LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🔐
skyrocket
[ 'skahy-rok-it ]
verb
Production has dropped while prices and unemployment have skyrocketed.
jeopardize
[ 'jep-er-dahyz ]
verb
Overworking can jeopardize your health.
mortgage
[ mawr-gij ]
noun
High mortgage rates have decreased the attractiveness of house-owning.
consolidate
[ kuhn-'sol-i-deyt ]
verb
We consolidate information from a wide range of sources.
bog down
phrase
He's a big-picture leader and doesn't get bogged down in the details.
LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚
Direction: Read and understand the different idiomatic expressions below.
A. to supplement one's income
- to take on some extra work to increase your income
Dialogue
Alex
John
Yeah, the cost of living has skyrocketed, so I'm writing articles in the evenings to supplement my income.
Alex
Smart move. If you ever want to collaborate on a project, just let me know!
B. outstanding debts
- the overall amount businesses owe their lenders or creditors, including accrued interest
Dialogue
Alex
John
It’s essential to clear those debts first, or they could jeopardize your business. Have you thought about consolidating them or seeking professional advice?
Alex
You're right, Sam. I’ll explore those options and ensure my financial stability before diving into the business. Thanks for the guidance!
C. run up an overdraft
- means to spend more money than you have in your bank account
Dialogue
Sally
Cindy, I'm in a bind. I inadvertently ran up an overdraft on my account, and the fees are piling up!
Cindy
Oh no, Sally! Have you contacted the bank to discuss a repayment plan or to see if they can waive the fees?
Sally
Not yet, but that's a good idea. I'll call them right away and try to sort this out. Thanks, Cindy!
D. default on (payments)
- to fail to do something, such as pay a debt, that you legally have to do
Dialogue
Sally
I'm feeling overwhelmed. I've lost my job and have been struggling financially. I'm afraid I might default on my car payments.
Cindy
Oh, Sally, that's serious. Before it gets to that point, maybe you can talk to the financing company about adjusting your payment plan?
Sally
That's a good idea. I'll reach out to them and explain my situation. Thanks for the advice, Cindy.
E. to stay afloat
- having enough money to pay what you owe and not have debts
Dialogue
Anna
I don’t know, Rick. After the recent cutbacks at work, it’s been tough to stay afloat financially.
John
I get that, Maria. Have you thought about revising your budget or maybe looking for additional sources of income?
Anna
Yeah, I'm currently exploring part-time jobs. Anything to keep the ship steady until things pick up again.
LET'S PRACTICE! 📝
Part I
Direction: Choose the appropriate expressions to complete each of the sentences.
supplement one's income | outstanding debts |
default on | run up an overdraft |
to stay afloat |
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The company's balance sheet showed a significant amount of , raising concerns among its investors.
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Despite the fierce competition, her company managed by innovating and improving efficiency.
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Many people take on freelance work to , ensuring they have a financial cushion for unexpected expenses.
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After losing his job, he struggled to make ends meet and eventually his mortgage payments.
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When he reviewed his monthly bank statement, he was shocked to see that he had , which now incurred daily charges.
Part II
Direction: Listen as your mentor reads the statements twice. Then, repeat after your mentor.
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Part III
Direction: Paraphrase the following sentences. Make sure to paraphrase the underlined idiomatic expressions.
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The city warned residents that defaulting on water bill payments could lead to a disruption of service.
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Many people in the neighborhood are turning to freelance work online as a way to supplement their income amidst rising living costs.
I noticed you've been picking up a lot of freelance work lately, John.