Each example below contains an
idiom that has the word "time". Can you guess the meaning of each
idiom from the context? Try to match each idiom (1-8) with its
definition (a-h).
Right now I don't have money to buy a new car,
so for the time being, I have
to drive a second-hand car.
There is no need to hurry, so
take your time, relax and enjoy
your breakfast.
I had nothing to do while waiting for my
husband at the airport so I played Nintendo to
kill time.
I have no intention of getting married
at this point in time.
My boss gave me a
hard time when I failed to finish the report yesterday.
The time is right
to buy a house in Toronto because the mortgage rate is really low.
You look really busy. Did I
catch you at a bad time?
You're never home. When I call you,
nobody answers the phone nine times out of
ten.
Idiom
Definition
1. for
the time being
a. to visit or call a
person when it is inconvenient
2. to
take your time
b. to criticize, or to
make fun of, someone
3. to
kill time
c. it is a good time to
do something
4. at
this point in time
d. just for the present
moment; temporarily
5. to
give someone a hard time
e. not to hurry
6. the
time is right
f. to waste time while
waiting for someone or something to happen
7. to
catch someone at a bad time
g. very often
8. nine
times out of ten
h. now; at this time
"I was waiting for my friend.
To
kill time
I tried to dig a tunnel!"
More Practice:
Can you complete each dialog
with a suitable idiom?
1. A: What are you up to?
B:
Nothing. Just surfing the Net to
.
2. A: Have you found an
apartment yet?
B: No,
not yet, so I'm staying with my sister
.
3. A: Can you type this
report for me?
B: Sure.
I'll do it right away.
A: It's
not urgent, so
.
4. A: Eddie is pretty good
at tennis.
B: Yes, I
know. He beats me
.
5. A: Hello? This is
Joe. May I speak to Jim please?
B:
Speaking. Joe, you
.
I'm in the middle of a shower!
6. A: Anna, you look mad.
What happened?
B: It's
my brother. He was criticizing my new haircut, my dress,
everything! He was really
!
7. A: Do you need any help?
B: Not
.
If I need your help later, I'll give you a call.
8. A: Are you going to buy a
new car?
B: Yes, I
am. The car prices are at their lowest, and I have just got my
bonus, so I think
.
