Vocabulary and Idioms Four Year Program Four Year Program Freshmen students Freshmen students Mastering Vocabulary: High Intermediate GEPT Level Professor:

Vocabulary and IdiomsVocabulary and Idioms

• Four Year ProgramFour Year Program

• Freshmen studentsFreshmen students

Mastering Vocabulary:Mastering Vocabulary:

High Intermediate GEPT LevelHigh Intermediate GEPT Level

Professor: Ludmilla CawdreyProfessor: Ludmilla Cawdrey

Learning ActivitiesLearning Activities

• Preview the material of a next week class Preview the material of a next week class at homeat home

• Learn recommended vocabularyLearn recommended vocabulary

• Prepare stories of recommended idiomsPrepare stories of recommended idioms

• Listen to the teacher’s explanationsListen to the teacher’s explanations

• Do practical in classDo practical in class

• Correct mistakes under the supervision of Correct mistakes under the supervision of the teacherthe teacher

• Preview and memorize Preview and memorize vocabulary vocabulary

• Prepare idioms and their Prepare idioms and their stories stories

• Listen to your group mates’ Listen to your group mates’ stories of idiomsstories of idioms

• Discuss peculiarities of Discuss peculiarities of Modern English vocabulary Modern English vocabulary

• Do practical: use idioms and Do practical: use idioms and new vocabulary in new vocabulary in communicative situations communicative situations

• Individual home workIndividual home work

• Individual home workIndividual home work

• Classroom activityClassroom activity

• The teacher’s The teacher’s explanations and explanations and presentationspresentations

• Group or pair-work Group or pair-work

Course MethodsCourse Methods

Sources of MaterialSources of Material

1. 1. Material for vocabulary practice is taken from Material for vocabulary practice is taken from the list of words recommended by the Ministry of the list of words recommended by the Ministry of Education of Taiwan (GEPT High Intermediate Education of Taiwan (GEPT High Intermediate Level)Level)

http://www.lttc.ntu.edu.tw/academics/gepthilist.htm

2. The list of idioms is taken from the following site:2. The list of idioms is taken from the following site:http://www.voanews.com/specialenglish/words_and_

their_stories.cfm (100 phrases) (100 phrases)

3. A dictionary for self-control: 3. A dictionary for self-control: www.dictionary.com

http://www.lttc.ntu.edu.tw/academics/gepthilist.htm

http://www.voanews.com/specialenglish/words_and_their_stories.cfm



















http://www.dictionary.com/

Other Recommended Sites Other Recommended Sites for Self-Practicefor Self-Practice

• http://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/dictionary/english/idioms/american/i_a

• http://www.phrases.org.uk/

• http://www.synonym.com/synonyms/

• httphttp://://enen..wiktionarywiktionary..orgorg//wikiwiki//WiktionaryWiktionary::MainMain__PagePage

• http://etlc.wtuc.edu.tw/ePaper/e_quarterly/200802/14Teaching-http://etlc.wtuc.edu.tw/ePaper/e_quarterly/200802/14Teaching-The1000WordLittleLanguageList.pdfThe1000WordLittleLanguageList.pdf

• http://iteslj.org/links/ESL/Vocabulary/Lists/http://iteslj.org/links/ESL/Vocabulary/Lists/

• http://www.stickyball.net/GEPT.htmlhttp://www.stickyball.net/GEPT.html

• http://www.lttc.ntu.edu.tw/E_LTTC/gept_eng_main.htmhttp://www.lttc.ntu.edu.tw/E_LTTC/gept_eng_main.htm

• http://etlc.wtuc.edu.tw/ePaper/e_quarterly/200802/14Teaching-http://etlc.wtuc.edu.tw/ePaper/e_quarterly/200802/14Teaching-The1000WordLittleLanguageList.pdfThe1000WordLittleLanguageList.pdf

http://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/dictionary/english/idioms/american/i_a

http://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/dictionary/english/idioms/american/i_a

http://www.phrases.org.uk/

http://www.synonym.com/synonyms/

Lesson plan (Lesson plan (in weeksin weeks))

1.1. Morphemic structure of a word;Morphemic structure of a word;2.2. Productive ways of word-building in Modern Productive ways of word-building in Modern

English: word-derivation;English: word-derivation;3.3. Productive ways of word-building: word-Productive ways of word-building: word-

derivation (derivation (contcont););4.4. Productive ways of word-building: word-Productive ways of word-building: word-

composition;composition;5.5. Productive ways of word-building: conversion;Productive ways of word-building: conversion;6.6. Productive ways of word-building: shortening;Productive ways of word-building: shortening;7.7. Minor ways of word-formation in Modern English;Minor ways of word-formation in Modern English;8.8. Review;Review;9.9. Midterm.Midterm.

Lesson plan (Lesson plan (continuedcontinued))

1.1. Lexico-Semantic Groupings of Words: synonyms;Lexico-Semantic Groupings of Words: synonyms;2.2. Lexico-Semantic Groupings of Words: synonyms (cont);Lexico-Semantic Groupings of Words: synonyms (cont);3.3. Lexico-Semantic Groupings of Words: antonyms; Lexico-Semantic Groupings of Words: antonyms; 4.4. Lexico-Semantic Groupings of Words: antonyms (cont); Lexico-Semantic Groupings of Words: antonyms (cont); 5.5. Lexico-Semantic Groupings of Words: homonyms;Lexico-Semantic Groupings of Words: homonyms;6.6. Lexico-Semantic Groupings of Words: homonyms Lexico-Semantic Groupings of Words: homonyms

(cont);(cont);7.7. Lexico-Semantic Groupings of Words: hyponyms, Lexico-Semantic Groupings of Words: hyponyms,

paronyms;paronyms;8.8. Review;Review;9.9. Final Test.Final Test.

Ways of Word Building Ways of Word Building from GEPT Listfrom GEPT List

Formation of words by adding Formation of words by adding

prefixes and suffixesprefixes and suffixesPrefixesPrefixes are used are used beforebefore the rootthe root

SuffixesSuffixes are used are used afterafter the rootthe root

A root A root is an unchangeable part of the word that carries is an unchangeable part of the word that carries the main meaning of a wordthe main meaning of a word

e.g., e.g., ununpleaspleasantant:: unun- is a prefix- is a prefix

--antant is a suffix is a suffix

“ “pleaseplease” is a root” is a root

Suffixes - PrefixesSuffixes - Prefixes

Suffixes and prefixes are used to build up new Suffixes and prefixes are used to build up new words organized in words nests:words organized in words nests:

To defenTo defendd (verb) – defend (verb) – defender er (noun), (noun),

(a) defend(a) defendantant - defen - defensse (noun) – defense (noun) – defensible ible (adjective)(adjective)

To develop – developTo develop – developeded – develop – developinging – a develop – a developerer

To detach – detachTo detach – detacheded

To devastate – devastatTo devastate – devastatinging

To descenTo descendd – (a) descend – (a) descendantant – a descen – a descentt

To deteriorTo deteriorateate – deteriora – deteriorationtion

To destine - destinTo destine - destinyy (noun) – destin (noun) – destineded (adjective) (adjective)

