Skype English School—Learning English Beyond the Classroom

F o c u s o n I d i o m s – Pr a i s e a n d C r i t i c i s m
Skype English School 8th September 2009

 We create your lessons to suit you and your Learning Objectives

learning needs.  To understand how idioms work
 We use world renowned programs in  To be able to use idioms
planning your lessons.  To recognize idioms in use
 We are 75% less expensive than traditional
schools.
 We are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
 Our teachers are native English speakers.

What is an idiom?
An idiom is a phrase whose meaning cannot be determined by the literal definition of the phrase
itself, but refers instead to a figurative meaning that is known only through common use.
There are different types of idioms in use:

Form Example Meaning

Verb + object kill two birds with one stone produce two results by doing one action
Prepositional phrase in the blink of an eye in an extremely short time
Compound a bone of contention something which people argue over
Simile as dry as a bone very dry indeed
Binomial rough and ready crude and lacking sophistication
Trinomial cool, calm and collected relaxed, in control, not nervous
Whole clause to cut a long story short to tell the main parts but not everything

Why are idioms so important?

You will come across a great deal of idioms in spoken
English and in written English. You will also find them on
television and at the movies.

It is important to know these idioms and how they are

used.
Learn English a nywhere,
anytime! They are one of the most interesting and fun parts of the
English language.

There are idioms to cover almost every situation in life.

We are going to start by focusing on everyday
conversational idioms.

Please click here to visit the blog for more idioms:

Find yo ur
t ea ch er .

Idioms for Praise and Criticism

In these conversations the second speaker uses and idiom to sum up what the first
speaker said.

Milo: That little village was the most wonderful, beautiful place I have ever seen.
Karla: Yes, it really was out of this world!
Nora: That professor is the best I have ever heard!
Bill: Yes, he really is second to none, isn’t he?

Lucy: I’m not looking forward to being leader after John. He’s so popular.
James; Yes, he’s a hard act to follow!

Cathy: I don’t think we’ll be able to get tickets for the cup final?
Steve: Yeah. They’re like gold-dust.

Mark: Dr Smith’s work is some amazing, he has some unique theories.

Nadia: Yes, he’s done some real ground-breaking work.

Idioms in use Criticising People

Read this passage and note the idioms. What they actually mean

Well, when I first started working with her
she was all sweetness and light (1 )but
after a while she started getting /grating
on my nerves (2) and we soon began to
have silly arguments. If I made a small mis-
take with my work she would give me a
hard time (3) and she would poke fun (4)
at me . To add insult to injury (5) she be-
gan to cast aspersions on (6) my hon-
esty. Money went missing and she blamed
me. I don’t think she was out and out (7)
evil but she was certainly looking for trou-
ble. (8)
1. friendly and pleasant but in a false
way.
2. Irritating/ annoying me.
3. Make me suffer/feel guilty.
4. Tease/mock me.
5. To make a bad situation even worse
6. Critise my character.
7. Completely/totally (for negative quali-
ties of people.)
8. Doing things that would result in trou-
ble.

Putting it into practice– which idiom would you use to make sense?
In these questions use an idiom to sum up what the other person is saying.

A. Diana was very friendly after our fight, but in a really false way.
B. Yes, I know one minute she was all angry and the next __________________

A. I tried to buy the new Jonas Brothers CD, but they were already sold out.
B. Yes, apparently they’re ______________________________

A. I enjoy being chairperson, but I find it difficult after Sarah, she was so good at
it!
B. Yes, she’s __________________

The Skype English Approach

We use a variety of resources and scenarios which may include some of the follow-
ing:
 Role-plays
 Student-centered activities
 Casual and social element
 Formal and professional element
 Practical communication skills
 Speaking Games
 Useful Language and standard phrases for the various communication skills.
  Useful Language and standard phrases for the various communication skills.

Be the Teacher—Correcting Idioms

These idioms aren’t quite correct can you make them make sense?

1. She really gets in my nerves sometimes!

2. The scientist did some ground making research on gene therapy!
3. I don’t think you should cast aspirations on him, he’s not here to defend himself.
4. She had already upset me, but to add injuries to insults she told me I was ugly.

Changing Idioms
Some idioms can be changed. They retain the same or similar meaning.

1. What verb and preposition can be used instead of make and of in the idiom
make fun of somebody?
2. What verb can be used instead of get in the idiom get on somebody’s
nerves?

Practise makes perfect

Complete each of the following :

1. They critised her very strongly , but she _______as good as _______ and that
made them shut up!

2. We stayed at a luxurious hotel . It was _____ _____ _____ ____.

3. I hate my sister, she really ______ _____ _____ _____ sometimes.

Learning Challenge

Now go out and find as many idioms used for praise and criticism . Watch TV, go
to the movies, listen to music and if you can find a native English speaker and
have a conversation with them !

If you hear an idiom and you are not sure what it means, write it down and email it
to us .

We’ll give you your

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book your lessons.

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Kind regards,

Skype English School

Learning English beyond the classroom

E-mail: skype-english@nortonls.com
Web: http://www.skype-englishschool.com

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