Preposition Use - in / at / on - prepositions of place

IN

Use 'in' with spaces:

• in a room / in a building
• in a garden / in a park

Use 'in' with bodies of water:

• in the water
• in the sea
• in a river

Use 'in' with lines:

• in a row / in a line
• in a queue

AT

Use 'at' with places:

• at the bus-stop
• at the door
• at the cinema
• at the end of the street

Use 'at' with places on a page:

• at the top of the page
• at the bottom of the page

Use 'at' in groups of people:

• at the back of the class
• at the front of the class

ON

Use 'on' with surfaces:

• on the ceiling / on the wall / on the floor
• on the table

Use 'on' with small islands:

• I stayed on Maui.

Use 'on' with directions:

• on the left
• on the right
• straight on

IMPORTANT NOTES

In / at / on the corner

We say 'in the corner of a room', but 'at the corner (or 'on the corner') of a street'

In / at / on the front

• We say 'in the front / in the back' of a car
• We say 'at the front / at the back' of buildings / groups of people
• We say 'on the front / on the back' of a piece of paper

preposition

ABOUT

Use the following adjectives followed by 'about'. Each group of adjectives have the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.

• angry / annoyed / furious about something

  Example: I'm really angry about our losses on the stock market!

• excited about something

  Example: He's excited about his birthday party next week.

• worried / upset about something

  Example: He's worried about his upcoming examinations.

• sorry about something

  Example: I'm very sorry about Losing your book.

AT

Use the following adjectives followed by 'at'. Each group of adjectives have the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.

• good / excellent / brillant at something OR at doing something

  Example: They are excellent at planning fun parties.

• bad / hopeless at something OR at doing something

  Example: Unfortunately, I'm hopeless at being on time.

AT / BY

Use the following adjectives followed by 'at' or 'by'. Each group of adjectives have the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.

• amazed / astonished / shocked / surprised at OR by something

  Example: I was amazed at his stamina.

FOR 

Use the following adjectives followed by 'for'. Each group of adjectives have the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.

• angry with someone for something

  Example: I'm really angry with John for his total lack of responsibility.

• famous for something

  Example: She's famous for her watercolor paintings.

• responsible for something

  Example: You'll have to speak to John, he's responsible for customer complaints.

• sorry for doing something

  Example: He says he's sorry for shouting at you.

• (to feel or be) sorry for someone

  Example: I really feel sorry for Pam.

FROM

Use the following adjectives followed by 'from'.

• different from somone / something

  Example: His photographs are very different from his paintings.

Test Your Understanding

Now that you have studied these adjective preposition formulas, try the follow-up quiz to test your understanding.

Collocation

Collocation -- example

verb + noun -- take a vacation

adjective + noun -- light rain

adverb + verb -- completely forget

adverb + adjective -- totally awesome

adjective + preposition -- tired of ...

noun + noun -- a business deal

Here are some examples of longer collocations based on 'll

I'll give you a call

I'll be in touch

I'll get back to you as soon as I can

I'll be back in a minute

I'll see what I can do

  to burst into laughter

 to bear witness to (something)

 to carry something too far

  to cast an eye over (something) ( = to examine something briefly)

 to catch (one's) eye

  to change one's mind

. to carry/convey a message

. to cause damage to

.  to take care of somebody / something

. to come to somebody's rescue/aid

. to come off in an examination

. to commit crime

. to draw (one's) attention to (something)

.  to make comparison

. to drive (someone) mad

. to drop a line to (someone) ( = to write to somebody)

. to turn a deaf ear to

. to have something done (by somebody)

. to do somebody a favour

. to look down on somebody

. There is a great demand for

.  to eat one's words

---

 
.  to exercise (one's) right

. to engage a telephone line

. to earn a living

. to have a good/bad effect on

. to enrich one's knowledge

. to come to an end

. to pay attention to (someone)

. to place an order

. to play tricks on (someone)

. to put the blame on (someone)

. to pay a visit to

. to pick up a bad habit

. to put an end to

. to raise a question/an objection

. to read between the lines (= to look for the underlying meaning of one's words)

. to receive a good education

. to receive a letter from

. to take (one's) time (= to do something slowly)

. to throw cold water on something (= to discourage someone from doing something)

. to turn a blind eye to

. to tackle a problem

. to take the chance

. to keep track on

. to take shape 

 　
COLLOCATIONS 1

 (give/make) a suggestion

 take/make a telephone call

---

 
do/make  an attempt to

win/beat  a match

win/beat a team

put/carry out a plan

put/bring  something to an end

put/bring  an end to something

ruin/hurt  your health

do/make  a complaint about

select/make  a choice

do/make  a decision

do/make  somebody a favour

do/make a comparison,

put/take  action to

rise/raise fund

keep/hold  one's word

miss/lose  one’s way

watch/observe  a custom

take/listen to  somebody’s advice

COLLOCATIONS 2

do/make business with somebody

go/come  to an agreement

make/do  friends with others

give/pay somebody a lift

write/compile  a dictionary

do/make improvement

do/make  a performance

do /make a promise

give/open  a party

take/make  use of something

give/pay a visit to somebody

do/play  an important part

do/make  a new start

bring/take advantage of something

fit/meet  the requirements

do/make  a good teacher

do/make  haste

raise/rise  a question.

verb collocations

DO

  __   the dishes _ gardening _ something -nothing_a good job _business _the shopping _ work _ homework_ _housework _ the cleaning _ the cooking _the laundry _the salad_the washing up _the washing_science (at school)    _harm _well_fine _wisely_   your best_ errands __  a favour_ a text  _a good

MAKE

_a mess _ furniture _ trouble _war _peace _a change _plans _arrangements_journey_ an offer__ a telephone call _ a deal a scene_ an effort_ an excuse_a mistake _a noise_a trouble  a speech_a phone call _a decision_a choice _the bed_food _friends_a profit _ a fortune _ money _ a glass of tea _ a cup of tea _an exception _a sentence _a cake _a list _ a meal _ breakfast _ lunch _ dinner _ a promise _a dress _ _progress_a suggestion__

Conversation Questions

Age: Youth & Old Age

Are young people generally more selfish than their parents and grandparents? Does age make you more aware of and caring for others

Should adults try to teach young people lessons, such as the dangers of drinking too much, taking drugs or catch the AIDS virus, or should they leave them alone to find out about these things themselves? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches

What do you think is the best age to be? Explain your opinion.

Most countries give young people rights as they reach a certain age. For example, British people can legally make love or fight for their country at the age of 16; they can drink, vote and drive a car when they are 18. Does China have similar laws? Do you think that any of the age limits need changing

Some people think you should give something to society before you have the right to join it. Should young people have to do some form of military or community service by law

Should people of between 50 and 55 be forced to retire from their jobs in order to make way for younger workers

If people are still able to (and want to) work, should they have to retire when the reach a certain age? Explain your opinion.

In most countries the legal retirement age for men is 5 years older than for women, even though women live longer than men on average. Why do you think this is? Is this fair, or should it be changed

Are there many things that the old can teach the young or are they hopelessly out of touch by the time they reach a certain age? What things were you taught by your older family members? How have they been useful to you in your life

In most countries, compulsory education is targeted at 5 - 16 year olds. Would it be better to offer it to pensioners who want to learn rather than young people who prefer not to be in school? Explain your opinion.

In Russia, China and many other countries, there is a tradition of choosing leaders who are quite advanced in years. Do you think that older people make better leaders? Explain your opinion.

One of Britain's best-ever leaders was William Pitt the younger, who became Prime Minister when he was 24 and remained in power for 18 years. Could this ever happen in China? Why/why not

Many elderly people have disabilities which limit their mobility. Do buses, shops and public buildings in your country provide easy access for the disabled or are your towns and cities designed mainly for the young and able-bodied? Why is this

Should the elderly be expected to pay for residential care out of their own savings or should appropriate accommodation and nursing be provided by the tax payer? Explain your opinion.

Some people say that men age better than women, and remain attractive longer – do you agree? Explain your opinion.

Some people say that men never grow up, they just get bigger – do you agree? Explain your opinion.

Some people say that young women are usually 2 to 3 years more mature than young men – do you agree? Explain your opinion.

In most countries women live an average of 5 to 6 years longer than men. Why do you think this is

In some countries having children is considered a way of "investing in the future", and young people are expected to give money to their parents when they get a job, and then to care for them when they retire. What are the good points and what are the bad points about this system

Many countries are facing the problem of an "aging population", i.e. there will soon be more old people than young people. What problems will this cause? What can be done to prepare for them

What do you think is the ideal age for each of these stages of your life: (Explain your opinion.)

• Starting School
• Starting Dating
• Leaving School/starting work
• Leaving your parents' home
• Getting Married
• Having a Child
• Retiring

Are you afraid of getting old

What is your ideal old age to live to

Do you prefer to live in the retirement home or live with young people?

Should parents continue to finance their children after the children are 18?

Idioms and Expressions - All

All-nighter

Definition: do something (for instance a study session) that lasts all night

We pulled an all-nighter to get ready for the exam.
The graduation party was an all-nighter.

All over something

Definition: very fond of something

He's all over the latest fashions.
Peter's all over antique furniture.

All right (!)

Definition: Yes, okay, fine

That's all right by me!
All right! I got an A+ on my term paper.

All shook up

Definition: extremely excited, worried, or disturbed about something

He's all shook up about his mother's illness.
Wow! I'm all shook up about Alice.