Deficit – deficiDeficit – deficiencyency – defici – deficient ent

More examplesMore examples

To define - d Iefinite – d IefiniteTo define - d Iefinite – d Iefinitelyly – definit – definitiveive – definitive – definitively ly – – definitivedefinitivenessness

To deploy – deployTo deploy – deploymentment

To dictate – a dictatTo dictate – a dictatoror – dictat – dictatorshiporship

A diplomat – diplomatA diplomat – diplomaticic – diplomac – diplomacyy

Disable – disabilDisable – disabilityity

Close – to Close – to disdisclose – close – disdisclosclosureure

Obsess – obsessObsess – obsession ion

To oblige – to obligTo oblige – to obligateate – obliga – obligationtion – obligat – obligatoryory

To occur – occurrTo occur – occurrenceence, ,

to operate – operatto operate – operativeive - opera - operationaltional

Offer – offerOffer – offeringing, ,

to oppress – oppressto oppress – oppresseded – oppress – oppressionion, ,

Practice:Practice: Find roots, suffixes and prefixes in the following Find roots, suffixes and prefixes in the following wordswords

Deepen, attendance, breadth Deepen, attendance, breadth administrator, brotherhood, addiction, administrator, brotherhood, addiction, boxing, glossary, advertiser, adaptation, boxing, glossary, advertiser, adaptation, advertising, birdie, astronomer, advertising, birdie, astronomer, adjustment, bomber, bulky, autonomy, adjustment, bomber, bulky, autonomy, accumulation, bowler, bowling, boundary, accumulation, bowler, bowling, boundary, breeder, broadcaster, booking, advisory, breeder, broadcaster, booking, advisory, accusation, assumption, boredom, accusation, assumption, boredom, attendant, aattendant, activistctivist, allied, boxer, , allied, boxer, awesome, accessory, banking, appraisal, awesome, accessory, banking, appraisal, aggression, advisory, library, accounting , aggression, advisory, library, accounting , acting, borrowing, abstraction, acting, borrowing, abstraction, anticipation, bodily, abundant alarming, anticipation, bodily, abundant alarming, boyhood, bureaucracy, absent-minded, boyhood, bureaucracy, absent-minded, agricultural, ambiguous, advisable, agricultural, ambiguous, advisable, allergic, approximate, etc.allergic, approximate, etc.

(see hand-outs: the table of affixes)(see hand-outs: the table of affixes)

disappointmedisappointmentnt

• ““dis-” is a prefix,dis-” is a prefix,• ““appoint” is a appoint” is a

rootroot• ““-ment” is a -ment” is a

suffix;suffix;

Sound-and-stress InterchangeSound-and-stress Interchange

Sound-and-stress-interchange is traced in the formation of new Sound-and-stress-interchange is traced in the formation of new words that differ in a root-forming vowel/ consonant or stress words that differ in a root-forming vowel/ consonant or stress patterns, e.gpatterns, e.g.,.,

- WWiide - wde - wiidtdthh [ai – i], [- [ai – i], [- ӨӨ]] a record – to recorda record – to record

- StrStroong – strng – streengtngthh [o – e], [- [o – e], [- Ө Ө ]] a protest – to prot esta protest – to prot est

- to invto inviite – invte – inviitation tation [ai – i][ai – i] a contrast – to contrasta contrast – to contrast

- to descrto describibe – descre – descripiption tion [ai – i], [b – p][ai – i], [b – p] a rebel – to reb ela rebel – to reb el

- to analto analyzyze – anale – analysysis is [ai – i], [z – s][ai – i], [z – s] an %ally – to allyan %ally – to ally

- a houa housse – houe – houssing ing [s – z],[s – z], a suspect – to suspecta suspect – to suspect

- to concluto concludde – conclue – conclussion ion [d - ʒ][d - ʒ] to ridicule – ridiculousto ridicule – ridiculous

(for more examples see handouts)(for more examples see handouts)

Suffixation: Suffixation: SplintersSplinters

Splinters Splinters are are parts of words which appeared as a result of clipping parts of words which appeared as a result of clipping the end or the beginning of a word: the end or the beginning of a word: minimini- (from: miniature) - (from: miniature) minicar, miniradiominicar, miniradio; ; maxi-maxi- (from: maximum) (from: maximum) maxi-house, maxi-sculpturemaxi-house, maxi-sculpture; ; EuroEuro- (from: European) - (from: European) Euromarket, Eurotunnel, EurocardEuromarket, Eurotunnel, Eurocard, ,

--nappernapper (from: kidnapper) (from: kidnapper) busnapper, dognapperbusnapper, dognapper; ; --omatomat (from: automat) (from: automat) cashomat, laundromatcashomat, laundromat; ; --eteriaeteria (from: cafeteria) (from: cafeteria) booketeria, groceteriabooketeria, groceteria; ; --quakequake (from: earthquake) (from: earthquake) Moonquake, youthquakeMoonquake, youthquake; ; --tel tel (from: hotel) (from: hotel) motel, boatel, airtelmotel, boatel, airtel; ; --burgerburger (from: hamburger) (from: hamburger) fishburger, beefburger;fishburger, beefburger;; ; --scapescape (from: landscape) (from: landscape) seascape, townscapeseascape, townscape; ;

CompoundingCompounding

CompoundingCompounding is combining of 2 or more stems of is combining of 2 or more stems of words in order to form a third word with a new words in order to form a third word with a new meaning: meaning: e.g., e.g., a handbag, duty-freea handbag, duty-free

The second word usually The second word usually identifiesidentifies an object while an object while the first word the first word specifies specifies what kind of object it is: what kind of object it is: e.g., e.g., water tank, washing machine, videophonewater tank, washing machine, videophone

It is usually It is usually the second stemthe second stem that is a structural that is a structural and semantic center of a compound: and semantic center of a compound: e.g., e.g., a matcha matchboxbox, free, freehandedhanded, well , well knownknown

Additive compoundsAdditive compounds

Additive compounds Additive compounds are formed from stems of are formed from stems of independently functioning words of the same part independently functioning words of the same part of speech.of speech.

They denote an object that is They denote an object that is two things at the two things at the same timesame time: : e.g., e.g., a secretary-stenographera secretary-stenographer, , a director-a director-manager, parent-teacher (association)manager, parent-teacher (association). .

Reduplicative compoundsReduplicative compounds

ReduplicativeReduplicative compoundscompounds are made up by repetition are made up by repetition of the first stem; as a result duplicates are made: of the first stem; as a result duplicates are made: e.g., e.g., fifty-fifty, tick-tockfifty-fifty, tick-tock, etc., etc.

Reduplicative compounds may be of 3 kinds:Reduplicative compounds may be of 3 kinds:1.1.an exact duplication of the first stem in a word: an exact duplication of the first stem in a word: hush-hush-

hush, goody-goody, bye-byehush, goody-goody, bye-bye;;2.2.variation of consonants in the root:variation of consonants in the root: cl clap-ap-trtrap, ap, wwilly-illy-nnillyilly3.3.variation of vowels in the root:variation of vowels in the root: ch chiitchtchaat, zt, ziigzgzaag, pg, piing-ng-

ppoong.ng.

Neo-classical compoundsNeo-classical compounds (p. 124)(p. 124)

Some compound words contain parts which are not Some compound words contain parts which are not themselves independent words. themselves independent words.

