Peter: Bob, I hate to break the news, but our sales were down again last month.

Bob: Down again, Peter?

Peter: Yeah. These days, everybody's shopping at our competition, Honest Abe's Furniture Store.

Bob: But everything in there costs an arm and a leg!

Peter: That's true. They do charge top dollar.

Bob: And their salespeople are very strange. They really give me the creeps!

Peter: Well, they must be doing something right over there. Meanwhile, we're about to go belly-up.

Bob: I'm sorry to hear that. I thought my new advertising campaign would save the day.

Peter: Let's face it: your advertising campaign was a real flop.

Bob: Well then I'll go back to the drawing board.

Peter: It's too late for that. You're fired!

Bob: What? You're giving me the ax?

Peter: Yes. I've already found a new manager. She's as sharp as a tack.

Bob: Can't we even talk this over? After all, I've been working here for 10 years!

Peter: There's no point in arguing, Bob. I've already made up my mind.

Bob: Oh well, at least I won't have to put up with your nonsense anymore! Good-bye to you and good-bye to this dead-end job.

Peter: Please leave before I lose my temper!

IDIOMS - LESSON

about to - ready to; on the verge of (sắp sửa, chuẩn bị làm gì)

•It's a good thing Bob left the furniture store when he did. Peter was so angry, he was about to throw a dining room chair at him. •I'm glad you're finally home. I was just about to have dinner without you. after all - despite everything; when everything has been considered; the fact is (cuối cùng, rốt cuộc)

•You'd better invite Ed to your party. After all, he's a good friend. •It doesn't matter what your boss thinks of you. After all, you're going to quit your job anyway. at least - anyway; the good thing is that... (ít nhất là...)

•We've run out of coffee, but at least we still have tea. •Tracy can't afford to buy a car, but at least she has a good bicycle. NOTE: The second definition of this phrase is "no less than":

•There were at least 300 people waiting in line to buy concert tickets. (to) break the news - to make something known (thông báo, nói cho ai biết)

•Samantha and Michael are getting married, but they haven't yet broken the news to their parents. •You'd better break the news to your father carefully. After all, you don't want him to have a heart attack! (to) cost an arm and a leg - to be very expensive (đắt đỏ, mắc tiền)

•A college education in America costs an arm and a leg. •All of the furniture at Honest Abe's costs an arm and a leg! dead-end job - a job that won't lead to anything else (công việc bế tắc, vô vọng)

•Diane realized that working as a cashier was a dead-end job. •Jim worked many dead-end jobs before finally deciding to start his own business. (let's) face it - accept a difficult reality (chấp nhận thực tế)

•Let's face it, if Ted spent more time studying, he wouldn't be failing so many of his classes! •Let's face it, if you don't have a college degree, it can be difficult to find a high-paying job.(to) give one the creeps - to create a feeling of disgust or horror (làm ai đó sởn tóc gáy)

•Ted's friend Matt has seven earrings in each ear and an "I Love Mom" tattoo on his arm. He really gives Nicole the creeps. •There was a strange man following me around the grocery store. He was giving me the creeps! (to) go back to the drawing board - to start a task over because the last try failed; to start again from the beginning (bắt đầu lại từ đầu, bắt đầu lại từ con số 0)

•Frank's new business failed, so he had to go back to the drawing board. •The president didn't agree with our new ideas for the company, so we had to go back to the drawing board. (to) go belly-up - to go bankrupt (phá sản)

•Many people lost their jobs when Enron went belly-up. •My company lost $3 million last year. We might go belly-up. (to) give someone the ax - to fire someone (đuổi việc, sa thải ai)

•Mary used to talk to her friends on the phone all day at work, until one day her boss finally gave her the ax. •Poor Paul! He was given the ax two days before Christmas (to) lose one's temper - to become very angry (giận dữ, mất bình tĩnh)

•Bob always loses his temper when his kids start talking on the telephone during dinner. •When Ted handed in his essay two weeks late, his teacher really lost her temper. (to) make up one's mind - to reach a decision; to decide (quyết định)