All that and then some

Definition: even more than what has been mentioned

He did all that and then some to get the new job.
Yes, that's right. All that and then some!

All the way (with go)

Definition: do something completely

He's going all the way for the scholarship.
We went all the way to California on our vacation.

Dash it all!

Definition: expression used when very upset

Dash it all! I didn't do very well.
Dash it all! She can't come this weekend.

For all I know

Definition: based on what I know (usually expressing displeasure)

For all I know, he'll come and win the prize.
They've decided to hire Jack for all I know.

Free for all

Definition: crazy, non-restricted activity (generally a fight)

It was a free for all! Everyone went crazy!
They stepped in to break up the free for all.

Have it all together

Definition: be very poised, successful

He has it all together. The house, the wife, the kids, the great job - everything!
I was very impressed with the candidate. She seemed to have it all together.

Hold all the aces

Definition: have all the advantages

Unfortunately, Tom holds all the aces right now. You'll have to do what he says.
I'm holding all the aces so I can do whatever I want.

Know all the angles

Definition: be very clever about something

Jack knows all the angles. Be careful!
The salesman knew all the angles, and by the end of our talk I had bought a new computer!

Not all there

Definition: not intelligent, not completely focused on an activity

I'm afraid Peter is not all there. He needs some help badly.
Unfortunately, I was not all there and lost the final match.

Of all the nerve!

Definition: expression of anger at someone's behavior

Of all the nerve! Did you see how that woman treated me?
Of all the nerve! She took me seat!

Once and for all

Definition: finally (usually putting an end to something)

I'm going to stop his behavior once and for all!
Let's get this over once and for all.

Pull out all the stops

Definition: make every possible effort to do something

He pulled out all the stops on the exam.
We're going to pull out all the stops on our presentation.

You can't win them all.

Definition: expression of acceptance after a loss or disappointment

Well, you can't win them all. Let's go home.
You did your best. You can't win them all

Idioms and Expressions - Around

around the bend

Definition: crazy

Tom's going round the bend with all the new responsibilities.
She's a little around the bend if you ask me!

(to have been) around the block

Definition: be very experienced

You can trust Jerry. He's been around the block once or twice.
She's been around the block. She knows what she is doing.

blue around the gills

Definition: feeling nauseous

I can't come in to work today I'm feeling blue around the gills.
You should stay at home. You look blue around the gills.

bum around

Definition: waste time

Let's go downtown and bum around.
I wish he'd stop bumming around and get to work!

clown around

Definition: joke, play games and have fun

Stop clowning around and get to work!
Let's take a break and clown around a bit.

drive someone around the bend

Definition: make someone crazy

I think I'm driving my mother-in-law around the bend.
Stop that noise! You're going to drive me around the bend.

goof around

Definition: have fun, make jokes

Stop goofing around and get back to work!
I love goofing around on Saturdays.

hang around

Definition: waste time, stay in one place

Let's hang around the bar tonight.
We've been hanging around here for much too long.

horse around

Definition: be active (usually in a negative way)

Stop horsing around! I can't concentrate.
Come on, I'm just horsing around.

jerk around

Definition: waste someone's time

He's jerking me around on the new deal.
I wish they'd make a decision and stop jerking me around.

kick around

Definition: consider

Let's kick around the new proposals.
Do you have any ideas we can kick around?

mess around with someone or something

Definition: treat poorly

I think Tony is messing around with you.
Stop messing around with that porcelain.

mope around

Definition: act depressed

Janet's just sitting at home moping around. She needs to get out.
I can't stand seeing him mope around like that.

pal around with someone

Definition: spend a lot of time together

I pal around with a lot of people from New York.
Who did you pal around with when you stayed there?

pussyfoot around

Definition: not make a decision

Stop pussyfooting around and get to it!
He's still pussyfooting around. He just can't decide one way or the other.

stick around

Definition: stay

Could you stick around after the show so we can talk?
I think I'll stick around here for a while.

tool around

Definition: drive around

We spent the afternoon tooling around downtown.
Let's get in the car and tool around.

Idioms and Expressions - Put

Put a cork in it!

Definition: Be quiet

Could you please put a cork in it?!
Tom, put a cork in it! I can't hear what Mary is saying.

Put down

Definition: criticize someone

Jack put him down and he hasn't been the same since.
Don't put me down!

Put (stick) one's nose in

Definition: interfere in someone's business

I wish he wouldn't put his nose in where it's not wanted.
Mary is putting her nose in their affairs.

Put on the Ritz/dog

Definition: make everything special for someone else

They really put on the Ritz for us last weekend.
Let's put on the dog for the Wilson's.

Put some distance between someone and someone / something

Definition: move far away from

He put some distance between himself and his ex-wife.
Let's put some distance between us and the school.

Put someone away

Definition: put in prison

They put him away for twenty years.
Jason was put away for life in prison.

Put someone on

Definition: fool, tease someone

He put Jerry on about his new job.
I don't believe anything you say. You're putting me on!

Put someone up

Definition: provide accommodation

We put them up last week as they couldn't find a hotel.
Could you put me up for the night?

Put something away

Definition: eat or drink something

He put the whole pizza away in fifteen minutes!
We put away six beers.

Put that in your pipe and smoke it!

Definition: Phrase meaning: You see! Take that!

You're wrong! Now put that in your pipe and smoke it!
I don't agree with you. Put that in your pipe and smoke it!

Put the bite on someone

Definition: try to get money from someone

I put the bite on Tim but he didn't have any money.
She put the bite on me for $50.

Put the finger on someone

Definition: identify someone

The victim put the finger on the criminal.
She put the finger on her boss for the crime.

Put the heat / screws on someone

Definition: pressure someone to do something

He's putting the heat on me to finish the report.
Janet's really putting the screws on her husband to get a new car.

Put the moves on someone

Definition: try to seduce someone

He was putting the moves on Mary last night.
Hey! Are you trying to put the moves on me

Once

Idioms and Expressions - Like

eat like a horse

Definition: usually eat a lot of food

Tom eats like a horse! Make sure to grill three hamburgers for him.
He doesn't usually eat like a horse.

eat like a bird

Definition: usually eat very little food

She eats like a bird, so don't make too much for dinner.
He weighs 250 pounds even though he eats like a bird.

feel like a million

Definition: feel very good and happy

I'm feeling like a million today. I just got a new job!
After his promotion, he felt like a million.

fit like a glove

Definition: clothes or apparel that fit perfectly

My new shoes fit like a glove.
Her jeans fit like a glove after she went on a diet.

go like clockwork

Definition: to happen very smoothly, without problems

The presentation went like clockwork.
Her plans went like clockwork and she was able to join the company.

know someone or something like the back of one's hand

Definition: know in every detail, understand completely

She knows me like the back of her hand.
I know this project like the back of my hand.

like a bat out of hell

Definition: very fast, quickly

He left the room like a bat out of hell.
They drove off like a bat out of hell.

like a bump on a log

Definition: not moving

Don't sit there like a bump on a log!
She sits around all day like a bump on a log.

like a fish out of water

Definition: completely out of place, not belonging at all

He looks like a fish out of water on the football field.
The boss felt like a fish out of water in San Francisco.

like a sitting duck

Definition: be very exposed to something

He felt like a sitting duck and moved to cover his position.
Your investments have left you like a sitting duck in this market.

out like a light

Definition: fall asleep quickly

He went out like a light.
I hit the pillow and was out like a light.

read someone like a book

Definition: understand the other person's motivation for doing something

She can read me like a book.
I know you don't mean that. I can read you like a book.

sell like hotcakes

Definition: sell very well, very quickly

The book sold like hotcakes.
The iPhone initially sold like hotcakes.

sleep like a log

Definition: sleep very deeply

I was tired and slept like a log.
She went home and slept like a log.

spread like wildfire

Definition: an idea that gets known very quickly

His solution to the problem spread like wildfire.
Her opinions spread like wildfire.

watch someone like a hawk

Definition: keep a very close eye on someone, watch very carefully

Don't make any mistakes because I'm watching you like a hawk.
She watches her son like a hawk whenever he goes outside to play.

اصطلاحات

My father is a government employee.

بابام کارمند دولت است.

- My father is self-employed.

بابام کار آزاد دارد.

- My father is retired.

بابام بازنشسته است.

- My father is unemployed.

بابام بیکار است.

- My father is out of work.

بابام بیکار است.

- My father is between jobs.

بابام داره شغلش رو تغییر میده.

- My father works on shifts.

بابام شیفتی کار میکنه.

- My father works on the morning shift.

بابام شیفت صبح کار میکنه.

- My father works on the afternoon shift.

بابام شیفت بعدازظهر کار می کنه.

-My father works on the night shift.

بابام شیفت شب کار می کنه.

- My father is overtime.

بابام اضافه کاری کار می کنه.

- My father is civil servant. بابام کارمند دولت است.                                                             

-My father is in early forties.

بابام چهل و یکی دوسال داره.

-My father is in mid forties.

بابام چهل و پنج شش سال داره.

-My father is in late forties.

بابام چهل و هشت نه سال داره.

-My father is quite tall.

بابام نسبتاً قد بلند است.

- My father is of medium built.

بابام جثه اش متوسطه.

- My father is heavily built.

بابام هیکلش درشته.

- My mother is plump.

مادرم تپل مپلی است.

-My mother is petite.مادرم ریزه میزه است. 

