Do you know the English expression “to fall behind“? Read the conversation below. Can you guess the meaning?

Ben: Keith was in hospital for a month, but now he is back at school and struggling.

Gloria: Why is he struggling?

Ben: He fell behind the other students while he was ill.

Does it mean:

a) fall over behind people

b) make less progress than other people

c) stand behind someone

d) make others move at a slower pace

The answer is below! ↓

 

Answer: b) make less progress than other people

Do you know the English expression “to be a tough cookie“? Read the conversation below. Can you guess the meaning?

Zoe: How is your brother? I heard he lost his job and lost his house.

Andrew: Oh he’s fine. He has many problems but he’s a tough cookie. He’s already looking for a new job and he’s staying with our parents while he looks for a new house.

Does it mean:

a) to be strong

b) to be rude

c) to be tough towards other people

d) to be poor

The answer is below! ↓

 

Answer: a) to be strong

Do you know the English expression “to be eye-catching“? Read the conversation below. Can you guess the meaning?

Jenny: I like your red dress. It’s very eye-catching!

Lily: Thanks! I want to stand out at the party!

Does it mean:

a) fashionable

b) painful

c) too bright

d) noticeable

The answer is below!↓

 

Answer: d) noticeable

Do you know the English expression “to give (something) a whirl“? Read the conversation below. Can you guess the meaning?

Oliver: Hey, have you started ballet dancing?

Grace: Yes, it looked fun so I thought I’d give it a whirl.

Does it mean:

a) twirl around something

b) try something

c) do something for a short time

d) do something with a lot of effort

The answer is below!↓

 

Answer: b) try something

Do you know the English expression “to not be caught dead (doing something)“? Read the conversation below. Can you guess the meaning?

Jane: Did you see the dress Helen was wearing today? It was pink, yellow and red.

Michelle: I saw it. I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing that!

Does it mean:

a) would never (do something)

b) would not (do something) before I die

c) catch someone and tell them not to (do something)

d) talk about someone who died

The answer is below! ↓

 

Answer: a) would never (do something)

 

Do you know the English expression “to cut to the chase“? Read the conversation below. What does Katy mean when she says “can you cut to the chase”?

Katy: Thank you for your detailed report of your meeting with the client John. We appreciate it. But can you cut to the chase and tell us if the client wants to work with us or not?

John: Sure. She wants to work with us.

Does it mean:

a) chase someone

b) talk in more detail

c) tell us the important point

d) stop talking

The answer is below!↓

 

Answer: c) tell us the important point

 

Do you know the phrase “to give (someone) a ring“? Read the conversation below. Can you guess the meaning?

Mel: What time are we going to meet on Friday?

Bill: I’ll check my schedule and give you a ring later.

Does it mean:

a) give someone a ring for their finger

b) text someone

c) email someone

d) call someone by phone

The answer is below!↓

 

Answer: d) call someone by phone

Do you know the phrase “I’m dreading (something)“? Read the conversation below. Can you guess the meaning?

Gwen: Are you prepared for your job interview tomorrow?

Claire: Yes, but I’m dreading it! I hate job interviews.

Does it mean:

a) to be worried and scared about something

b) to hate doing something

c) to be looking forward to something

d) to be upset about something

The answer is below!↓

 

Answer: a) to be worried and scared about something

Do you know the meaning of this question? Read the conversation below. Can you guess the meaning?

Boss: Can you tell me why business is so bad this month?

David: ………

Boss: What’s wrong? Has the cat got your tongue?

Does it mean:

a) why don’t you speak?

b) did the cat take your tongue?

c) do you have a tongue?

d) what happened to your mouth?

The answer is below!↓

 

Answer: a) why don’t you speak?