Homework exercise

Write an original sentence with each of the following idioms:

be broke

every now and then do without

feel up to every other in advance

Drill 3

Dialogue

A:Have you heard that Jane cancelled her party next Friday?

B:Yes, but I didn't hear why. What happened?

A:She's going to New York. She has to see about something for her boss.

B:Why did Jane plan the party? She knew all along about New York, didn't she?

A:Yes, but she really isn't to blame. She thought the trip would be next week. Yesterday she was told to go this week.

B:Too bad about the party, to say the least. The trip will do Jane good, though.

A:And she can have the party when she returns.

B:Frankly, I'm glad about the party. I'm up to my ears in work right now.

Definitions

see about — take the responsibility to do something make arrangements for Let's have a picnic on Sunday. I'll see about the food.

all along — all the time

I knew all along that Jack wasn't telling us the whole story.

be to blame — be responsible for something bad or unfortunate Don't punish Billy for breaking the window. He's not to blame.

to say the least — to make the minimum comment about something or someone It's a boring novel, to say the least.

do someone good — be beneficial for someone

Go to the seashore for a few days the fresh air will do you good. be up to one's ears — have too much to do

Helen would like to go with us but she can't. She's up to her ears in work.

Substitution drill

Repeat the following sentences, using the substitutions listed.

1. She has to see about something for her boss. some business in Chicago.

that house on Elm Street. a gift for her mother.

an appointment this afternoon. a ride downtown.

a contract for her company.

2.She knew all along about the trip to New York. our party.

Jim's letter. the accident. his plans. her uncle. your request.

3.She really isn't to blame for the change.

the error. our problem. the fire.

what happened. being late. losing the tickets.

4.The trip will do Jane good, although. The change

The comedy Your visit That book My plan That course

5.Too bad about the party, to say the least. I'm sorry you can't come,

We're grateful that you told us, Jim regrets what he said,

I appreciate knowing the facts, She's a fine wife and mother,

He has a good picture of the case,

6.I'm up to my ears in work right now. Jim's

They're

Joan's

We're

She's

Bill's

Homework exercise

Choose the correct idiom from the lesson to complete these sentences.

1.I'm going to the kitchen. I have to...the coffee.

2.You shouldn't talk that way about Barbara. She...for what happened last night.

3.Why don't you take a vacation? The rest will...

4.The Smiths are going to build a new house. Right now they're...in plans and blueprints.

5.I don't know why Henry didn't tell us before. He knew...that Alice wouldn't be here tonight.

6.I'm sorry about what happened, Jack,...I know it wasn't your fault.