 –My mother is big-boned                                                      مادرم  استخوانش پهنه  .

 -My mother has brown eyes.مادرم چشماش خرمائیه                                              -

 My mother has bushy eyebrows. مادرم ابروهاش پرپشته.                                    

–My mother is light-skinned.مادرم سفید پوسته.                                                           

My mother is olive-skinned.مادرم سبزه است.                                                             

My mother wears her hair in a bun.

مادرم موهاش رو پشت سرش جمع می کنه.

- My mother sweeps her hair back.

مادرم موهاش رو به پشت شونه می کنه.

- My mother wears her hair in braids.

مادرم موهاش رو گیس می کنه.

-My mother wears her hair in pony tail.

مادرم موهاش رو دم اسبی می کنه.

-My mother has nice bangs/fringe.مادرم چتر خوشکل می زاره.                              

–My mother dyes her hair.                                             مادرم موهاش رو رنگ می کنه.  

–My mother perms her hair. مادرم موهاش رو فر می زنه.                                     

–-My mother parts her hair on the left.

مادرم فرق موهاش رو چپ باز می کنه.

-My mother has a flat nose. مادرم دماغش پهنه.                                                    

–My mother has a turned-up nose.                                       مادرم دماغش سربالاست .

 –My mother has full lips. مادرم لباش پهنه.                              

 –My mother has pointed chin.مادرم چانه اش

باریکه.                 

 –My mother has a double chin.مادرم غبغب داره.        

 –My mother has a dimple chin. مادرم چال داره                                                    

-My mother has freckles on her face. مادرم صورتش کک و مک داره.         

              –My mother has a mole on her right cheek.

مادرم خالی سمت راست صورتش داره.

-My mother is spectacled.مادرم عینکیه.                                                            

◈I feel awful.حالم بده.    

 I feel like حالم خیلی بده.hell.                                                                                 

 ◈ I feel sick. حالم بهم می خوره. / تهوع دارم.   

◈ I feel queasy. تهوع دارم.         

 ◈ I feel like throwing up. می خوام بالا بیارم.              

                                                                                                                                                                                             ◈ My voice is cracking/hoarse/husky. صدام گرفته است.       

◘   I"ve sprained my wrist.مچم دررفته است.            

◘   I"ve broken my leg.پام شکسته.   

◘  I"ve fractured my leg.پام شکسته                                           

 ◘  My leg had a hairline fracture.پام موبرداشته.                                                

◘   My arm is in plaster.دستم تو گچه.                                               ◘  MY arm is in a cast دستم تو گچه.                                                    ◘   I"m near sighted. چشمم نزدیک بین است.                                                  ◘  My eyes are astigmatic. چشمام آستیگمات است.                               ◘  My vision is blurred. دیدم تار است.                                                        ☞ Which grade are you in ? کلاس چندمی ؟                                       ☞What year are you in? 

 سال چندمی  ☞I"m in the third year.سال سومم.             

          ☞I"m a freshman. سال اولم.                        

                 ☞I"m a sophomore.سال دومم.                                          

        ☞I"m a junior.سال سومم.                                                         ☞I"m a senior. سال چهارمم.                                                                               

❀What"s your major?چه رشته ای هستی ؟                                                            

❀My major is Medicine.رشته ام پزشکی هست.                                                      

❀To take up a major انتخاب رشته                                                                         

❀I"m going to take up medicine.می خوام پزشکی انتخاب کنم (بزنم)                         

❀I had to adopt out. مجبور بودم ترک تحصیل کنم.                                                   

❀My father has a high-school diploma.بابام دیپلم داره.                                          

❀My father has an Associate"s Degree.بابام فوق دیپلم داره.                                   

❀My father has a Bachelor"s Degree.بابام لیسانس داره.                                          

❀My father has a Master"s Degree.بابام فوق لیسانس داره.                                     

❀My father has a Ph. D. بابام دکترا داره.  

☺T-shirt     تی شرت

☺Jeans شلوار جین    

☺Corduroy jacket کاپشن مخمل کبریتی   

☺Knee-high stockingsجوراب زیر زانو ( سه ربع)   

☺Pantyhoseجوراب شلواری     

☺Tightsجوراب شلوراری      

☺Mufflesروسری –شال     

☺Scarfروسری – شال      

☺Nightgownلباس خواب  

☺Bathrobeلباس حوله     

☺Elder brotherبرادر بزرگتر   

☺Eldest brotherبرادر ارشد    

☺Paternal uncleعمو  

☺Maternal uncleدایی      

☺Nephewپسر خواهر     - پسر برادر   

☺Nieceدختر خواهر  - دختر برادر   

☺Paternal cousinدختر عمو – دختر عمه   

☺Maternal cousinدختر خاله – دختر دایی   

☺She"s a cousin on my father"s side.دختر عممه / دختر عمومه.  

☺She"s a cousin on my mother"s side.دختر خاله / دختر دایی 

☺Half-brotherبرادر ناتنی    

☺Step-fatherناپدری    

☺Are you related to Reza? چه نسبتی با رضا دارید؟  

☺I"m not related to him.نسبتی نداریم.   

ناخدا که دو تا شد ، کشتی به گل می شینه. Two captains sink the sheep.

نام نیکی گر بماند آدمی به کزو ماند سرای زر نگار A good name is better than riches.

نباشد دوست جز آئینه ی دوست The best mirror is old friend.

نترس. Don"t panic.

نزدیک بود دو سه بار برم زیر ماشین. I nearly got run over two or three times.

نشونت می دم. I"ll fix it up for you.

نصف عمرت بر فناست. Half of your life is lost.

نگذار این فرصت از چنگت در بره! Don"t let the opportunity slip.

نمک زدی؟ Have you salt it?

نمی خوام اززیر مسولیت در برم. I"m not going to run away of a responsibility.

نمی دونم چه میشه. I don"t know how will turn out.

نمی دونم چی به چیه. To what is what? I don"t know what is what.

نمی گذارم کرایه ام را حساب کنی. I won’t let you pay for my fare.

نمیشه پیش بینی کرد. You never can tell.

نوش جان / گوارای وجود. Enjoy your meal.

نوشدارو پس از مرگ سهراب After death , the doctor.

نون و نمک با کسی خوردن To eat salt with sb

نه خوب نه بد. Fair is middling.

و هر چه دلت بخواد. The shop sells screw, nails …and what not.

واقعاً گلی به جمالت!! Well done indeed.

ورود برای عموم آزاد است. Open to the public.

وقت طلاست. Time is money.

هر جا که روی آسمان همین رنگ است. Nothing new under the sun.

هر جا که نمک خوردی نمکدان مشکن. Never bite the hand that feeds you.

هر چقدر پول بدی ، همون قدر آش می خوری. You take your money and you take your choice.

هر چه آسون یافتی ، آسون از دست می دی. Easy come , easy go. باد آورده را باد می بره.

هر چه پیش آمد ، خوش آمد. Whatever comes up is welcome.

هر چه دلم خواست نه آن می شود ، هر چه خدا خواست همان می شود. Man does what he can , but God what he will.

هر چیز که خوار آید روزی به کار آید. Every little help.

هر سر بالایی یک سرازیری هم داره. Every hill has its valley.

هر طور که میل دارید. هر طور که راحتید. Whatever turns you on.

هر قدر پول بدی ، همان قدر آش می خوری. What you pay , what you get.

هر کاری می کنم تو کله اش فرو نمی ره. I can"t beat it into his head.

هر کسی چند روزه نوبت اوست. Every dog has its day.

هر کسی را بهر کاری ساختند. Not everone is fitted for every work.

هر کسی یه نقطه ضعفی داره. Everyone has his weak side.

هر که بامش بیشتر ، برفش بیشتر. سر بزرگ بلای دارد. بزرگی دردسر داره. Great honors are great burdens.

هر که فهمش بیش ، دردش بیش. Who knows much, will suffer much.

هر گردی گردو نیست. All is not gold that glitters.

هر گلی علت و عیبی دارد There is no rose without a thorn.

هر میمونی زشت ترست ، بازیش بیشتر است. Poor by condition, rich by ambition.

هرچه از دوست رسد نکوست. Whatever comes from a friend is good.

هرکس به امید همسایه نشست گرسنه می خوابد. Who depends upon another man"s table dines late.

هرکه عیب دگران پیش تو آورد و شمرد بی گمان عیب تو پیش دگران خواهد برد Who chatter to you, will chatter of you.

هفته ی آینده میره زیر تیغ . He"ll be under the knife next week.

هم تیپ من نیست. She is not my type.

هم خدا می خوای ، هم خرما؟! You can"t eat your cake and have it.

همان آش و همان کاسه It"s always the same old story.

همبنکه هست. That"s the way it goes.

همرنگ جماعت شدن To follow the crow.

همه جا رو زیر و رو کردم. I looked out everywhere.

همه چیز آماده است؟ پس بزن بریم. All set? Then, let"s go.

همه چیز پول نیست. Money isn"t everything.

همه ش حرفه. It"s all talk.

همه کاره هست ، الا نویسنده. He is anything but a writer.

همه ی این کاره بیفایده ست. It"s all wasted effort.

همه ی ما از خنده روده بر شدیم. Everyone was rolling of laugh.

همیشه زار می زنه. He is always crying poverty.

همین جوری بار اومده. I"m made that way.

همین روزا وارد ده سالگیش میشه. He is going for ten.

