Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Task 14
Task 14
Task 15
1. The government dragged its feet over prison reform - it's high time they did
something.
"Dragged its feet" means to delay or be slow in taking action.
2. They are trying to dismiss Saturday's demonstration as just a storm in a
teacup, but I think it is more important than that.
"A storm in a teacup" refers to a situation where there is a lot of fuss or excitement
about something that is not really important.
3. A lot of money has been collected for charity, but it is just a drop in the ocean
compared to what's needed.
"A drop in the ocean" means a very small amount in comparison to a much larger
need.
4. The police have admitted that they are fighting a losing battle against mobile
phone theft.
"Fighting a losing battle" means trying to achieve something that is ultimately
doomed to fail.
5. International aid agencies bit off more than they can chew when they say they
will eradicate poverty in five years.
"Bit off more than they can chew" means to take on a task that is way too challenging
or beyond one's capabilities.
6. It is common knowledge that the government wants to change the
immigration laws.
"Common knowledge" refers to information that is widely known and accepted by
the public.
7. The Minister is a law unto himself, he refuses to allow others to tell him what
to do.
"A law unto himself" means someone who behaves according to their own rules
without regard for others.
8. The government spokesman said that the press had made a mountain out of a
molehill as far as the unemployment figures were concerned.
"Made a mountain out of a molehill" means to exaggerate a small issue, making it
seem much more significant than it really is.
9. After he had made a series of inflammatory remarks in public, the government
announced that the foreign guest had outstayed his welcome in the country.
"Outstay one's welcome" means to stay somewhere for too long, to the point where
one is no longer welcome.
10.Many people feel that the new policies favoring certain groups are driving a
wedge between different sections of the community.
"Driving a wedge" means creating division or conflict between groups.
Task 16
1. We don't see eye to eye on a number of issues.
"Don't see eye to eye" - to disagree or have different opinions.
2. You can seek the local council's help in caring for elderly people at home.
"Seek the local council's help" - to ask for assistance or support.
3. I see red whenever I hear about instances of social injustice.
"See red" - to become extremely angry or infuriated.
4. Many people are seeking compensation on the grounds of racial
discrimination.
"Seeking compensation on the grounds of" indicates the basis or reason for pursuing
compensation.
5. It remains unclear what measures the Government will take to counter
poverty.
"It remains unclear" - something is still not known or has not been resolved.
Task 17
1. My elderly father has moved into sheltered accommodation; it has taken him
some time to settle in.
"Settle in" - to become accustomed to a new environment or situation.
2. You needn't come to see me off at the airport; I'm perfectly capable of getting
on a plane.
"See off" - to say goodbye to someone who is leaving, especially at a departure point
like an airport.
3. It didn't take me long to see through the firm's plan of employing young
people in order to limit the wage bill.
"See through" - to understand the true nature of something, especially deception or
dishonesty.
4. The victim of racial discrimination settled for an apology from the company.
"Settle for" - to accept something less satisfactory or desirable than what was
originally wanted.
5. Amnesty International saw to it that the political prisoners were released.
"See to it that" - to ensure that something is done or taken care of.
6. My grandfather wouldn't allow me to pay the bill; he had settled up without
my knowing.
"Settle up" - to pay a debt or bill.
7. John has some good ideas but lacks the patience to see things through to the
end.
"See things through" - to complete or continue until the end, especially in the face of
difficulties or challenges.
8. The local council will have to see about providing for the influx of refugees
from abroad.
"See about" - to deal with or take action regarding a particular matter.
9. Harry felt it was time he got a steady job and settled down.
"Settle down" - to become calm, orderly, or focused after a period of disturbance or
excitement.
10.After the disruption, it took ages for the class to settle down again.