Exercise 11. Give your explanation of fixed idiomatic expressions in the text. Consult an English dictionary of idioms.

Dan was depressed. He was at the end of his rope. Ever since he lost the advertising contract for the networks, his colleagues had been giving him the cold shoulder. His boss called him on the carpet when the agreement fell through. Dan's name was mud. For years he had done a bang-up job, but now he was being ratted over the coals, for something beyond his control. He could read the writing on the wall He was no longer appreciated. In his mind. Dan felt he was being sold down the river but he wasn't going to let himself become unhinged.

He would submit his resignation, pull up stakes and start over again. It wouldn't be easy. Being a low man on the totem pole at a new company was not Dan's idea of fulfilment. It would be touch and go for a while, but he wasn't going to let himself go to pot. Before long he would again he on the beam Daft had his work cut out for himself, but he was earmarked for success. A job change suited him tо a T.

Before Dan knew it, his plans were known through the network. Someone had let the cat out of the hag. Even boss was shedding crocodile lean telling him what great employee he had been Dan just laughed up his sleeve. He was no sucker. Let them go about their woolgathering. Once he got himself established again, he would be feeling his oats.

English reaching forum. A journal for the teachers of English outside the United States. 1994. Vol. 32. No.3.

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