همین که گفتم. There is no more to it.

همین که هست. کاری نمیشه کرد. That"s the way it goes.

همین که هست.میخوای بخواه .نمی خوای نخواه. Like it or lump it. That"ll we have got.

هیچ ارزونی بی علت نیس ، هیچ گرونی بی حکمت نیس. There is no cheap thing without some reason for its cheapness.

هیچ جایی مثل چهاردیواری خونه ی خو آدم نمیشه. No place like him.

هیچ جایی مثل خونه ی خود آدم نمیشه. There is no place like home.

هیچ کس نمی گه دوغ من ترشه. Every cook praises his own broth.

یک بز گر گله ای را گر می کنه. One rotten apple spoils the whole barrel.

یک چشم غره ای به او رفت ! She shot an angry look at him.

یک ده آباد به از ده شهر خراب. One bad general is better than two good one.

یک ذره هم به تو نرفته. He is not a bit like you.

یک کم اجتماعی باش. Try to be a little sociable.

یک مشت دروغ تحویل ما داده. He had been telling a pack of lies.

یکی از لاستیک های عقب پنچره. One of the back tires is down.

vocabulary

choice which completes each item.

1.He has very dark eyebrows. He looks -----.

a.      hurt                      b. fierce         c. attractive                    d. smart

2.You can buy false teeth to help you -----.

a. bite                   b. smell                   c. taste                           d. shout

3.You raise your -----when you are surprised.

a. armpits              b. shoulders            c. eyebrows                   d. eyelids

4.Women can -----a little black mascara on their eyelashes.

a. wear                  b. grow                   c. put                             d. pour

5.Some women think that hair on man’s chin or ----makes him look friendly.

a. beard                b. bread                  c. moustache                  d. bear

6.Mr. and Mrs. Smith wanted to buy clothes. Their hips were not too ----.

a. large                  b. big                      c. wide                          d. short

7.They were a very average couple. -----one thing.

a. According to     b. Except for           c. Just for                       d. Especially for

8.Mr. Smith had -----feet.

a. average size       b. average-sized     c. size – average             d. sized-average

9.There were two men there, one fat and ------thin.

a. one                   b. other                   c. the other                    d. another thin

10. Each person’s fingerprints are -----.

a. attractive           b. unique                c. precise                       d. exact

11. Women have rounder ----than men.

a. waists               b. wastes                c. hips                           d. chests

12. Are you going to Linda’s 21^st birthday party?

-    No , I haven’t been ----.

a. remembered      b. invited                c. performed                  d. called

13. They turned right into a street which cars -----to go into.

a. were not allowed         b. were allowed not    c. not allowed   d. allowed not

14. The policemen ----his whistle to stop the car.

a.      blew           b. below                 c. blow                          d. blue

15. The car didn’t stop ,so the policeman ----his motor-cycle to follow them.

a. got into             b. got off                c. got in                         d. got onto

16. The ----student spends two to three hours a night doing homework.

a. average            b. unique                c. broad                         d. abroad

17. You need to put some weight on. You’re too -----.

a. overweight        b. slim                    c. fat                              d. skinny

18. He was tall ,----and blond and really good-looking.

a. slim                  b. ugly                    c. frowned                     d. bruised

19. If someone -----as middle-aged, then how old are they?

a. is described       b. describes            c. deion                 d. deive

20. When does a baby stop ----a baby?

a. being called      b. calling                 c. to be called                 d. be calling

21. He is old enough to -----for the election.

a. vote                   b. depend               c. guess                         d. admit

22. In some countries, someone becomes an adult when the government----.

a. says                  b. talks                   c. tells                            d. speaks

23. Is John about forty-five?

-    Yes , ---------.

a. he is around fifteen       b. he is the oldest      c. he is grown up         d. he is in his mid-fifties

24. Do you know ----?

a. how old is Mary      b. age of Mary is      c. how old Mary is            d. Mary’s age is

25. Neither of the two sisters ----.

a. has ever married                              b. had ever married                

c. had never married                            d. has never married

26. She is not very well. I hope that she gets ----soon.

a. well                  b. fine                     c. nice                            d. good

27. What’s ------? You look terrible.

a. wrong               b. serious                c. news                          d. matter

28. I was sorry ----that you were ill.

a. hear                  b. to hear               c. hearing                       d. heard

29. I’m feeling ----better now.

a. very                  b. so                       c. much                         d. little

30. You are looking terrible.

-    Yes , I ------well last night.

a. not sleep           b. slept not             c. didn’t sleep                d. do not sleep

31. A quick ---- of the street showed that no one was about.

a. examine             b. examination         c. review                        d. survey

32. Those aged between 13 and 19 are ----.

a. teenagers          b. youth                  c. youngster                   d. adults

33. She hated him for being so ---- because he stopped her from seeing her friends.

a. mean                b. accurate              c. exact                          d. hurried

34. The bigger your forehead is, ----intelligent you are supposed to be.

a. the most            b. the more             c. more                          d. most

35. ----moustaches, there are some women who think they are very attractive.

a. As for                b. UP to                 c. As so                         d. So far

36. A person who does not like their nose can have it -----with plastic surgery.

a. changed           b. change                c. to change                   d. changing

37. A plastic surgeon can break your jaw and ----the whole lower half of your face.

a. re-make            b. re-do                  c. wrinkle                       d. make-up

38. Mascara is a dark substance for coloring and ----the eyelashes.

a. attracting           b. thickening          c. touching                     d. beauty                       

Suffixes in Alphabetical Order

able capable of                              قابل

-aceous of or pertaining to  مربوط به            

-al having the character of دارای ( ویژگی)          

-ary; -arium denotes a place for somethingنشان دهنده ی جا و مکان چیزی             

-ase forms names of enzymes   نام آنزیم              

-ate verb form - the act of...فعل ساز به معنی  عمل          

-ation noun form - the act of...پسوند اسم ساز به معنی عمل  

cen-; -cene now; recent اکنون ، حالا ، اواخر    

cyt-; -cyte cell; hollow container سلول     

-duct lead هدایت ، جریان   

-elle small کوچک        

-emia bloodخـــون   

-en made ofساخته شده از      
 

-eous nature of; like دارای ماهیت ، شبیه     

-gen; -gine producer; former سازنده     

-gon angle; cornerزاویه  ، گوش   ، ضلع  

-gram; graph record; writingثبت ، یادداشت ، نگار    

-hal-; -hale breathe; breath تنفس      ، نفس   

-iac person afflicted with diseaseفرد مبتلا به بیماری     

-iasis disease; abnormal conditionبیماری  ، وضعیت بیمارگونه     

-ic(adjective former)پسوند صفت ساز  

-ine of or pertaining toمربوط به  ، 

-ism a state or conditionحالت ، وضعیت  

-ist person who deals with...متخصص ، خبره  

-itis inflammation; diseaseآماس ، ورم  ، التهاب  

-ium refers to a part of the bodyعضو یا بخشی از بدن

-less withoutبی ، بدون 

lith-; -lite stone; petrifyingسنگ  ،

-logist one who studies..شخصی که موضوعی را به صورت علمی مطالعه می کند

-logy study of...مطالعه ی  ،... شناسی 

-lys-; -lyt-; -lyst decompose; split; dissolveاز هم پاشی ، حل شدن ماده ای

-mer partقسمت ، بخش  

-meter; -metry measurementمتر ، سنجش  

-node knotگــره  

-nom-; -nomy ordered knowledge; lawاطلاعات طبقه بندی شده ، قانون 

-oid form; appearanceشکل ، ظاهر

-oma abnormal condition; tumorغده ی سرطانی ، تومور

-orium; -ory place for somethingجا و مکان چیزی

-osis abnormal conditionوضعیت غیر عادی

-ous full ofسرشار از ، آکنده از ، پر از

path-; -pathy disease; sufferingبیماری   ، رنج و درد  

phon-; -phone soundصدا  

-phore; pher- bear; carryبرداشتن ، حمل کردن ، دارا بودن  

-phyll leafبرگ  

phyt-; -phyte plantگیاه  

-pod footپـــا  

rhag-; -rrhage burst forthجهش ، ریزش ، روش  

-scribe; -script writeنگار ، ثبت  

-septic infection; putrefactionعفونی 

som-; somat-; -some bodyجسم  ، بدن    

spir-; -spire breatheتنفس  

stat-; -stasis standing; placed; stayingقرار دارد ، برقرار 
 

stom-; -stome mouthدهان  

-ul-; -ule diminutive; smallکوچک ، ریز   

-ura tailدُم   

-verge turn; slantچرخش ، اریب ، کج

-vor- devour; eatبلعیدن ، خوردن 

zo-; -zoa animalحیوان 

Affixes

ap-; -aph- touch تماس   

-blast- sprout; germ; bud
 

-cell- chamber; small roomفضای کوچک

-chym- juiceعصاره  ، شیره  ،

-cid-; -cis- cut; kill; fallقطع کردن ، کشتن ، از پا انداختن  

-cul-; -cule s small; diminutiveکوچک 

-cyst- sac; pouch; bladder کیسه ، کیست 

-err- wander; go astrayسرگردان ، ول ، رها

 -gam- marriageازدواج ،

 -gene- origin; birthاصل ، زاد  
 

-gest- carry; produce; bear

 -glob- ball; roundمدور

 -grad- step گام ، درجه ،

 -gross- thick ضخیم   

 -helminth- wormکرم 

 -kary- cell nucleus هسته ی سلول 

-log- word; speechکلام ، کلمه 

 -mot- moveحرکت 
 

-ner- moist; liquidمرطوب ، مایع 

-ped- foot پا 

-ped- child بچه

-phil- loving; fond of علاقه مند به ، مشتاق
 

plasm-; -plast- form; formed intoشکل ، به شکل
 

-scop- look; device for seeingنگاه ، دید ، وسیله ی دیدن

-sperm- seedدانه ، تخم

-spor- seedدانه ، تخم

-the-; -thes- putقرار دادن

 -therm- heatگرما ، دما

-thel- cover a surfaceروی ،

 -tom- cut; sliceبرش

-troph- nourishment; one who feedsتغذیه کننده

 -trop- turn; changeتغییر ،

انگلیسی ، زبان آشفته

        در طول تاریخ کره ی زمین ، زبان انگلیسی زبانی است که بیشتر از هر زبان دیگری ترویج شده است طوری که از هر هفت  نفر دست کم یکی به این زبان صحبت می نماید. نیمی از کتاب های دنیا به این زبان است و اکثر مکالمات بین المللی به این زبان انجام می شود. زبان انگلیسی ، زبان بیش از 60 درصد برنامه های رادیوئی دنیا است.

