advanced conversation vol 1

8/8/2019 Advanced Conversation Vol 1

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Advanced Conversation Vol. 1Using Contemporary Idiom

Advanced Conversation Vol. 1

Using Contemporary Idioms


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Dialog 1 : Turn Over a New Leaf

A: I heard he has just been released from the rehabilitation center.B: Was an alcoholic?A: Yes. He got frustrated that no movie producers are offering him jobs.B: Thats sad. How long did he stay in the rehab?A: For 6 months. And hes turning over a new leafalready.

Explanation:When a person turns over a new leaf, he starts to behave in a better way.

Example:

He promised the police that hell turn over a new leafnow.

Vocabulary:Released (verb) - to be freeRehabilitation (noun) - the process of restoring an individual (as a convict or drug addict) to a

useful place in societyAlcoholic (noun) - A person who drinks alcoholic substances habituallyFrustrated (adjective) disappointed, saddened

Dialog 2 : Mark my words

A: Im telling you Im going to be rich.B: How can you do that? You dont even want to work.A: Mark my words. Even if I dont work Im still going to have a lot of money.B: Youre already drunk.A: Of course Im not. I still know what Im saying.B: OK. But I still dont understand how you could be rich when you arent doing something.

Explanation:Mark my words is an expression used to lend an air of seriousness to what the speaker is aboutto say when talking about the future.

Example:"Mark my words, if you do not finish your homework project you are not going to go out thisweekend."


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Dialog 3 : Open a Pandoras box

A: My son is asking me to buy him a new car.B: Oh, does he know how to drive already?A: Yes, he sometimes takes out my car.B: So, whats the problem?A: Hes a very careless driver. It has a lot of scratches now. I just bought it two months ago, but

it looks like a year old. He also sometimes uses it to sneak out and go to parties at night,ithout my knowledge.

B: I think buying him a new car will open a Pandoras box.

Explanation:When you open a Pandoras box, you are doing something that causes a lot of new problemsthat you did not expect.

Example:Sadly, the managements decision to lay-off workers could open a Pandoras box.

Vocabulary:Careless (Adjective) unconcerned about the consequences of some actionScratches (noun) mark, blemish, damageSneak(verb) - To go or move in a quiet, secretive way.Knowledge (noun) - Familiarity, awareness, or understandingManagement (noun) - the person or persons controlling and directing the affairs of a business,

institution, etc.:Expect (verb) hope, await

Dialog 4 : Turn the tables

A: I cant believe it. Kate won in the championship game.B: Yeah. I was very surprised too. I never thought shed win.A: I guess she turned the tables this year. She didnt win any game last year.B: I heard she trained hard and she has a new coach.

Explanation:

When someone turned the tables, it means that you change a situation so that someonesposition is the opposite of what it was. You cause a complete reversal of the situation.

Example:

I am waiting for the right time to turn the tables on her.

Vocabulary:

Coach (noun) - a person who trains an athlete or a team of athletes


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Dialog 5 : Girl Friday

A: Ive read the advertisement in the newspaper. Youre looking for a girl Friday.B: Yes, were looking for one. Are you interested in the job?A: Yes, I am. What shall I do?B: My boss will tell you the things youll do. Just wait here and Ill inform my boss that

youre interested in the job.

Explanation:A girl Friday is a person who does many different types of usually not very interesting work inan office.

Example:

The girl Friday they hired is very hardworking.

Dialog 6 : Have the Midas touch

A: I wish I have the Midas touch.B: Me too. Ill tour Europe and buy a mansion if I have the money.A: No matter what I do, I still cant seem to put any money into savings.

B: I promise myself Ill be able to save $1,000 this month.A: I bet you couldnt do that. You spend too much when were going out.

Explanation:

When you have the Midas touch, you have the ability to make a lot of money.

Example:He convinced the young women in the village that they have Midas touch.

Vocabulary:Mansion (noun) a very large house


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Dialog 7 : Save ones breath

A: Ive talked with the director of the hospital.B: What did he say?A: He told me to get the money, of course. He doesnt want us to go until the bill is

settled.B: Did you tell him that well just pay by installment?A: Yeah, I did. But he doesnt want that kind of arrangement.B: You should have saved your breath. He doesnt listen to pleadings.

Explanation:

You dont say anything when you save your breath.

Example:

You should save your breath. I already made a decision and thats final.

