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COM

CHUYÊN ĐỀ VIẾT LẠI CÂU

(MỨC ĐỘ KHÓ)

TEST ONE

1. What he told me made me very curious to hear the rest of the story. (APPETITE)

What he told me whetted my appetite for the rest of the story

WHET YOUR APPETITE (FOR): increase feeling of wanting something.

2. I knew the project would not succeed from the start. (DOOMED)

I knew the project would was doomed to failure from the start

be doomed to failure/defeat/extinction etc: to make someone or sth certain to fail, die,


be destroyed etc

3. The politician tried to find people who were willing to back his campaign to help the
homeless. (DRUM)

The politician tried to drum up support for his campaign to help the homeless

DRUM UP: Tuyên truyền, quảng cáo 

4. Digging in the garden gives me an outlet for my frustrations. (VENT)

Digging in the garden allows me to vent my frustration

VENT YOUR EMOTION: you let out a strong and sometimes angry emotion 

5. She was miserable when her mother made her give away all her childhood toys.
(PARTED)

She was miserabel to have parted with all her childhood toys
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6. By leaving Mary alone, I am sure she will finish the project on time. (DEVICES)

If Mary is left to her own devices, I am sure she will finish the project on time

7. Martin cannot go higher in his career. (PINNACLE)

Martin has reached the pinnacle of his career

REACH THE PINNACLE OF SUCCESS/CAREER: đạt đến đỉnh cao

8. He suddenly realized that she was never coming back. (DAWNED)

It suddenly dawned on him that she was never coming back

9. You‘ve been looking miserable all day. (MOON)

You have done nothing but moon about all day

MOON ABOUT/AROUND:  to spend your time lazily, moving around with no intention

10. She‘s only happy when somebody does all her jobs for her. (DANCES)

……………DANCE TO ONE’S TUNE (to do what someone wants)………………………

11. Ray’s good work record enabled him to get promotion. (STRENGTH)

Ray got promotion on the strength of his good work record.

ON THE STRENGTH OF:  because of the influence of (something)

12. The company tried unsuccessfully to secure a bank loan. (AVAIL)

The company's efforts were TO NO AVAIL IN securing a bank loan.

TO NO AVAIL : without success


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13. They remain close friends despite having had many arguments. (FALLEN)

They haven't fallen out although they have had many arguments

14. Have you ever thought of changing jobs? (CROSSED)

Has it ever crossed your mind to change your job.

15. I’m sick of that program because I’ve watched it too often. (OFF)

I've gone off that programme; I've watched it too often.

Go off= no longer like sth

16. A new arrangement over working conditions has been made between the management
and the Union. (STRUCK)

The management has struck a new deal with the Union over working conditions.’

STRIKE A DEAL: come to an agreement 

17. We can’t possibly imagine how we are going to afford a new car. (REMOTEST)

We haven't the remotest idea how we're going to afford a new car

Not have the remotest idea= to not know at all

18. Mike has a more complex personality than you may think. (DEPTHS)

Mike has greater depths to him than you may think

19. The government received many criticisms concerning their new housing policy. (FEW)

The government came In for a good few criticisms concerning their new housing policy.

20. Tom teased Alice about her new hairstyle. (POKED)


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Tom poked fun at Alice's new hairstyle

TEST TWO

1. How would you deal with such a challenge? (PRESENTED)

What would you do if you were presented with such a challenge?

2. Seeing the damage to his car, Jerry became furious. (BESIDE)

Jerry was beside himself with anger when he saw the damage to his car.

BE BESIDE YOURSELF (WITH JOY/ETC): extremely angry, upset, or excited.

3. I happened to see James as he walked past the door. (CAUGHT)

I caught a glimpse of James ashe walked past the door

4. You must do anything you can to make the negotiations successful. (STOPS)

…………………PULL OUT ALL THE STOPS to make the………………………

PULL OUT ALL THE STOPS: make a very great effort to achieve something

5. The government has tried to make the incident seem less serious. (PLAYED)

The government has played down the seriousness of the incident

PLAY DOWN: khinh thường, xem nhẹ

6. A cup of tea is the most refreshing drink of all. (MATCH)

There’s nothing to match tea as a refreshing drink.

7. Tom didn’t understand the situation and so made a terrible mistake. (STICK)
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Tom got the wrong end of the stick and so made a terrible mistake.

