Drill 30

Dialogue

A:I'm sorry to keep you waiting. I'll make short work of this.

B:Take your time. I'm in no hurry.

A:It's always up to me to see that the office is closed.

B:Every night?

A:Yes, and I usually close at 5:30. Once in a blue moon I have to stay late. This is one of those times.

B:You really know the ropes around here.

A:Well, I should. I've been here ten years. You have to take that into account.

B:You're very modest. I'm sure your boss must be pleased with your work.

Definitions

make short work of something — do something quickly The thief made short work of robbing the bank.

take one's time — do something slowly not hurry

When you're eating, it's important to take your time and chew your food well.

something is up to someone — it is one's responsibility to take care of something or to make a decision

Tom said it was up to Anne to choose the movie they should see that evening. once in a blue moon — very infrequently almost never

I seldom see Bill. Only once in a blue moon.

know the ropes — be very familiar with routine procedures such as those of a business, factory, or school

I'll enjoy my new job more as soon as I know the ropes. take something into account — consider something

In considering Andy for the job, we must take into ac-count that he has very bad eyesight.

Substitution drill

Repeat the following sentences, using the substitutions listed.

1.Sorry to keep you waiting. I'll make short work of this. Excuse me for making you wait.

Pardon me for taking so long. I'm sorry you have to wait. Sorry I made you wait. Excuse me for delaying you.

Pardon me for making a mistake.

2.Take your time. I'm in no hurry.

I'm not going anywhere.

I have nothing to hurry for. I have nothing to do.

I have all day.

I have more time than money. I don't have to go anywhere.

3. It's up to me to close the office every night.