They are mostly compounds formed They are mostly compounds formed from Latin and from Latin and Greek loanwordsGreek loanwords, for example, in a word like , for example, in a word like bibliographybibliography neither neither biblio-biblio-, nor, nor - -graphygraphy are words in are words in Modern English. Modern English.

Such compounds are treated as Such compounds are treated as neo-classical neo-classical compoundscompounds and their parts are defined as “ and their parts are defined as “combining combining formsforms”:”: bio-, electro-, tele-, -ology, -phile, -scopebio-, electro-, tele-, -ology, -phile, -scope e.g., e.g., biography, telescope, Philologybiography, telescope, Philology

Compounding: Practical Compounding: Practical Define types of the following compound wordsDefine types of the following compound words

One-sided, way-laid, onrush, hotchpotch, two-party One-sided, way-laid, onrush, hotchpotch, two-party (system), saw dust, shipshape, tricolor, freshman, tear-gas, (system), saw dust, shipshape, tricolor, freshman, tear-gas, hustle-bustle, goody-goody, take-home, week-end, week-hustle-bustle, goody-goody, take-home, week-end, week-ender, go-between, lipstick, fellow-lodger, willy-nilly, ender, go-between, lipstick, fellow-lodger, willy-nilly, athlete-gymnast, triennial, eye-lid, Anglo-American, tick-athlete-gymnast, triennial, eye-lid, Anglo-American, tick-tacks, hoity-toity, bye-bye, round-faced, star-chart, tit-bit, tacks, hoity-toity, bye-bye, round-faced, star-chart, tit-bit, woman-hater, hotchpotch, helter-skelter, finger-print, woman-hater, hotchpotch, helter-skelter, finger-print, director-manager, hurdy-gurdy, a blow-ball, hobnob, director-manager, hurdy-gurdy, a blow-ball, hobnob, dairymaid, Afro-Asian, eyelevel, standpoint, hush-hush, dairymaid, Afro-Asian, eyelevel, standpoint, hush-hush, director-producer, quake-stricken, slink-pink, shake-shack, director-producer, quake-stricken, slink-pink, shake-shack, mother-daughter (relationships), detective-policeman, flip-mother-daughter (relationships), detective-policeman, flip-flop, Chinese-Canadian flop, Chinese-Canadian

(for more examples see handouts)(for more examples see handouts)

Morphological Classification:Morphological Classification:

Types of stems joined togetherTypes of stems joined together (p. 124)(p. 124)

Neutral compoundsNeutral compounds may be of 3 types: may be of 3 types:1.1. compounds proper that are formed by simple stems: compounds proper that are formed by simple stems: ice-cold,ice-cold, bedroom, tallboybedroom, tallboy;;2.2. derivational compounds one of the stems of which is derivational compounds one of the stems of which is derived: derived: kind-heartkind-hearted,ed, music-lovmusic-loverer, absent-mind, absent-mindednessedness, , grass-hoppgrass-hopperer;;3.3. compounds with a shortened stem:compounds with a shortened stem: TT-shirt, -shirt, TVTV-set, -set, phonephone call. call.

Syntactic compoundsSyntactic compounds consist of elements typical of a consist of elements typical of a phrase or a sentence (articles, prepositions, particles, etc.): phrase or a sentence (articles, prepositions, particles, etc.): e.g., e.g., a mother-in-law, a sit-in, a forget-me-not, a man-of-a mother-in-law, a sit-in, a forget-me-not, a man-of-war, up-to-date, war, up-to-date, etc. etc.

Compounding: Practical 2Compounding: Practical 2Define types of the following compounds according Define types of the following compounds according to the morphological types of stems joined to the morphological types of stems joined together:together:

- - neutral: proper, derivational, with shortened stem;neutral: proper, derivational, with shortened stem;- syntactic- syntactic

Heart-felt (talk), eye-witness (video), difficult-to-Heart-felt (talk), eye-witness (video), difficult-to-understand (proposal), shoe-maker, first-time understand (proposal), shoe-maker, first-time (voter), Jack-o’-lantern, drive-in (restaurant), (voter), Jack-o’-lantern, drive-in (restaurant), hanky-panky, e-mail, walk-in (closet), four-volume hanky-panky, e-mail, walk-in (closet), four-volume (piece), week-ender, sit-in (demonstration), larger-(piece), week-ender, sit-in (demonstration), larger-than-life (character), merry-go-round, T-shirt, than-life (character), merry-go-round, T-shirt, icebound (waters), shilly-shally, coin-box, actor-icebound (waters), shilly-shally, coin-box, actor-manager, stand-up (meal), puffed-up, short-manager, stand-up (meal), puffed-up, short-sighted, shooting-star, sitter-in, paper-money, sighted, shooting-star, sitter-in, paper-money, panic-stricken, detective-manager, stay-at-home panic-stricken, detective-manager, stay-at-home (moms), a feel-good (factor)(moms), a feel-good (factor)

Compounding: Practical 3Compounding: Practical 3Define the degree of motivation in the following Define the degree of motivation in the following compounds:compounds:

(completely motivated, partially motivated, non-motivated)(completely motivated, partially motivated, non-motivated)

a cold duck, a grasshopper, hoodwink, a tricycle, a a cold duck, a grasshopper, hoodwink, a tricycle, a chatterbox, a cool beggar, a loudspeaker, horse-collar, chatterbox, a cool beggar, a loudspeaker, horse-collar, earphones, huntsman, a bus-driver, hot-house, fireproof, earphones, huntsman, a bus-driver, hot-house, fireproof, higgledy-piggledy, hotheaded, a bookworm, hopscotch, higgledy-piggledy, hotheaded, a bookworm, hopscotch, star-dust, man-of-war, happy-go-lucky, red tape, will-o’-the-star-dust, man-of-war, happy-go-lucky, red tape, will-o’-the-wisp, kith-and-kin, devil-may-care, hide-and-seek, hand-to-wisp, kith-and-kin, devil-may-care, hide-and-seek, hand-to-hand (fighting), hang-dog, hen-hearted, herring-bone, hand (fighting), hang-dog, hen-hearted, herring-bone, highwayman, heyday, highball, holystone, hugger-mugger, highwayman, heyday, highball, holystone, hugger-mugger, hush-money, tableland, onlooker, out-and-out, bolster hush-money, tableland, onlooker, out-and-out, bolster savings, hot dog, hot-headed, humbug, scandalmonger, savings, hot dog, hot-headed, humbug, scandalmonger, shorthand, singsong, wool-gathering, runoff, walkie-talkieshorthand, singsong, wool-gathering, runoff, walkie-talkie

Functional ClassificationFunctional Classification

Functionally, compounds are viewed as words of different Functionally, compounds are viewed as words of different parts of speech: their word-class is indicated by the second parts of speech: their word-class is indicated by the second stem of a compound. stem of a compound.