8. In my opinion, computers are more trouble than they’re worth. (HINDRANCE)

In my opinion, computers are more of a hindrance than a help

9. Since the advertisement, we’ve had more applications than we can deal with.
(SWAMPED)

Since the ads, we have been swamped with applications

10. Mary was always making Jones the subject of her cruel jokes. (BUTT)

John was always the butt of Mary's cruel jokes

THE BUTT OF SOMETHING (phrase): person about whom people make jokes

11. She was an excellent playwright whose work didn’t get the recognition it deserved.
(RENOWN)

She was an excellent playwright Who gained little renown for her work

12. There was hardly any movement in the traffic in front of us. (INCHED)

The traffic hardly Inched along in front of us

INCH ALONG: to move slowly along something little by little

13. The community spoke enthusiastically about the recently elected mayor. (SANG)

The community sang the recently elected mayor's praises

Sing someone’s/something's praises: to praise sb/sth with enthusiasm


14. The subject of productivity bonuses has been mentioned at every management and
workers meeting. (CROPPED)
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The subject of productivity bonuses has cropped up at every meeting between management
and workers.

15. My husband and I had a row about buying a car. (WORDS)

I had words with my husband about buying a car

16. Rick’s boss says he thinks Rick is doing a wonderful job. (PRAISES)

Rick’s boss has nothing but praise for Rick

17. When he made friends in the new place, Ron became less shy and reserved. (SHELL)

When he made friends in the new place Ron CAME OUT OF HIS SHELL

COME OUT OF ONE’S SHELL: To be or become less shy

18. He‘s a pleasant man socially, but he’s a tough businessman. (BARGAIN)

He's a pleasant man socially, but he drives a hard bargain in business.

DRIVE A (HARD) BARGAIN: là người đàm phán khéo léo, kiên định/không khoan
nhượng

19. The lease on my flat is valid until the end of the year. (RENEWAL)

The lease on my flat does not come up for renewal until the end of the year

COME UP FOR (RENEWAL/SALE/REVIEW): to reach the time at which sth happen

20. Mark didn’t get home until just before dawn yesterday. (HOURS)

Mark didn’t get home home until the early hours yesterday.

THE EARLY HOURS: the time after midnight and before dawn

TEST THREE
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1. When you lose someone you love, everything else seems pointless (PALES)

When you lose someone you love everything else PALES IN COMPARISON.

PALE IN/BY COMPARISON: to seem less important, good, serious, etC

2. Before you start working on the projects, first finish doing the minor jobs. (DECKS)

……………………………………………………finish CLEARING THE DECKS

CLEARING THE DECKS: To put everything in readiness for a major activity; to


eliminate unessentials

3. His latest film is not nearly as good as his earlier ones. (PATCH)

…………………is NOT A PATCH ON his earlier ones………………………

BE NOT A PATCH ON SB/STH: to be much less good, attractive, etc. than sb/sth else

4. Of all the teams competing in this year’s World Cup, England is in a league of its own.
(FAR)

England is BY FAR THE STRONGEST TEAM in the competition.

5. Jack and I obviously think very differently from one another. (WAVELENGTH)

Jack and I are obviously not on the same wavelength

6. With constant practice, you’ll be a much better pianist than the others. (SHOULDERS)

If you practice constantly, you will be head and shoulders above the other pianists

7. Saying something is not the same as doing it. (WORLD)

There is a world of difference between saying sth and doing it


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8. The police surrounded the entire area and prevented people from entering it while they
dusted for fingerprints. (CORDONED)

The police cordoned off the entire area and prevented……………………..

9. Someone undoubtedly told the police that he was going to rob the bank. (TIPPED)

……………TIPPED OFF the police…………………………………………………

TIP OFF (ON STH): to give secret information to someone without intending to

10. Had he been a little more penitent, his appeal for mercy would not have been ignored.
(DEAF)

…………………………………………………………………FALLEN ON DEAF EARS

11. I don’t care if he meant it or not. The fact is, he said it. (IMMATERIAL)

Whether he meant it or not is immaterial. The fact ……..

12. One day Tim is going to get into trouble with the law. (FOUL)

One day Tim is going to fall foul of the law

FALL FOUL OF STH/SB:to do something that causes you to be in trouble

13. He is the kind of man who will do anything to crush he competition. (LENGTHS)

He is the kind of man who will go to great/any lengths to crush the competition

14. Why are you looking so unhappy? (FACE)

Why are you pulling your face?

