An Overheard Conversation

The ladies at the club were talking about a conversation they had overheard in the morning between a man and his wife.

‘They must have been at the Zoo,’ said Mrs A., ‘because I heard her mention the trained deer.’

‘Goodness me!’ laughed Mrs B. ‘What queer hearing you must have! They were talking about going away and she said, ‘Find out about the train, dear.’

‘Well, did you ever?’ exclaimed Mrs C. ‘I am sure they were talking about musicians, for she said a trained ear as distinctly as it could be.’

The discussion was beginning to warm up, when in the midst of it the lady herself appeared. They carried their case to her promptly and asked her to settle it.

‘Well, well, you do beat all!’ she explained after hearing each one. ‘I’d been out to the country overnight and I was asking my husband if it rained here last night ... .’

Phrasal Verbs

(Фразові дієслова)

Jack put the books down on the table. – Джек кладе книги на стіл (put smth down – дієслово з прийменником).

She’s always putting people down. – Вона завжди критикує людей (put smb down – ідіоматичне фразове дієслово).

Exercise 23 Translate sentences paying attention to phrasal verbs. Consult your dictionary.

1. If you are seen stealing that car the police will be after you. 2. Sheila broke off her engagement last week. 3. By stealing, Mark brought about his dismissal from work. 4. We often eat out. 5. The two Germans played off for a place in the final. 6. They called off the meeting. 7. This situation calls for immediate action. 8. They turned down my application. 9. Why did you let James talk you into this crazy scheme? 10. Please draw back from the edge of the cliff. 11. I dropped out of school and got a job. 12. He has tried to give up smoking twice. 13. They were forced to give in to enemy.

Exercise 24 Read the article and decide which phrasal verb describes the following meaning: has become popular; returned; were worthwhile; learn information; stop trying; improved.

The Art of Feng Shui

Ho Da-ming’s new restaurant was failing. His customers rarely came back. Why? Mr Ho contacted a feng shui consultant to find out. Feng shui (meaning ‘wind and water’) is the ancient Chinese art of placing things in your surroundings. According to this art, the arrangement of furniture, doors and windows affects our health, wealth and happiness. Mr Ho was concerned about his business but he didn’t give up. Following the consultant’s advice, he remodelled and redecorated his restaurant. His actions paid off. Soon business picked up and Mr Ho became rich. ‘It was the best decision I ever made,’ he says happily. And he isn’t alone in his enthusiasm. Feng shui has caught on with modern architects and homeowners everywhere.

Exercise 25 Complete this student’s diary entry with the correct particles.

I’ve just finished reading an article about feng shui. At the end, the author suggests sitting (down, up) in your home and thinking about how your surroundings make you feel.

So, today when I got (up, back) from university, I tried it. I noticed that my flat is really quite dark and it makes me feel down. I think with the addition of some lights, I’d cheer (away, up) a lot. I’ve come (out, up) with other ideas, too.

My flat is small but I think it will look more spacious if I just tidy (out, up) more often. Putting up some more shelves for my books might work (down, out) well. With just a few small changes, I could end (out, up) feeling happier in my own home.

It’s certainly worth trying (on, out)!