Compound words may belong to different word-classes:Compound words may belong to different word-classes:1.1. nounsnouns: : aa birthday, a weekend, a single motherbirthday, a weekend, a single mother;;2.2. adjectivesadjectives: : long-legged, peace-loving, easy-goinglong-legged, peace-loving, easy-going;;3.3. adverbsadverbs: : everywhere, outdoors, insideeverywhere, outdoors, inside;;4.4. pronounspronouns: : someone, nothingsomeone, nothing;;5.5. connectivesconnectives: : within, withoutwithin, without;;6.6. verbs formed by means of conversionverbs formed by means of conversion: : to blacklistto blacklist;;7.7. verbs with verbal and adverbial stemsverbs with verbal and adverbial stems: : to bypass, to offsetto bypass, to offset..

Functional Classification:Functional Classification: Word-class patterns of compound wordsWord-class patterns of compound words

• N + N: N + N: railway, summerhouse, cigar-ash;railway, summerhouse, cigar-ash;• Adj + N: Adj + N: short-term, blackberry, bluestocking;short-term, blackberry, bluestocking;• N + Part I: N + Part I: soul-baring, fence-building, law-making,soul-baring, fence-building, law-making,• N + Part II: N + Part II: horror-struck, smoke-blackened, technology-horror-struck, smoke-blackened, technology-

rejected;rejected;• Adj + Part II: Adj + Part II: short-lived, ill-prepared;short-lived, ill-prepared;• Adv + Part II: Adv + Part II: well known, badly-injured, half-seen;well known, badly-injured, half-seen; • Adj + Part I: Adj + Part I: freethinking, aggressive-sounding, slow-freethinking, aggressive-sounding, slow-

burning;burning;• N + Adj: N + Adj: air tight, tobacco-mad;air tight, tobacco-mad;• Num + N: Num + N: four-volume, one-vote, first-time; four-volume, one-vote, first-time; etc.etc.

Functional Classification:Functional Classification:Functions in a SentenceFunctions in a Sentence

In a sentence, compound words fulfill different functions. In a sentence, compound words fulfill different functions. They may become the following members of a sentence:They may become the following members of a sentence:

• Subject Subject - - Japan’s old Japan’s old job-for-life securityjob-for-life security has vanished has vanished……• Object Object – – I forced my I forced my manservantmanservant to help me to help me……• PredicatePredicate – – My mentor was a great My mentor was a great watermanwaterman. . Langdon Langdon

backpedaledbackpedaled;;• Attribute Attribute – – A definite A definite end-of-the-holidayend-of-the-holiday gloom was in the gloom was in the

air;air;• Adverbial modifierAdverbial modifier of manner, time and order – of manner, time and order –

… … beautifully written in a neat beautifully written in a neat penmanshippenmanship……… … He sat white knuckled in a He sat white knuckled in a passenger seatpassenger seat……

Compounding: Practical 5Compounding: Practical 5Identify syntactic functions of the following Identify syntactic functions of the following compounds in a sentence: compounds in a sentence:

((subject, object, predicate, attribute, adverbial modifiersubject, object, predicate, attribute, adverbial modifier, etc.), etc.)

1.1. He He was a little, white-faced, clean-shaven, grizzly-haired was a little, white-faced, clean-shaven, grizzly-haired fellow…fellow…

2.2. I made a rash decision forcing my manservant to help me bring I made a rash decision forcing my manservant to help me bring him to England.him to England.

3.3. … … if she has to cook a crab, or anything else still alive, she if she has to cook a crab, or anything else still alive, she grows teary-eyed and sings to them (Geisha).grows teary-eyed and sings to them (Geisha).

4.4. … … moving to the portentous stuff – like why-oh-why does he moving to the portentous stuff – like why-oh-why does he keep saying… keep saying…

5.5. ……it amounts to a keep-your-nerve-and-keep-your-chin-up it amounts to a keep-your-nerve-and-keep-your-chin-up appeal to Tory troops…appeal to Tory troops…

6.6. They shared an uninhibited, girl-behaving-badly attitude.They shared an uninhibited, girl-behaving-badly attitude.7.7. They had swallowed all his dim-witted lies (J.K. Rowling).They had swallowed all his dim-witted lies (J.K. Rowling).8.8. Sauniere was a no-brainer.Sauniere was a no-brainer.9.9. Langdon sat white-knuckled in passenger seat, twisted Langdon sat white-knuckled in passenger seat, twisted

backwardbackward 10.10.The team conducted its review on-site. The team conducted its review on-site. 11.11.The runoff from farmland can carry dirty water into the river.The runoff from farmland can carry dirty water into the river.

Phonetic ClassificationPhonetic Classification (p. 123)(p. 123)

Phonetically, a compound word gets Phonetically, a compound word gets a new stress patterna new stress pattern. .

Compounds may be built according to the following stress Compounds may be built according to the following stress patterns:patterns:

1.1. primary stressprimary stress on the first component (┴ ─): on the first component (┴ ─): doorway, doorway, blackboard.blackboard.

2.2. double stressdouble stress, i.e. primary stress on the first component , i.e. primary stress on the first component and secondary stress on the second component (┴ ┬): and secondary stress on the second component (┴ ┬): blood-vessel, washing-machine.blood-vessel, washing-machine.

3.3. level stresslevel stress – both stems possess individual stresses(┴ ┴): – both stems possess individual stresses(┴ ┴): open-minded, grass-green.open-minded, grass-green.

Graphical ClassificationGraphical Classification (p. 123)(p. 123)

According to the means of connection, compounds are According to the means of connection, compounds are divided into four groups:divided into four groups:

1.1. compounds formed by compounds formed by simple placingsimple placing one stem after one stem after another without any linking element: another without any linking element: headache, warpath, headache, warpath, flowerpot;flowerpot;

2.2. compounds stems of which are coined with the help of compounds stems of which are coined with the help of linking letterslinking letters such as such as --oo-, --, -ii-, --, -ss-:-: AfrAfroo-Asian, hand-Asian, handiicraft, craft, statestatessman, neurman, neurooscience; science;

3.3. compounds written with compounds written with a hyphena hyphen: : third-rate, best-seller, third-rate, best-seller, well-being; well-being;

4.4. compounds written as compounds written as separate wordsseparate words: : writing table, writing table, dining room, school bus, single mother.dining room, school bus, single mother.

ConversionConversion

ConversionConversion is a process when a word is converted is a process when a word is converted from one word-class to another without any changes from one word-class to another without any changes of a form, but of a form, but only through the changes in its only through the changes in its paradigmparadigm e.g., e.g., to cut – a cut, to swim – a swim, a shoulder – to shoulder.to cut – a cut, to swim – a swim, a shoulder – to shoulder.

ParadigmParadigm is an ordered set of grammatical forms of is an ordered set of grammatical forms of a certain part of speech: a certain part of speech:

Nouns: Nouns: a girl – girls – girl’s – girls’a girl – girls – girl’s – girls’

Verbs: Verbs: to write – wrote – written – writing – writes – write – will to write – wrote – written – writing – writes – write – will write – will be writing – is written – was written – will be written write – will be writing – is written – was written – will be written – would write – would be written, – would write – would be written, etc.etc.

Converted parts of speechConverted parts of speech

Traditionally, conversion regards verbs and nouns transformations.Traditionally, conversion regards verbs and nouns transformations.

