Elevator music:

Soft, pleasant but boring music often played quietly in public spaces (such as
elevators)
Example:
“I wish they would stop playing this boring elevator music. It’s putting me to
sleep! Why can’t they play something fun like jazz or rock?”
Sound like a broken record:
Someone who repeats the same thing again and again
Examples:
“Mom, I know! I heard you the first time… you sound like a broken record. I’ll
clean my room after dinner.”
“I hate to sound like a broken record but I’m going to say it again: context is
everything when learning new vocabulary!”
Blow your own trumpet:
Proudly boasting about your own achievements, talents, or successes
Examples:
“That’s an interesting question. I don’t want to blow my own trumpet but I think
one of my unique talents is my ability to understand other’s, even if I don’t have
the same opinion or if I don’t agree. It makes it easy for me to find common
ground with others.”
“Bill is always blowing his own trumpet. I’m kind of tired of hearing how “great”
he is.”
Music to my ears:
Good news; information that makes someone happy
Example:
“I passed??? Oh, that’s music to my ears!!! I was so nervous about the exam!”
Face the music:
To accept unpleasant consequences or an unpleasant reality
Example:
“I know you’re upset about losing this client. It’s a very big client to lose but it’s
time for us to face the music and go forward. We’ll have to work hard for a while
until we can sign on someone new.”
Play by ear:
To perform (or play an instrument) without practice or preparation; indicate
uncertainty in a situation
Examples:
“My brother has never taken a piano lesson in his life but he can play anything.
He just plays by ear.”
“We’re not as prepared as we should be for this presentation, so we’ll just have
to play it by ear
.”
(It’s) Not Over Till the Fat Lady Sings

 Meaning: The situation may change; nothing is certain until the

conclusion
 Example: The team is behind 4-1, but it’s  not over till the fat lady
sings.
(To) Play Second Fiddle

 Meaning: To play a subordinate role to someone

 Example:  I thought I’d have more responsibility in my new job, but
I’m just  playing second fiddle  to Victoria.

All That Jazz

 Meaning: Similar things, similar qualities, et cetera

  Example: The teacher said I was lazy, that I needed to study more,
and  all that jazz.
Beat the Drum for (Something)

 Meaning: Speak in favor of something to try to generate support

 Example: Religious conservatives have been  beating the drum
for  higher alcohol taxes.
Blow the whistle

 Meaning: Reporting an illegal or unacceptable activity to the

authorities
 Example: If you keep coming in late, I’m going to have to  blow the
whistle  and report you to the department head.

Call the tune

 Meaning: Making important decisions and controlling a situation.

 Example: My staff has to do what I say because I’m the boss, and
I  call the tune  here!
Change One’s Tune

 Meaning: To alter one’s opinion about something.

 Example: Jason used to dislike muffins, but now that he’s dating a
pastry chef he’s  changed his tune!

Dance to Someone’s Tune

 Meaning: Consistently follow someone’s directions or influence

 Example: The city council always  dances to the tune  of the large
corporations in the area.
Face the music

 Meaning: Dealing with consequences of one’s actions

  Example: I told you not to try to sneak in, and now that you’ve been
caught, you’re just going to have to  face the music.
For a song

 Meaning: Buying or selling something at a very cheap price.

 Example: Wow, I can’t believe they let so many things at their yard
sale go  for a song.

It Takes Two to Tango

 Meaning: When something goes wrong involving two people, it’s

likely that they share the blame; cooperation is necessary
 Example: Elena blames Juan for the breakup of their marriage, but  it
takes two to tango.

March to the beat of your own drum

 Meaning: When someone does things the way they want to, without
taking anybody else or anything else into consideration.
 Example:  My brother’s eschewed the idea of a full-time career and
has had every odd ball job you could think of, but then he’s always
been happy  marching to the beat of his own drum.
Music to My Ears

 Meaning: Good to hear; welcome news

 Example: News of the new president was  music to my ears  – she’s
terrific.

1. Do you have a favourite musician or band?

2. Can you play a musical instrument?
3. Which musical instrument would you like to learn to play?
4. Where and when do you listen to music?
5. Do you enjoy going to concerts?
6. Have you ever downloaded music illegally? Is it right to do so?
7. Should every child learn to play a musical instrument?
8. Who is the greatest musician in history?
9. Who is the greatest musician from your country?
10. Which decade of the 20th and 21st centuries produced the best music?
11. What do you think about the music produced in the last 5 years?
12. In general, would you say modern music is better than classical music?
13. Does classical music have a future?
14. Are national anthems important? Do you like yours?
15. Which country produces the greatest music?
16. Can anybody learn to sing?
17. Do you need to be able to read music to play music well?
18. Why do people listen to music?
19. How important is a good soundtrack to a good movie?
20. Is it possible to communicate emotion through music?
21. Are the lyrics to a song important? Do you listen to them?