•Stephanie couldn't make up her mind whether to attend Harvard or Stanford. Finally, she chose Stanford. •Do you want an omelette or fried eggs? You'll need to make up your mind quickly because the waitress is coming. no point in - no reason to; it's not worth (doing something) (chẳng có ích gì, không đáng để)

•There's no point in worrying about things you can't change. •There's no point in going on a picnic if it's going to rain.(to) put up with - to endure without complaint (chịu đựng)

•For many years, Barbara put up with her husband's annoying behavior. Finally, she decided to leave him. •I don't know how Len puts up with his mean boss every day.real flop or flop - a failure (thất bại thảm hại)

•The Broadway play closed after just 4 days - it was a real flop! •The company was in trouble after its new product flopped.(to) save the day - to prevent a disaster or misfortune (cứu vãn tình thế)

•The Christmas tree was on fire, but Ted threw water on it and saved the day. •We forgot to buy champagne for our New Year's party, but Sonia brought some and really saved the day!(as) sharp as a tack - very intelligent (cực kỳ thông minh)

•Jay scored 100% on his science test. He's as sharp as a tack. •Anna got a scholarship to Yale. She's as sharp as a tack.(to) talk over - to discuss (thảo luận)

•Dave and I spent hours talking over the details of the plan. •Before you make any big decisions, give me a call and we'll talk things over. top dollar - the highest end of a price range; a lot of money (nhiều tiền)

•Nicole paid top dollar for a shirt at Banana Republic. •Wait until those jeans go on sale. Why pay top dollar?

PRACTICE THE IDIOMS

Fill in the blank with the missing word:

1) I can't believe you bought a couch at Honest Abe's. Everything in that store costs an arm and a__.

a) foot b) leg c) hand

2) After Bob found out that his advertising campaign failed, he wanted to go back to the drawing__.

a) board b) table c) room

3) When somebody isn't listening to you, there's no__in trying to argue with them.

a) edge b) tip c) point

4) Jose is really smart. He's as sharp as a__.

a) tack b) nail c) screw

5) The salespeople at Honest Abe's always look angry and never speak to anybody. No wonder they__Bob the creeps.

a) take b) give c) allow

6) Bob got fired. He isn't looking forward to__the news to his family.

a) breaking b) cracking c) saying

7) Bob thought his new advertisements would bring in lots of customers and save the

a) morning b) night c) day

8) Fortunately, Bob no longer has to put__with his stupid boss at the furniture store.

a) over b) in c) up

Các bạn thử làm bài tập. bài tiếp theo mình post answer key

Tập tin đính kèm: Bài viết được đọc 257 lần Trích dẫn

Gửi lúc 09/28/2010 10:51 CH

xuanlan -Thành viên

Tham gia 09/15/2010 1:34 CH

Bài gửi 4 Re: Learning English - Speaking Thanks emhoctienganh da post bai hoc bo ich voi nhieu tu moi, hi vong ban se post bai moi trong thoi gian som nhat,

1 b

2 a

3 c

4 a

5 b

6 a

7 c

8 c

Tập tin đính kèm: Bài viết được đọc 216 lần Trích dẫn

Gửi lúc 09/29/2010 8:36 SA

emhoctienganh -Thành viên

Tham gia 08/06/2010 9:28 SA

Bài gửi 25 Re: Learning English - Speaking bravo xuanlan, bạn làm đúng hết bài tập rồi đó. Bạn giỏi quá!

Mình sẽ post tiếp bài học mới, mong bạn tiếp tục ủng hộ nhé.

Tập tin đính kèm: Bài viết được đọc 210 lần Trích dẫn

Gửi lúc 09/30/2010 8:49 SA

emhoctienganh -Thành viên

Tham gia 08/06/2010 9:28 SA

Bài gửi 25 Re: Learning English - Speaking LESSON 2

BOB RETURNS HOME WITH BAD NEWS

Bob tells his wife Susan that he lost his job. Susan suggests that he starts his own business.

