a)
Read the dictionary entries. What’s the difference between an idiom and a saying?
idiom – a group of words that have a different meaning when used together from the one they have when used separately
saying – a sentence that people often say and that gives advice or information about human life and experience
b)
Look at the cartoons. Which show idioms and which show sayings? What do they mean?
Read the title and the first two sentences of the text. What is the quiz about?
Let’s Talk
FOOD
Food is a big part of people’s lives. That’s why in many languages, including English, there are a lot of sayings and idioms related to it. How many of the following idioms or sayings related to food do you know?
1.Of course I can do that! _
A. It’s a hot potato.
B. It’s a piece of cake.
C. It’s bread and butter.
2. The new Adele CD _
A. is selling like hot cakes.
B. is a bad egg.
C. is as cool as a cucumber.
3. I didn’t enjoy the film. Thrillers are not _
A. as easy as pie.
B. full of beans.
C. my cup of tea.
4. I’d rather do it by myself. _
A. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
B. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.
C. Too many cooks spoil the broth.
5. Forget about the broken vase! It’s no use _
A. eating your words.
B. crying over spilt milk.
C. having a finger in every pie.
Score …/15
12−15: You know your idioms well!
6−9: Keep trying.
0−3: You need to study more.
a) Read through the idioms and sayings. How many do you know?
b) In pairs, choose the correct idiom or saying to complete the statements.
Let’s Talk
FOOD
Food is a big part of people’s lives. That’s why in many languages, including English, there are a lot of sayings and idioms related to it. How many of the following idioms or sayings related to food do you know?
1.Of course I can do that! _
A. It’s a hot potato.
B. It’s a piece of cake.
C. It’s bread and butter.
2. The new Adele CD _
A. is selling like hot cakes.
B. is a bad egg.
C. is as cool as a cucumber.
3. I didn’t enjoy the film. Thrillers are not _
A. as easy as pie.
B. full of beans.
C. my cup of tea.
4. I’d rather do it by myself. _
A. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
B. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.
C. Too many cooks spoil the broth.
5. Forget about the broken vase! It’s no use _
A. eating your words.
B. crying over spilt milk.
C. having a finger in every pie.
Score …/15
12−15: You know your idioms well!
6−9: Keep trying.
0−3: You need to study more.
In which situations can you use the rest of the idioms/sayings? Make a sentence for each.
Portfolio: Find some food idioms/sayings in your dictionary, or on the Internet and write a short quiz about them for your classmates. Draw pictures to go with your quiz.