英語習語篇章閲讀

英語寫作指導
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習語在英語中的地位舉足輕重，學生了解習語並掌握其用法是個關鍵。由於習語是一些固定詞語，其意義不可能由構成它的詞義簡單推出，因而學起來有一定難度。英語在這方面的比喻義、引申義往往高於字面義。例如，go to the wall並非僅僅簡單地説“走到一堵牆邊”，深層含義是“破產、錢財毀於一旦”。因此，我們以英語習語為主題，作為校本課的素材，旨在使學生初步瞭解習語的一些用法，能自如地運用地道的語言。本書包括十章，每章三-五篇短文。　　每篇文章包含：1.關於習語的特寫文章；2.一套自測習題。　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Chapter Ⅰ

Passage 1.

Stone Breaker

A little bird told the soldiers that a new strict officer would come. At that day, he made a speech to all the soldiers. He was so strict so disobeying flew off him like water off a duck’s back. He had never seen them before, so he began: “ My name is Stone, and I’m even harder than stone, so do what I tell you or there’ll be trouble. Don’t try any tricks with me, and then we’ll get on well together.”

Then he went to each soldier on after the other and asked him his name. “ Speak loudly so that everyone can hear you clearly,” he said. The soldiers proved themselves chicken-hearted and dare not make a single move when the officer came to him.

Each soldier told him his name, until he came to the last one. Although he tried to be calm, his expression let the cat out of the bag. He had butterflies in his stomach so he could not speak a word. And so Captain Stone shouted at him, “When I ask you a question, answer it! I’ll ask you again: what’s you name, soldier?” The soldier was very unhappy, but at last he replied. “My name’s Stonebreaker, sir,” he said nervously.

1. Why are the soldiers afraid of the officer?

2. What’s the last soldier’s name?

3. Why didn’t the last soldier answer the officer’s name?

Passage 2.

Toshiba-a Japanese boy

It was the first day of school and a new student, the son a Japanese businessman, entered the forth grade. The teacher greeted the class and said, “Let’s begin by reviewing some American history. Don’t fish in troubled waters and try to answer me in the right way. She said: “ Who said ‘ Give me liberty, or give me death’?”

She saw only a sea of blank faces. Then she said: “ Toshiba, can you?”

Toshiba was in dilemma, but pigs might fly. Then he said: “ Patrick Henry, 1775.” said the boy.”

The teacher snapped at the class. “ You should be ashamed. Toshiba, who is new to our country, knows more about it than you.”

As she turned to write something on the blackboard, she heard a loud whisper, “ Damned Japanese.”

“ Who said that?” she demanded.

Toshiba put his hand up. “Jessica Lee, 1998.” he said.

1. What’s Toshiba’s nationality?

2. What did the other students truly whisper?

3. What can you get from the story?

Passage 3.

The Little Girl and the Lady with a Big Hat

It was raining cats and dogs outside. A little girl dogged her mother’s footsteps and sat on the bus beside her mother.

The bus stopped, and some more passengers got on. They didn’t speak. They sat down in the first empty seats they came to; it was very quiet in the bus.

The last passenger to come on board the bus was very tall. She was carrying an elegant blue umbrella and expensive crocodile handbag. She was wearing a very large hat. The little girl stared at the hat. “Mummy,” she said loudly, “What a funny hat!”

“ Shah, dear,” said her mother, “ don’t be so rude.”

Someone at the back of the bus giggled.

“ Oh dear, I am sorry,” said the mother, “children can be so embarrassing.”

Her mother realized too late that she had backed the wrong horse. All the other passengers smiled happily to themselves.

1. What was the girl’s true meaning about the hat?

2. Why did the other passengers smiled happily?

3. Is the lady foolish?

Passage4.

Why did the Poor Man Cry?

Mrs. Black was old and rich. She lived in a splendid house and owned a lot of valuable things. Then she died, and there was a big funeral. Notices were sent out to relatives and friends, and they came from far and near to attend the funeral.

The service took place in Mrs. Black’s old church, and then her body was taken back to be buried in a special place in her garden. The hearse carrying her body moved along slowly, followed by the relatives and friends, the women and children in cars, and the men on foot.

One of Mrs. Black’s cousins saw a poorly dressed man following the hearse and crying bitterly.

The cousin said to him kindly, “What’s wrong with you? You are like a bear with a sore head! And were you a relative of the dead woman, too?”

“No”, the man answered. “Then why are you crying?” the dead woman’s relative asked.

“It’s a horse of another color. That’s exactly why I’m crying.” The poor dressed man answered.

1. Is the poor man Mrs. Black’s relative?

2. Why did he cry badly?

Passage 5.

Why did the Children Resist going to Bed?

Joe and Helen Mills have two small children. One of them was six, and the other was four. They always resisted going to bed, and Helen was always complaining to Joe about this: “although I tried to tell a white lie that if they didn’t sleep, they will be killed by ghost, they still did the same, and what I did was a real white elephant what shall I do?”

Joe considered himself a good singer, but really his voice was not at all musical. However, he decided that, if he sang to the children when they went to bed, it would help them to relax, and gradually they would go to sleep.

He did this every Saturday and Sunday night until he heard his small son whisper to his younger sister, “ If you pretend that you’re asleep, he stops!”

1. What did Helen complain to Joe?

2. Does Joe sing well?

3. Why did the children sleep fast when Joe sang a song?

Chapter Ⅱ

Passage 6.

Black and White

Most of time black and white appears as opposites. White means light and purity. Black is darkness and evil. But not always. Sometimes the words are used differently.

White hats and black hats represent the traditional meaning of the words. The hats are the symbols of the “good guys” and the “bad guys” in American western movies. Now the tradition of white hats and black hats is no longer a part of movie making. But you still hear the expression when people talk about good guys and bad guys.

A black sheep is a person who does things that are not accepted, the violate tradition. A black sheep is rejected because he brings shame to his group. A family may have a member who is thought of as a black sheep, a person who is not welcome at family gatherings.

Black is also used in some expressions that describe good things. Being “in the black” for example is a good situation for anyone. It is a business expression that means a company is earning money. When someone says his business is “in the red”, he means it is losing money.

White usually means something good. A “white color” job, for example, is the kind of job many people seek. It is a job where you work at a desk, using your brain instead of your muscles

Sometimes white is used in an expression that is not good. Whitewash is such an expression. At first whitewash meant to paint over something with a white paint to make it look better. But now “whitewash” has a different meaning: to hide or cover up mistakes or failures.

Exercises

1. Generally, what do people think of “white and black”?

2. Can you explain the meaning of “black sheep”?

3. When is” black” used to describe good things?

4. When is” white” used to describe bad things?

5. Do you know some other expressions about “white and black”

Passage 7.