Verbs made from nouns (N Verbs made from nouns (N V) are the most numerous: V) are the most numerous: • e.g., e.g., to hand, to face, to eye, to room, to monkey, to honeymoon, to to hand, to face, to eye, to room, to monkey, to honeymoon, to

can, to chin, to fist, can, to chin, to fist, etc., etc., • cf., cf., My mother My mother clothedclothed and and shoed shoed meme. .

Verbs can also be made from adjectives (Adj Verbs can also be made from adjectives (Adj V): V): • e.g., e.g., to pale, to yellow, to coolto pale, to yellow, to cool, etc., , etc., • cf., cf., He He narrowednarrowed his eyes. his eyes.

Nouns are made from verbs (V Nouns are made from verbs (V N): N): • e.g., e.g., a do, a go, a make, a run, a find, a catch, a walk, a move, a a do, a go, a make, a run, a find, a catch, a walk, a move, a

show, show, etc.,etc.,• cf., cf., She gave She gave aa little little shivershiver..

Converted parts of speech Converted parts of speech (cont)(cont)

Adjectives are made from nouns (N Adjectives are made from nouns (N Adj): Adj): • a rich, a blind, a mute,a rich, a blind, a mute, etc., etc., • cf., cf., He is an absolute imbecile in his profession.He is an absolute imbecile in his profession.

Other parts of speech are not entirely unsusceptible to Other parts of speech are not entirely unsusceptible to conversion: conversion:

• to but, to down, to out, the ups and downs, the ins and to but, to down, to out, the ups and downs, the ins and outs, outs, etc., etc.,

• cf., cf., I was speculating with various whys, and whats and I was speculating with various whys, and whats and whos. whos.

Conversion. Semantic correlations Conversion. Semantic correlations

Semantic associations of converted verbs may be traced in:Semantic associations of converted verbs may be traced in:• 1.1. action characteristic of the object: action characteristic of the object: witness – to witness, dog witness – to witness, dog

– to dog;– to dog;• 2.2. instrumental use of the object: instrumental use of the object: elbow – to elbow, hammer – elbow – to elbow, hammer –

to to hammer;hammer;• 3.3. acquisition or addition of the object: acquisition or addition of the object: to fish, to tail, to grass, to fish, to tail, to grass,

to dust;to dust;• 4.4. derivation of an object: derivation of an object: to skin, to dust, to bone;to skin, to dust, to bone;• 5.5. location: location: to bag, to pocket, to house;to bag, to pocket, to house;• 6.6. temporal relations: temporal relations: to winter, to week-end.to winter, to week-end.• 　　　　

Nouns converted from verbs may denote:Nouns converted from verbs may denote:• 1.1. moment of an actionmoment of an action: a jump, a swim, a step, a laugh: a jump, a swim, a step, a laugh;;• 2.2. agent or doer of an action: agent or doer of an action: a help, a cheat, a borea help, a cheat, a bore;;• 3.3. place of an action: place of an action: a drive, a walk, a standa drive, a walk, a stand;;• 4.4. result of an action: result of an action: a cut, a peel, a find, a makea cut, a peel, a find, a make..

Conversion:Conversion: Practical 1 Practical 1 Define semantic correlations within Define semantic correlations within the following pairs of converted words:the following pairs of converted words:

a pocket – to pocket, to jump – a jump, supper – a pocket – to pocket, to jump – a jump, supper – to supper, grass – to grass, a winter – to winter, to to supper, grass – to grass, a winter – to winter, to shave – a shave, to make – a make, a face – to shave – a shave, to make – a make, a face – to face, to cut – a cut, to smoke – a smoke, to swim face, to cut – a cut, to smoke – a smoke, to swim – a swim, milk – to milk, to come down – a come – a swim, milk – to milk, to come down – a come down, pale – to pale, in / out – ins and outs, down, pale – to pale, in / out – ins and outs, wounded – the wounded, a nose – to nose, a wounded – the wounded, a nose – to nose, a shoulder – to shoulder, an elbow - to elbow, a shoulder – to shoulder, an elbow - to elbow, a suspect – to suspect suspect – to suspect

GEPT vocabularyGEPT vocabulary

AboriginalAboriginal Adj – N, Adj – N, AbsurdAbsurd Adj – N, Adj – N, AccessoryAccessory N – Adj, N – Adj, ActingActing N – Adj, N – Adj, AdvocateAdvocate V – N , V – N , AggregateAggregate Adj – N – V , Adj – N – V , AgeingAgeing (aging) Adj – N , (aging) Adj – N , Alien Alien Adj – N , Adj – N , Ally Ally N – V, N – V, AlternateAlternate V – Adj , V – Adj , AmbushAmbush V – N , V – N , AnchorAnchor N – V N – V , Animate , Animate Adj – V , Adj – V , AntarcticAntarctic Adj Adj – N, – N, AntibioticAntibiotic – N – Adj, – N – Adj, AntiqueAntique N – Adj , N – Adj , ApprenticeApprentice N – V , N – V , Approximate Approximate Adj – V , Adj – V , ArcArc N – V , N – V , ArchiveArchive N – Adj , N – Adj , ArcticArctic Adj Adj – N , – N , ArmorArmor N – V , N – V , ArrayArray N – V, N – V, Articulate Articulate Adj – V , Adj – V , AssaultAssault N – N – Adj – V , Adj – V , AssumingAssuming Conj – Adj , Conj – Adj , AstrayAstray Adv – Adj , Adv – Adj , AttributeAttribute V – V – N, N, AuctionAuction N – V , N – V , AuditAudit V – N, V – N, AvailAvail V – N, V – N, AweAwe N – V, N – V, BodilyBodily Adj – Adv Adj – Adv

(for more examples see hand-outs)(for more examples see hand-outs)

Conversion. Functional correlationsConversion. Functional correlations

Functionally, in a sentence converted words may Functionally, in a sentence converted words may be:be:

• SubjectSubject: : The silverThe silver had been taken by the murderer; had been taken by the murderer;

• ObjectObject: : I suggested I suggested a blinda blind;;

• AttributeAttribute: : I bought a new I bought a new put-togetherput-together toy set toy set;;

• PredicatePredicate: : My mother My mother clothed clothed and and shoedshoed me me;;

• PredicativePredicative: : She is still She is still an evilan evil;;

• Adverbial modifierAdverbial modifier: : He paused a moment longer, He paused a moment longer, eyeingeyeing

the metal threshold,the metal threshold, etc. etc.

Conversion:Conversion: Practical 3Practical 3Define cases of conversion in the following Define cases of conversion in the following sentences: sentences:

1.1. Sometimes nothings mean Sometimes nothings mean more than many somethings.more than many somethings.

2.2. Good has come out of evil.Good has come out of evil.3.3. She gave a little shiver.She gave a little shiver.4.4. The English exercised a The English exercised a

surprisingly tolerant hand-off surprisingly tolerant hand-off policy… policy…

5.5. My wife was dogged by ill My wife was dogged by ill health for twelve years (M health for twelve years (M Spark)Spark)

6.6. I narrowed my eyes…I narrowed my eyes…7.7. Her face blushed – then paled Her face blushed – then paled

(A. Christie)(A. Christie)8.8. What would happen to our What would happen to our

father who was khakied like father who was khakied like every other man? every other man? (L. Lee)(L. Lee)

9.9. I was speculating with various I was speculating with various whys and whats and whoswhys and whats and whos … …

Example: Example:

I saw no I saw no blindsblinds on the window. on the window.Blind(s) Blind(s) – –

• It is a Noun converted from an It is a Noun converted from an AdjectiveAdjective

• It denotes “an object of a It denotes “an object of a certain quality”certain quality”

• It functions as an Object in It functions as an Object in the sentencethe sentence

ShorteningShortening

Shortening (abbreviation) Shortening (abbreviation) of words is a way of of words is a way of formation of new words by means of substituting formation of new words by means of substituting a part of the word for a whole. a part of the word for a whole.

