![[C] Fun with Numbers: Idioms](https://images.ctfassets.net/r30ratzbtbbf/4dx1lvu4PQefDDjJLczvxw/3e3f334dd2405846cb00b92a41f6d5e8/VOCABULARY_POWER-01.png)
LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🔐
preoccupied
[ pree-'ok-yuh-pahyd ]
adjective
She seemed preoccupied all the time I was talking to her.
lucrative
[ 'loo-kruh-tiv ]
adjective
The childcare business is not very lucrative.
well-being
[ 'wel-'bee-ing ]
noun
We try to ensure the well-being of our employees.
juggle
[ 'juhg-uhl ]
verb
Many parents find it hard to juggle children and a career.
make the most of sth
phrase
It's my first holiday for two years so I'm going to make the most of it.
LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚
A. Back to square one
- to start dealing with something from the beginning again because the way you were dealing with it has failed
Dialogue
Anna
John
What happened?
Anna
The new software we installed caused a major glitch and we lost all the data we collected. Now we have to start over from scratch.
B. Nine-to-five job
- a routine job in an office that involves standard office hours
Dialogue
Sally
Hi Melly, it's been a while since we've caught up over coffee. You've seemed busier these days.
Melly
That's true. I've been juggling work and studies. I'm actually planning to go overseas to seek better opportunities and gather ideas for lucrative business venture.
Sally
That sounds exciting. You've always talked about starting your own business. I guess you've finally made up your mind to leave your nine-to-five job here.
C. Stand on one’s own two feet
- to be independent and self-sufficient
Dialogue
Marie
I'm really worried about Jessy leaving town to go to college and live on her own. It just feels like yesterday when she was born and now she's all grown up.
John
I know it's hard to believe but don't worry about our daughter. She's proven herself to be responsible and mature. I'm confident that she can stand on her own feet.
Marie
I guess you're right. I just can't help but feel anxious about her safety and well-being.
D. Kill two birds with one stone
- to succeed in achieving two things in a single action
Dialogue
John
I'll head to the grocery store later. Do you need anything?
Marie
Actually, yes. I need to drop off a package at the post office, but I have a lot of virtual meetings this afternoon.
John
No problem, I'm passing by the post office on my way to the grocery store. I can take the package for you and kill two birds with one stone.
E. At the eleventh hour
- at the last moment or almost too late
Dialogue
Anna
Hey, Melly, where's Tim? I thought he's coming with you.
Melly
He cancelled his flight at the eleventh hour. Something urgent came up, unfortunately.
Anna
Oh, that's too bad. I hope everything's okay. But hey, we have our itinerary all set, so let's make the most of our trip together!
F. two cents
- an opinion offered on a topic under discussion
Dialogue
Bill
Melly's suggestion didn't really work out on the second campaign.
John
I see. Well, here's my two cents. Instead of relying on just one person, why don't you try gathering ideas from your team? More heads are always better than one.
Bill
That's a good point. I will definitely keep that in mind for the next campaign. Thanks for the advice, Bill.
G. one step at a time
- to do something slowly and carefully; without being careless or in a rush
Dialogue
Anna
Hey, Sally. You seem preoccupied. What's going on?
Sally
Well, our manager just gave me my first project and I'm feeling overwhelmed. I don't even know where to start.
Anna
Ah, I remember feeling like that on my first project too. But don't worry, it's not as complicated as it seems. Just break it down into smaller tasks and tackle each task one step at a time.
LET'S PRACTICE!
PART I
Direction: Fill in the blanks with the correct useful expressions. Make sure to use the correct tenses as well.
| stand on one’s own two feet | kill two birds with one stone |
| back to square one | at the eleventh hour |
| two cents | nine-to-five job |
| one step at a time |
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Mary will have to get a job and learn to sooner or later because she's not getting any younger.
-
When I was in college, all I wanted was a steady that would pay a decent salary.
-
They managed to fix the technical issue , right before the live event started.
-
I might as well and drop off my tax forms while I'm at the mall for the computer part I need.
-
Despite months of progress, the team's setback meant they had to go and start over.
-
He decided to tackle his goals , starting with small changes in his daily routine.
-
He didn't want to interfere, but he couldn't help but give his on the situation.
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. Make sure to use the correct tenses.
1. ( kill two birds with one stone / mother )
Answer:
2. ( stand on one's own feet / college )
Answer:
I thought that we had everything figured out, but now it looks like we're back to square one.