Colors

Americans have used colors to create many expressions they use every day.

We say we are “in the pink” when we are in good health. It is easy to understand how this was born. When my face has a nice fresh, pink color, it is a sign my health is good.

Red is a hotter color than pink. And American uses it to express heat. Blue is a cooler color. So to be “blue “, of course, is to be sad. While the color green is natural for trees, it is an unnatural color for humans. When someone does not feel well, someone who is seasick for example, we say he looks green. When someone is angry because he does not have what someone else has, we say he is “green with envy” The color black is often used in expressions. People describe a day in which everything goes wrong as a “ black day”

The color yellow is sometimes used to describe a coward. A person who is “yellow” has no courage. A person’ skin may become yellow as a result of diseases that attack the liver. Yellow fever is one. In the past ships carrying yellow fever victims raised a flag called the “ yellow jack”

In some cases colors just describe a situation. A “black out” in World War Two was when all lights were turned off to make it difficult for bomber planes to find their target at night. A “brown out” is an American expression for reduced electrical power, which makes electric lights dim.

Exercises

1. What do people use to describe the time when they are well?

2. How was “in the pink” born?

3. Which color can we use when someone is sad?

someone says “today is a black day.” What does he mean?

’s the meaning of “Black out”?

Passage 8.

Heart

People believed for a long time that the heart was the center of a person’s emotions. That is why the heart is used in so many expressions about emotional situations. One such expression is to “lose your heart” to someone. When that happens, you have fallen in love. But if the person who “won your heart” dose not love you, then you are sure to have a “broken heart”. In your pain and sadness, you may decide that person is “hard-hearted” and in fact, has a “heart of stones”.

You may decide to “ pour out your heart” to a friend. Telling someone about your personal problems can often make you feel better. If your friend does not seem to understand how painful your broken heart is, you may ask him to “have a heart”. You are asking him to show some sympathy to understand how important all this is to you. Your friend “ has his heart in the right place” if he says he is sorry, and shows great concern for your situation. He may, however, warn you “not to wear your heart on your sleeve”. In other words, do not let everyone see how lovesick you are.

When your heart is on your sleeve, you are showing your deepest emotions.

If your friend says, “my heart bleeds for you” then he is a cold-hearted person who does not really care about his friends. What he is really saying is that his heart does not bleed for you. He is uncaring.

The word courage comes from the Latin word “cur” meaning heart. Someone who is lacking courage is said to “lack heart” When you are frightened or concerned, your “heart is in your mouth”. You might say, for example, that your heart was in your mouth you asked the bank for money. If the bank says no to you, do not “lose heart. Be “strong-hearted’. Go to the bank, sit down with the banker and have a “heart to heart” talk. Be open and honest. Explain your situation. As a result of this meeting, the bank may have a “change of heart”. It may agree to lend you the money. This would “put your heart at rest.” You could stop worrying.

Exercises

1. If your friend says” my heart bleeds for you”, what does he mean?

2. When you are frightened, what might you say according to the passage?

3. Can you explain what the “heart to heart talk” is?

4. According to the passage, what expression can be used when you are showing your deepest emotions?

5. What’s the meaning of” put your heart at rest”?

Passage 9.

Kick

From birth to death, the word kick has been given an important part in expressing the human experience. The proud and happy mother feels the first signs of life “kicking” inside her womb. And that same life many years later comes to his end in a widely used expression, “to kick the bucket”, meaning to die.

Another old expression that comes from England is to “kick over the traces”, meaning to resist the commands of one’s parents, or to oppose any kind of authority. Traces were the chains that held a horse or mule to a wagon or plow. Sometimes an animal rebelled and “kicked over the traces”.

Two other phrases, close in meaning, are “to kick up a breeze”, and “to kick up one’s heels”. They mean to forget your cares and have a wild time, a celebration. There is no physical action when you” kick a man upstairs” although the pain can be as strong. You “ kick a man upstairs” by removing him from an important job and giving him a title that sounds important but really is not.

Still another meaning of the word kick is to become free of a bad habit, such as smoking cigarettes. Health campaigns urge smokers to “kick the habit”.

Exercisers

1. What does “death” mean passage?

2. How did “kick over the traces” come from?

3. When you “kick a man upstairs”, is there any physical action?

4. What’s the meaning kick over the traces”?

5. If someone says “he wants to kick the habit, what does he mean?

Passage 10.

Down to Earth, both feet on the Ground

“Down-to-earth” means someone or something that is honest, realistic and easy to deal with. It is a pleasure to find someone who is down-to-earth. A person who is down- to- earth is easy to talk to and accepts other people as equals. A Down-to-earth person is just the opposite of someone who acts important or proud.

Down-to-earth persons may be important members of society, of course. But they don’t let their importance “go to their heads” they do not consider themselves to be better persons than others of less importance. Someone who is filled with his said to have “his nose in the air”.

There is no way a person with his nose in the air can be down-to-earth. Americans use another expression that means almost the same as “down-to-earth”. That is both-feet-on-the-ground”. Someone with “both-feet-on-the-ground is a person with good understanding of reality. He has what is called “common sense”. He may have dreams, but he does not allow them to block his knowledge of what is real. The opposite kind of person is one who has his “head-in-the-clouds”. A man with his head-in-the-clouds is a dreamer whose mind is not in the real world.

Sometimes such a dreamer can be brought back to earth. Sharp words from teacher can usually bring a daydreaming student down-to-earth. Usually, the person who is down-to-earth is very likely to have both feet on the ground. When we have both our feet on-the--ground, when we are down-to-earth, we act honestly and openly toward others. Other lives are like the ground below us, solid and strong.

Exercises

1. What’s the meaning of “down-to-earth”?

2. What kind of person is someone who is down-to-earth?

3. What kind of person is someone who is “both-feet-on-the-ground”?

4. What can we use to describe a dreamer whose mind is not in the real world?

5. When can such a dreamer be brought back to earth?

Chapter Ⅲ

Passage 11.

Once bitten, twice shy. If a dog bites me, I shall be twice as careful in future when I see it. This proverb is also used to apply to many things and not only to dogs. If you have been cheated in a shop, you will not go to the same again.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. If I am a hunter, trying to catch them, it is better to catch one bird than to see two in a bush but not be able to catch them. Thus this means that what you have already got is better than the chance of being able to get something bigger inn future.

Too many cooks spoil the broth. When too many people do something, they get in each other’s way and do a job badly.

To pour oil on troubled waters is to trying to calm thing down. Oil is lighter than water, if a ship is in trouble at sea, another ship may come to help it second ship can send small boats to rescue people. However, it may first pour oil on the sea to make the sea less rough.

1. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had a quarrel. Their friend, Mr., Brown, went to talk to them. When he came back, he told his wife that he had been trying to help the Smiths by ____.

A. Pouring oil on troubled waters B. getting blood out of a stone.

C. Being a dog in a manager D. not to pour oil on waters

2. Mrs. chin wanted to buy a new dress. Her husband suggested she buy it from a shop near their home. She said I won’t go their again, because_______.

A. Once bitten, twice-shy B. too many cooks spoil the north

c. A bird in the hand is better two in the bush D. I’m sitting on the fence

Passage 12.

Don’t be a dog in the manger. Means don’t be selfish. In a stable, the manger is the place where the horse’s food is put. Sometimes a dog will sleep in the mange r and bark when a horse comes to get its food. The dog doesn’t want to eat hay in the manger but it will not let the horse eat it.

He is sitting on the fence. Means that somebody will not say whether he is in favor of a plan or against it. He is sitting on a fence between two opposing sides. Perhaps waiting to see which side will win.

You can’t get blood out of a stone. Means that you can’t something from a person who has not got any of the things you want.

He, who plays the piper, calls the tune. A piper is a musician. The man who employs or pays a musician can say what tunes the man will play. This means is a man provides the money for a plan, he can say how it will be carried out.

3. Peter had a bicycle, which was much too small for him, but he didn’t want to let his younger brother ride on it. His mother was angry and said to him____________.

A. He is sitting on the fence B. Don’t be a dog in a manger

C. He who plays the piper, calls the tune D. Too many cooks spoil the broth

4. Mr. Brown had quite a good job in HK, but he thought that if he went to Singapore he might get a much better job with more money and a large house. His wife didn’t want him to leave his job in Honking and she reminds him that________.

A. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush B. You can’t get blood out of a stone.

C. He who plays the piper, calls the tune D. Too many cooks spoil the broth

Passage 13.

The birds have discussing whether it is time to fly south for the winter. Since they are democratic birds, they have a straw poll. A straw poll is an informal survey taken to get an opinion.

A shop, a restaurant, a bar, a place that uses tourists greedily to profit from them is called a tourist trap. Kitty and Floyd visited a tourist trap in Paris where they were charged $250 for just two drinks.

Charles is a handsome, intelligent talented clever and witty. He’s what some would say would be the perfect man all rolled into one. That’s to say he’s combination of things which, when viewed together, from a single unit.

“Oh, my! I’ve suddenly got cold feet,” Steven stammered on the way to his wedding. From the church his bride to be shouted: “This isn’t the time or the place to get cold feet, Steven! ”A person with cold feet is so nervous or afraid that he hasn’t the courage to go through with a planned course of action.

5. What is meaning of “all rolled into one?

6. What is “a straw poll?

7. Does this phrase “cold feet” mean “凍腳”?

Passage 14.

This old saying reminds us that if we do something set out upon a particular course of action we must accept the results, be they good or bad. “Wally has quit his job to go into business for himself, but as a man makes his bed, so must he lie in it. If he fails in it will be his fault.

Danny is such a clever little fellow. His teacher is as bright as a button. It means that he is very intelligent and alert.

Last year Manfred retired my time is my own now. I’m as free as air.” He said to be as free as air is to be unrestrained and to have no obligations. I imagine we have this expression because, as no one owns the air, it costs us nothing to use it.

Angela was given a large box. Inside was another box…and then another and another. When she got to the final box there was a note that read NOTHING! You might say all of Angela’s work came to nothing. When a person’s plans or efforts come to nothing he has achieved nothing. He has failed.

be unrestrained and to have no obligations, we can say he is _____.

A. As busy as a bee B. as free as air

C. As cool as cucumber D. as strong as a horse

bright as a button” means _________.

A. Clever B. diligent

C. Warm-hearted D. indifferent

Passage 15.

This saying means that those in need should be grateful for what is given them…even if it is not what they want or expect. When Nigel returned a lost purse, for instance, he hoped for a large reward “Well. When you are hungry beggars can’t be choosers, “he sighed, ” I’ll have to be content with what I got.”

When we are faced with a choice of alternatives---- both of which are unfavorable and the outcome uncertain----we are said to be between the devil and the deep blue sea. “I can’t go home and I can’t stay here,” Mr. Throng frowned. “I’m between the devil and the deep blue sea.

The wheel was an ancient instrument of torture. It has given us this rather old expression meaning to use more force or energy than necessary to accomplish a simple task. ”I’ve got to punish Gertrude for not studying but I don’t want to break a butterfly on a wheel by being too severe with her,” her mother said.

10. When a person was on horseback, and he dare not get off, we can say he is_________.

11. What is meaning of the phrase beggars can’t be choosers?

Chapter Ⅳ

Passage 16.

EVERYDAY EXPRESSIONS

If you say “ The cat’s out of the bag.” Instead of “The secret is given away,” you’re using an idiom. The meaning of an idiom is different from the actual meaning of the words used. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is a proverb. Proverbs are old but familiar sayings that usually give advice. Both idioms and proverbs are part of our daily speech. Many are very old and have interesting histories. See how many of these sayings you know.

“ An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

This proverb comes from the ancient Romans, who believed the apple had magical powers to cure illness. In fact, apples are filled with vitamin C, protein, pectin, natural sugars, copper, and iron. They do promote heath.

“Saved by the bell.”

In 17th-century England, a guard at Windsor Castle was accused of falling asleep at his post. He claimed he was wrongly accused and could prove it; he had heard the church bell chime thirteen times at midnight. Townspeople supported his claim and he was not executed. Today we think of the bell that ends a round in boxing, often saving the boxer from injury, or the bell at the end of a class period, saving you from more work. Regardless, this idiom means rescue from a situation at the last possible moment.

“Bury the hatchet.”

Native Americans used to bury weapons to show that fighting had ended and enemies were now at peace. Today, the idiom means to make up with a friend after an argument or fight.

“A close shave.”

In the past, student barbers learned to shave on customers. If they shaved too close, their clients might be cut or even barely escape serious injury. Today, we use the idiom if a person narrowly escapes disaster.

“He who pays the piper calls the tune.”

In Medieval times, people were entertained by strolling musicians. Whoever paid the price could choose the music. The proverb means that whoever pays is in charge.

“The pen is mightier than the sword.”

In 17th-century England, the government banned a free press. This meant that people who disagreed with the government and printed their views were punished. In spite of this, people published their ideas and opinions in illegal pamphlets that were distributed to the public. The proverb means that the written expression of ideas cannot be stopped by physical force.

“The pot calling the kettle black.”