DIALOGUE

Susan: What's the matter, dear?

Bob: Susan, I got canned today at work.

Susan: But Bob, you were Peter's right-hand man!

Bob: Yes, and he stabbed me in the back.

Susan: Keep your chin up. Maybe he'll change his mind and take you back.

Bob: When pigs fly! Once he makes up his mind, he never changes it. Besides, I told him off.

Susan: Look on the bright side: you won't have to set eyes on Peter ever again.

Bob: Thank goodness for that!

Susan: Hang in there. I'm sure you won't be out of work for long.

Bob: In the meantime, we'll have to live from hand to mouth·.

Susan: Don't get too stressed out, Bob. We'll make ends meet.

Bob: I can always get a job at McDonald's as a last resort.

Susan: I don't think: they're hiring right now.

Bob: If worse comes to worst, we can sell our home and move into a tent.

Susan: Let's think big! Maybe you can start your own business.

Bob: Easier said than done!

IDIOMS - LESSON

(to) change one's mind - to change one's opinion or decision (thay đổi quyết định, ý kiến)

•Brandon wasn't going to take a vacation this year, but then he changed his mind and went to Bora for two weeks. •Why aren't you applying to medical school this year? Did you change your mind about becoming a doctor? easier said than done - more difficult than you think (đâu có dễ như bạn nghĩ, nói thì dễ hơn làm)

•You want to climb Mount Everest? Easier said than done! •Moving into a new home is easier said than done. (to) get canned [slang] - to lose one's job; to get fired (bị đuổi việc)

•After Chris got canned, it took him a year to find a new job. •Lisa is a lousy secretary. She deserves to get canned! SYNONYMS: to get sacked; to be given the ax

(to) hang in there - to persevere; to not give up (kiên nhẫn, đừng bỏ cuộc)

•I know you're four games behind, but you can still win the tennis match. Just hang in there! •Hang in there, Don! Your invention will soon be a success. if worse comes to worst - in the worst case; if absolutely necessary (trong tình huống xấu nhất)

•Ted's car isn't running well. If worse comes to worst, he can take the bus to school. •I know you're running out of money. If worse comes to worst, you can always sell some of your jewelry. (to) keep one's chin up - to stay positive (ngẩng cao đầu, lạc quan)

•Even when he was unemployed and homeless, Bill managed to keep his chin up. •Keep your chin up! You'll find your lost dog soon. last resort - if there are no other alternatives left; the last solution for getting out of a difficulty (phương sách cuối cùng)

•David was locked out of his house. He knew that as a last resort, he could always break a window. •I don't like taking medicine. I'll only take it as a last resort.(to) live from hand to mouth - to barely have enough money to survive (sống chật vật, sống cầm hơi)

•Jenny was earning $5 an hour working at the store. She was really living from hand to mouth. •George is really poor. He lives from hand to mouth. (to) look on the bright side - to be optimistic; to think about the positive part or aspect of a situation (lạc quan, nhìn vào mặt tích cực)

•Leo was upset that his soccer game was canceled. His mother said, "Look on the bright side, now you can stay home and watch TV." •You lost your job? Look on the bright side, now you'll have more free time! (to) make ends meet - to manage one's money so as to have enough to live on; to be okay financially (kiếm sống qua ngày, kiếm đủ sống)

•Kimberly wasn't able to make ends meet so she had to ask her parents to pay her rent. •If you can't make ends meet, you'll need to start spending less. out of work - unemployed; not working (thất nghiệp)

•Gary was out of work for a year before finding a new job. •Bob is out of work. Do you know anybody who might want to hire him? right-hand man - the most helpful assistant or employee (cánh tay phải đắc lực)

•Juan's right-hand man helps him make all of his decisions. •When Jack Thompson retired as president of his company, his right-hand man took over. (to) set eyes on - to look at; to see for the first time (nhìn thấy lần đầu tiên)