15. You lost the game because you failed to give the good answer to the question. (MARK)

…………………………………………………………………………………
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16. Suddenly, the lights went off. (PLUNGED)

The lights was suddenly plunged into darkness…

17. There were empty lemonade bottles and half-eaten sandwiches all over his floor.
(STREWN)

His floor was strewn with empty lemonade bottles and half-eaten

18. Cars are no longer being produced as a result of the strike. (STANDSTILL)

Cars production comes to a standstill as a result of the trade

19. Whenever there is a power cut, we sell a lot of candles. (TRADE)

……………………………………………………………………………………

20. A long, lazy holiday would make you feel very much better. (DO)

A long, lazy holiday would do you good

TEST FOUR

1. Joe didn’t think it was wrong of him to quit at such short notice. (QUALMS)

Joe had no qualms of quitting at such short notice.

HAVE NO QUALMS OF: not worried that what you’ve doen may be wrong in some way.

2. She‘s only just started now, but, judging by her recent performance, she should become an
excellent tennis player. (MAKINGS)

She‘s only just started now, but, judging by her recent performance, she has all the makings
of an excellent tennis player.

Have (all) the makings of: to have the clear ability for becoming; tố chất


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3. The needs of the poor should be given more importance than those of the middle classes.
(PRIORITY)

The needs of the poor should be given priority over those of the middle classes.

4. I made her angry and upset when I said that her novel was amateurish and badly written.
(KINDLY)

……………………………………………………………………………………

5. The building will be dedicated to the families who are in desperate need of help.
(BREADLINE)

The building will be dedicated to the families who are on the breadline.

ON THE BREADLINE: with barely enough to live on

6. Nobody likes him. He will do just anything to win the teacher’s favor. (CURRY)

Nobody likes him. He will do just anything to curry favour with the teacher.

CURRY FAVOR (WITH SOMEONE): try to make someone like you

7. I felt creeps all over my back when the teacher looked so angrily at me. (DAGGERS)

I felt creeps all over my back when the teacher looked daggers at me

LOOK DAGGERS AT SOMEONE : look at someone in very angry way.

8. Just because I’m his wife he expects me to do everything for him. (FOOT)

.Just because I’m his wife he expects me to wait on him hand and foot

WAIT ON (SOMEONE) HAND AND FOOT:  to provide everything that someone needs
or wants
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9. Dave does not hesitate to criticize his superiors’ decisions. (BONES)

Dave does not hesitate to pick a bones with his superior’s decision

HAVE A BONE TO PICK WITH SOMEONE: To engage in a dispute; to disagree or


quarrel

10. Since I have this argument with William, we haven’t spoken to each other. (CROSSED)

Since I cross swords with William, we haven’t spoken to each other

CROSS SWORDS WITH: To fight or argue with one.

11. The ministry spoilt our investment plans by changing the tax law. (SPOKE)

…………………………………………………………………………………

12. The teacher sent the boy out because he was behaving in a foolish way. (GOAT)

The teacher sent the boy out because he was acting/playing the goat.

PLAY/ACT THE GOAT: to behave in a silly way

13. The failed exam has ruined Ann’s chance of becoming a sworn translator. (PAID)

The failed exam has put paid to Ann’s chance of becoming a sworn translator.

PUT PAID TO: to finish or destroy something

14. At your age, you should have learnt to do things for yourself, Holly. (FEET)

At your age, you should have stood on your own two feet.

STAND ON ONE’S OWN TWO FEET: to support oneself without help from other

15. You will be risking a failure if you entrust this serious task to Malcolm. (FALL)
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…………………………………………………………………………………

16. Could you have a quick look at my essay before I give it in? (CAST)

Could you cast an eye on my essay before I give it in?

CAST AN EYE ON STH: to examine something carefully and give your opinion

17. Suzy managed to cope with so many problems when she was declared bankrupt.
(STRIDE)

Suzy took so many problems in her stride when she was declared bankrupt.


TAKE STH IN YOUR STRIDE: to deal with (something difficult or upsetting) in a calm
way
18. He owes his life to that surgeon. (INDEBTED)

He is indebted to that surgeon (for saving his life)

Be (deeply/greatly) indebted to somebody

19. There wasn’t a single ticket left for the concert so we couldn’t go. (SELL-OUT)

The concert was a complete sell-out, so we couldn’t go

20. The first sign of the disease is blurred vision. (ONSET)

THE ONSET of the disease is blurred vision

TEST FIVE

1. The new rules about school uniforms will apply next year. (FORCE)

The new rules about school uniforms will be put into force/ will come into force next year

PUT INTO FORCE= BE APPLIED, PUT INTO PRACTICE


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2. It was blindingly obvious that he knew nothing about the subject. (MILE)

It stands/sticks out a mile that he knew nothing about the subject.