In the 17th-century,both pots and kettles turned black because they were used over open fires. Today, this idiom means criticizing someone else for a fault of one’s own.

“Raining cats and dogs.”

In Norse mythology the dog is associated with wind and the cat with storms. This expression means it’s raining very heavily.

To“shed crocodile tears”

Crocodiles have a reflex that causes their eyes to tear when they open their mouths. That makes it look as though they are crying while devouring their preys. In fact, neither crocodiles nor people who shed “crocodile” tears feel sorry for their actions.

EXERCISES:

back over the reading to find the following information:

A. The definition of a proverb

B. What the idiom “bury the hatchet” means

C. What it means when“ someone shed crocodile tears”

purpose of this article is to______

A. Compare idioms and proverbs

B. Explain the meaning of some interesting everyday expressions

C. Show the importance of using proverbs and idioms in your writing

can be inferred from the article that_____

A. it is difficult to guess the meaning of idioms.

B. You shouldn’t use idioms in your writing

D. Proverbs are more common than idioms.

4. Which of these statements is an example of “a close shave”?

A. My brother bought a new bicycle to ride to school.

B. A car nearly hit me on my way to school.

C. No one in my school has ever been to Canada.

Passage 17.

Time and time again, one may be warned,” Your name will be mud”. Many have used the expression in the mistaken belief that it has something to do with the kind of dirt found on the streets or on unclean river bottoms. But the expression comes from the name of Doctor Samuel Alexander Mud, A physician who fixed the broken leg of John Wilkes Booth, the man who killed President Abraham Lincoln. Doctor Mud treated Booth’s injured leg without knowing who he was.

A small group helped Booth to plan Lincoln’s murder. They were all caught and sentenced to death or prison terms.

Doctor Mud had nothing to do with Lincoln’s murder or with any of the men who had planned it. All seemed to show that he was an innocent man. But he had given some kind of help only to leave Booth to escape. This in itself was a crime then. And so, Doctor Mud was sentenced to prison for life.

IN prison, Doctor saved many prisoners and guards in a yellow fever outbreak. President Andrew Johnson pardoned him in 1869, after the doctor had spent almost four years in prison.

The American people considered the murder of Lincoln a heavy blow to them. It filled them with bitterness that lasted many years. They heated Booth very, very much and they also heated anybody who had helped the murderer in any way. Doctor Mud was freed, but people never forgave him and his name passed into American folk speech as something bad, hateful. The Mud family had also suffered a lot because of the name until not long ago.

EXERCISES:

best title for this text is____

A. Abraham Lincoln, the Great President for the American People

B. Your Name Will be Mud

C. Social Problems in the U.S. A During the 1860s

D. Old Law System of the U.S.A.

2. Doctor Samuel Alexander Mud was put in prison because_______________

A. He had helped Booth murder Lincoln

B. The American people loved Abraham Lincoln deeply.

C. He had broken the American law.

D. He hadn’t reported the fact to the American government.

3. From the last paragraph it can be inferred that_______

A. Doctor Mud has recently been set free.

B. bductor Mud’s innocence was declared

C. Cither will be more expressions with mud

D dither American people hate anyone who kills their president.

it had not been for President Andrew Johnson, Doctor Mud_______

A. would have spent the rest of his life in prison.

B. Would have been sentenced to five years’ prison life.

C. Would be thought of crime forever.

D. Would suffer a lot from the name.

Passage 18.

“A Bad Workman Always Blames His Tools”

People who do bad or careless work sometimes blame their tools, material or equipment instead of blaming themselves. That’s why we say a bad workman always blames their tools. “Why do you say you failed the examination because your pen leaked ink? Don’t you know a bad workman always blames his tools?

“A Bed Of Thorns”

This expression is used to describe a particularly difficult situation or a thoroughly unhappy time. “I’m sorry I changed jobs. My new one is proving to be a bed of thorns. ”. “Too often it’s a bed of thorns trying to get on a bus during rush hours.”

“A Bee In One’s Bonnet”

A bonnet is a hat worn by a woman or a little girl. To have a bee in one’s bonnet is to have an idea or a thought that won’t go away… and the person won’t stop talking about it. “ Mildred has a bee in her bonnet that she could be a great actress.”

“A Big Noise”

Gertrude’s boss isn’t called a big noise without a reason. When he’s upset his employees sure know about it. That isn’t the only reason he’s called a big noise, though, for a big noise is any important person in a position of authority. “Isn’t it an honor to work for such a big noise?” Gertrude asked her coworker.

“A Black Day”

In most western societies the color black generally represents sadness and gloom, and it is for that reason that a black day is one of unhappiness----or even disaster. “ It was a black day when the school was burned down.” It was a black day for Paul when his business failed.

“A Burning Question”

The last time you were asked a burning question did you see smoke and fire coming from it? I doubt it for a burning question simply describes a question of great interest or importance. “The burning question is who will win the beauty contest?” “The burning question is this: where were you tonight?”

“A Clock Watcher/ To Clock Watch”

Mr. Babble is a terrible clock-watcher. He’s constantly clock watching. If you are a clock-watcher you are constantly looking at the clock to check the time. And it’s usually because you are burned with your job. “Must you always clock watch like that?” Mr. Babble’s boss complained.

“A Dead Letter”

A letter that the post office is unable to deliver-maybe it’s addressed incorrectly or the person to whom it’s addressed has moved-is a dead letter. So, too, is a law, or an order that has lost its effectiveness and is no longer used.”That order from the boss is a dead letter. Nobody obeyed it anyway

“A Gate-Crasher/gate-crash”

Jim and Violet’s neighbors were having a party. Jim and Violet weren’t invited but they decided to attend anyway. “: We’ll gate-crash the party,” Jim said.”How exciting. That will make us gate-crashers,” Violet laughed. To gatecrash is to attend a social event without an invitation, and a gatecrasher is an uninvited guest.

EXERCISES:

1. If a man says he fails the exam because his book is lost, which of the following expressions can be used to describe him?

A.A bad workman always blames his tools

B. It’s a bed of thorns.

C. Chef is to have a bee in his bonnet.

D. Did was a black day for him.

2. If you check the time constantly, you are probably a______

3. He asked me a ______ question, which is who will win the gold medal?

4. The rule in our school is a_________ for nobody obeyed it any more.

5. If you go to a party without being invited, you’ll be a _______

Passage 19.

“A Hands Off (Attitude/policy)

Mr. Lofty never gets involved in the affairs of his employees. He believes it’s best not to interfere with them. That is what a hands off attitude or policy means: not to disturb, bother or interfere with something. “The government has decided on a hands off policy in the pay dispute among the hospital workers.