•Ted was in love from the moment he set eyes on Amber. •Susan knew from the moment she set eyes on Ted's friend Lucas that he would be trouble. (to) stab someone in the back - to betray someone (đâm sau lưng chiến sĩ, phản bội)

•Jill and Heather were friends, until Heather stabbed Jill in the back by stealing her boyfriend. •You're firing me after all I've done for this company? You're really stabbing me in the back! (to be) stressed out - under severe strain; very anxious (căng thẳng đầu óc, vô cùng lo lắng)

•Al is so stressed out about his job that he can't sleep at night. •You've been so stressed out lately. You really need to take a long vacation! (to) tell off - to scold; to tell someone in strong words what one really thinks (chửi mắng)

•When Ted showed up for chemistry class a half an hour late, his teacher really told him off. •Patty is going to tell off the plumber because the pipes he said he fixed are still leaking. thank goodness - I'm grateful; I'm relieved (ơn trời, tạ ơn chúa)

•When Ted came home at 4 a.m. last Sunday, his mother said, "Thank goodness you're home! I was so worried about you." •Thank goodness you didn't go to California on Monday. It rained there every day this week. (to) think big - to set high goals (đặt mục tiêu cao)

•Why run for Governor of New York? Think big: run for President of the United States! •Ken and Sandra hope to sell their house for $3 million dollars. They always think big. What's the matter? - What's the problem? (có chuyện gì xảy ra vậy?)

•What's the matter, Bob? You don't look very happy. •Oscar looks very pale. What's the matter with him? When pigs fly! [slang] - never (không đời nào, không bao giờ có chuyện đó xảy ra, chỉ khi nào heo mọc cánh, chỉ khi nào heo biết leo cây) [từ lóng]

•Will Ted teach Nicole how to play the guitar? When pigs fly! •Sure, I'll give you my new laptop. When pigs fly! SYNONYMS: when hell freezes over; never in a million years

PRACTICE THE IDIOMS

Fill in the blank with the missing word:

1) What's the _______? You look upset.

a) situation b) issue c) matter

2) I know I can trust you. You would never stab me in the ______

a) leg b) back c) arm

3) If Bob and Susan run out of money, they can always borrow money from Susan's sister as a_____resort.

a) final b) first c) last

4) You look really stressed_____. Why don't you sit down, relax, and have a cup oftea?

a) about b) in c) out

5) Bob, everything will be fine. You just need to keep your chin _____and remember that tomorrow is another day.

a) up b) down c) above

6) I just can't make up my_____whether to order chicken or fish.

a) head b) brain c) mind

7) Nicole accidentally stepped on Ted's guitar. Ted got really angry and told her_____'

a) off b) out c) away

8) Your husband left you for his psychologist? Hang_____there! I'm sure he'll realize she's crazy and then come back to you:

a) up b) in c) out

Tập tin đính kèm: Bài viết được đọc 191 lần Trích dẫn

Gửi lúc 10/02/2010 10:43 SA

xuanlan -Thành viên

Tham gia 09/15/2010 1:34 CH

Bài gửi 4 Re: Learning English - Speaking Thanks emhoctienganh,

My answer in lesson 2 is:

1 c

2 b

3 c

4 c

5 a

6 c

7 a

8 b

Tập tin đính kèm: Bài viết được đọc 173 lần Trích dẫn

Gửi lúc 10/08/2010 8:49 SA

emhoctienganh -Thành viên

Tham gia 08/06/2010 9:28 SA

Bài gửi 25 Re: Learning English - Speaking LESSON 3

TED'S DAY AT SCHOOL

Ted tells his parents he did poorly on his chemistry test. They tell him he needs to get serious and study more.

DIALOGUE

Susan: How was your day at school today, Ted?

Ted: Bad. I had a chemistry test, and I blew it!

Susan: Maybe if you didn't cut class so often, you'd do better.

Bob: That's right, son. Stop slacking off and start hitting the books!