Vocabulary:Installment (noun) - a payment of part of a debt; usually paid at regular intervalsArrangement (noun) - an agreement or settlementPlea (noun) a request

Dialog 8 : A jack-of-all-trades

A: I dont know how this thing works. Can you help me?B: Im sorry. I dont know how it operates.A: I need this to finish my report.B: Ask Peter. He can fix anything. Hes ajack-of-all-trades.A: Can you help me find him?B: Sure. I saw him at the pantry a while ago.

Explanation:A jack-of-all-trades is a person who can do many different kinds of work.

Example:

Sam can do the gardening, driving, carpentry and plumbinghes really a jack-of-all-trades.


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Dialog 9 : Heard through the grapevine

A: I havent seen Mary for a month now.B: I heard through the grapevine that she was pregnant.A: Really? I dont know that. Whos the father of the child shes carrying?B: I dont know anything more. But I think thats the reason why she immediately resigned.A: I hope shell not be a single parent.B: I agree. Its so hard to raise a child when youre alone.

Explanation:

When you hear something through the grapevine, you hear the news from someone whoheard the news from someone else.

Example:I heard through the grapevine that the Joneses are planning a tour around Europe nextsummer.

Vocabulary:Grapevine (noun)- a vine that bears grapesRaise (verb) to take care of

Dialog 10 : Monkey business

A: Mother was so mad at John and Joshua this afternoon.B: Why?A: The two did some monkey business while she was out. She was so mad.B: Oh. What did she say?A: She did not allow them to go and play outside for a whole week.B: Thats too bad. The two will be missing a lot.A: Yeah. But they should have not done that, so they wont be punished.

Explanation:

Monkey business is a silly behavior or a dishonest behavior.

Example:There was a monkey business involved in renovating the city hall with some officials gettingsecret payments from builders.

Vocabulary:

Punish (verb) - To subject to a penalty for an offense, sin, or fault.Silly (adjective) - weak-minded or lacking good sense; stupid or foolishDishonest (adjective) not honest; lies, cheatsRenovate (verb) - to restore to good condition; make new or as if new again; repair.


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Dialog 11 : Saved by the bell

A: Mother asked me who broke the antique jar.B: What did you say?A: Luckily, I was saved by the bell. Her cellphone rang. She didnt notice me leaving.B: I guess shell be talking to you when you get home tonight.A: No, shell be gone for a week. She has a business trip.B: Just pray that she wont remember it when she comes back.A: Its her favorite piece. She wont forget it.

Explanation:

When you are saved by the bell, you are rescued from an unwanted situation.

Example:

Jonathan was saved by the bell when his brother walked in and asked him to go with him at thebaseball practice.

Vocabulary:Antique (adjective) - any piece of furniture or decorative object or the like produced in a

former period and valuable because of its beauty or rarityRescue (verb) saved

Dialog 12 : Half-baked

A: The boss didnt want his proposal. It was half-baked.B: Its the first time it happened. Hes always ready and prepared when he makes reports.A: This time he isnt. I heard he has a problem.B: What do you know?A: His wifes filing a divorce.B: I understand now. I hope his job wont be affected too much.

Explanation:Something is half-baked when it is not thought about or planned carefully.

Example:The idea was half-baked. It wont work.

Vocabulary:Proposal (noun) - a plan or schemeDivorce (noun) one that releases the husband and wife from all matrimonial obligations


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Dialog 13 : A dose of your own medicine

A: I saw Mark in the lobby. He asked me to tell you that hes waiting there for an hour already.B: I know. I just dont want to go down yet.A: But why?B: I want to give him a dose of his own medicine. Hes always turning up late for me.A: He wont like it for sure.

Explanation:When you give someone a dose of his own medicine, you do the same bad thing to him that hehas often done to you in order to show him how unpleasant it is.

Example:

Why dont you give him a dose of his own medicine so that hell learn?

Vocabulary:Lobby (noun) - A hall or waiting room at or near the entrance to a building, such as a hotel or

theater

Dialog 14 : Barking up the wrong tree

A: Why did the police arrest him?

B: They said hes one of the men who robbed the convenience store around the corner.A: I know hes a nice guy. I cant believe hes a robber.B: Yes, I think Stellas talking with the police right now. She said she was talking with him at

Starbucks when the incident at the convenience store happened.A: So the police is barking up the wrong tree.B: Maybe. We dont know that for now.

Explanation:If you are barking up the wrong tree, it means that you have completely misunderstoodsomething or you are believing the wrong explanation for something.