“A Fair-weather Friend”

Good friends remain true no matter how good or bad things are for us. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of a fair-weather friend. Such a ‘friend’ is only friendly when everything is OK. The moment we have trouble they disappear. “When I lost my job and had no money my fair-weather friends suddenly vanished,” Felix said.

“A Leading Light”

Mr. Poona is a leading light in our community. He’s a fine organizer, he belongs to a number of important social clubs, and he commands respect wherever he goes. A person referred to as a leading light is a prominent person in a community, a company or a group.

A Man-About-Town”

We see here two very dignified men-about-town. They are, of course, Felix and his nephew Teddy who knows that a man-about-town is one who is sophisticated, sorely and socially active. “Uncle Felix is taking me to the theatre with him,”Teddy laughed.” I’m all dressed up like a man-about-town tonight.”

“A Pillar Of Society”

A pillar is an upright structure supporting a building. A person described is a pillar of society is a leading figure contributing to the support and well-being of the society in which he lives.”A director of the hospital and a supporter of many charities, Mr. Fagan is a pillar of society.”

“A Pointed Question”

A pointed question is worded in such a way that the person being asked it is compelled to reply with an answer the questioner wants. “Have you stopped beating your dog?” is a pointed question for the person must respond by either confessing or denying that he beats his dog.

“A Potboiler”

A book, play or film written for the sole purpose of earning money for the author is called a potboiler. A combination of the words potboil+(err), it’s an inferior work done by the sitter to ‘keep his food pot boiling’, “Reading a potboiler before bed helps me to sleep,” Professor Oxbridge said.

“A pretty Penny”

This is one of the prettiest idioms in the English language. Some people might even think it’s beautiful. Why? Because a pretty penny means lots and lots of money?

“Max has a new car must be earning a pretty penny.” “I’m saving my money. It’s going to cost me a pretty penny to fly to Europe this summer,” Jenny said.

EXERCISES:

I had no money, my_____ friends vanished.

a person leads everything, he is probably a ________.

3. I’m saving my money. It is going to cost me______ to fly to American this summer.

Passage 20.

“A Rain Check”

When rain interrupts an outdoor event to which people have paid an admission they are given a rain check. That entitles them to free admission at a rescheduled date. From that, a figurative rain check is an extension of an offer. “I can’t join you for dinner tonight. Can I have a rain check on that until tomorrow?”

“A Right Giggle”

How long has it been since you’ve had a right giggle? I had one this morning when someone told me a very funny joke. It was a right giggle. A right giggle is something that makes you laugh and laugh. “I thought your joke was a right giggle,” Carmen laughed.

“A Road Hog”

Drivers of automobiles who selfishly take up more space than necessary on roads and refuse to allow other drivers room to pass are road hogs. “Mr. Wilcox should never be allowed to drive a car. He’s a terrible road hog who seems to think he’s driving the only car on the road.”

“A Sacred Cow”

To Hindus the cow is a sacred animal. That has given us a sacred cow as an idiom. It refers to something-a tradition, a group, an institution-that is considered above criticism. “Sophia’s committee has been making our club’s policies so long that it’s become a sacred cow and no one dares criticize it.”

“A Shoulder To Cry On”

Gertrude and Fanny are watching a drama on television. It’s so sad it is causing them to cry. Happily, Ivan is a shoulder to cry on. This describes a person who is understanding and sympathetic. “When I have problems I discuss them with my mother,” Ivan said,” She’s always been a good shoulder to cry on.”

“A Slippery Customer”

As he stands in the doorway of his business establishment, does Mr. Jelled look like a slippery customer? If you knew that ‘slippery’ is a colloquialism meaning cunning and untrustworthy, and ‘ customer’ means a person, I think you’d say yes. “Be very careful of Mr. Eel. He has a reputation of being a slippery customer.”

“A Straw Poll”

The birds have been discussing whether it’s time to fly south for the winter. Since they’re democratic birds, they’ve decided to conduct a straw poll. A straw poll is an informal survey taken to get an opinion. “The results of our straw poll show that most of us prefer leaving early.”

“A Spring Chicken/No Spring Chicken”

Idiomatically, a spring chicken is a young and inexperienced person, male or female. It’s more common, though, to refer to a woman who is no longer young as any spring chicken. “What? Me wear a bikini to the beach? You must be joking .I’m no spring chicken you know,” Myrtle laughed.

EXERCISES:

1. I can’t go to see you can I have a_________?

2. I thought your joke was_________.

3. When I have some difficulties, I always share them with my husband. He’s been_______.

Passage 21.

The human nose has given to the languages of the world many interesting expressions. Of course, this is not surprising. Without the nose, we couldn’t breathe or smell. It is the part of the face that gives a person special character. Crane de Berger said that a large nose showed a great man-courageous, courteous(謙恭的),manly, and intellectual.

A famous woman poet wished that she had two noses to smell the rose. Blasé Pascal, a French philosopher, made an interesting comment about Cleopatra’s nose. If it had been shorter, he said, it would have changed the whole face of the world.

Historically, man’s nose has had a principal role in his imagination. Man has referred to the nose in many ways to express his emotions. Expressions concerning the nose refer to human weakness, anger, pride, jealousy, and revenge.

In English there are a number of phrases about the nose, For example, to hold up one’s nose expresses a basic human feeling-pride. People can hold up their noses at people, things and places.

The phrase, to be led around by the nose, shows man’s weakness. A person who is led around by the nose lets other people control him. On the other hand, a person who follows his nose lets his instinct guide him.

For the human emotion of rejection, the phrase to have one’s nose put out of joint is very descriptive. The expression applies to persons who have been turned aside because of a competitor. Their pride is hurt and they feel rejected. This expression is not new. Erasmus used it in 1542.

This is only sampling of expressions in English dealing with the nose. There are a number of others. However, it should be as plain as the nose on your face that the nose is more than an organ for breathing and smelling.

EXERCISES:

passage is about_______

A. The human nose as an organ for breathing and smelling.

B. The nose providing us with various expressions.

C. A woman poet’s wished to have two noses.

D. Interesting comments made on Cleopatra’s nose.

2.A person who is led around by the nose____

A. lets his instinct guide him.

B. Has no will of his own.

C. Is strong-minded.

Dais full of ignition.

you say it is “as plain as the nose on your face”, you mean____

A.” it is easy to solve.”

B. “Something looks like your nose”

C. “It is something quite easy to understand”

D. “There is a plain-looking nose on your face”

Chapter Ⅴ

Passage 22.

Gina the Dreamer (1)

Gina Plinks loved movies. Actually, she loved the experience of going to the movie theater. It added excitement to her very ordinary life. There were movies on television, but Gina rarely watched those. The TV in her apartment was so small she could hardly see the actors’ faces.