Ted: But I can't stand chemistry class. Besides, it's a lost cause. That class is way over my head.

Susan: You need to buckle down.

Ted: When I'm a famous musician, people won't give a hoot about my knowledge of atoms and molecules.

Bob: That's beside the point.

Susan: We know you have your heart set on going to New York University.

Bob: And you don't stand a chance of getting in there with such poor grades!

IDIOMS - LESSON

beside the point - not relevant; not important (không liên quan, không quan trọng)

•Whether or not I asked the waiter to bring us water is beside the point. Waiters should always bring water to the table. •The reason you're late is beside the point. The fact is, your dinner is now cold. (to) blow something - to spoil or botch something (làm hỏng)

•Brenda blew the interview and didn't get the job offer. •Randy managed to get a date with the most popular girl in his class. Now I hope he doesn't blow it! (to) buckle down - to start working seriously (bắt đầu làm việc nghiêm túc, thật sự)

•If Don buckles down now, he might be able to graduate from high school this year. •Team, if we want to win this tournament, we're going to need to buckle down! can't stand - to hate (ghét, không ưa)

•Bob can't stand bureaucrats, so he'd never do well working at a large corporation. •Nicole can't stand broccoli. She simply refuses to eat it. (to) cut class - to miss class without an excuse (bỏ học, trốn học, cúp cua)

•Ted often cuts class to spend more time with his girlfriend. •If you keep cutting French class, you're going to fail it. Get real! - be serious or realistic about what's going on (Đừng có ngớ ngẩn như thế!, Hãy thực tế đi)

•You think you won't get a speeding ticket when you drive 85 miles per hour? Get real! •You think you're going to win $1 million in the lottery? Get real! (to) have one's heart set on - to really want something (ao ước, mong ước, muốn)

•Nicole has her heart set on going to New York this weekend.

•Did you really have your heart set on going to Harvard? (to) hit the books - to start studying (bắt đầu học, lao đầu vào học)

•Ted partied all weekend. Finally, on Sunday night, he decided it was time to hit the books. •Hit the books! I know you have a test tomorrow. lost cause - something hopeless (nỗi thất bại thảm hại, nỗ lực vô vọng)

•Cindy spent five years studying Russian. Finally, she realized it was a lost cause. She would never learn it. •Jack needs to stop drinking so much coffee, but he's so addicted to caffeine that it's a lost cause. (to) not give a hoot - to not care about (không màng tới, cóc cần)

•Tom likes to walk around town in his pajamas - he doesn't give a hoot what people think.•Stephanie doesn't give a hoot if she's the only one wearing a green dress to the high school prom. SYNONYMS: to not give a damn; to not give a darn

over one's head - beyond one's understanding (khó hiểu, không thể hiểu nổi)

•The professor was speaking over our heads. None of us could understand him. •The article on cloning was written for scientists. It was over my head. (to) slack off - to waste time (phí thời gian, tốn thời giờ)

•Amanda doesn't get much done at the office. She's too busy slacking off. •I'd better stop slacking off. My essay is due in two hours. NOTE: People who slack off all the time are called "slackers."

(to) stand a chance - to have the possibility of success (có khả năng thành công, chiến thắng)

•Although the American figure skaters were good, they didn't stand a chance of winning a gold medal at the Olympics. •Wilton High School has the best soccer team in the state. I'm afraid we don't stand a chance against them!

PRACTICE THE IDIOMS

Choose the most appropriate reply to the following statements:

1) Bob: "Susan, I can't get my old job back. It's a lost cause."

Susan's reply: a) "Lost? Maybe I can help you find it."

b) "Yes, I know it's not a good cause."

c) "I understand. You'll find something else."

2) Susan: "How could Peter fire you? Were you slacking oft'?"

Bob's reply: a) "No. I was working very hard!"

b) "No. I talked on the phone to friends all day."

c) "Yes. I was working very hard!"

3) Ted: "It's gettipg late. I'd better start hitting the books."

