Level 4 idioms – Unit 01

Conversation:

David: I just got a job in the bookstore, and now I’ve got a head start on saving for next term.

Grace: What a lucky break. I’m so happy for you.

David: Thanks. I’m rather proud of myself. When I heard about the job opening, I didn’t drag my feet. I got right over there and filled out an application.

Grace: I don’t have time for a job. I have a full plate with six courses this term, and I can tell you it’s no bed of roses.

David: It sure isn’t. When I got the call this morning that I had the job it was music to my ears. When tuition went up last term, my parents went through the roof. They are trying to save for my younger sister’s education, too, so this job fits the bill.

Grace: So far I’m okay with my scholarship, but if worse comes to worst and my marks aren’t good enough, I could lose it.

David: If that happened, you’d be in dire straits, and you’d have to make time for a job.

Grace: Yes. I’d have to start pulling my own weight.

David: Don’t worry about that now. If things change I know you can go with the flow.

Vocabulary:

rather: very
over there: to that place
courses: classes over a semester
call: phone call
tuition: money to pay for classes
term: semester
scholarship: free money that pays for your education

Idioms:

• a head start an earlier-than-normal start
• a lucky break a change in one’s luck for the better
• drag one’s feet take a long time to do something
• a full plate a busy schedule, a lot to do
• no bed of roses not an easy time
• music to one’s ears good news
• go through the roof get very upset
• fit the bill be everything that’s needed
• if worse comes to worst if the worst thing happens
• in dire straits in a very bad situation
• pull one’s own weight work as hard as everyone else
• go with the flow easily change when the situation changes