STAND/STICK OUT A MILE:  be easy to see or notice; be very obvious

3. I’m so busy at the moment that I can’t take on any extra work. (PLATE)

I’m having too much on the plate that I can’t take on any extra work.

HAVE A LOT / ENOUGH / TOO MUCH ON YOUR PLATE :have lots of things to deal


with.

4. He was given an honorary medal by the military. (CONFERRED)

A honorary medal WAS CONFERRED UPON him by the military.

CONFER UPON: TO GRANT; Ban cho

5. Sean did all the illustrations for the book but no one acknowledged his work. (CREDIT)

Sean wasn’t given (any) credit for doing all the illustrations for the book .

GIVE CREDIT FOR: to acknowledge and praise 

6. Susie couldn’t stop crying when her pet rabbit died. (FLOODS)

Susie was in floods of tears when her pet rabbit died.

IN FLOODS OF TEARS : crying a lot.

7. His latest theory is in complete opposition to mainstream thinking. (FLIES)

His latest theory flies in the face of mainstream thinking.

FLY IN THE FACE OF: to completely oppose what seems sensible 


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8. Sam was really anxious, waiting to see if he had got a place in the cricket team.
(TENTERHOOKS)

Sam was on tenterhooks, waiting to see if he had got a place in the cricket team.

BE ON THE TENTERHOOKS (tenters): lo sốt vó; ruột gan như lửa đốt.

9. The firm went bankrupt after failing to win the contract. (LIQUIDATION)

The firm went into liquidation after failing to win the contract

10. I burst into laughter when I heard about Harry’s adventure with the bull. (SIDES)

………SPLIT MY SIDES……………………………………………………….

SPLIT YOUR SIDES: to laugh a lot at something

11. Harvey ordered some new equipment without prior permission. (LIBERTY)

Harvey took the liberty of ordering some new equipment.

TAKE THE LIBERTY OF DOING STH: do something without asking permission.

12. The BBC produces program to interest all sorts of people. (CATERED)

All sorts of people are catered for by the BBC

13. The government’s retraining program proved to be unsuccessful due to lack of funds.
(FAILURE)

The government's retraining programme met with failure due to lack of funds.

MEET WITH STH= experience sth esp sth unpleasant

14. Reality shows on TV are extremely popular at the moment. (FLAVOR)


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Reality shows on TV are flavor of the month at the moment.

BE FLAVOUR OF THE MONTH: the most popular person at a particular time

15. It is believed that the two rival companies have agreed to the merger. (THROUGH)

The two rival companies are believed to be going through with the merger.

16. Finally, we reached an agreement by accepting some of our partner’s demands.


(HALFWAY)

…………………………………………………………………………………

MEET SB HALFWAY: to agree to do part of what someone wants if that person will do
part of what you want

17. It’s not to interfere in other people’s private matters. (NOSE)

It’s not to stick your nose into other people’s private matters

18. With that comments of yours you did say what was exactly right. (NAIL)

With that comments of yours you did HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD

HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD: to do or say something that is exactly right.

19. It‘s crucial for us to control the juvenile inmates strictly. (REIN)

It's crucial for us to keep a tight reign on the juvenile inmates.

KEEP A TIGHT REIN ON: to have a lot of control over someone or something

20. Children enjoy unwrapping their Christmas presents. (KICK)

Children get a kick out of unwrapping their christmas presents

GET A KICK OUT OF STH: Nhận được thú vui/giải trí từ ai/cái gì
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TEST SIX
1. That man was so annoying that I hope I never meet him again. (PAIN)

Such a pain in the neck was that man, I hope I never meet him again

A PAIN IN THE NECK: an annoying or tedious person or thing.

2. I cannot accept your dreadful lies any more. (STOMACH)

No longer can I stomach your dreadful lies.

3. I had just begun to look through the book when he took it away. (THUMB)

Hardly had I begun to thumb through the book when he took it away

THUMB THROUGH: to turn the pages of (a book, magazine, etc.) quickly

4. You have to obey the rules in this company if you want to get on. (TOE)

You have to toe the line if you want to get on.

TOE THE LINE: accept the authority, principles of a particular group with pressure

5. It was hard not to laugh when he sneezed in the middle of the song. (STRAIGHT)

It was hard keeping a straight face when he sneezed in the middle of the song.