2 different types of abbreviations: 2 different types of abbreviations:

• graphical abbreviations and graphical abbreviations and

• lexical abbreviations lexical abbreviations

Shortening. Graphical abbreviationsShortening. Graphical abbreviations

Graphical abbreviationsGraphical abbreviations – substitutes of words – substitutes of words used for used for writingwriting purposes in written speech: scientific books, purposes in written speech: scientific books, advertisements, letters, articles, etc. advertisements, letters, articles, etc.

According to According to the way of formationthe way of formation, graphical abbreviations , graphical abbreviations are subdivided into:are subdivided into:

1.1. initial shorteningsinitial shortenings – shortened words that keep the initial – shortened words that keep the initial letter only; the shortened variant is read as its full English letter only; the shortened variant is read as its full English equivalentequivalente.g., e.g., cccc – cubic centimeter, – cubic centimeter, mlml – milliliter, – milliliter, i.e. i.e. – “that is”, – “that is”, e.g. e.g. – “for example” – “for example”

2. 2. syllable shorteningssyllable shortenings – shortened words that keep syllables; – shortened words that keep syllables; the remaining part is read as a full wordthe remaining part is read as a full worde.g., e.g., Oct Oct - “October” - “October”, Dr., Dr.- “Doctor” - “Doctor”

Shortening. Lexical abbreviationsShortening. Lexical abbreviations

Lexical abbreviations Lexical abbreviations represent shortened wordsrepresent shortened words used in used in oral speech.oral speech.

Lexical abbreviations properLexical abbreviations proper are formed by a simultaneous are formed by a simultaneous operation of shortening and compounding. operation of shortening and compounding.

In this case they are made up of the following components:In this case they are made up of the following components:1.1. initial soundsinitial sounds

e.g., e.g., ITIT - - ““iinformational nformational ttechnology”echnology”2.2. syllablessyllables of the components of a word-group of the components of a word-group

e.g., e.g., pop-musicpop-music - - ““poppopular music”ular music”

Shortening. Lexical abbreviationsShortening. Lexical abbreviations

Lexical abbreviations proper differ in Lexical abbreviations proper differ in the ways of their formation the ways of their formation and reading.and reading.

Alphabetisms Alphabetisms are formed and read as a succession of are formed and read as a succession of alphabetical readingalphabetical reading of the constituent letters: of the constituent letters: e.g., e.g., V.I.P.V.I.P. - “a very important person”; - “a very important person”;

EU -EU - “European Union”, “European Union”, INTLINTL – “international”, – “international”, ojoj - “orange juice”; - “orange juice”;

AcronymsAcronyms are formed and read as are formed and read as a succession of syllablesa succession of syllables denoted by the constituent letters (see: names of organizations): denoted by the constituent letters (see: names of organizations): e.g., e.g., UNOUNO – “United Nations Organization”, – “United Nations Organization”, SARSSARS – “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome”, – “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome”, SWAKSWAK – “sealed with a kiss” (at the end of a letter). – “sealed with a kiss” (at the end of a letter).

Shortening. ClippingShortening. Clipping

Words may be built by the process of Words may be built by the process of clippingclipping – the – the process of cutting off one or several syllables of a process of cutting off one or several syllables of a word.word.

There are 4 types of clipping: There are 4 types of clipping: 1.1.aphaeresis (initial clipping), aphaeresis (initial clipping), 2.2.apocope (final clipping), apocope (final clipping), 3.3.syncope (middle clipping) and syncope (middle clipping) and 4.4.a mixed type. a mixed type.

Shortening. Shortening. ClippingClipping

• AphaeresisAphaeresis takes place when the first part of a word is takes place when the first part of a word is clipped: clipped: e.g., e.g., phonephone (telephone), (telephone), fencefence (defense), (defense), spite spite (despite),(despite), colognecologne (au-de-cologne), (au-de-cologne), bachbach (bachelor’s snack). (bachelor’s snack).

• ApocopeApocope occurs when the last part of a word is clipped: occurs when the last part of a word is clipped: e.g., e.g., demodemo (demo (demonstrationnstration), ), limolimo (limo (limousineusine). ).

• Syncope Syncope happens when the middle part of a word is clipped: happens when the middle part of a word is clipped: e.g., e.g., maths maths (math(mathematicematics), s), specsspecs (spec (spectacletacles). s).

• A mixed typeA mixed type involves clipping at the beginning and at the involves clipping at the beginning and at the end of a word: e.g., end of a word: e.g., tectec ( (dedetectectivetive), ), fluflu ( (ininflufluenzaenza).).

Shortening. EllipsisShortening. Ellipsis

EllipsisEllipsis is the omission of a word or words in a is the omission of a word or words in a phrase when the remaining part keeps the lexical phrase when the remaining part keeps the lexical meaning of a whole phrase: meaning of a whole phrase: e.g., e.g., a sit-down a sit-down is “a sit-down demonstration”, is “a sit-down demonstration”,

a Nata Nat is “a National Party member” is “a National Party member”..

Shortening: Practical 1Shortening: Practical 1Define types of the following shortened Define types of the following shortened words words

lexical abbreviations proper: lexical abbreviations proper:

- alphabetisms, acronyms; alphabetisms, acronyms;

- clipping: aphaeresis, apocope, syncope, mixed type; clipping: aphaeresis, apocope, syncope, mixed type;

- ellipsis; ellipsis;

UNO, doc, sis, T-shirt, Aussie, e.g., A.D., P.T.O., prep, UNO, doc, sis, T-shirt, Aussie, e.g., A.D., P.T.O., prep, ft, FBI, gent, memo, maths, co-ed, M.P., fence, LA, ft, FBI, gent, memo, maths, co-ed, M.P., fence, LA, U.K., SARS, finals, taxi, EU, CNN, demo, exams, comfy, U.K., SARS, finals, taxi, EU, CNN, demo, exams, comfy, flu, Feb, USA, adj, Dr, Mrs, N.Y., info, e-mail, hol, 30℃, flu, Feb, USA, adj, Dr, Mrs, N.Y., info, e-mail, hol, 30℃, V-day, deco, cc, Joe, usu, in, a foot, metrop, circs, V-day, deco, cc, Joe, usu, in, a foot, metrop, circs, veggy, H.L., H.C., i.e., op. cit., Jan, TV, Beth, p.m., flu, veggy, H.L., H.C., i.e., op. cit., Jan, TV, Beth, p.m., flu, fence, specs, spite, DOG-phone, comfy, a pubfence, specs, spite, DOG-phone, comfy, a pub

GEPT vocabularyGEPT vocabulary

• Ad, advert = advertisement Ad, advert = advertisement

• AI = artificial intelligenceAI = artificial intelligence

• ATM = automatic teller machineATM = automatic teller machine

• Auto = automobile, automaticAuto = automobile, automatic

• BS = British Standard; Bachelor of ScienceBS = British Standard; Bachelor of Science

• Brassiere = braBrassiere = bra

Shortening. Functions in a sentenceShortening. Functions in a sentence

Shortened words may fulfill the various Shortened words may fulfill the various functions in a sentence:functions in a sentence:

– SubjectSubject: : The BBCThe BBC announced the report… announced the report…

– AttributeAttribute: : The LCDThe LCD screen provided directions in several screen provided directions in several languages;languages;

– ObjectObject: : I would like to have your I would like to have your e-maile-mail;;

– PredicativePredicative: : They were the original They were the original ATMsATMs;;

– PredicatePredicate: : He was repeatedly He was repeatedly phoningphoning with no answer with no answer, , etc.etc.