Bob's reply: a) "Yes, that's a good idea. Spend some time studying."

b) "Hit the books? Why don't you read them instead?"

c) "Why don't you study instead?"

4) Peter: "I don't give a hoot how long you've been working here."

Bob's reply: a) "I wouldn't give you a hoot either."

b) "I guess our years together aren't important to you."

c) "Yes, it was a long time."

5) Bob: "Susan, the truth is that I couldn't stand Peter."

Susan's reply: a) "I know. Peter really liked you too."

b) "I liked him too. He was a nice guy."

c) "I didn't like him either. He was a jerk."

6) Susan: "Nicole, do you ever cut class?"

Nicole's reply: a) "No. I've never missed a single class."

b) "Yes. I had to leave my math class early yesterday."

c) "No. Sometimes I go to the mall during class time."

7) Bob: "This book on computers is way over my head."

Susan's reply: a) "Over your head? It should be in front of your face!"

b) "Why don't you start with an easier book?"

c) "Here, try this book. It's more difficult."

8) Nicole: "I've got my heart set on going to the school picnic."

Susan's reply: a) "Okay. You should definitely go."

b) "Really? Why don't you want to go?"

c) "I understand. Picnics can be boring."

Tập tin đính kèm: Bài viết được đọc 145 lần Trích dẫn

Gửi lúc 10/09/2010 11:53 SA

xuanlan -Thành viên

Tham gia 09/15/2010 1:34 CH

Bài gửi 4 Re: Learning English - Speaking

Thanks emhoctienganh,

My answer in lesson 3 is:

1 b

2 a

3 a

4 b

5 c

6 b

7 b

8 a

Tập tin đính kèm: Bài viết được đọc 128 lần Trích dẫn

Gửi lúc 10/11/2010 8:19 SA

emhoctienganh -Thành viên

Tham gia 08/06/2010 9:28 SA

Bài gửi 25 Re: Learning English - Speaking Mình post answer key đây. xuanlan xem lại nhen (mình thấy là bạn có làm trật 2 câu đó)

1) Bob: "Susan, I can't get my old job back. It's a lost cause."

Susan's reply: a) "Lost? Maybe I can help you find it."

b) "Yes, I know it's not a good cause."

c) "I understand. You'll find something else."

2) Susan: "How could Peter fire you? Were you slacking off?"

Bob's reply: a) "No. I was working very hard!"

b) "No. I talked on the phone to friends all day."

c) "Yes. I was working very hard!"

3) Ted: "It's getting late. I'd better start hitting the books."

Bob's reply: a) "Yes, that's a good idea. Spend some time studying."

b) "Hit the books? Why don't you read them instead?"

c) "Why don't you study instead?"

4) Peter: "I don't give a hoot how long you've been working here."

Bob's reply: a) "I wouldn't give you a hoot either."

b) "I guess our years together aren't important to you."

c) "Yes, it was a long time."

5) Bob: "Susan, the truth is that I couldn't stand Peter."

Susan's reply: a) "I know. Peter really liked you too."

b) "I liked him too. He was a nice guy."

c) "I didn't like him either. He was a jerk."

6) Susan: "Nicole, do you ever cut class?"

Nicole's reply: a) "No. I've never missed a single class."

b) "Yes. I had to leave my math class early yesterday."

c) "No. Sometimes I go to the mall during class time."

7) Bob: "This book on computers is way over my head."

Susan's reply: a) "Over your head? It should be in front of your face!"

b) "Why don't you start with an easier book?"

c) "Here, try this book. It's more difficult."

8) Nicole: "I've got my heart set on going to the school picnic."

Susan's reply: a) "Okay. You should definitely go."

b) "Really? Why don't you want to go?"

c) "I understand. Picnics can be boring."

