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[B] Time: Past and Future I

LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🔐

threshold

[ 'threshold ]

noun

- a point at which something starts

He is on the threshold of his career.

crumble

[ kruhm-buhl ]

verb

- to break, or cause something to break, into small pieces

The earthquake made the wall sink and start to crumble.

sentimental value

[ noun ]

- the value of something to someone because of personal or emotional associations rather than material worth.

The piano has great sentimental value to her - it belonged to her grandmother.

the way things are going

phrase

- used to meant that you expect something to happen because of the way the present situation is developing

The way things are going, the company will be bankrupt by the end of the year.

make do

phrase

- manage with the limited or inadequate means available

I can't afford a new coat so I have to make do with this old one.

LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚

A. has seen better days

  • old and not working so well

fixing tires

Dialogue

Icon_Sally

Sally

You've been repairing our car for a couple of days now. How about we consider buying a new one?

Icon_Mechanic

Rex

I'm aware that this car has seen better days, but it holds sentimental value for me. It's not easy for me to let go of it.

Icon_Sally

Sally

I understand, but with the children starting school soon, we need a car that's in good condition and reliable.

B. make up for lost time

  • to do something as much as possible because you were not able to do it before

bedtime stories

Dialogue

John_Happy Icon

John

I realized I've been missing out on so much with the kids. I want to make up for the lost time and be more present in their lives.

Icon_Marie

Marie

That's great to hear! They've been longing for more quality time with you. I'm glad you're making this effort.

John_Happy Icon

John

From now on, I'll make sure to prioritize family time and create precious memories with our children. They deserve it.

C. for the time being

  • temporarily: instead of something else

talking with colleague

Dialogue

Icon_Mike

Mike

Our new office feels spacious with just the two of us.

Icon_Sakura

Alexa

Absolutely. We're fortunate that the management has given us a better workspace.

Icon_Mike

Mike

That's true. However, since our new computer won't arrive for another two weeks, let's make use of the tablets for the time being to complete our reports.

D. on the threshold of

  • at the start of a new and important time or development

happy family

Dialogue

John_Happy Icon

Husband

I can't believe we're finally on the threshold of buying our first home.

Icon_Marie

Wife

It's such an exciting time for us. I've been dreaming about having our own place for years.

John_Happy Icon

Husband

I know, it's a big step forward for our family. I can't wait to make it our own and create lasting memories..

E. only a matter of time

  • it will definitely happen, even though we cannot say exactly when

back to school

Dialogue

Icon_Sally

Sally

This year will definitely be a tough one.

Icon_Cindy

Cindy

What made you think like that?

Icon_Sally

Sally

The current situation with the virus makes me worry. With the way things are going, it seems like it's only a matter of time before it spreads worldwide.

LET'S PRACTICE! 📝

Part I

Direction: Choose the appropriate idioms to complete each of the sentences.

has seen better days making up for lost time
for the time being on the threshold of
only a matter of time
  1. The abandoned house in the neighborhood . It's in a state of disrepair with broken windows and a crumbling roof.

  2. I'm trying to work overtime to and catch up on my deadlines.

  3. We still don't have the budget for a new car yet, so , we'll have to make do with the public transportation.

  4. The company is launching a new product that they believe will revolutionize the market.

  5. Given his reckless driving habits, it was before he got into a car accident.

Part II

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

  1. 🔊

  2. 🔊

  3. 🔊

Part III

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

  1. The athlete suffered an injury that kept him out of the game for a season, but now he's back an determined to make up for lost time.

    .

  2. With their hardwork and dedication, it's only a matter of time before they achieve their goals.

    .