Shortening: PracticalShortening: PracticalDefine cases of shortening in the following Define cases of shortening in the following

sentencessentences

1.1. ……kids sleeping on backpacks and roving out to their kids sleeping on backpacks and roving out to their portable MP3’s players…portable MP3’s players…

2.2. In a military manoeuvre worthy of the CIA…In a military manoeuvre worthy of the CIA…

3.3. He managed to manoeuvre the hijacked taxi to the far He managed to manoeuvre the hijacked taxi to the far side of the Bois de Bouloque side of the Bois de Bouloque

4.4. The LCD screen provided directions in seven languages The LCD screen provided directions in seven languages (D. Brown).(D. Brown).

5.5. ……a keypad similar to that of a bank ATM terminal (D. a keypad similar to that of a bank ATM terminal (D. Brown).Brown).

6.6. In the area without phone and e-mail In the area without phone and e-mail

7.7. The BBC producer loved Teabing’s hot premise.The BBC producer loved Teabing’s hot premise.

BlendingBlending

BlendingBlending is compounding by means of clipped words, e.g.: is compounding by means of clipped words, e.g.:

• Toyotire = Toyota + tireToyotire = Toyota + tire• Senseyes = sensitive + eyesSenseyes = sensitive + eyes• Oxbridge = Oxford + CambridgeOxbridge = Oxford + Cambridge• Medicare = medical + careMedicare = medical + care• Cashomat = cash + automatCashomat = cash + automat• Fruice = fruit + juiceFruice = fruit + juice• Popcert = popular + concertPopcert = popular + concert• Midterm = middle + temMidterm = middle + tem• Yarden = yard + gardenYarden = yard + garden• Dollarature = dollar + literatureDollarature = dollar + literature• Cell-phone = cellular + telephoneCell-phone = cellular + telephone• Wango = waltz + tango Wango = waltz + tango

List of idiomatic expressionsList of idiomatic expressionshttp://www.voanews.com/specialenglish/words_and_their_storihttp://www.voanews.com/specialenglish/words_and_their_stori

es.cfmes.cfm

1.1. Ace in the hole: put on your poker faceAce in the hole: put on your poker face

2.2. Colors: I’m feeling very blue todayColors: I’m feeling very blue today

3.3. Cold: she felt the cold hard reality of lifeCold: she felt the cold hard reality of life

4.4. Chickenfeed: it doesn’t add up to muchChickenfeed: it doesn’t add up to much

5.5. Nuts and bolts: the mechanics of any organizationNuts and bolts: the mechanics of any organization

6.6. Hot: he was a hotheaded hot shot!Hot: he was a hotheaded hot shot!

7.7. Blizzard: don’t let this expression snow youBlizzard: don’t let this expression snow you

8.8. Money talks: everything else walksMoney talks: everything else walks

9.9. Hit: If a student‘s grades hit bottom, it is time to hit the books Hit: If a student‘s grades hit bottom, it is time to hit the books

10.10.Nicknames: America’s 50 states (Fourth of 4 parts)Nicknames: America’s 50 states (Fourth of 4 parts)

11.11.Nicknames: America’s 50 states (Third of 4 parts)Nicknames: America’s 50 states (Third of 4 parts)

12.12.Nicknames: America’s 50 states (Second of 4 parts)Nicknames: America’s 50 states (Second of 4 parts)

List of idiomatic expressions List of idiomatic expressions (cont)(cont)

1.1. Nicknames: America’s 50 states (First of 4 parts)Nicknames: America’s 50 states (First of 4 parts)

2.2. Get your act together: Organization is the name of the gameGet your act together: Organization is the name of the game

3.3. Money, money, money: dinner is on the houseMoney, money, money: dinner is on the house

4.4. More money: money can make people do strange thingsMore money: money can make people do strange things

5.5. Money: he hit the jackpotMoney: he hit the jackpot

6.6. Computer terms: ever Google sometime?Computer terms: ever Google sometime?

7.7. Water: she is in hot waterWater: she is in hot water

8.8. Losing it: it’s hard when you lose controlLosing it: it’s hard when you lose control

9.9. Monkey: no monkey business hereMonkey: no monkey business here

10.10.Kick: this is an idea worth kicking aroundKick: this is an idea worth kicking around

11.11.Rocket scientist you do not have to be: extremely intelligent to Rocket scientist you do not have to be: extremely intelligent to understand thisunderstand this

12.12.Wildcat is it a fast car or false money?Wildcat is it a fast car or false money?


1.1. Great Scott: what a surprise!Great Scott: what a surprise!

2.2. Swan song: it was my final effort and my finest workSwan song: it was my final effort and my finest work

3.3. Belittle: Thomas Jefferson first used this wordBelittle: Thomas Jefferson first used this word

4.4. Hang: Don’t get excited, just hang looseHang: Don’t get excited, just hang loose

5.5. Couch potato: life is a full-time television watcherCouch potato: life is a full-time television watcher

6.6. Top brass: what American workers call their employersTop brass: what American workers call their employers

7.7. Baseball terms: this is a whole new ballgameBaseball terms: this is a whole new ballgame

8.8. Hobson’s choice: when there is really no choice at allHobson’s choice: when there is really no choice at all

9.9. Heart to heart: let’s get to the heart of the matterHeart to heart: let’s get to the heart of the matter

10.10.All about names: he was a true Jack of all tradesAll about names: he was a true Jack of all trades

11.11.Let’s do business: I made a sweetheart deal last monthLet’s do business: I made a sweetheart deal last month

12.12.Mouth expressions: the experience left a bad taste in my mouthMouth expressions: the experience left a bad taste in my mouth


1.1. Nose: the answer is as clear as the nose on your faceNose: the answer is as clear as the nose on your face

2.2. All about eyes: once he caught my eye, it was love everlastingAll about eyes: once he caught my eye, it was love everlasting

3.3. Fireworks: what is all the noise about?Fireworks: what is all the noise about?

4.4. More words about clothing: I am not talking through my hatMore words about clothing: I am not talking through my hat

5.5. Words about clothing: let’s see if I can name a few off the cuffWords about clothing: let’s see if I can name a few off the cuff

6.6. Bird words: someone who eats a bird eats very littleBird words: someone who eats a bird eats very little

7.7. Back, shoulders and chest: a pat on the back for a job well doneBack, shoulders and chest: a pat on the back for a job well done

8.8. Dog talk: life in a dog-eat-dog worldDog talk: life in a dog-eat-dog world

9.9. More numbers: two heads are better than oneMore numbers: two heads are better than one

10.10.Numbers: I, for one, use these expressions oftenNumbers: I, for one, use these expressions often

11.11.Medical terms: a clean bill of health from the doctorMedical terms: a clean bill of health from the doctor

12.12.Bigwig: such an important personBigwig: such an important person


1.1. A chip on your shoulder: what are you going to do about it?A chip on your shoulder: what are you going to do about it?