Tập tin đính kèm: Bài viết được đọc 110 lần Trích dẫn

Gửi lúc 10/18/2010 9:17 SA

emhoctienganh -Thành viên

Tham gia 08/06/2010 9:28 SA

Bài gửi 25 Re: Learning English - Speaking LESSON 4

NICOLE'S DAY AT SCHOOL

Nicole tells her mother Susan about her successful presentation. Her brother Ted overhears and interrupts the conversation

DIALOGUE

Susan: How was your day at school today, Nicole?

Nicole: It was great, Mom. I gave a presentation on Hillary Clinton in government class. Afterwards, my teacher paid me a compliment.

Susan: What did she say?

Nicole: She said my presentation was head and shoulders above the others.

Susan: Way to go!

Nicole: She also said I should go into politics, just like Hillary.

Ted: You're so gung ho about school. It drives me crazy.

Nicole: Ted, don't butt in! You're just jealous.

Ted: Right. You hit the nail on the head. I'm green with envy.

Nicole: Would you just shut up? You're on thin ice with me right now.

Ted: Oh no! Look at me. I'm shaking in my shoes!

IDIOMS - LESSON 4

(to) butt in [slang] - to interrupt; to interfere (can thiệp, quấy rầy)

•Nancy is always butting in to other people's business. •Sara is really rude. She always butts in to other people's conversations.

(to) drive one crazy - to annoy someone very much (làm ai khó chịu, làm ai bực mình)

•Don't ask Mrs. Smith how old she is. It drives her crazy. •Please stop chewing gum so loudly. It's driving me crazy!

SYNONYMS: to drive one nuts; to drive one up the wall

(to) go into - to enter a profession (chọn nghề, theo nghề)

•Lisa enjoys arguing with people, so she decided to go into law. •Do you like solving people's problems? If so, you should consider going into psychology.

NOTE: "Go into" has several other meanings, including:

1. Enter. (vào)

•Go into the house and get a pen.2. Enter another emotional state. (rơi vào trạng thái)

•Sally went into hysterics. 3. Discuss details. (thảo luận chi tiết)

•I don't have time now to go into the whole story. green with envy - desiring another's advantages or things (ganh tị, đố kỵ)

•When Daniel got promoted to vice president of the bank, his colleagues were green with envy. •You won the lottery? I'm green with envy!

gung ho - very enthusiastic; very excited (about something) (phấn khích, hăng hái, hăm hở)

•Heather is really gung ho about her new job. •Sharon really loves college. She's very gung ho.

NOTE: If the expression "gung ho" doesn't sound like English to you, there's a reason. It comes from a Mandarin Chinese phrase meaning "working together." A US Marine Corps commander in China adopted this expression as the motto for his battalion during World War 2 and from there it sailed over to the United States and came into common use.

head and shoulders above - far superior to (vượt trội, hơn hẳn)

•The Boston Symphony Orchestra is head and shoulders above any other orchestra in the area. •I can't believe you only won second prize in the competition. You were head and shoulders above the first-prize winner! (to) hit the nail on the head - to be right (nói đúng, làm đúng)

•Dawn hit the nail on the head when she said that Tiffany is jealous of Amber. •Steve hit the nail on the head with his idea of moving his company's manufacturing facility to China.

(to be) on thin ice (with someone) - to be in a dangerous position; to be temporarily on somebody's bad side (đang gặp nguy, đang trong tình thế nguy hiểm)

•Joey was on thin ice with his mom after he spent his lunch money on candy bars. •Bill was on thin ice with his girlfriend after she saw him at the movie theater with another girl.

NOTE: There is also the variation "to skate on thin ice."

•Joey knew he was skating on thin ice when he bought candy with his lunch money.

(to) pay (someone) a compliment - to give someone a compliment; to offer someone an admiring comment (tán dương, ca ngợi ai)

•Professor Russo paid Jennifer a compliment. He said she had a beautiful smile. •Isn't it wonderful to pay someone a compliment? It makes them feel good, and it doesn't cost you anything! (to) shake in one's shoes - to tremble with fear; to be afraid (sợ hãi, khiếp sợ)

•Brianna is scared of her French teacher, Monsieur Le Monstre. Whenever he speaks to her, Brianna starts shaking in her shoes. •During the storm, Billy was hiding under his kitchen table and was really shaking in his shoes. shut up - be quiet, stop speaking (dừng nói, ngừng nói, thôi nói)

•The professor talked for hours. I thought he'd never shut up.

shut up - Stop speaking! (câm họng!, câm mồm!)

