Sunday, 14 December 2014

Vocabulary: Idioms, Lesson 2: Intermediate level

Let's get in to deep water with a higher level of idioms!

Inside out: with the inside facing the outside.
                -Someone should tell little Bobby that his shirt is inside out.
                -The high winds ruined the umbrella by blowing it inside out.

Upside down: with the upper side turned toward the lower side.
                -The accident caused on car to turn upside down, its wheels spinning in the air.
                -One of the students was only pretending to read her textbook; the teacher could see that the book was actually upside down.

To fill in: to write answers in; to inform, to tell. For the second definition, the idiom can be followed by the preposition on and the information that someone is told.
                -You should be careful to fill in the blanks on the registration form correctly.
                -Barry was absent from the meeting, so I'd better fill him in.
                -Has anyone filled the boss in on the latest public relation disaster?.

To fill out: to complete a form. This idiom is very similar to the first definition above. To fill in refers to completing various parts of a form, while to fill out refers to completing a form as one whole item.
                -Every prospective employee must fill out an application by giving name, address, previous jobs, etc.
                -The teenager had some trouble filling the forms out by himself, so his mother helped him.

To take advantage of: to use well, to profit from;  to use another person's weaknesses to gain what one wants.
                - I took advantage of my neighbor's superior skill at tennis to improve my own ability at the game.
                -Teddy is such a small, weak child that his friends take advantage of him all the time. They take advantage of him by demanding money and making him do things for them.

No matter: regardless of. This idiom is a shortened form of it doesn't matter. It is followed by a question word such as how, where, when, who, etc.
                -No matter how much money he spends on his clothes, he never looks well dressed.
                - No matter where that escaped prisoner tries to hide, the police will find him sooner or later.

To take up: to begin to do or study, to undertake; to occupy space, time, or energy.
                -After today's exam, the class will be ready to take up the last chapter in the book.
                -The piano takes up too much space in our living room. However, it would take too much time up to move it right now; so we'd better wait until later.

To take up with: to consult someone about an important matter. The important matter follows the verb take, while the person consulted follows with.
                - Can I take the problem up with you right now? It's quite urgent.
                -I can't help you with this matter. You'll have to take it up with the manager.

To take after: to resemble a parent or close relative (for physical appearance only, also: to look like).
                -Which of your parents do you take after the most?.
                -Sam looks like his father, but he takes after his mother in personality.

In the long run: eventually, after a long period of time. This idiom is similar in meaning to sooner or later. The difference is that in the long run refers to a more extended period of time.
                -In the long run, the synthetic weave in this carpet will wear better than the woolen one. You won't have to replace it so soon.
                -If you work hard at your marriage, you'll find out that, in the long run, your spouse can be your best friend in life.

In touch: having contact.
                -James will be in touch with us soon to relay the details of the plan.
                -I certainly enjoyed seeing you again after all these years. Let's be sure to keep in touch.

Out of touch: not having contact, not having knowledge of.
                -Marge and I had been out of touch for years, but then suddenly she called me up the other day.

                -Larry has been so busy that he seems out of touch with world events.

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