Drill 14

Joe put his foot in it when he told Ethel she looked like Dora. The two girls dislike each other. have words with someone- quarrel argue with some person

I had words with the manager of that store, because he refused to refund my money for a TV set that wasn't operating properly.

on edge- nervous irritable

What's the matter with Ray? He seems to be on edge about something. come to the point- be definite, precise in telling something

Professor Johnson's stories are interesting but long, and he never seems to come to the point. the last straw- the point beyond which one can endure no more

When I told him to pay me the money he owed me, he said he couldn't instead he asked to borrow an additional five dollars. That was the last straw!

take a stand on something- make a firm decision about something

I don't like the way Tom operates. One day he says one thing and another day he says the opposite. I wish he'd take a stand on something.

Substitution drill

Repeat the following sentences, using the substitutions listed.

1.Jim put his foot in it today. He argued with the teacher. He spoke back to his father.

He had an accident with his brother's car. He told Alice she wasn't pretty.

He lost Professor Smith's book.

He told his mother-in-law she was wrong. He told his wife he didn't like her cooking.

2.I had words with my aunt today.

Emily my wife Leonard Geraldine my boss

Jim's brother

3.I've been on edge all morning. this afternoon.

all day.

for several days. since Mary left. lately.

this week.

4.Come to the point. Why did you argue? Why are you late?

Where is the money? Who took my car? When will you bring it?

What time are you leaving? Why can't you go?

5.Aunt Rose defended Billy. That was the last straw! Jim wrecked my car.