         ،    the blackbird hen  (توکا قهوه ای رنگ است به جای این که سیاه رنگ باشد.)

 blackboards ( تخته سیاه ممکن است سبز یا آبی هم باشد)،
 (blackberries ،توت به رنگ سیاه black نیست بلکه سبز رنگ است و  بعداً قرمز می شوند پیش از آن که برسند).

 اگر blackberries واقعاً به همان رنگ سیاه black بود و blueberries هم به رنگ آبیblue بود ، بنابر این تصور می کنید ترکیباتی که با berries ساخته می شوند باید به چه شکلی باشند؟   

ترکیباتی مثل :

Strawberries( آیا توت هایی مثل نی Straw هستند؟ ) در حالی که توت فرنگی و به رنگ قرمزند.

Cranberries ( آیا توت هایی مثل cran هستند ؟) در حالی که رنگ قرمز مایل به زرد هستند.

Elderberries ( آیا توت هایی بزرگ و ارشد و مسن هستند ؟! ) در حالی که ( در گیاه شناسی) نوعی بوته یا درخت از جنس اقطی دارای خوشه های بزرگی از گل های سفید یا زرد کوچک و میوه ی سفید یا قرمز شبیه توت می باشد.

Huckleberries( آیا توت هایی مثل hip هستند ؟) نه! زغال اخته اند.

Raspberries( آیا توت هایی مثلRasp سوهان هستند ؟ نه ! بلکه تمشک اند.

Gooseberries( آیا توت هایی مثلGoose هستند ؟ نه ! بلکه انگور فرنگی یا در گیاه شناسی سفرس هستند.

در این آشفتگی ، به کلمه های دیگری نیز توجه کنید:

در buttermilk ( آب دوغ) هیچ butter وجود ندارد.

در eggplant ( بادمجان) egg ( تخم مرغ) وجود ندارد.

در shortbread( کلوچه ی ترد) هیچ bread (نان)وجود ندارد.

در wormwood( کرم چوب) نه worms و نه wood هیچ کدام وجود ندارند.

در mushroom ( قارچ) نه mush و نه room هیچ کدام وجود ندارند.

در pineapple ( آناناس) نه pine و نه apple هیچ کدام وجود ندارند.

در peanuts ( بادام زمینی) نه peas ونه nuts هیچ کدام وجود ندارند.

در hamburger هیچ ham وجود ندارد.

از این ها بدتر، English muffins (نوعی شیرینی) در England ساخته نمی شوند و French fries در فرانسه، Danish pastries ( شیرینی های دانمارکی) دردانمارک. این شیر تو شیر بودن تا آن جا پیش می رود که sweetmeat( شیرینی جات یا حلویات) از میوه درست می شود ولی Sweetbread  (تیموس حیوانات جوان محتوی ماده ی غذایی) که شیرین هم نیست از گوشت ساخته می شود.  

 materials

مصنوعی- تصنعی (از مواد طبیعی ساخته نشده باشد)

نور خورشید= طبیعی است

artificial lightنور مهتابی- لامپ- پروژکتور= مصنوعی و یا غیرطبیعی است artificial snow                                                      برف شادی  

artificial flower                                                       گل مصنوعی genuine = real ≠ fake                                       اصل≠ بدل- تقلبی  

He thought he had bought a genuine Rolex watch but it was a cheap fake.

فکر می کرد یک ساعت رولکس اصل خریده است ولی یک ساعت ارزان قیمت تقلبی بود.

counterfeit ≠ genuine                         جعلی- تقلبی- ساختگی- بدل

Is the statue counterfeit or genuine ?

آیا مجسمه اصل است یا بدل؟

آیا مجسمه اصل است یا تقلبی؟

counterfeit money                                                  پول جعلی  

fraudulent document                                            اسناد جعلی

نکته: counterfeit در مورد اسناد و پول (اسکناس) به کار می رود و قصد فریب و شیادی در آن وجود دارد.

man-made = made or caused by people (having a natural appearance)                                             مصنوعی

man-made  fabrics such as nylon and polyster

پارچه های مصنوعی نظیر نایلون و پولیستر

synthetic = not natural (chemical)

                   synthetic drugs             داروهای شیمیایی (ترکیبی)

نکته:

artificial leg                                                  پای مصنوعی         

artificial Jewellery / pearls / diamonds

artificial smile                                     لبخند/ خنده ی تصنعی       

artificial fertilizers                                کودهای مصنوعی    

artificial sweeteners                     شیرین کننده های غیر طبیعی 

نکته:    جر و بحث زرگری  phony argument  (به قصد فریب دادن)

vocabulary

1. A large round thing in space that moves around the sun is called planet.

2. A light-year is the distance which light travels in one year.

3. The Milky Way, our galaxy, has roughly thirty billion stars like our sun.

4. More than hundreds of volcanoes still erupt today. These are called active volcanoes.

5. The Antarctica is actually a cold desert that is the only continent on the earth without river or a lake.

6. When the earth's shadow falls on the moon, this event is called an eclipse.

7. The degree of heat or cold in a body, room, country is called temperature.  

8. It is a hard stone that is like a clear glass and is expensive. Most of them come from Africa. They are diamonds.

9. Finding enough meat was a big problem for primitive man.

10. Earthworms dig tunnels that make it easy for air and water to reach the roots of the plants.

11. A person who studies or knows a lot about the sun, the moon and the stars, is called astronomer.

12. Earthworms drag dead leaves, grass and flowers into their burrows. When this plant material decays, it makes the soil more fertile.

13. It is soft white thing that falls from the sky when it is very cold. It is not rain. It is snow.

14. A long round tool that is used to see the stars, the moon and space is called telescope.

15. A violent storm which sucks up the air around houses. It is not hurricane. It is tornado.

Color Idioms

as black as a skillet

- very black

My hands were as black as a skillet when I finished working on the car engine.

as black as a stack of black cats

- very black

The little boy was as black as a stack of black cats after playing outside all day.

as black as a sweep

- very dirty/black (a chimney sweep cleans chimneys and becomes very black)

My friend was as black as a sweep after he finished cleaning the basement.

as black as coal

- very black

My friend's cat is as black as coal.

as black as night

- very dark and black

The old house was as black as night when we entered it.

as black as pitch

- very black

My face was as black as pitch after cleaning the stove all morning.

as black as the ace of spades

- very black

The horse in the parade was as black as the ace of spades.

as red as a cherry

- bright red

The car was as red as a cherry after its new paint job.

as red as a poppy

- bright red

The mark on my arm was as red as a poppy.

as red as a rose

- intensely red

The morning sunrise was as red as a rose.

as red as a ruby

- deep red

The office assistant was wearing lipstick that was as red as a ruby.

as red as blood

- deep red

The stain on the carpet was as red as blood.

as white as a ghost

- very pale because of fear/shock/illness

My sister became as white as a ghost when she saw the man at the window.

as white as a sheet

- very pale

I felt terrible this morning and in the mirror I looked as white as a sheet.

as white as the driven snow

- very white

The fur on the dog was as white as the driven snow.

black and blue

- bruised

My shoulder was black and blue after I fell down the stairs.

black and white

- either good or bad, either one way or the other way but not in between

Our boss sees everything in black and white although he knows this is impossible.

black box

- an electronic device such as a flight recorder that can be removed from an aircraft as a single package

The investigators searched for a long time in order to find the black box of the airplane.

black eye

- a bruise near one's eye which makes it appear black

The man received a black eye when he bumped into the closed door.

black market

- the place where goods/money are illegally bought and sold

We sold some cigarettes on the black market during our travels.

black out

- to darken a room or building by turning off the lights

During the war people in the cities were forced to black out their windows so nobody could see them.

black out

- to lose consciousness

The man blacked out during the parade and he had to sit down and rest.

black sheep (of a family)

- a person who is a disgrace to a family or group

The man is the black sheep in his family and has not made a success of his life.

blackball (someone)

- to exclude/ostracize someone socially, to reject someone

The businessman was blackballed in the industry because of his bad business practices.

blacklist (someone)

- to exclude/ostracize someone, to write someone's name on a list if they break some rules

