, she poured out her heart to me about her broken marriage.

10. State the type of transference on which the meaning of the given phraseological units is based.

Model: in the flower of one's age — 'the period of a person's greatest success, popularity, activity or vigour, usually in his youth'

• Phraseological transference is based on metaphor, i. e. on the likening of one of the periods of a person's life to one of the periods of plants' life in which their flowers develop and open. Transference is also based on synecdoche: the period in which a person is young and vigorous is regarded as an integral part of his whole life.

1) to go through fire and water — 'to experience many difficulties or dangers in order to achieve something'; 2) to fit like a glove — 'to fit perfectly'; 3) to bury the hatchet — 'to come to friendly or peaceful terms with somebody else, usually in arguments, disagreements'; 4) to lick one's wounds — 'brood, console oneself, or to try to restore oneself, after any form of defeat, injury or loss'; 5) a big wig — 'an influential and important person'; 6) to put smb. out to pasture — 'to force someone to retire'; 7) to lie on smb's shoulders — 'to be responsible for, to have to answer for'; 8) (as) gentle as a lamb — 'very calm and kind'; 9) to talk Billingsgate — 'to use harsh, rude language, to swear (Billingsgate is a London fish market)'; 10) a dog in the manger — 'a person who selfishly prevents others from using or enjoying something which he keeps for himself, though he cannot use or enjoy it'.

11. Classify the italicized phraseological units into: 1) phraseological fusions; 2) phraseological unities; 3) phraseological collocations. Contexts will help you to understand the meaning of phraseological units. In case of difficulty consult a dictionary.

Model: to spill the beans

• The phraseological unit to spill the beans means 'to give away information, deliberately or unintentionally'. It is a phraseological fusion (group 1).

1. You can't keep a secret — you see no reason why you shouldn't spill the beans. 2. 'It's hard on Robert, of course,' Ned went on; he was trying to ignore the red herring and get on with the story. 3. Well, let's admit there were mistakes on both sides; we'll bury the past and try to make a fresh start. 4. He produced a huge silver case containing what looked at first sight like small cheap cigars. 5. But other than dining out, which I like, I'm a home bird. I'm not one for a big social whirl. 6. The boy is quite impossible. From now on I wash my hands o/him. 7. 'Can I go with you to this party.' 'We shall only be talking business. You wouldn't be interested.' 8. Billy's been such a good boy, Mrs. Smith — never once got out of bed and took his medicine like a lamb. 9. I ran to my father, waving the magazine and shouting. 'This is my home, look.' Dad fairly blew his top. He told me not to be silly; that it was a building called a temple, in a country called Egypt and that I had never been there. 10. To say you lead a busy life is not an answer to whether you take enough exercise. 11. In the face of stiff competition from rival firms we had to fight fire with fire and slash our prices. 12. The grey colour is in fashion in this season. 13. I've been working my fingers to the bone to get the dress ready in time for the wedding. 14. I don't believe he is a man to commit murder. 15. I'll be hanging up my boots next year. I think I deserve a rest after running the business for thirty years.