Vocabulary:

Arrest (verb) - to capture or take hold of (a person) because he or she has broken the lawConveniences store (noun) - a retail store that carries a limited selection of basic items, as

packaged foods and drugstore items, and is open long hours for the convenience ofshoppers.

Rob (verb) - taking possessions by unlawful force or violenceIncident (noun) an event


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Dialog 15 : Dressed to kill

A: I didnt attend Sams party last night.B: Why? I heard they all had fun.A: I saw them at the gate and they were all dressed to kill. Im just wearing my jeans and ashirt.B: You should have joined them. Im sure they wont mind your dress. They are your friends.

Explanation:When someone is dressed to kill, they are wearing clothes that are intended to make peoplenotice you.

Example:

Cathy was dressed to kill at the party. Everybody is staring at her.

Dialog 16 : A babe in the woods

A: I wont allow Joanne to study in the university in the city. Shes still a babe in the woods.B: You worry too much. She wont learn if you wont allow her.

A: You cant blame me. Anything might happen to her. Youll never know.B: Shell learn to be independent when she gets there.

Explanation:

A babe in the woods is someone who has not had much experience and trusts other people tooeasily.

Example:When it comes to business, she is still a babe in the woods.

Vocabulary:Babe (noun) a baby or child


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Dialog 17 : Go Dutch

A: My colleague invited me to eat lunch in the nearby restaurant.B: What restaurant is that?A: In Conieres. The food is really delicious, but its very expensive.B: Who paid the bill?A: We went Dutch. I want to come there again tomorrow. Would you want to come with me?

Explanation:If you go Dutch in a restaurant, you pay equal shares for the meal.

Example:I thought my sister will treat me out in a restaurant for dinner, but when we were there, wewent Dutch.

Dialog 18 : Go bananas

A: Where did you put my book?B: I just put it in your desk.A: Its not there. Why dont you look for it?

B: I told you I put it in your desk last night. Maybe you put it in your bag already.A: You look for it, or I wont lend you the video game you want.B: Dont go bananas. Youre just being careless.

Explanation:You become very angry when you go bananas.

Example:Shell go bananas if she sees the litter in the backyard.

Vocabulary:Careless (adjective) - not paying enough attention to what one does; having no care or concern

Litter (noun) - rubbish carelessly dropped or left about (especially in public places)Backyard (noun) - the portion of a lot or building site behind a house, structure, or the like,

sometimes fenced, walled, etc.


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Dialog 19 : In Seventh Heaven

A: Hi John! How are you today?B: Great! I feel in seventh heaven.A: Thats nice to hear. But why?B: Ive asked Alice yesterday if we could have a date, and she agreed.A: Whos Alice?B: Shes our new neighbor. Shes from the Canada.

Explanation:When you are in seventh heaven, you are extremely happy.

Example:

She was in seventh heaven when she learned that she passed the board exam.

Dialog 20 : Sleep like a baby

A: Where is Janice?B: Shes in her room, sleeping like a baby.A: What time did she get home last night?

B: Almost midnight. I was so worried. I thought something bad already happened to her.A: The traffic is so heavy. Its because of the rain.B: Thats the reason she gave me.

Explanation:When someone is sleeping like a baby, that person is sleeping very well.


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Dialog 21 : A fat cat

A: All of us are so busy today. Im so tired already.B: I dont think many tourists are coming. What makes you busy?A: A fat cat from New York will be staying in the hotel. The manager wants to impress him.B: How long will he be staying?A: Just a few hours. Hell be talking with some business partners.

Explanation:A fat cat is a person who makes a lot of money and enjoys a privileged position in society.

Example:Mr. Antonio is just anotherfat cata corporate tycoon from Chicago.

Vocabulary:Privileged (adjective) enjoying benefits

Dialog 22 : Black sheep

A: Why arent you going home?B: I dont want to. My parents dont like me there.

A: What do you mean?B: They regard me as the black sheep of the family. They dont understand me. All they do isfind faults in everything I do.

Explanation:A black sheep is someone who doesnt fit into a group or family because their behavior orcharacter is not good enough.

Example:The black sheep returns home after three years of staying in England.


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Dialog 23 : Sweet tooth

A: Can you please come with me in the convenience store?B: What are you going to buy?A: Im craving for chocolates.B: You have such a sweet tooth. You have just eaten a bar a while ago.

Explanation:

A person with a sweet tooth likes eating food with sugar in it.

Example:

You can always bribe him with cakes and ice cream. He has a sweet big tooth.

