[B] Talking About Negative Things II

LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🔐

snap

[ snap ]

verb

- to suddenly become unable to control a strong feeling, especially anger; to say something suddenly in an angry way

There's no need to snap at me - it's not my fault that you lost your wallet.

get something out of your system

phrase

- to get rid of a wish or emotion, especially a negative one, by allowing yourself to express it

I was furious, so I went for a run to get it out of my system.

nervous wreck

noun

- a person suffering from stress or emotional exhaustion

She was a nervous wreck, crying when anyone asked her about her experience.

put up with

phrasal verb

- to accept or continue to accept an unpleasant situation or experience, or someone who behaves unpleasantly:

I can't put up with this awful machine any longer.

lash out

phrasal verb

- to strike out in defense or attack—physically or verbally

Hey, don't lash out at me, I'm just the messenger!

LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚

A. measure up

good enough

MEASURE UP

Dialogue

Icon_Marie

Marie

So what are you going to take up in college?

Icon_Cindy

Cindy

I'm not sure, Mom. I've always wanted to become an architect, but some of my classmates think I don't have the necessary skills for it.

Icon_Marie

Marie

Don't pay attention to them, Cindy. When I was starting my own business, some of my acquaintances doubted that I would ever measure up to be a successful businesswoman because I was so shy and timid. But look at me now!

B. take it out on someone

treating someone badly because you are upset or angry, even though they have done nothing wrong

ARGUING COUPLE

Dialogue

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

I understand that you're having some problems at work, but please don't take it out on me. You need to find a better way to get your frustration out of your system. I can't keep putting up with this.

Icon_Alex

Alex

I'm sorry, Anna. I was just really stressed out from work, and I didn't mean to lash out at you.

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

I understand that work can be tough, but you need to learn how to control your emotions and find healthier ways to cope with stress.

C. a letdown

a disappointment

BROKEN ITEM

Dialogue

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

My parcel finally arrived, but my item was broken during transit. It's such a letdown.

Icon_Cindy

Cindy

That's really unfortunate. You should definitely have it replaced.

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

I already contacted the seller, and they're sending a replacement. I hope this one arrives in good condition.

D. if the worst comes to worst

if the situation becomes very difficult or serious

LATE FOR DEPARTURE

Dialogue

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

I don't think we'll able to make it on time.

Icon_Cindy

Cindy

We should catch the 12:30 train, but if the worst comes to worst, we can take a taxi and still make it to town on time.

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

That's a good backup plan. Let's hope we make it to the train on time.

E. against someone's better judgment

doing something although you do not think it was a sensible thing to do

AGAINST BETTER JUDGEMENT

Dialogue

Icon_Ken

Ken

Hey, Alex! Are you expecting guests? You've been looking outside for quite a while now.

Icon_Alex

Alex

Not really. Against my better judgement, I let my 18-year-old drive my Mercedes Coupe to the beach and now I'm a nervous wreck waiting for her to come home.

Icon_Ken

Ken

Take it easy. I'm sure, Jessy can handle it.

LET'S PRACTICE! 📝

Part I

Direction: Fill in the blanks with the correct idiomatic expression.

a let-down	measure up
if the worst comes to worst	take it out on
against one's better judgement

The new employee's performance exceeded all expectations and demonstrated that she could to the company's standards.
Our keynote speaker is not feeling well so I contacted our chairman of the board and he said he can fill in .
, she decided to go on a blind date with someone she met online.
The new movie was , with a weak plot and underdeveloped characters, despite its promising trailer.
When he's stressed, he tends to his siblings by snapping at them for no reason.

Part II

Direction: Listen as your mentor reads the statements twice. Then, repeat after your mentor.

🔊
🔊
🔊

Part III

Direction: Paraphrase the following sentences. Make sure to paraphrase the underlined idiomatic expressions.

Many companies seem to have set too high a standard for their employees to measure up to.
.
If the worst comes to worst and you can't get a job, you may apply for unemployment benefits.
.