The sports federation blacklisted the swimmer because he was using steroids.

blackmail (someone)

- to extort/take money from someone by threatening him or her

The photographer tried to blackmail the famous actress with some photographs that he had taken.

blackout

- a temporary situation where you do not release some information

The government decided to have a blackout regarding the information related to the political prisoner.

black-tie event/affair

- a formal event where guests wear semi-formal clothes with men wearing black bow ties with tuxedos or dinner jackets

The award ceremony for the movie awards was a black-tie affair.

blue blood

- the blood of a noble/aristocratic family

Many of the blue bloods of the town went to the opening of the opera.

blue in the face

- to be very angry or upset, to be excited and very emotional

I argued with my supervisor until I was blue in the face.

blue-ribbon

- of superior quality or distinction, the best of a group

A blue-ribbon panel of experts were asked to suggest a new policy for the city.

brown bag it

- to take a lunch to work

I must brown bag it this week because the company cafeteria is closed.

carte blanche

- the freedom or permission to do what you want (blanche/blanc means white in French)

The new manager was given carte blanche to change the policies in her department.

catch (someone) red-handed

- to catch someone in the middle of doing something wrong

The woman was caught red-handed when she tried to steal some cosmetics.

chase rainbows

- to try to get or achieve something that is difficult or impossible

My old school friend is always chasing rainbows and he never achieves anything.

dyed-in-the-wool

- permanent, always (like wool that is dyed a certain color)

My father is a dyed-in-the-wool conservative and he will probably never change.

ears are red

- one's ears are red from embarrassment

My ears were red after hearing what the teacher said about me.

get/have gray hair

- to have one's hair turn gray from stress

Our teacher is getting gray hair from all the stress.

get/have the blues

- to become sad or depressed

The dull cloudy weather has caused me to get the blues.

get/have the green light

- to receive a signal to start or continue something

We got the green light to begin a study of the security problems at our school.

give (someone) the green light

- to give someone permission to proceed with a project

We were given the green light to begin the new project.

grass is always greener on the other side

- a place that is far away or different seems better than where we are now

The man realized that the grass is greener on the other side when he saw that his new job had many problems too.

a gray area

- a question that is not clearly defined and may have a broad or more than one answer, neither black or white

The issue of the tax on children's toys was a gray area for the accountant.

gray matter

- brains, intelligence

I wish that my friend would use his gray matter more effectively when he is making his crazy plans.

green

- to be inexperienced or immature

The young man is rather green and does not have enough experience to drive the large piece of machinery.

green around the gills

- looking sick

My friend looked green around the gills after the long bus ride.

green belt

- an area of fields and trees around a town

Our city has a policy to increase the green belt around the city.

green-eyed monster

- jealousy

The woman was consumed by the green-eyed monster and it was affecting her life.

green thumb

- a talent for gardening, the ability to make things grow

My neighbor has a green thumb and she is able to grow one of the best gardens in our neighborhood.

green with envy

- to be very jealous, to be full of envy

I was green with envy when I heard that my cousin would be going to London for a week.

greenhorn

- an untrained/inexperienced/naive person

The young man was a greenhorn and he had much to learn about his new job.

have a yellow streak

- to be cowardly

The man has a yellow streak and he will not defend you if you are having a problem.

horse of a different color

- something totally separate and different

I know that our boss would like to discuss that issue now but it is a horse of a different color and we should discuss it at another time.

in black and white

- in writing, officially

I put down my complaint in black and white.

in (someone's) black books

- to be in disgrace or out of favor with someone

The boy is in his girlfriend's black books because he was late for their date.

in the black

- to be successful or profitable

Our company has been in the black since they began to cut costs.

in the pink (of condition)

- in very good health

My grandmother was in the pink of condition when I saw her.

in the red

- to be in debt, to be unprofitable

The company has been in the red for three years now.

lend color to (something)

- to provide something extra to accompany something

The music in the play helped to lend color to the performance of the actors.

like waving a red flag in front of a bull

- what you are doing will definitely make someone angry or upset

Talking about the city mayor with my father is like waving a red flag in front of a bull. He does not like the city mayor.

local color

- the traditional features of a place which give it its own character

The weekend vegetable market added much local color to the small town.

look at/see the world through rose-colored glasses

- to see only the good things about something, to be too optimistic

My friend always looks at the world through rose-colored glasses and he does not believe that some people are dishonest.

off-color

- in bad taste, rude

The man told an off-color joke at the party which made his wife very angry.

off-color

- not the exact color

We painted our kitchen in an off-color of white.

once in a blue moon

- very rarely

We only go out for Italian food once in a blue moon although we enjoy it very much.

out of the blue

- without any warning, by surprise (like coming out of a blue sky)

Out of the blue my friend decided to quit his job and go to Europe.

out of the red

- out of debt

Our company is finally out of the red and we are now making money.

paint the town red

- to go out and party and have a good time

When my cousin came to visit us we decided to go out and paint the town red.

pink slip

- a termination notice from a job

I received my pink slip last week and I am now looking for a new job.

pitch-black

- very black, as black as pitch

The road was pitch-black and we could not see anything.

pot calling the kettle black

- the person who criticizes/accuses someone else is as guilty as the person he or she criticizes/accuses

My friend criticized me for not changing jobs but that is like the pot calling the kettle black. She will not change jobs either.

put (something) down in black and white

- to write the details of a contract or something on paper

I asked the buyer to put the offer to buy my car down in black and white.

raise/wave a white flag

- to indicate that you have been defeated and you want to give up

The soldiers raised a white flag and gave themselves up to the enemy.

red-carpet treatment

- to receive special/royal treatment

I always receive the red-carpet treatment when I go and visit my aunt.

red-eye

- an airplane flight that leaves late at night and arrives early in the morning

We caught the red-eye flight last night and we are very tired today.

a red flag

- a signal that something is not working properly or correctly

The fallen trees along the road raised a red flag for the safety inspectors.

red herring

- an unimportant matter that draws attention away from the main subject

Talking about the other issue was a red herring and did not do anything to deal with today's problem.

red-hot

- very hot, creating much excitement or demand

The new video game is red-hot and many people are waiting to buy one.

red in the face

- embarrassed

I became red in the face when the teacher began talking about me.

red-letter day

- a day that is memorable because of some important event

It was a red-letter day when my sister received her graduation diploma.

red tape

- excessive formalities in official business

Many businesses complain about the red tape that they must deal with in order to get anything done with the government.

roll out the red carpet

- to greet a person with great respect, to give a big welcome to someone

The government rolled out the red carpet when the politician came to visit.

sail under false colors

- to pretend to be something that one is not (a pirate ship used to disguise itself as an ordinary ship by using a false flag)

The head of the company is sailing under false colors and he does not really know how the company operation works.

see pink elephants

- to see things which are not really there because they are only in your imagination

The man was seeing pink elephants according to those who listened to his story.

see red

- to become very angry

My boss saw red when I told him that I would not be coming to work today.

see the color of (someone's) money

- to prove that someone has enough money for something

The car dealer would not let me take the car until he saw the color of my money.

show one`s true colors

- to show what one is really like or really thinking

I thought that the woman likes me but she showed her true colors when she began yelling at me on the telephone.

talk a blue streak

- to talk very much and very rapidly

The woman beside me on the bus talked a blue streak for most of the journey.

talk until one is blue in the face

- to talk until one is exhausted

I talked until I was blue in the face but I could not change my teacher's mind about my essay.

tickled pink

- to be very pleased or delighted by someone or something

"My mother was tickled pink that you visited her when you were in town."

white elephant

- a useless possession (that often costs money to maintain)

The new airport is a white elephant and nobody wants to use it.

white lie

- a harmless or small lie told to be polite or to avoid hurting someone's feelings

I told my supervisor a white lie yesterday and said that I was sick when actually I was not.

white sale

- the selling of towels or sheets at a reduced price

We went to the white sale at the department store to buy some new sheets.

white-tie event/affair

- an event that requires guests to wear formal dress such as men wearing white bow ties with formal evening dress

I attended a white-tie dinner in honor of the president of our university.

whitewash (something)

- to cover up or gloss over faults/errors/wrongdoing

The government was accused of trying to whitewash the scandal about the illegal money.

with flying colors

- with great or total success

My friend passed the course with flying colors and she now wants to go out and celebrate.

yellow-bellied

- extremely timid, cowardly

The man is yellow-bellied and is never willing to fight for what is right.

black Idioms

as black as a skillet

- very black

My hands were as black as a skillet when I finished working on the car engine.

as black as a stack of black cats

- very black

The little boy was as black as a stack of black cats after playing outside all day.

as black as a sweep

- very dirty/black (a chimney sweep cleans chimneys and becomes very black)

My friend was as black as a sweep after he finished cleaning the basement.

as black as coal

- very black

My friend's cat is as black as coal.

as black as night

- very dark and black

The old house was as black as night when we entered it.

as black as pitch

- very black

My face was as black as pitch after cleaning the stove all morning.

as black as the ace of spades

- very black

The horse in the parade was as black as the ace of spades.

black and blue

- bruised

My shoulder was black and blue after I fell down the stairs.

black and white

- either good or bad, either one way or the other way but not in between

Our boss sees everything in black and white although he knows this is impossible.

black box

- an electronic device such as a flight recorder that can be removed from an aircraft as a single package

The investigators searched for a long time in order to find the black box of the airplane.

