LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🔐
radical
[ 'rad-i-kuhl ]
adjective
This decision signified a radical change in their policies.
convoluted
[ 'kon-vuh-loo-tid ]
adjective
His grammar explanations are terribly convoluted.
reassuring
[ ree-uh-'shoor-ing ]
adjective
He gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
domino effect
noun
The lack of raw materials will have a domino effect on the production and distribution of goods.
get the hang of
phrase
It is difficult for foreigners to get the hang of English idioms.
LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚
A. know something like the back of one's hand
- know something very well
Dialogue
Melly
Cindy
Oh, you don't have to worry about it. This is my mom's hometown and I know it like the back of my hand.
Melly
That's great. It's reassuring to have someone who knows the place so well.
B. can't make heads or tails of
- can't understand at all
Dialogue
Melly
What seems to be the problem, Ken? You've been staring at that paper for a couple of minutes now.
Ken
Actually, I purchased a tool in Amazon but the manual is written in Hindi so I can't make heads or tails of it. I'm starting to get frustrated.
Melly
I can help you with that.
C. fall Behind
- fail to do something by a particular time
Dialogue
John
How's the operation going so far?
Ken
Not good, I'm afraid. I just received an email notifying me about delays in the deliveries, which were caused by the recent earthquake.
John
If the deliveries and installations fall behind schedule, it could have a domino effect on your project timeline and cause delays.
D. learn the ropes
- learn the basic skills for a job
Dialogue
Keiko
So, how was your first day at work?
Sally
It was great. My colleagues were very welcoming, but learning the ropes was really tough. I think it will take me some time to get the hang of things.
Keiko
Don't worry, Sally. I'm sure you'll pick it up soon enough with practice and dedication.
Sally
Thanks, Keiko.
E. break the mold
- change the way things are done
Dialogue
Sally
Have you seen the new product design? It's completely different from what we usually make.
Alexa
Yeah, the design team really wanted to break the mold and try something new.
Sally
I'm not sure if our customers will like it though.
Alexa
That's true, but sometimes we need to take risks to stay ahead in the market.
LET'S PRACTICE! 📝
Part I
Direction: Fill in the blanks with the correct idiomatic expression.
break the mold | fall behind |
can't make heads or tails | know something like the back of one's hand |
learn the ropes |
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Yes, you need to figure out how to sell the service, but once you it's not at all that hard to find the customers.
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The new CEO plans to and implement some radical changes in the company.
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Tenants of the apartment who in their rent risk being evicted.
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I tried to read that book, but the writing was so convoluted that I of the plot.
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She knows the script so well that she and doesn't need to look at it during the performance.
Part II
Direction: Listen as your mentor reads the statements twice. Then, repeat after your mentor.
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Part III
Direction: Describe the picture using the words or phrases provided.
1. ( car designer / know it like the back of my hand )
2. ( fall behind / slack off )
I'm not so familiar about some of the places in our itinerary, so I purchased a city map at the bookstore.