SZABLON DO PRACY Z UCZNIEM – Out of the blue – colourful idioms (Idioms 4)
1. Questions to ask in the introduction and revision of idioms from previous lessons.
From: „Be a pain In the neck (Idioms 1)”
- When would you say that somebody is dead from the neck up?
- Give me an example of people who are neck and neck.
- When would you save your friend’s neck?
- Give me an example of a person who is easy on the eye.
- Would you like to be in a public eye? Why?
From: „Break a leg! (Idioms 2)”
- How would you say that sth costs a lot of money?
- What can you say to wish sb good luck?
- If somebody talks a lot, he …?
- How would you say in English: „przychodzić z podkulonym ogonem”?
- What does it mean to be on your last legs?
From: „Be in safe hands (Idioms 3)”
- Who would you describe as an old hand?
- How can you say that you are controlled by someone?
- When you’re responsible for someone’s death, you’re …?
- When do you give somebody a free hand?
- What does „a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” mean?
2. Key to exercise number one (matching idioms to definitions).
to see pink elephants – any visual hallucination arising from heavy drinking to be green – to be environmentally friendly
the golden rule – an important rule or principle, especially in a particular situation black-and-white – very clear who or what is right and wrong
every cloud has a silver lining – each thing has bright side as black as coal – about being dirty
as red as a cherry – having any of numerous bright or strong colors reminiscent of the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies
red-handed – In the act of committing the crime out of the blue – suddenly
yellow pages – telephone book
3. Key to exercise number two (write sentences using idioms from the first exercise. Use suggestions in the brackets).
Example:
He died (don't use: pass away; use: bucket) He...kicked the bucket...
1. The important rule of learning is to work systematically. (don’t use: principle; use:
golden)
The golden rule of learning is to work systematically.
2. John’s face became red. He was so angry at Maria. (don’t use: turned red; use:
cherry)
John’s face is as red as a cherry. He was so angry at Maria.
3. I didn’t expect you to do such a thing! It happened completely unexpectedly. (don’t use: suddenly; use: blue)
I didn’t expect you to do such a thing! It happened completely out of the blue.
4. He drunk a lot yesterday. Now he sees strange things. (don’t use: has hallucinations;
use: elephants)
He drunk a lot. Now he sees pink elephants.
5. Our trip to Egypt has been canceled. But we can get something positive out of this
situation. At last we are going to have some time to visit your friends in Paris. (don’t use: there is something good even in an unpleasant situation; use: cloud)
Our trip to Egypt has been canceled. But every cloud has a silver lining. At last we are going to have some time to visit your friends in Paris.
6. Boys! Where have you been playing? You’re completely dirty. (don’t use: filthy dirty; use: coal)
Boys! Where have you been playing? You’re as black as coal.
7. You can find our telephone number in every phone book. (don’t use: telephone directory; use: yellow)
You can find our telephone number in every yellow pages.
8. Our company tries to protect the environment. (don’t use: environmentally conscious; use: green)
Our company tries to be green.
9. Can you explain this to me? It’s not clear to me. (don’t use: right or wrong; use:
black)
Can you explain this to me? It’s not black-and-white for me.
10. The burglars were caught in the act. (don’t use: with the goods; use: hand) The burglars were caught red-handed.
Aleksandra Kazimierczyk Nauczyciel języka angielskiego British School
Warszawa