6. Take care or he will deceive you. (WOOL)

HE will pull the wool over your eyes if you’re not careful.

PULL THE WOOL OVER YOUR EYES:  to deceive someone

7. He‘s usually a good boy, unless his brother encourages him to misbehave. (EGG)

If his brother doesn't egg him on, he 's usually a good boy.


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EGG SB ON:  to strongly encourage sb to do sth that might not be a very good idea

8. If her mother had not held her back, she’d have moved away years ago. (WINGS)

If it hadn’t been for her mother, she would have spread her wings years ago.

SPREAD YOUR WINGS: start to do new or more interesting things

9. In his place, I wouldn’t care too much about my reputation. (HOOTS)

If I were him, I wouldn’t give two hoots about my reputation.

GIVE TWO HOOTS ABOUT: To be concerned about 

10. How could I tell him if I haven’t seen him for months? (HAIR)

How could I tell him if I haven't seen hide nor hair of him for months?

NOT SEE HIDE NOR HAIR:  not see someone at all over a period of time

11. She sent her husband out to buy Bulgarian mushrooms, knowing he wouldn’t find any.
(GOOSE)

She sent her husband out on a wild goose chase for Bulgarian mushrooms

A WILD GOOSE CHASE: sự đeo đuổi viển vông, một sự tìm tòi vô hy vọng

12. I’m sorry, but I’m not in the mood to discuss this matter right now. (FRAME)

I'm afraid I'm not in the right frame of mind to discuss this matter right now

13. Why are you trying to mend something that isn’t broken? (MONKEYING)

Why are you monkeying around with something that isn't broken?

MONKEY AROUND :do things that are not useful or serious


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14. Must you follow me everywhere I go? (DOG)

Must you dog my footsteps everywhere I go?

15. We are behind with our mortgage repayments. (ARREARS)

……We’re behind in arrears with our……………

Be in arrears | get/fall into arrears: to be late in paying money that you owe


16. Once dad has made up his mind, he won’t change it. (BUDGE)

Dad won't budge an inch once he has made up his mind

NOT GIVE / BUDGE AN INCH (phrase): refuse to change opinion or decision

17. Nigel is so conceited, it’s time someone showed him he‘s not as important as he thinks.
(CUT)

It's time someone cut Nigel down to size - he's so conceited.

CUT SB DOWN TO SIZE:  to make them realize that they are not as important as they
think they are

18. We must go back to the beginning and find the error. (SQUARE)

We must go back to square one to find the error.

BACK TO SQUARE ONE: back to where one started

19. There was so much misleading information in the novel, I didn’t guess who the murderer
was. (HERRINGS)

There was so many red herrings in the novel, I didn't guess who the murderer

A RED HERRING: sth that misleads or distracts from a relevant or important question
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20. Tim failed to get into university and he gets very annoyed if it’s mentioned. (CHIP)

Tim has got a chip on his shoulder about his failure to get into university

HAVE A CHIP ON ONE’S SHOULDER: to have an angry or unpleasant attitude


towards sth

TEST SEVEN

1. We wish to complain about your dog, Mr. Taylor. (BONE)

We have a bone to pick with you about your dog, Mr Taylor.

2. I think the mayor is involved in everything that goes on in this town. (FINGER)

I think the mayor has a finger in every pie in this town.

HAVE A FINGER IN EVERY PIE: involved in a lot of things.

3. Henry’s got friends in both the Labor and Conservative party. (FOOT)

Henry has got a foot in both camps when it comes to politics.

HAVE A FOOT IN BOTH CAMPS (phrase): to support two opposing groups

4. We must get started before all the guests arrive. (ROAD)

Let's get this show on the road before all the guests arrive.

GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD (phrase): begin a particular activity

5. His business became successful once he started to behave more responsibly. (ACT)

After cleaning up his act, he began to make a success of his business

CLEAN UP ONE’S ACT: begin to behave in a better way


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6. Unless you get organized, you will never be ready by Saturday. (ACT)

If you don't get your act together, you will never be ready by Saturday.

GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER (phrase): organize your life or work better

7. They’re a troublesome group but Mr. Jones keeps control of them. (HAND)

Mr Jones has the upper hand with that troublesome group.

