Idioms September 21, 2024

Anna: Hey Jake, did you hear about the new project?
Jake: Oh yeah, I heard about it, but the details are still a bit unclear. Projects like this
are a dime a dozen, you know—everyone’s been working on something similar
lately.
Anna: I know, but this one seems pretty big. I’m feeling nervous. I don’t want to
mess up.
Jake: Don’t worry. I used to walk on eggshells around here too, afraid of making
mistakes. But you'll be fine.
Anna: Thanks, but I still feel stressed. I’ve seen how people get when things go
wrong. The boss can have a short fuse!
Jake: Yeah, that’s true. But if you're ever short on time or resources, you can always
make something work in a pinch. It may not be perfect, but it’ll get the job
done.
Anna: That’s a relief! Do you think you can help me plan out how to approach this
project?
Jake: Sure, but you know, you don’t need to worry so much. You’ve got a good head
on your shoulders. In fact, from what I can see, you’ve got it all figured out—
not just at work, but in life. You seem to know what you want and how to get
there.
Anna: Wow, I wish I felt as confident as you make it sound!
Jake: Trust me, you’re doing great. And even if something comes up out of the
blue, you’ll know how to handle it.

Anna: Thanks, Jake. You always know what to say. But what if something major
goes wrong?
Jake: Well, if it does, we’ll just have to bite the bullet and deal with it head-on.
Anna: Good point. I really hope nothing major happens, though.
Jake: Don’t worry. Big crises only happen once in a blue moon.
Anna: That’s true. Oh, by the way, do you want to grab lunch tomorrow?
Jake: I’d love to, but I have a meeting. Let’s take a rain check on that.
The Meanings
1. A dime a dozen – Very common and of little value.
2. Have a short fuse – To become angry quickly.
3. In a pinch – Something that can be used or done as a substitute in a difficult
or urgent situation, though it may not be ideal or perfect.
4. Have it all figured out – To seem to have mastered life, having a clear sense
of direction and success in different aspects, including happiness, work, and
personal goals.
5. Bite the bullet – To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.
6. Walk on eggshells – To be very cautious to avoid upsetting someone.
7. Out of the blue – Something that happens unexpectedly.
8. Once in a blue moon – Very rarely.
9. Take a rain check – To postpone something to a later time.
Exercise 1
Fill in the blanks using the idioms in the box below
A dime a dozen have a short fuse in a pinch

Have it all figured out bite the bullet walk on eggshells
Out of the blue once in a blue moon take a rain check
1. I was surprised when my old friend called me; it was totally __________.
2. These types of assignments are __________; you'll find them everywhere.
3. I managed to pull off an exquisite painting using crayons __________. It
would be nicer if I had used oil-based paints, though.
4. I always feel like I have to __________ around my boss because she gets
angry so easily.
5. He used to get angry so quickly; he definitely __________.
6. When it comes to difficult tasks, sometimes you just have to __________ and
get through it.
7. I have a big presentation tomorrow, so let’s __________ for coffee.
8. I don’t think we need to worry; major problems like this happen only
__________.
9. You always seem so calm and balanced. It feels like you’ve __________, both
in your career and personal life.
Answer these questions!

1. Can you describe a situation where you had to bite the bullet and deal with
something unpleasant? What did you do?
2. Have you ever experienced something happening out of the blue? How did
you handle it?
3. Have you ever had to work with someone who had a short fuse? How did
you manage the situation?
4. Can you think of a time when you felt like you were walking on eggshells?
What made you feel that way?
5. What’s something you enjoy doing, but only get the chance to do once in a
blue moon?
6. Can you think of a time when you had to make something work in a pinch?
What did you use, and how did it turn out?
7. When was the last time you had to take a rain check on something? Why did
you have to postpone it?
8. Can you think of something that’s a dime a dozen in your daily life? Why do
you think it's so common?
9. Is there someone in your life who seems to have it all figured out? What
makes you feel that way about them? Do you think anyone truly has
everything figured out?

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Anna: Hey Jake, did you hear about the new project?

are a dime a dozen, you know—everyone’s been working on something similar

mistakes. But you'll be fine.

wrong. The boss can have a short fuse!

Anna: Wow, I wish I felt as confident as you make it sound!

blue, you’ll know how to handle it.

Anna: Good point. I really hope nothing major happens, though.

A dime a dozen have a short fuse in a pinch

Answer these questions!

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