Become Proficient

Phrases and Idioms for Relationships

1. Ted and I get on well with each other (have a good relationship).

2. Andrew and Mary don’t see eye to eye (often argue / disagree).

3. I’ve fallen out with my parents again (had arguments).

4. Tony and Jane have broken up / split up (ended their relationship).

5. Helen is having an affair with her boss (a sexual relationship, usually secret).

6. Children should respect their elders (adults / parents, etc).

7. Let’s try and make it up (be friends again after you’ve had an argument).

8. The two girls were making eyes at the handsome lifeguard (to gaze at sb flirtatiously).

Quiz Yourself

I. Some of the phrases and idioms are mixed up with one another. Correct them:

1. Jo and Phil don’t get on eye to eye with each other.

2. I fell up with my parents last night. It wasn’t my fault.

3. We had a quarrel, but now we’ve made it well.

4. Do you think Jim and Nora are making an affair? – I do.

5. I see very well with all my colleagues at work.

6. She should learn to respect her olders.

7. I am sure they will break out very soon.

II. Match the English idioms in the left column with their Russian equivalents in the right column. Use them in a proper context:

1. A maiden name 2. Extremes meet 3. A mother’s boy 4. To be out of hand 5. To be under sb’s thumb 6. Out of sight, out of mind 7. To make eyes at sb 8. The prodigal son 9. One’s own flesh and blood 10. To lead a cat and a dog life

A. Маменькин сынок В. Быть под каблуком С. С глаз долой, из сердца вон D. Строить глазки E. Блудный сын F. Плоть и кровь G.Жить как кошка с собакой H. Отбиться от рук I. Девичья фамилия J. Противоположности сходятся

III. Explain the meanings of the proverbs given below. Make up five-sentence stories of your own to highlight their meanings.

1. Marriages are made in heaven.

2. Faint heart never won a fair lady.

3. Birds of a feather flock together.

4. Every family has a skeleton in the cupboard.

5. Spare the rod and spoil the child.

6. When children stand still they have done some ill.

7. Like father, like son.

8. A good wife makes a good husband.

9. He that would the daughter win, must with the mother first begin.

10. A tree is known by its fruit.

Joke Time

• My wife has the worst memory I’ve ever heard of.

• Forgets everything, eh?

• No, remembers everything!

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Boy: Do you know, Dad, my teacher says that in some parts of Africa a man does not know his wife until he marries her.

Dad: Why single out Africa?

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“I’m always very careful”, said Mrs Robinson, “to send the children out of the house before I have a quarrel with my husband”.

“How wonderful!” said Mrs Jones, “They look so healthy spending so much time in the open air”.

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Mr Wicks (to a young man) – You say you will not marry my daughter. But it was you who told me a few months ago that you dreamed only of her.

Young man (apologetically) – so, I did, sir. Now I am wide awake.

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Husband (angrily): What? No supper ready? This is the limit! I’m going yo a restaurant.

Wife: Wait just five minutes.

Husband: Will it be ready then?

Wife: No, but then I’ll go with you.

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