black eye

- a bruise near one's eye which makes it appear black

The man received a black eye when he bumped into the closed door.

black market

- the place where goods/money are illegally bought and sold

We sold some cigarettes on the black market during our travels.

black out

- to darken a room or building by turning off the lights

During the war people in the cities were forced to black out their windows so nobody could see them.

black out

- to lose consciousness

The man blacked out during the parade and he had to sit down and rest.

black sheep (of a family)

- a person who is a disgrace to a family or group

The man is the black sheep in his family and has not made a success of his life.

blackball (someone)

- to exclude/ostracize someone socially, to reject someone

The businessman was blackballed in the industry because of his bad business practices.

blacklist (someone)

- to exclude/ostracize someone, to write someone's name on a list if they break some rules

The sports federation blacklisted the swimmer because he was using steroids.

blackmail (someone)

- to extort/take money from someone by threatening him or her

The photographer tried to blackmail the famous actress with some photographs that he had taken.

blackout

- a temporary situation where you do not release some information

The government decided to have a blackout regarding the information related to the political prisoner.

black-tie event/affair

- a formal event where guests wear semi-formal clothes with men wearing black bow ties with tuxedos or dinner jackets

The award ceremony for the movie awards was a black-tie affair.

in black and white

- in writing, officially

I put down my complaint in black and white.

in (someone's) black books

- to be in disgrace or out of favor with someone

The boy is in his girlfriend's black books because he was late for their date.

in the black

- to be successful or profitable

Our company has been in the black since they began to cut costs.

pitch-black

- very black, as black as pitch

The road was pitch-black and we could not see anything.

pot calling the kettle black

- the person who criticizes/accuses someone else is as guilty as the person he or she criticizes/accuses

My friend criticized me for not changing jobs but that is like the pot calling the kettle black. She will not change jobs either.

put (something) down in black and white

- to write the details of a contract or something on paper

I asked the buyer to put the offer to buy my car down in black and white.

blue Idioms

black and blue

- bruised

My shoulder was black and blue after I fell down the stairs.

blue blood

- the blood of a noble/aristocratic family

Many of the blue bloods of the town went to the opening of the opera.

blue in the face

- to be very angry or upset, to be excited and very emotional

I argued with my supervisor until I was blue in the face.

blue-ribbon

- of superior quality or distinction, the best of a group

A blue-ribbon panel of experts were asked to suggest a new policy for the city.

get/have the blues

- to become sad or depressed

The dull cloudy weather has caused me to get the blues.

out of the blue

- without any warning, by surprise (like coming out of a blue sky)

Out of the blue my friend decided to quit his job and go to Europe.

talk a blue streak

- to talk very much and very rapidly

The woman beside me on the bus talked a blue streak for most of the journey.

talk until one is blue in the face

- to talk until one is exhausted

I talked until I was blue in the face but I could not change my teacher's mind about my essay.

gray Idioms

get/have gray hair

- to have one's hair turn gray from stress

Our teacher is getting gray hair from all the stress.

a gray area

- a question that is not clearly defined and may have a broad or more than one answer, neither black or white

The issue of the tax on children's toys was a gray area for the accountant.

gray matter

- brains, intelligence

I wish that my friend would use his gray matter more effectively when he is making his crazy plans.

green Idioms

get/have the green light

- to receive a signal to start or continue something

We got the green light to begin a study of the security problems at our school.

give (someone) the green light

- to give someone permission to proceed with a project

We were given the green light to begin the new project.

grass is always greener on the other side

- a place that is far away or different seems better than where we are now

The man realized that the grass is greener on the other side when he saw that his new job had many problems too.

green

- to be inexperienced or immature

The young man is rather green and does not have enough experience to drive the large piece of machinery.

green around the gills

- looking sick

My friend looked green around the gills after the long bus ride.

green belt

- an area of fields and trees around a town

Our city has a policy to increase the green belt around the city.

green-eyed monster

- jealousy

The woman was consumed by the green-eyed monster and it was affecting her life.

green thumb

- a talent for gardening, the ability to make things grow

My neighbor has a green thumb and she is able to grow one of the best gardens in our neighborhood.

green with envy

- to be very jealous, to be full of envy

I was green with envy when I heard that my cousin would be going to London for a week.

greenhorn

- an untrained/inexperienced/naive person

The young man was a greenhorn and he had much to learn about his new job.

pink Idioms

in the pink (of condition)

- in very good health

My grandmother was in the pink of condition when I saw her.

look at/see the world through rose-colored glasses

- to see only the good things about something, to be too optimistic

My friend always looks at the world through rose-colored glasses and he does not believe that some people are dishonest.

pink slip

- a termination notice from a job

I received my pink slip last week and I am now looking for a new job.

see pink elephants

- to see things which are not really there because they are only in your imagination

The man was seeing pink elephants according to those who listened to his story.

tickled pink

- to be very pleased or delighted by someone or something

"My mother was tickled pink that you visited her when you were in town."

red Idioms

as red as a cherry

- bright red

The car was as red as a cherry after its new paint job.

as red as a poppy

- bright red

The mark on my arm was as red as a poppy.

as red as a rose

- intensely red

The morning sunrise was as red as a rose.

as red as a ruby

- deep red

The office assistant was wearing lipstick that was as red as a ruby.

as red as blood

- deep red

The stain on the carpet was as red as blood.

catch (someone) red-handed

- to catch someone in the middle of doing something wrong

The woman was caught red-handed when she tried to steal some cosmetics.

ears are red

- one's ears are red from embarrassment

My ears were red after hearing what the teacher said about me.

in the red

- to be in debt, to be unprofitable

The company has been in the red for three years now.

like waving a red flag in front of a bull

- what you are doing will definitely make someone angry or upset

Talking about the city mayor with my father is like waving a red flag in front of a bull. He does not like the city mayor.

out of the red

- out of debt

Our company is finally out of the red and we are now making money.

paint the town red

- to go out and party and have a good time

When my cousin came to visit us we decided to go out and paint the town red.

red-carpet treatment

- to receive special/royal treatment

I always receive the red-carpet treatment when I go and visit my aunt.

red-eye

- an airplane flight that leaves late at night and arrives early in the morning

We caught the red-eye flight last night and we are very tired today.

a red flag

- a signal that something is not working properly or correctly

The fallen trees along the road raised a red flag for the safety inspectors.

red herring

- an unimportant matter that draws attention away from the main subject

Talking about the other issue was a red herring and did not do anything to deal with today's problem.

red-hot

- very hot, creating much excitement or demand

The new video game is red-hot and many people are waiting to buy one.

red in the face

- embarrassed

I became red in the face when the teacher began talking about me.

red-letter day

- a day that is memorable because of some important event

It was a red-letter day when my sister received her graduation diploma.

red tape

- excessive formalities in official business

Many businesses complain about the red tape that they must deal with in order to get anything done with the government.

roll out the red carpet

- to greet a person with great respect, to give a big welcome to someone

The government rolled out the red carpet when the politician came to visit.

see red

- to become very angry

My boss saw red when I told him that I would not be coming to work today.

white Idioms

as white as a ghost

- very pale because of fear/shock/illness

My sister became as white as a ghost when she saw the man at the window.

as white as a sheet

- very pale

I felt terrible this morning and in the mirror I looked as white as a sheet.

as white as the driven snow

- very white

The fur on the dog was as white as the driven snow.

black and white

- either good or bad, either one way or the other way but not in between

Our boss sees everything in black and white although he knows this is impossible.

carte blanche

- the freedom or permission to do what you want (blanche/blanc means white in French)

The new manager was given carte blanche to change the policies in her department.

in black and white

- in writing, officially

I put down my complaint in black and white.

put (something) down in black and white

- to write the details of a contract or something on paper

I asked the buyer to put the offer to buy my car down in black and white.

raise/wave a white flag

- to indicate that you have been defeated and you want to give up

The soldiers raised a white flag and gave themselves up to the enemy.

white elephant

- a useless possession (that often costs money to maintain)

The new airport is a white elephant and nobody wants to use it.

white lie

- a harmless or small lie told to be polite or to avoid hurting someone's feelings

I told my supervisor a white lie yesterday and said that I was sick when actually I was not.

white sale

- the selling of towels or sheets at a reduced price

We went to the white sale at the department store to buy some new sheets.

white-tie event/affair

- an event that requires guests to wear formal dress such as men wearing white bow ties with formal evening dress

I attended a white-tie dinner in honor of the president of our university.

whitewash (something)

- to cover up or gloss over faults/errors/wrongdoing

The government was accused of trying to whitewash the scandal about the illegal money.

yellow Idioms

have a yellow streak

- to be cowardly

The man has a yellow streak and he will not defend you if you are having a problem.

yellow-bellied

- extremely timid, cowardly

The man is yellow-bellied and is never willing to fight for what is right.