Vocabulary:

Bribe (verb) to give, offer or promise something such as money or a favor

Dialog 24 : Copycat

A: Is that Madonna?B: No, of course not. Look at her clearly.

A: Shes Madonna, of course.B: Shes just a copycat. Look at her nose and mouth. Theyre different from Madonnas.A: Yeah, I think youre right.

Explanation:A copy cat is one that closely imitates or mimics another.

Example:She has no originality. Shes a copycat.

Vocabulary:

Imitates (verb) - To copy the actions, appearance, mannerisms, or speechMimics (verb) - To copy or imitate closely, especially in speech, expression, and gesture


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Dialog 25 : Butterflies in your stomach

A: Im going to have a job interview this afternoon.B: Really? Good luck! What position are you applying for?A: As a marketing associate.B: Youre good. I know you can do it. You have been working as an associate for many

years now.A: I cant help it. There are still butterflies in my stomach.B: Oh, come on. I know you are well qualified for the job. Just be confident.

Explanation:

If you are feeling nervous before something important or stressful is known, you havebutterflies in your stomach.

Example:I felt there are butterflies in my stomach when the President talked to me.

Vocabulary:Nervous (adjective) - afraidStressful (adjective) - full of stress or tension

Dialog 26 : In a nutshell

A: Can you explain what you said in a nutshell?B: Of course. It just means that we need to lay off workers.A: I dont think thats a good idea.B: Ive already explained the pros and cons of my proposal.A: Can you repeat it? I didnt understand what you said.

Explanation:In a nutshell means summary.

Example:She discussed the report in a nutshell.

Vocabulary:Lay off(verb) - to dismiss (an employee)Pro (noun) - an argument or consideration in favor of something]Con (noun) - an argument or opinion against something.


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Dialog 27 : Talk of the town

A: The commissioner will be the talk of the town this week. They said that he used thecompanys money for personal uses. It involves a lot of money.

B: I saw the police surrounding his house.A: Maybe hes out of the country by now. Hell be hiding.B: I think so, too. I never expected hell be involved in such a serious crime.A: I saw his daughter crying so hard. And his wife too.B: I wonder where he is now.

Explanation:When everybody is talking about particular people and events, they are the talk of the town.

Example:Turning up drunk at the ball will certainly make you the talk of the town.

Vocabulary:Commissioner (noun) - a government official or representative in charge of a department ordistrict

Dialog 28 : Graveyard Shift

A: What time are you going to the office?B; Im working in the graveyard shift.A: Is it difficult?B: Yeah, it is. I feel so sleepy every time. I always have to drink coffee to be awake.A: Will that be your permanent schedule?B: I hope not.

Explanation:

If you have to work very late at night, it is the graveyard shift.

Example:

I never want to work in the graveyard shift.

Vocabulary:Permanent (adjective) - lasting; not temporarySchedule (noun) - a series of things to be done or of events to occur at or during a particular

time or period


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Dialog 29 : Raining Cats and Dogs

A: Will you be able to go here? Its raining cats and dogs.B: Theres heavy flood. I cant go out.A: I understand. Lets just postpone the meeting.B: Im really sorry. I didnt expect this. What time are you free tomorrow?A: At 8 AM. I hope it wont rain anymore.B: Yeah. I hate this weather.

Explanation:When it is raining cats and dogs, it is raining heavily.

Example:

It was raining cats and dogs by the time I got to the office.

Vocabulary:Postpone (verb) - To delay until a future time

Dialog 30 : Break a leg

A: Im nervous. I dont know if I will be able to deliver my lines perfectly.B: Of course you will. You have rehearsed that for many times already.

A: What if I forget my lines?B: Dont worry too much. Its going to be perfect.A: The director is calling my attention now. Ill go and see him.B: OK. Break a leg!

Explanation:Break a leg means good luck.

Example:

Break a leg! the director called to the lead actor.

Vocabulary:

Rehearse (verb) - To practice (a part in a play, for example) in preparation for a publicperformance


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Dialog 31 : Born with a silver spoon in ones mouth

A: Why does she always have new clothes and new shoes when she comes to school? Shenever wore the same clothes over two months.

B: Of course. She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.A: Shes so lucky she has rich parents.B: Yeah. His father owns the hotel and two restaurants in town.A: Whats her mothers job?B: Shes a doctor.

Explanation:A person born with a silver spoon in his or her mouth is born wealthy.

Example:Shes born with a silver spoon in her mouth so she doesnt know how to feel hungry.