But in the darkened theater with its huge screen, Gina was able to escape to another world. Going to a movie on Friday or Saturday night was the best part of her week. And every week, eyes glued to the screen, Gina dreamed. She dreamed of being a movie star some day.

For years, Gina’s dream was just that-a dream. Gina lived in a little country town. It was about as far from Hollywood - in every way-as you could get. And Gina was … well; let’s just say she didn’t quite have the looks people expect movie stars to have.

But enough of this background information. Let’s cut to the chase. One summer, a big Hollywood film crew came to town to make a Western movie, The Sheriff Was a Lady. The movie company needed some people to play townspeople in the movie. Gina tried out and got a small part. Little did anyone realize she would end up stealing the show?

Gina was thrilled to fin ou5 that she actually had some acting talent. She had no problem imagining she was the character she was playing. She wasn’t a bit camera shy, so the director found her very easy to work with.

Gina also got a behind-the-scenes look at how movies are made. She learned the special vocabulary of filmmaking. She became familiar with the equipment and the process filmmakers use. And most importantly, she learned a lot about the different kinds of people who work in film. She realized that some of them are quite different from the characters they play in the movies.

For example, the leading female character in the western film was strong and fearless. But the actress playing this role was…well; let’s just say she wasn’t quite that way. She did love to be at center stage, however. She was always trying to steal the spotlight from the other actors.

One day, as she was playing a scene on horseback, she accidentally fell off her horse. The other actors and the film crew found this quite entertaining. But the actress didn't think it was very funny. In fact, she decided she could never get on a horse again. She flew back to Hollywood that very night.

Now the director was stuck. He had a movie to finish, and no actress for the leading role. Then he thought of Gina. He asked her if she’d be willing to play the role. Of course, Gina was happy to do it. This was a dream come true.

Exercises:

1. When the president mad a speech on TV, I paid attention. My eyes were glued to the screen. (Someone’s eyes are glued to the screen)

A. Someone glued my eyes on the screen.

B. I stared at the screen.

C. I felt tired and couldn’t move my eyes.

2. I don’t need to know every detail of your story. So please, cut to the chase.

A. Come to the topic directly.

B. Don’t talk about it any more.

C. I only want know a little about it.

3. Jack is a great actor. In the school play, he stole the show.

A. He stole something from the show.

B. He stole something important for the show.

C. He was so distinguished that all the others pay attention to him.

4. Jill doesn’t want anyone to take her picture. She’s camera shy.

A. She is shy when she faces the camera lens.

B. She is not good at photographing.

C. She is shy to take pictures for others.

5. Whatever is happening, Joyce always wants to be at center stage. She loves the attention of others.

A. At an important position.

B. She is an excellent player.

C. She always pays attention to others.

6. At Jill’s wedding, Elaine stole the spotlight with her beautiful new dress.

A. She stole a beautiful dress.

B. She made people pay attention to no one but her.

C. She likes the spotlight very much.

Passage 23.

Gina the Dreamer (2)

Now let’s fast-forward six months. The film was finished and played in theaters across the country. Gina’s performance pleased film critics. They all gave it a thumbs-up. A new star was born! Gina became so famous that people knew her everywhere she went. It was fun at first, but she soon got tired of being in the spotlight.

Gina couldn’t even go out side without people wanting to talk to her. Old high school classmates-who used to ignore her-started calling her. It seemed everyone wanted something from her-a date, an autograph, money, and marriage, whatever. Gina didn’t know whom to trust anymore.

When Gina’s second film hit theaters the following year, audiences hated it. After that, people began to bother Gina less. In fact, they began to avoid her. So Gina decided it was time to bring the curtain down on her acting career. “I’ve lived my dream,” she thought. “But living in the limelight mad the dream a nightmare. So now it’s time to wake up.”

Exercises:

1. Jane is very happy. The boss gave her new idea a thumbs-up.

A. The boss gave her a very good advice.

B. The boss admired her new idea very much.

C. There was something wrong with the boss’s thumbs.

2. When the old leader died, it brought the curtain down on a very interesting period of history. (Bring the curtain down on something)

A. Give an ending to something.

B. The curtain was pulled down after the performance.

C. Someone took away the curtain.

3. William is a shy, quiet person. He doesn’t like being in the limelight.

A. Performance.

B. Want to be lively.

C. To be a focus of attention.

Passage 24.

Space Tourism Takes Off!

Have you ever dreamed of flying into space in a rocket? Like many people, I dreamed about it when I was young. A fantasy, of course! Unless you’re a trained astronaut, getting a seat on a space flight has been nearly impossible…until now.

Space tourism-taking an adventure holiday in space-is now possible for those who can afford it. Two regular citizens have already taken the journey into space on Russian spacecraft. And plans are already being made to accommodate more in the future!

Why are ordinary citizens being allowed to ride on a spacecraft? In a word-money. Simply put, the once-proud Soviet space program is nearly broke. Today’s Russian Space Agency has to work with 1/30th of the budget they enjoyed only 10 years ago.

The agency can’t rely on the old Soviet government. It needs to drum up much of its own money to survive. So when millionaires come along and ask for a ride in a rocket, what does the Agency say? “For only US$20 million per ride, hop in!”

American millionaire Dennis Tito paid the US$20 million for his ride in 2001. Wealthy South African businessman Mark Shuttle worth did the same last April. Both space tourists said their space flight fulfilled a childhood dream.

Pop singer Lance Bass, from the group N-Sync, almost took a ride last October. But his space dreams were shot down when he failed to pay up. So is that the end of millionaires in space? Not likely. Keep your eyes on the news for reports of more millionaire adventurers riding rockets into space.

Some critics say the world isn’t ready for space tourists yet. It may still be too dangerous. What if some inexperienced space traveler pusher the wrong button up there? He could accidentally send the rocket on an one0way trip to Mars!

But if space tourism becomes common, the world’s first space tourists will be considered pioneers. And once the price of a rocket tide comes down a bit, perhaps we too can share in the excitement.

If I had US$20 million to spare, I’d like to take a ride into space. Would you?

Exercises:

1. If the president wants to win the next election, he must drum up more support. (Drum up something)

A. He must give more support to others.

B. He must make more people support him.

C. He should do something for the benefit of his supporters.

2. Bob thought he had a great idea for the party. But Bob’s friends shot down his suggestion. (Shoot down something)

A. His friends didn’t like him.

B. His friends rejected his suggestion.

C. His friends shot at him.

3. I have to go upstairs for a minute. Keep an eye on the stove for me, will you? (Keep one’s eye on something)

A. Stare still at the stove.

B. Keep the fire on.

C. Have an eye fixed to the stove.

4. I’m sorry, but I can’t loan you any money. I don’t have any money to spare this month.

A. I don’t want to give my money to others.

B. I have no money left.

C. I have no money at all.

Passage 25.

