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It’s getting cold outside, but we’re here to warm you up
with our Clever Pants Monthly newsletter.
Feeling adventurous? Then have a look at our idioms on
the theme of danger and safety!
idiom (n): an expression, word, or phrase that has a
figurative meaning that is separate from the literal meaning or definition of
the words of which it is made
To throw caution to the wind
If you throw caution to the wind, you start taking
risks and stop worrying about the danger involved.
“I was always so worried about having savings, but I decided
to throw caution to the wind and buy myself a nice new car!”
A close shave
This term describes a situation where an accident or a
disaster nearly happened. It originates from the days of the cut-throat razor
being a risky way to have your beard cut!
“I almost hit the child who ran out in front of my
car. It was a close shave.”
To batten down the hatches
A sailing term meaning to close all the windows on a ship
in preparation for a storm. When you batten down the hatches, you prepare
yourself for danger or a forthcoming difficult period.
“Susan is bringing her four young children to our
house
today. Time to batten down the hatches!”
The coast is clear
Another idiom that comes from the world of sailing. To
say that the coast is clear means that there is no danger in sight and it is
safe to continue your activity.
“Relax! The coast is clear. The director has gone back
into his office.”
Look before you leap
This is something you say when advising someone to think
carefully about the possible dangers before doing something (leap (v.) is
similar to jump and is usually used with off or out of, as in “leap off the
edge of the cliff” or “He leapt out of bed”).
“Don't decide too quickly. Look before you leap!”
To be on the safe side
If you do something to be on the safe side, you do it as
a precaution, to avoid any risks.
“I think I locked the door but I'll c heck again to be
on the safe side.”
Exercise:
Look at the phrases below. Try to complete them with
one of the prepositions
At to in for on about into towards
1. I can’t concentrate __________ what I’m doing
because you are talking too much!
2. My parents always complain _____________ how untidy
my bedroom is.
3. I think you should apologize_____________ her for
what you did.
4. The film is aimed___________ younger people.
5. I aim ____________ pass all of my exams this year.
6. We have to translate this phrase ____________
English.
7. I was thinking ___________ the best way to do the
exercise.
8. The reason ____________ the delay was the late
arrival of the train.
9. There has been a big decrease__________ the
temperature lately.
10. I think my attitude __________ doing
homework needs to improve.
Solutions:
1-on
2- about
3-to
4-at
5-to
6-into
7-about
8-for
9-in
10 towards
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