III. Match the sentences with similar meanings. 1. He’s rather obnoxious. He’s not interested in new technology. 2. He burns the candle at both ends. He is wildly unpredictable. 3. He tends to blow his own trumpet. He doesn’t play by the rules. 4. He keeps his nose to the He’s busy from early morning till late at grindstone. night. 5. He’s rather a luddite. He is incredibly upset. 6. He is very thorough. He tells everyone about his achievements. 7. His behaviour is erratic. He takes the initiative and gets on with things. 8. He’s very self-motivated. He has excellent attention to detail. 9. He’s rather unconventional. He gets on with his work without prevaricating. 10.He is distraught. He is unpleasant and not very likeable.
Answers
Explanation:
Figurative phrases or popular expressions that children and English Language Learners (ELL) come across can be confusing because their meaning is different from each of their individual words. We offer a collection of useful idioms, explanations of their meaning, and links to relevant stories that provide context.
Beginner English learners may enjoy Pre-K Wordplay! for phonics practice, very short stories and idiom phrases in Aesop's Fables, and our collection of Short Stories for Children. Phrases are offered alphabetically below; use your control-F key function to search for specific idiom phrases.
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10-4
A CB or ham radio expression meaning "OK"
"10-4, I can read you loud and clear."
800 pound gorilla
Something big or obvious that people may be missing or intentionally ignoring because it is uncomfortable to think about or discuss
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
A proverbial expression meaning when someone's away, they are appreciated more than when they are present
"Jack and May get along so much better now that they live in different cities. Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
Achilles heel
A weakness or vulnerability, often used to specify the weakness in a person, organization or system
Acting like a chicken with its head cut-off
Panicking and just running or doing without thinking (the result might not change anything anyway)
Acting like an angel
Being very good
A "draw"
A tie or even match, no definite winner
Adversity makes strange bedfellows
A proverbial expression meaning that when faced with a conflict or difficult situation, people unite, despite their differences.
"Owen and Oliver never agreed on anything, but they came together to fight the oil drilling proposal. Adversity makes strange bedfellows."