Greedy Gory (1)

Gory Byers’ father, Mel, worked in a factory. It bothered Gory that his dad had a blue-collar job. Although the Byers family always had enough to eat, they lived in a small house and drove around in an old car. Gory felt poor compared with his friends, and he didn’t like it. He hardly ever invited anyone over; he didn’t want them to see his family’s home.

Gory wished his dad had a white-collar job and earned more money. Mel once told Gory, “You don’t measure a man y the color of his collar or the size of his paycheck.” But Gory didn’t really believe him.

Although Mel Byers didn’t have deep pockets, he was a kind and generous man. If you needed help, he would give you the shirt off his back. Once a co-worker got very sick and couldn’t work for months. During that time, Mel worked on Saturdays and gave the extra money to the coworker’s family. Gory thought that was a waste of time and money.

Year after year, Gory saw his father come home from work hot, dirty and tired. Gory decided there was no way he could ever work in a factory like his father. So he studied hard, cheated often, and went to business school.

Getting greedy

After he graduated, Gory went to work for a big company. He soon had an important job and was making big money. But the money burned a hole in his pocket. He loved spending and buying, so his pay never seemed to be enough.

One day, a man calling himself “Vinyl” phoned Gory. He offered to pay for information about Gorky’s company and its new products. Gory should have told his boss about Vinyl’s offer, but he kept it under his hat instead. He thought, “I’ll do this just once. Then can buy the new car I want.” But once became twice, and three times, and then many times.

Gory felt bad about selling his company’s secrets. But he was now in Vinyl’s pocket and had to do whatever Vinyl wanted. Besides, Gory loved spending money on clothes, cars, travel and entertainment. He felt he needed every dime Vinyl gave him.

Hoping to make even more money, Gory began gambling at card games and horse races. It wasn’t long before he lost his shirt. Desperate to get back the money he’d lost, Gory secretly “borrowed” money from his company. He gambled that money at cards and horses, too, and lost it all.

Exercises:

1. Laura’s dad must have deep pockets. He bought her an expensive new car for her 18th birthday.

A. One of her dad’s coats has very deep pockets.

B. He has a lot of money.

C. His pockets are designed deep.

2. Bart is a very generous person. He’d give you the shirt off his back. (Give someone the shirt off one’s back)

A. He can try his best to help you.

B. He will give his shirt to you.

C. He would throw away his shirt.

3. My aunt gave me some money and now it’s burning a hole in my pocket. I want to spend it right away. (Burning a hole in one’s pocket)

A. Fire breaks out in my pocket.

B. The money was burnt.

C. I can’t save money at all.

4. Please keep this news under your hat. I don’t want anyone else to know about it. (Keep something under one’s hat)

A. Please put the newspaper under your hat.

B. Please keep the secret.

C. Please put it away.

5. Those criminals have the mayor in their pocket. They pay him, and he does anything they tell him to. (Have someone in one’s pocket / be in someone’s pocket)

A. Those criminals can control the mayor.

B. Those criminals kidnapped the mayor.

C. Those criminals cheated the mayor.

Passage 26.

Greedy Gory (2)

Gory gets caught!

After a while, the suits that managed the company began to notice that money was missing. They noticed something else, too: Their biggest competitor seemed to be aware of everything they planned to do before they did it. Gorky’s bosses began to watch him carefully. They soon found out that he was responsible for both the missing money and the stolen secrets. They called the police.

Gory spent two years in prison for his crimes. While there, he decided to pull up his socks. He would never again steal or gamble. He would be satisfied with what he had (which now was hardly anything).

Mel Byers regularly visited his son in prison. He offered to help Gory get a job at the factory after his release. “Would you be willing to work there?” he asked.

“Yes, I would, dad,” Gory said. “I’ll have to tighten my belt, of course. No more buying expensive cars and clothes. But it will be great to be a free man, doing honest work.”

“That’s my boy,” Mel replied.

“You know, Dad, I used to be ashamed to be your son,” Gory said. “But now I realize it would take a much better man than I am to fill your shoes.”

Exercises:

1. Gene lost his shirt trying to start a new business. Now he has nothing. (Lose one’s shirt)

A. He can’t find his shirt.

B. He lost all his money for the business.

C. He paid all his money for the shirt.

2. The teacher told Johnny to pull up his socks or he would fail the course. (Pull up one’s socks)

A. The teacher told Johnny to take off his socks.

B. The teacher told Johnny to put on his socks.

C. The teacher told Johnny to try his best to study.

3. Since Dad lost his job, we’ve had to tighten our belts. We all spend less money now. (Tighten one’s belt)

A. My belt is shorter now.

B. We have had to economize money.

C. We have to be thinner now.

4. When Jim’s father retired from running the company, Jim took over. But he couldn’t fill his father’s shoes. (Fill one’s shoes)

A. He had his father’s shoes on.

B. He put something in his father’s shoes.

C. He couldn’t inherit his father’s company and run it as well as his father.

Chapter Ⅵ

Passage 27.

Idioms about Eyes

The eyes are probably the most expressive part of the human body. They can reveal complex and often confusing kinds of information. They command attention because they are visible and omnipresent. They can move from signs of ecstasy to signs of despair less than a second.

Research results suggest that there are ten basic classes of meaning that can be communicated by eyes. Happiness, surprise, fear, anger, sadness, disgust, contempt, interest, bewilderment, and determination. For example, we have some idioms about eyes: cry one’s eyes out; have an eye for; turn a blind eye to; an eye for an eye; with one’s entire eye; see eye to eye. Research has also shown that the eyes may communicate information other than the emotional state of the person------They may reveal the thought processes as well. In addition, it has been shown that we are capable of conveying not just a single emotional state but also multiple emotions at the same time.

Exercises:

Here you will read some sentences, try to match each one with an idiom.

1.A murderer was punished by death. That is to say, it is_______.

pretended not to have seen the old man’s being in trouble means that he_________ the old man.

has good judgment for a girl at her age ------ He_____ the girl age.

mother died and she_________.

Passage 28.