 Most Frequent Idioms

about to do something

- to be on the point of doing something

I was about to leave when the phone rang.

according to someone or something

- as said or told by someone, in agreement with something, in the order of something, in proportion to something

According to our teacher, there will be no class next week.
We did everything according to the terms of our agreement.

account for something

- to provide an explanation or answer for something

The bad weather accounts for the fact that few people came to the meeting.

after all

- considering the fact that something happened, something that is usually assumed

"You don't need to phone him. After all, he never phones you."

all of a sudden

- suddenly, without advance warning

All of a sudden it became cloudy and began to rain.

as a matter of fact

- actually

"As a matter of fact, we have been to the history museum many times."

as far as

- to the extent or degree of something

As far as I know the movie will start in a few minutes.

as for

- with regard to, concerning

"As for me, I think that I will return home now."

as if

- in the same way that something would be, that

The drink tastes as if it were made with orange juice.
It seemed as if the whole town came to the concert.

as long as

- provided that, on condition that

"As long as you promise to be careful you can borrow my car."

as soon as

- just after something, when

I phoned my friend as soon as I finished dinner.

as to

- with regard to, according to

"As to your question, I will answer it tomorrow."
The players were put into groups as to their ability.

as well

- in addition, also, too

I plan to take a computer course this summer as well.

as well as

- in addition to

"Please bring your swimming suit as well as your towel."

back and forth

- backwards and forwards, first one way and then the other way

The argument went back and forth before the judge made a decision.

better off

- to be in a better situation than before

My friend would be better off if he sold his old car and bought a new one.

break down something

- to divide something into parts, to separate something into simpler substances

We tried to break down the problem for further study.
The sugar began to break down soon after it was swallowed.

break up

- to separate, to divide into groups or pieces, to put an end to something

Nobody wanted to break up their groups.
We usually break up into small groups during our class.

by the way

- incidentally

"By the way, could you please bring your laptop computer tomorrow."

carry out something

- to put something into action, to accomplish something, to do something

The scientist wanted to carry out several experiments before discussing the new medicine.

come on

- please, hurry, go faster

"Come on, I only have a few minutes before I must go."
"Come on, stop doing that."

come up

- to happen unexpectedly

I will not be able to go to the party if something else comes up.

come up with something

- to produce or find a thought/idea/answer

I tried to come up with a name for the new magazine.

deal with something

- to be concerned with something, to take action about something

We will deal with the boxes tomorrow.

end up doing something or going somewhere

- to do something that one had not planned to do, to go somewhere one had not planned to go

We ended up going to a restaurant after the movie last night.

figure out someone or something

- to try to understand someone or something, to solve something

I finally figured out how to use the new DVD player.

fill (something) in

- to write words in blanks

"Please fill in this form and give it to the receptionist."

find out something

- to learn or discover something

My mother is angry at me because she found out that I had quit my French class.

first of all

- the very first thing

First of all we prepared the garden and then we planted the seeds.

for good

- permanently

The city will close the public swimming pool for good next week.

for sure

- without doubt, certainly, surely

"I will go to the movie with you for sure next week."

get back to (something

- to return to something

I was happy to get back to my work after my holiday.

get into something

- to enter something, to go into something

I do not want any water to get into my car.

get into somewhere

- to secure a place in a college or university or course

My friend wants to get into a good university.

get out of somewhere

- to leave somewhere, to escape from somewhere

I want to hurry and get out of my house.

get rid of something

- to give or throw something away, to sell or destroy something, to make a cold or fever disappear

I bought a new television set so I want to get rid of the old one.

get through something

- to complete something, to finish something

My friend is having trouble getting through her final exams.
I have much reading that I must get through before tomorrow.

go ahead

- to begin to do something

"Let`s go ahead and start now. We can`t wait any longer."

go on

- to continue

The game will probably go on for an hour after we leave.

go over something

- to examine or review something

The accountant will go over the books tomorrow.
We plan to go over that question tomorrow.

go through something

- to discuss something, to look at something, to do something

The teacher decided to go through the exercise before the test.

go with something

- to choose one thing rather than another

We decided to go with the small rental car rather than the large one.

hang out somewhere/with someone

- to spend one`s time with no great purpose, to spend leisure time with friends

Recently my friend has been hanging out with a group of people who are not a good influence on him.

have (something) to do with something

- to be about something, to be on the subject of something, to be related to something

"The book has something to do with cooking but I am not sure if you will like it."
That problem has nothing to do with me.

hold on

- to wait a minute, to stop, to wait and not hang up the phone

"Please hold on for a minute while I lock the window."

in a way

- to a certain extent, a little, somewhat

In a way I want to go to the new restaurant but in a way I don`t really care.

in case

- if, if something should happen

I will take my umbrella in case it rains.

in common

- shared together or equally, in use or ownership by all

I had nothing in common with the other members of the class.

in detail

- giving all the details, item by item

The saleswoman explained about the new product in detail.

in effect

- for practical purposes, basically

The man's silence was in effect a way of disagreeing with the other people in the meeting.

in fact

- actually, the truth is

The man has been to China before. In fact he has been there three times.

in favor of someone or something

- to approve or support someone or something

Everybody is in favor of the new police chief.
My company is not in favor of changing our holiday schedule.

in general

- in most situations or circumstances

In general, most of the people in our apartment are happy with the new manager.

in order to

- for the purpose of

They have decided to close down the school for the summer in order to do some major repairs.

in other words

- in a different (usually more direct) way

"In other words, if you do not finish the assignment by Wednesday you will not pass the course."

in place

- in the proper place or location

Everything in the room was in place when we arrived for the meeting.

in some ways

- in some unspecified way or manner, by some unspecified means

In some ways I know what my friend means but in some ways I do not.

in terms of something

- with regard to something

In terms of our agreement with the other company we were not allowed to sell the products online.

in time

- early enough

I did not come home in time to meet my cousin.

keep (someone or something) in mind

- to remember and think about someone or something

I told my co-workers to keep the new starting time for work in mind.

kind of

- somewhat, more or less, moderately

I was kind of tired when I arrived home last night.

look for something

- to try to find something, to hunt/search for something

My friend has been looking for her credit card all morning but she can`t find it.

look up something

- to search for something in a dictionary or other book

I will look up my friend's name in the telephone book.
I looked up the word in the dictionary.

make a difference

- to cause a change in a situation

It does not make a difference whether our boss comes to the meeting or not.

make sense

- to seem reasonable

His new proposal really does make sense.

make sure

- to make certain, to establish something without a doubt

I want to make sure that my friend is going to meet me tomorrow.

more or less

- somewhat, to some extent

I more or less have decided to study business next year.

no matter

- regardless

No matter how hard that I try, my piano teacher is never satisfied.

not at all

- certainly not

I am not at all happy with my new computer.

of course

- certainly, definitely, naturally

"Of course you can use my car if you want to."

on the other hand

- looking at the opposite side of a matter

He is very intelligent but on the other hand he is very lazy and always gets low marks at school.

on time

- to be at the scheduled time

Our train arrived exactly on time.

once again

- anew, again

I tried once again to phone my boss at his home .

open to something

- to be agreeable to learn or hear about new ideas or suggestions

Most members of the class were open to the teacher's ideas.

pick up something)

- to get or receive something

I will pick up my dry cleaning tomorrow.
I picked up a copy of the newspaper at the station.

point out someone or something

- to explain or call attention to someone or something

My teacher was very kind when she pointed out the mistakes that I had made.

put out something

- to produce or make something (a product/brochure/report/CD/movie/paper)

The company puts out a newsletter every month for the employees.

regardless of something

- without considering something, at any rate

Regardless of the weather we are going to go fishing tomorrow morning.

right away

- immediately

"I forgot to bring my book but I will go home and get it right away."

rule out someone or something

- to decide against or eliminate someone or something

The police ruled out the man as a possible bank robber.
We decided to rule out Monday as the day to have our meeting.

run into trouble/problems/difficulty/an issue

- to experience something, to encounter something

The mechanic ran into trouble when he was fixing my car.
I ran into some interesting facts when I was researching my essay.

set up (something)

- to establish something, to provide the money for something

The newspaper company provided the money to set up the new travel magazine.
The company set up a unique situation to test the new product.

show up

- to appear, to arrive, to be present

"What time did your friend show up for the party?"

so far

- until now

So far no one has entered the speech contest at the television station.

so to speak

- as one might or could say, this is one way to say something

We had a good time at the restaurant, so to speak, although the service was not very good.

sort of something

- to be almost something, to be similar to something, to be not quite something

"Did you finish cleaning the kitchen?"
"Sort of, but not really."

stick with something

- to continue doing something, to not quit something

My brother has been able to stick with his trumpet lessons since he was a child.

take advantage of someone or something

- to use someone or something for one's own benefit

We took advantage of the beautiful weather and went to the beach.

take care of someone or something

- to look after or give attention to someone or something

You should take care of your health or you will become sick.

 

take out ـ

- to remove something from somewhere, to extract something

The teacher told us to take out our books.
I took out some onions from the refridgerator.

take over ـsomething

- to take control of something, to take command of something

The large company wants to take over some of the small companies in our area.

take place

- to happen, to occur

The soccer game took place on the coldest day of the year.

to the extent that

- to the degree that, in so far as

I plan to provide information about the new company policy to the extent that I am familiar with it.

turn in ـsomething

- to give something to someone, to hand something to someone

I arrived at school early so that I could turn in my essay.

turn out

- to be found or known, to prove to be true

It turned out that more people came to the party than we expected.

up to

- until

Up to last week I had never been inside a bowling alley.
There were probably up to thirty people at the meeting.

up to (someone) to decide/do (something)

- to be responsible to choose or decide something

It is up to the company president to decide when the meeting will start.

used to

- accustomed to

My friend is not used to living in such a big city.

 with respect toـ something

- referring to something, concerning something

I do not know what the company will do with respect to the old computer system.

work out ـ for the best

- to end successfully

I hope that everything will work out for my friend when she moves to London next week.