•Nicole kept telling Ted to tum down his stereo. Finally, he got angry and said, "Shut up!"

NOTE: Remember that telling somebody to "shut up!" is rude. It's better to say "Be quiet!" or more politely, "Please be quiet!"

Way to go! - Good work! (Tốt lắm!, Giỏi lắm!, Hoan hô!)

•You won $2,000 in the poetry writing contest? Way to go! •That was an interesting article you wrote. Way to go!

PRACTICE THE IDOMS

Fill in the blank with the missing word:

1) Nicole is in a good mood because her teacher______her a compliment.

a) told b) paid c) provided

2) Nicole's teacher told her she was ______ and shoulders above her classmates.

a) elbow b) neck c) head

3) When my friend Chad told me he'd just won the lottery, I was______with envy.

a) blue b) green c) red

4) When you do something well, your boss might tell you, "Way______!"

a) to come b) to go c) to act

5) When the robbers entered my house, I was in the kitchen shaking in my______"

a) slippers b) pajamas c) shoes

6) If somebody is bothering you, you can tell them they're driving you______"

a) crazy b) angry c) unhappy

7) If you like power, you might consider going______politics.

a) above b) towards c) into

8) "You've been yelling and screaming for the past two hours. Could you just shut______ already?"

a) up b) in c) off

BONUS PRACTICE

Choose the best substitute for the phrase or sentence in bold:

1) When her friend Anna got into Yale, Nicole was green with envy.

a) sick b) happy for her c) very jealous

2) Bob and Susan are really gung ho about the TV show Survivor. They watch it every Thursday night.

a) enthusiastic b) concerned c) angry

3) Shut up! I can't take any more of your screaming.

a) Talk louder! b) Be quiet! c) Get out!

4) You got a scholarship to attend Harvard? Way to go!

a) Too bad! b) Good work! c) Oh well!

5) Please don't butt in! We weren't talking to you.

a) look at us b) disagree with us c) interrupt our conversation

6) These cookies aren't very good. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said I should add more sugar next time.

a) were wrong b) were right c) were confused

1) Nicole is in a good mood because her teacher______her a compliment.

a) told b) paid c) provided

2) Nicole's teacher told her she was ______ and shoulders above her classmates.

a) elbow b) neck c) head

3) When my friend Chad told me he'd just won the lottery, I was______with envy.

a) blue b) green c) red

4) When you do something well, your boss might tell you, "Way______!"

a) to come b) to go c) to act

5) When the robbers entered my house, I was in the kitchen shaking in my______"

a) slippers b) pajamas c) shoes

6) If somebody is bothering you, you can tell them they're driving you______"

a) crazy b) angry c) unhappy

7) If you like power, you might consider going______politics.

a) above b) towards c) into

8) "You've been yelling and screaming for the past two hours. Could you just shut______ already?"

a) up b) in c) off

Answer key for Bonus practice:

1) When her friend Anna got into Yale, Nicole was green with envy.

a) sick b) happy for her c) very jealous

2) Bob and Susan are really gung ho about the TV show Survivor. They watch it every Thursday night.

a) enthusiastic b) concerned c) angry

3) Shut up! I can't take any more of your screaming.

a) Talk louder! b) Be quiet! c) Get out!

4) You got a scholarship to attend Harvard? Way to go!

a) Too bad! b) Good work! c) Oh well!

5) Please don't butt in! We weren't talking to you.

a) look at us b) disagree with us c) interrupt our conversation

6) These cookies aren't very good. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said I should add more sugar next time.

a) were wrong b) were right c) were confused