The Driving Test

Idioms in Context

Jenny was on her way to take her driving test and she was a bundle of nerves. Despite having got up at the crack of dawn to read her driving manual once more, she felt that she knew nothing. If only she had listened to her father. “It’s easier to get a job if you can drive.” He had said and offered to foot the bill for the lessons. “I’ll think about it,” Jenny had replied and put the idea on the back burner for some time. When she left college and started job-hunting, she discovered that her father had hit the nail on the head. There were indeed more jobs available for drivers. One of her friends was a sales rep for a publishing company and Jenny had set her heart on getting a similar job. That meant getting a driving license. With a great deal of encouragement from family and friends she had plucked up enough courage tenor for driving lessons. “Learning to drive is a piece of cake,” Jenny’s brother kept saying, but she found it quite difficult. Although her instructor, Mr. Black, was sure that she would pass with flying colors at her first attempt, she herself was not so confident. However, Mr. Black was right. As Jenny came out of the test center to meet her family, she was grinning from ear to ear. She had passed. Now she would be able to apply for the job-and get a company car.

Know the Meaning

Be a handle of nerves

To be very nervous: Jill is always a bundle of nerves when she has to sit an exam.

At crack of dawn

Very early in the morning: We’ll have to leave home at crack of dawn to catch the first bus.

Foot the bill

To pay (for something): Jack applied for a bank loan to help him foot the bill for his daughter’s wedding.

Put (something) on the back burner

To delay dealing with (something), to set (something) aside in order to attend to it later: Their plans to move house have been put on the back burner for the moment.

Hit the nail on the head

To be absolutely accurate or exact: My father hit the nail on the head when he said that Jack was a villain

Set one’s heart on (something)

To be very keen to get or do (something), to want (something) very much: Jan has set her heart on studying medicine. The child had set his heart on a trip to the seaside.

Pluck up courage/screw up one’s courage

To force oneself to do something, although one might be feeling afraid or unwilling: The junior clerk finally plucked up courage and asked his boss for a wage rise.

A piece of cake (informal)

Something very easy or simple to do: The first exam was a piece of cake but the others were very difficult.

With flying colors

Very easily and successfully: Anne came through the job interview with flying colors.

Grin from ear to ear

To smile broadly, to look very pleased or happy: The coach of the local football team was grinning from ear to ear when they won the cup.

Do it yourself

1. If you get up at crack of dawn are you a later riser?

2. Fill in an idiom to complete the sentence: Luke was surprised that he was left to _____in the restaurant-he had thought that they were going to divide in among them.

3. If you put something on the back burner do you attend to it immediately?

4. If you hit the nail on the head are you accurate?

5. If you have set your heart on something are you reluctant to have it?

6. Give an idiom that is very similar in form to pluck up one’s courage and means exactly the same.

7. Give an idiom, which you could use to say that something is very easy.

8. If students very nearly fail an exam would you say that they had passed with flying colors?

9. Give an idiom, which has the same meaning as grin from ear to ear.

10. If you were described as being a bundle of nerves would you be feeling calm and confident?

Passage 29.

A bed of rose

Chadwick is convinced that life is a bed of roses. "The only time that life is not a bed of roses is when I'm called upon to chase mice", Chadwick Yawned. A bed of roses describes a situation that is agreeable and gives s peace, comfort and pleasure.

A mixed bag

You will find a strange collection in a mixed bag. It could be a varied group of people, idea, and about anything. "That was a mixed bag of people at the conference”.” This report is a mixed bag of opinions". "I didn’t go to the market so we're having a mixed bag for supper tonight,” Mother said.

A mine of information

While search for material torte a report Horace discovered a book that proved to be a mine of information. Anything a book, a person-that is a valuable source of information is a mine of information." A dictionary can be a mine of information. My boss is a mine of information, too," Horace said.

An old hand

"We need someone for the information desk so I think I'll give the job to Ralph. He's an old hand here," Mr. Drudge said. That how Ralph got his promotion at the museum, for an old hand is a person very experienced at doing something.” I’m becoming an old hand at answering questions,” Ralph yawned

Questions：

1.“我的房間非常舒適”can be translated this way：

A. The bed is full of roses.

B. My room is the bed of roses.

C. The room is full of beds and roses.

D. Roses taste sweet.

2."在這個箱子裏你可以找到各種工具"

A. You can find your tools in the box.

B. There are some tools in the box.

C. Filled with all kinds of tools, it is heavy to carry.

D. This is a mixed bag of tools where you can find the tools you need.

3. "這是一個好電影”

A. The film is interesting.

B. The film is about a mine.

C. The film is a mine of information.

D. The film will be put on next week.

4. "他是一個技術熟練的人'.

A. Can you lend me a hand?

B. He is a left-handed man.

C. He is an old hand.

D. He likes to shakes with a stranger.

Passage 30.

Shoes

Many people like to wear leather shoes. But with youngster athletic footwear, shoes for sports, is more popular. No matter what kind of shoes you prefer, it is important that they should not pinch your feet. Old shoes do not pinch. They are comfortable, though they do not look as smart as new ones.

If I ask you to "put yourself into my shoes", I don’t mean you must put on my shoes, but you have to look at things from my angle. In some cases, we ought to try to put ourselves into others.

Glove

Gloves and mittens are both coverings for the hand. Can you tell the difference between them? This is the difference: most gloves have separate parts for each of the four fingers and for the thumb, whereas mittens cover the four fingers together and the thumb separately.

To protect your hands, you can wear a pair of rubber gloves when you have a lot of dishes to wash. In winter, to keep your hands warm, you can wear wool-lined gloves. Surgeons always wear sterile gloves while doing operations.

The idiom "hand in glove (or hand and glove)"means "in close relations or working in close collaboration". "The official is found to be hand in glove with some gangsters”. That means he and the gangsters cooperate with each other to do bad things.

Sock

People, by men and women, old and young, commonly wear sock. There are socks for special purposes: athletic socks, crew socks, etc.

Now let's learn one idiom that is to do with "socks”:” Pull one's socks up". The following dialogue will show you how to use it.

A: Why are you pulling a long face, Bob?

B: I failed the test.

A: That wasn't Waterloo, was it? Pull your socks up. You'll surely do well next time.

Hat

Generally caps have peaks and hats have brims. Boys often wear sun hats and girls sun bonnets when they sit, stand or walk in the hot sun.

A good hat just means a good hat, but a bad hat can mean a bad egg. Naturally we dislike bad hats. Nor do we like persons who often talk through their hats. We take off our hats to those who are quietly working hard.

Do you eat hats? That is certainly an absurd question. Yet you can say,” I’ll eat my hat if Hong Kong loses the match tomorrow.

Questions:

1. It can be inferred from the idiom” put yourself into my shoe” that

A. You must agree with me on the point.

B. The shoes fit you well

C. You should change the shoes for my pair

2. Which of this statement is an example of "hand in glove"?

A. No one in my family has gloves.

Bowel likes to wear gloves all the year round.

Comfy sister and I are very close.

3. When a person is saying "I'll eat my hat if England wins tomorrow" he refers to:

A. I did not have anything. I want to eat my hat.