Idioms and Proverbs on Personal Issues. Учебное пособие - страница 10

To break the ice – to do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a strained situation

To get on with smb – to like and have a friendly relationship with smb

To give smb credit for smth – to acknowledge or praise smb for smth

To have smth in common with smb/ smth – to share interests or characteristics; to resemble one another in specific ways

To have what it takes – to have the necessary qualities for success

To hit the spot – to be exactly what is required

To make the best of smth – to use smth as well as possible

To pay attention to smb/ smth – to take notice of smb/ smth

Proverbs

A hedge between keeps friendship green – с соседями дружи, а тын городи.

All are not friends that speak us fair – в очи льстит, а за глаза костит.

Civility costs nothing – от учтивых слов язык не отсохнет.

Do well and have well – когда хочешь себе добра, то никому не делай зла.

Handsome is as handsome does – не тот хорош, кто лицом пригож, а тот, кто для дела гож.

EXERCISES

4.1 Combine the words from the box below to make seven idioms. Use each word once only.

4.2 Which idioms do the given pictures make you think of?

4.3 Complete each idiom in the following sentences.

1. Martin is a tactful guy who always pays ………….. to other people’s feelings.

2. Alice is our English teacher’s daughter; that’s why mother praises any progress of hers ……………

3. Bill has what ………….. to become a vet. He’s kind and likes to take care of the animals.

4. Tomorrow John is going to have a barbecue at his neighbors’ as he is ………….. terms ………….. them.

5. Good professionals with excellent qualifications and many years’ experience are ………….. dust.

6. Fred should ………….. Mary credit ………….. not snitching on him to parents for breaking his mother’s favorite vase.

7. Troy is very polite, hard-working, and never complains. He is ………….. gold for his employer.

4.4 Rewrite each sentence using the word in brackets.

1. We haven’t spoken to each other for ages; I think it’s high time for me to be the first to make up. (ICE)

2. The atmosphere in this restaurant is absolutely amazing. (OUT)

3. Jeremy didn’t know what to give Jill for her birthday, but, eventually, he made the right choice. (SPOT)

4. Bob believes in practical approach to things; he never gets involved in infeasible activities. (DOWN)