HAVE/GET THE UPPER HAND (phrase): control or advantage over other person

8. Bert’s life seemed to go wrong after his parents died. (RAILS)

Bert's life went off the rails after his parents died

GO OFF THE RAIL: To go into a state of chaos, dysfunction

9. We must arrange every detail of the ceremony in advance. (MAPPED)

Every detail of the ceremony must in advance.

MAP STH OUT: to plan (a route, course of action etc) in detail.

10. A motorbike is good for getting through the traffic. (WEAVE)

You can weave in and out the traffic easily on a motorbike.

WEAVE IN AND OUT: To move in, between, and out of something, then back again

11. They choose John because he was the only one who spoke French. (TIPPED)

It was his knowledge of french that tipped the scales in John's favour.

TIP THE BALANCE/SCLAES IN FAVOUR OF/AGAINST :to give a slight advantage 

to sb/sth
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12. How dare you say my work isn’t good enough! (JUDGMENT)

How dare you sit in judgement on my work.

SIT ON JUDGEMENT ON/OVER SB: say whether or not someone or something is


morally good, proper, etc.

13. Gary is only waiting for the right opportunity to hand in his notice. (TIME)

……………………………………………………………………………………

14. We jogged all the way to the river but had to stop at the bridge. (STEAM)

We ran out of steam after jogging as far as the bridge.

RUN OUT OF STEAM: giảm/mất động lực, năng lượng làm gì

15. Whatever we plan to do, Jack will stop us.(SPANNER)

Jack always throws a spanner in the works whenever we plan to do something.

THROW A SPANNER IN THE WORKS:  do sth that prevents a plan or activity from
succeeding

16. He wasn't quite so confident after you told him you were an Olympic boxer, was he?
(WIND)

Telling him you were an Olympic boxer took the wind out of his sails, didn't it?

TAKE THE WIND OUT OF SB’S SAILS: to make sb feel less confident or less
determined

17. I can always rely on you to calm things down, Gina (POUR)

I can always rely on you to pour oil on troubled waters, Gina.


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POUR OIL ON TROUBLED WATER: cố gắng xoa dịu sự bất đồng, sự tranh chấp 

18. We shouldn't give up now after we 've come so far. (TOWEL)

We shouldn't throw in the towel now after we've come so far.


Throw in the towel: (thể dục,thể thao) đầu hàng, chịu thua

19. You'll have to make a decision soon, you know. (FENCE)

You can't sit on the fence forever, you know.

SIT ON THE FENCE: avoid supporting a particular side

20. When that virus got into my computer, I lost six months’ work. (SMOKE)

Six months' work went up in smoke when that virus got into my computer.

GO UP IN SMOKE: come to nothing, tan thành mây khói

TEST EIGHT

1. I went to enormous trouble to find a wedding photographer in time. (WATER)

I to find a wedding photographer in time.

GO THROUGH THE HELL AND HIGH WATER: To face many challenges while
doing sth

2. We got involved in so many details that the meeting lasted for hours. (DOWN)

We got bogged down in so many details that the meeting lasted for hours.

be/get bogged down: to prevent sb/sth from moving on or progressing

3.The strong wind carried off the kids' kite. (BORNE)

The kids' kite was borne off/ away/by/ on the wind.


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BEAR SB AWAY: to take or carry something or someone away

4. It's time you got rid of some of your inhibitions. (CAST)

I wish you would cast off/ aside/ away some of your inhibitions.

CAST SB/STH ASIDE/AWAY/OFF=get rid of

5. I have been searching desperately for a new home help. (AROUND)

I've been casting around for a new home help.

CAST ABOUT/AROUND FOR:: search or explore widely

6.I'd be grateful if you'd keep this to yourself for the time being.(PUT)

I'd be grateful if you didn't put this about for the time being.

PUT STH ABOUT/AROUND: to tell a lot of people something that is not true

7. Cole is a really terrible singer. (STRETCH)

By no stretch of the imagination is Cole a good singer.

By no stretch of the imagination: describe things that are definitely not possible or
correct

8. I'll explain everything to the new man when he arrives. (PICTURE)

I'll put the new man in the picture when he arrives.

PUT SB IN THE PICTURE: to tell someone the facts about a situation

9. Harry knows about the new regulations so let's ask him.(PICK)

Let's pick Harry's brains about the new regulations.


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10. I don’t like the way your sister talks to me. (DIM)

I take a dim view of the way your sister talks to me, Emma.

11. Why did you have to cause so much trouble over something so unimportant? (SONG)

Why did you have to make such a song and dance about something so unimportant?

