III. Idioms

Idioms are groups of words with a fixed order, and a particular meaning, different from the meanings of each of their words put together. (Phrasal verbs can also be idioms; they are said to be ‘idiomatic’ when their meaning is unpredictable.) For example, do you know what it means to ‘meet one’s match’ in English? It means to meet someone who is as good as oneself, or even better, in some skill or quality. Do you know what it means to ‘let the cat out of the bag’? Can you guess?

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Here are a few sentences from the text which have idiomatic expressions. Can you say what each means? (You might want to consult a dictionary first.)

(i)Our entire class is quaking in its boots. .......................................................................................

(ii)Until then, we keep telling each other not to lose heart. .......................................................................................

(iii)Mr. Keesing was annoyed with me for ages because I talked so much. .............................................

(iv)Mr. Keesing was trying to play a joke on me with this ridiculous subject, but I’d make sure the joke was on him. ..............................................................................