Dialog 32 : Couch potato

A: Can you please call Sam in his room? Dinners ready.

B: I already did. But he says hell eat later.A: Your brother is such a couch potato. What is he watching this time?B: Cartoons. He says he doesnt want to miss this episode.A: He didnt eat his lunch. Ill go and fetch him.

Explanation:If you are spending a lot of time watching television, you are a couch potato.

Example:

My sister is a couch potato and she never wants to leave her house.

Vocabulary:

Couch (noun) a sofaFetch (verb) - to go and bring back


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Dialog 33 : Cry over spilled milk

A: Why are you crying?B: I lost my brothers favorite book. Im sure hell be mad when he learns this.A: Where did you leave it?B: I think I put it in my bag this morning, but its not there anymore.A: Maybe youve misplaced it.B: Ive searched everywhere, but I cannot find it.A: Dont cry over spilled milk. Just tell your brother about it and well decide what to do.

Explanation:

When someone is crying over spilled milk, he is crying or complaining about something thathas already happened.

Example:You should not cry over spilled milk. You cannot bring back the past nor change it.

Vocabulary:Spilled (verb) - To cause or allow (a substance) to run or fall out of a container

Dialog 34 : Apple of (someones) eye

A: Why are you looking at her like that?

B: Shes the apple of my eye.A: Do you know her?B: Not yet. But I am planning to introduce myself if I get the courage.A: Why not now?B: I still dont know the right things to say.

Explanation:

The apple of ones eye is someone or something that one likes a lot.

Example:The little girl is the apple of her grandmothers eye.


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Dialog 35 : In black and white

A: If you have a complaint, please write it in black and white.B: Do I really need to do that?A: It will be better if you do that. Well send it directly to the manager.B: Cant I just go and talk to him now?A: Im afraid you cant do that. He has a business meeting at the moment.

Explanation:Something is in black and white if it is in writing or official.

Example:I sent them my request for new computers in black and white.

Vocabulary:Complaint (noun) - an expression of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment

Dialog 36 : Once in a blue moon

A: Where are you now?B: I am in an Italian restaurant with my mother.A: What time are you going home?

B: I dont know. I want to have fun tonight. My mother and I only go out togetheroncein a blue moon. Why are you asking?

A: Im thinking of coming over to your house.B: Why?A: Nothing much. Ill just come tomorrow.

Explanation:

When something happens once in a blue moon, it happens very rarely.

Example:We only meet once in a blue moon, and I dont know when hes coming back.


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Dialog 37 : With flying colors

A: Your parents must be very proud of you. You graduated with flying colors.B: They are. They told me theyre coming over and they want to celebrate.A: I think thats a good idea. When are they coming?B: Maybe tomorrow. The flights are full since yesterday. They havent got a ticket yet.A: Ill go with you at the airport when you meet them.

Explanation:When you did something with flying colors, you accomplished it with total success.

Example:My friend passed the licensure exam with flying colors and she now is a doctor.

Dialog 38: Teachers pet

A: Dont you notice? Our teacher always favors Matt.B: Yeah. I notice that too. She always listens to whatever he says, and always gives him

high grades.

A: Thats what happens when you are a teachers pet.B: I was a never a teachers pet. How about you?A: Never. I guess I was never lovable.

Explanation:The teachers favorite student is the teachers pet.

Example:My sister was always the teachers pet when we are in elementary school.


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Dialog 39 : Kill two birds with one stone

A: Excuse me. Are you busy?B: Im finishing my report and Im talking with a big client on the phone.A: I see. Youre killing two birds with one stone.B: Can you just talk to me after I finish this?A: Im sorry. I should have not interrupted.B: Its OK. Ill just go to my office later.

Explanation:When you kill two birds with one stone, you accomplish two things with one action.

Example:

I killed two birds with one stone and saw some old classmates while I was in France visiting a

friend.

Vocabulary:Interrupt (verb) - to stop a person while he is saying or doing somethingClient (noun) a customer

Dialog 40 : Out of the blue

A: I was really impressed with your idea. Where did you get it?B: I dont know. It just came to me out of the blue.A: I think we should tell our boss immediately about this. Im sure hell like your new proposal.B: I want to review it and then well tell him.A: OK. If thats what you want.

Explanation:

If something happens out of the blue, it happens suddenly and you are not expecting it.

Example:From out of the blue I asked my girlfriend if she wanted to get married.

Vocabulary:Impressed (adjective) deeply affected or influenced

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