MAKE A SONG AND DANCE ABOUT STH (phrase): complain a lot about trivial


things

12. The boss wasn't impressed by Bill's budget proposals.(ICE)

Bill's budget proposals cut no ice with the boss.

CUT NO ICE WITH SB: to not cause someone to change their opinion or decision

13. John and I have had an argument over the poor sales figure. (BRUSH)

I have had a brush with John over the poor sales figures.

HAVE A BRUSH WITH: Have an encounter or come in conflict

14. Why don't you try building a fountain in the garden? (STAB)

Why don't you have a stab at building a fountain in the garden?

15.She married Tom although she loved Henry as well.(CRUNCH)

She loved both Tom and Henry but when it came to the crunch she married Tom.

When it comes to a crunch: if/when a situation becomes serious or you have to make an
important decision

16. You can't persuade Roger too deviate from the rules, can you? (BOOK)

Roger always goes by the book, doesn't he?


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17. Perhaps I'll do what you did and learn Spanish. (LEAF)

Perhaps I'll take a leaf out of your book and learn Spanish.

TAKE A LEAF OUT OF SB’S BOOK: to copy something that someone else does


because it will bring you advantages

18. You'll get the maximum punishment when they find out what you've done.

They'll throw the book at you when they find out what you've done.

THROW THE BOOK AT SB:  to punish someone as severely as possible

19. I tried to show Jim a faster way of working but he's too set in his ways, isn't he?
(TRICKS)

I tried to show Jim a faster way of working but you can't teach an old dog new tricks, can
you?

YOU CAN'T TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS

20. She talks so much I was unable to join in the conversation.(WORD)

I couldn't get a word in edgeways because she talked so much.

Not get a word in edgeways :to not be able to say anything because someone else is
talking all the time

TEST NINE

1. The time has come to deal with your problems. (GRIPS)

The time has come to get to grips with your problems.

2. It took me ages to learn how to surf properly. (KNACK)


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It took me ages to get the knack of surfing properly.

3. James got furious when he found out about her lies.(WORD)

James got furious when he got wind of her lies.

GET WIND OF STH: nghe phong phanh

4. I'm sure he will be back to full health soon. (FEET)

I'm sure he will get back on his feet soon.

BACK ON YOUR FEET (phrase): well or successful again

5. She 's desperately trying to keep out of financial trouble and not go bankrupt. (HEAD)

She's desperately trying to keep her head above water and not go bankrupt.

6. There's trouble ahead and we should be extremely careful. (CLOUDS)

The storm clouds are gathering and we should be extremely careful.

STORM CLOUD (noun): something very bad starting or happening

7. Danny finally reason when they threatened to fire him. (SENSES)

Danny was brought to his senses by their threat to fire him.

COME TO/BE BROUGHT TO ONE”S SENSES: stopped being foolish and are being
sensible

8. I completely emptied the drawersbut couldn't find the address. (INSIDE)

I turned the drawers inside out but I couldn't find the address.

TURN SOMETHING INSIDE OUT (phrase): pull something so inside part faces out;


search a place very thoroughly and quickly
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9. It really put Betty in her place when the boss said she was the office junior. (PEG)

The boss really brought Betty down a peg or two by saying she was the office junior.

PUT SB IN THEIR PLACE= TAKE/BRING SB DOWN A PEG OR TWO: show them


that they are less important or clever than they think they are

10. I think having to earn his own living was quite a shock to Billy. (EARTH)

Billy was brought back down to earth by having to earn his own living.

BRING SB BACK DOWN TO EARTH: to start dealing with life and problems again


after you have had a very exciting time, or to make someone do this

11. I'm only here for a minute; I'm due at the hospital shortly. (FLYING)

I'm only here on a flying visit; I'm due at the hospital shortly.

FLYING VISIT= a very short visit

12. We are in a very difficult situation and will have to do what the lawyer says. (BACKS)

We have our backs to the wall and will have to do what the lawyer says.

13.Why don't you two forget your differences and become friends again? (HATCHET)

Why don't you two bury the hatchet and become friends again?

Bury the hatchet:  to forget about your arguments and become friends again

14.On the understanding that you talk frankly, I'm willing to listen. (SPADE)

On the understanding that you call a spade a spade, I'm willing to listen.

15. Now that he's divorced, Sam is trying to get his life back to normal and start afresh.
(PIECES)
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Now that he's divorced, Sam is trying to pick up the pieces and start afresh.

