Each example below has an
idiom related to some activities. Can you guess the meaning of
each idiom from the context? Try to match each idiom (1-6) with
its definition (a-f).
John is very good at computers. He takes
a look at my computer and knows what's wrong with it
right off the bat.
Taro and I are in
the same boat - we both cannot find a job and we both
have to pay back our student loans.
Jim always disagrees with what I say. It
seems he gets a kick out of
arguing with me.
If you think that I don't have to work hard,
then you are off base.
In fact, I work extremely hard every day!
I have decided to quit my job and start my own
business. I want to own my own business, sink or swim.
If we are going to cooperate in this venture,
we have to be open and frank. Let's
put our cards on the table and have an open discussion.
Idiom
Definition
1. right
off the bat
a. no matter what;
whether succeed or fail
2. in
the same boat
b. to really enjoy
something very much
3. to
get a kick out of something
c. immediately; without
any delay
4. off
base
d. in the same situation
5. sink
or swim
e. to be frank and not
to hide anything
6. to
put one's cards on the table
f. not correct
"I love winter! I
get a kick out of
playing in the snow!"
More Practice:
Each sentence below has an
idiom, but there is something wrong with each idiom. Can you find
and correct each one?
1. A: Do you play hockey?
B: No, I
don't play hockey, but I get a kicking out of watching the games.
2. A: I hear you broke up
with your girlfriend.
B: Yes, I
did.
A: Well,
then, we are in the same ship. My girlfriend left me last
week.
3. A: OK. If you have
any complaints, let's hear them.
B: Well,
all right. I'll put my card on the table.
4. A: Why are you playing
computer games instead of doing your homework?
B: No!
You are totally off the base. I am not playing games, I am
doing research on the Internet for my assignment.
5. A: Have you really
decided to go to Japan and learn Aikido?
B: Yes.
I have decided to do that, sinking or swimming.
6. A: Our new boss is really
tough.
B: How's
so?
A: On his
first day, he fired 3 people right off bat!