PICK UP THE PIECES :try to make a situation better after sth bad has happened

16.Ben is incredibly witty when he is in a good mood. (RAZOR)

Ben's wit is razor sharp when he is in a good mood.

RAZOR SHARP:  thinks very clearly and quickly

17. The rehearsal went off without any problems in the end. (HITCH)

The rehearsal went off without a hitch in the end.

WITHOUT A HITCH=smoothly

18. We will only be able to afford a holiday if we are very strict with our expenses. (REIN)

Only if we keep a tight rein on our expenses will we be able to afford a holiday

19. The documentary made me realize how poor many people are in other parts of the world.
(HOME)

The documentary brought home to me how poor many people are in other parts of the
world.

bring sth home to sb: giúp ai hiểu rõ điều gì

20. Andrew rarely says how good he is at things, even though he's very talented (BLOW)

Seldom does Andrew blow his own trumpet, even though he's very talented.

TEST TEN
1.By agreeing to help him out financially, you'll only be causing problemsfor yourself.
(GRAVE)
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You will only be digging your own grave by agreeing to help him out financially.

DIG YOUR OWN GRAVE (phrase): cause serious problems for yourself in future.

2.The military parade was just the government showing its power before the elections.
(MUSCLES)

The military parade was just the government flexing its muscles before the elections.

FLEX ONE’S MUSCLES: give a show of strength or power.

3.Were he to speak in a clearer fashion, I could follow his argument. (THREAD)

Were he to speak in a clearer fashion, I would not lose the thread of his argument.

4. I didn't think much of what Tom suggested. (STORE)

I didn't set much store by Tom's suggestion.

set great, little, etc. store by sth: to consider something to be of great, little value
5. He shot the bottles from the top of the wall, one by one. (OFF)

He picked off the bottles from the top of the wall, one by one.

PICK OFF:to shoot a person or animal chosen out of a group

6. Carter was not popular at work because he never associated with anyone. (ALOOF)

Carter was not popular at work because he always kept himself aloof from everyone.

7.He has tons of money since he won the lottery.(FILTHY)

He is filthy rich since he won the lottery.

8.Don still has very little experience so we should be patient. (EARS)

-Don is still wet behind the ears so we should be patient.


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9. The two brothers have been quarelling about the property for years (LOGGERHEADS)

The two brothers have been at loggerheads over the property for years.

10.1'd prefer not to discuss our problems in front of our friends.(DIRTY)

-I'd sooner we didn't wash our dirty linen in front of our friends.

AIR / WASH YOUR DIRTY LINEN / LAUNDRY IN PUBLIC (phrase): discuss


private subjects or problems in public.

11.The boss is in a really bad mood today. (BED)

-The boss gets out of bed on the wrong side today.

12. He reserved positions and defeated him. (TABLES)

-He turned the tables on him and defeated him.

13. I was assured of success, then he withdrew his support. (RUG)

- I was assured of success, then he pulled the rug out from under my feet.

PULL THE RUG/CARPET FROM UNDER SB'S:  to suddenly take away help or


support from someone

14. It's rather a dull plat, but I think a coat of paint will make it a lot brighter. (JAZZ)

- It's rather a dull plat, but I think a coat of paint will jazz it up nicely.

JAZZ STH UP:  to make something more attractive or interesting

15. That Chinese porcelain vase is selling for a price far below its true value, if you ask me.
(SONG)

-That Chinese porcelain vase is going for a song, if you ask me.
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16. After fifty years of isolation, they’ve begun opening up to the west in the hope of
receiving financial assistance. (OVERTURES)

After fifty years of isolation, they’ve begun MAKING OVERTURES to the west in the hope
of receiving financial assistance

MAKING IVERTURES= OPEN UP:To express a willingness, openess to pursue


something, such as a relationship or an intended course of action

17. When he realized she was heir to a fortune, his whole attitude towards her changed.
(TUNE)

He completely CHANGED HIS TUNE when he realised she was heir to the fortune.

18. I felt like a new person after I‘d had my hip operation. (LEASE)

My hip operation gave me a new lease on life.

A NEW LEASE ON LIFE: a chance to continue living or to become successful or


popular again

19. The guide book speaks highly of this hotel. (SEAL)

The guide book gives the hotel its seal of approval.

SEAL OF APPROVAL (noun): expression of admiration or approval of someone

20. He will be the one to accept responsibility for this affair. (CAN)

He will be the one to carry the can for this affair.

CARRY THE CAN:  take all the blame for something

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