2.2. On a short leash: he had firm control over his workersOn a short leash: he had firm control over his workers

3.3. Fall guy: he took the blame for someone elseFall guy: he took the blame for someone else

4.4. Buff: are you a buff about something?Buff: are you a buff about something?

5.5. Face: time to face the musicFace: time to face the music

6.6. Heard it on the grapevine: What? Who told you that?Heard it on the grapevine: What? Who told you that?

7.7. Baloney: it’s just not trueBaloney: it’s just not true

8.8. Dutch: English expressions unrelated to Dutch peopleDutch: English expressions unrelated to Dutch people

9.9. Doughboy: military expressionsDoughboy: military expressions

10.10.Feel the pinch: the pains of economic troubleFeel the pinch: the pains of economic trouble

11.11.In the red: better to be in the blackIn the red: better to be in the black

12.12.Santa Claus: Do you believe?Santa Claus: Do you believe?


1.1. Green: More than just a colorGreen: More than just a color

2.2. Easy as falling off a log: not much effort involved!Easy as falling off a log: not much effort involved!

3.3. Deep six: it is well hiddenDeep six: it is well hidden

4.4. It will not wash: Does it work or not?It will not wash: Does it work or not?

5.5. Farm expressionsFarm expressions

6.6. When the cat is awayWhen the cat is away

7.7. The answer is as clear as your noseThe answer is as clear as your nose

8.8. All about eyesAll about eyes

9.9. More expressions that are old and trueMore expressions that are old and true

10.10.Pulling a fast onePulling a fast one

11.11.Hold your horsesHold your horses

12.12.Insect expressionsInsect expressions


1.1. Like a rolling stoneLike a rolling stone

2.2. Not much effort involvedNot much effort involved

3.3. Heart to heart: some heartfelt expressionsHeart to heart: some heartfelt expressions

4.4. Deep-six: fishing for sailors’ expressionsDeep-six: fishing for sailors’ expressions

5.5. Water: diving into a sea of termsWater: diving into a sea of terms

6.6. Have a heartHave a heart

7.7. To buffalo: to win by trick or threat To buffalo: to win by trick or threat

8.8. Holding the bagHolding the bag

9.9. Touching all basesTouching all bases

10.10.Circus: some agree it’s the greatest show on earthCircus: some agree it’s the greatest show on earth

11.11.Holding the bagHolding the bag

12.12.Who put lipstick on that pig?Who put lipstick on that pig?


1.1. Some sayings about love, war, etc.Some sayings about love, war, etc.

2.2. Hobson’s choice: when there’s really no choiceHobson’s choice: when there’s really no choice

3.3. Every dog has his dayEvery dog has his day

4.4. A couch potatoA couch potato

5.5. American election expressionsAmerican election expressions

6.6. Let’s get down to brass tacksLet’s get down to brass tacks

7.7. Fall guyFall guy

8.8. Doughboy Doughboy

9.9. EurekaEureka

10.10.GreenGreen

11.11.PanPan

12.12.It will not washIt will not wash


1.1. Fish expressionsFish expressions

2.2. FarmFarm

3.3. Stock marketStock market

4.4. Hands Hands

5.5. Feel the pinchFeel the pinch

6.6. Nicknames for ChicagoNicknames for Chicago

7.7. Nicknames for Los AngelesNicknames for Los Angeles

8.8. Nicknames for New YorkNicknames for New York

9.9. Two heads are better than oneTwo heads are better than one

10.10.Get your act together Get your act together

11.11.Ideas about how to liveIdeas about how to live

12.12.Apple pie orderApple pie order

Set-ExpressionsSet-Expressions

1.1. Ahead of one’s timeAhead of one’s time

2.2. At one’s feetAt one’s feet

3.3. Bend over backwardsBend over backwards

4.4. Beneath oneBeneath one

5.5. Bite off more than one can chewBite off more than one can chew

6.6. Black and whiteBlack and white

7.7. Blow itBlow it

8.8. Bounce a checkBounce a check

9.9. Breathing roomBreathing room

10.10.Bring to one’s feetBring to one’s feet

11.11.Bring to one’s kneesBring to one’s knees

12.12.Call the shotsCall the shots


1.1. Catch one’s eyeCatch one’s eye

2.2. Change one’s tuneChange one’s tune

3.3. Cheap shotCheap shot

4.4. Clear the airClear the air

5.5. Come aliveCome alive

6.6. Corporate ladderCorporate ladder

7.7. Cost an arm and a legCost an arm and a leg

8.8. Cough upCough up

9.9. Couldn’t care lessCouldn’t care less

10.10.Cross that bridge when one comes to itCross that bridge when one comes to it

11.11.Cut cornersCut corners

12.12.Cut it outCut it out


1.1. Doesn’t grow on treesDoesn’t grow on trees

2.2. Dressed to killDressed to kill

3.3. Drive someone crazyDrive someone crazy

4.4. Drop inDrop in

5.5. Egg on one’s faceEgg on one’s face

6.6. Fair-weather friendFair-weather friend

7.7. Fast trackFast track

8.8. Feather in one’s capFeather in one’s cap

9.9. Feather one’s nestFeather one’s nest

10.10.Feel ten feet tallFeel ten feet tall

11.11.Fine lineFine line

12.12.Flash in the panFlash in the pan


1.1. Floor someoneFloor someone

2.2. Follow in someone’s footstepsFollow in someone’s footsteps

3.3. For a songFor a song

4.4. Four-letter wordsFour-letter words

5.5. Get a leg up on someoneGet a leg up on someone

6.6. Get a risk out of someoneGet a risk out of someone

7.7. Get something/ someone off one’s mindGet something/ someone off one’s mind

8.8. Get one’s gear turningGet one’s gear turning

9.9. Get one’s hand on somethingGet one’s hand on something

10.10.Get rollingGet rolling

11.11.Get something off the groundGet something off the ground

12.12.Get the pictureGet the picture


1.1. Give someone a breakGive someone a break

2.2. Give someone a ringGive someone a ring

3.3. Give someone the runaroundGive someone the runaround

4.4. Go belly-upGo belly-up

5.5. Go by the bookGo by the book

6.6. Go to get lengthsGo to get lengths

7.7. Go to the end of the earthGo to the end of the earth

8.8. Hand over fistHand over fist

9.9. Hands downHands down

10.10.Hang onHang on

11.11.Have a blastHave a blast

12.12.Have a corner on somethingHave a corner on something


1.1. Have a good head on one’s shouldersHave a good head on one’s shoulders

2.2. Have a nose for somethingHave a nose for something

3.3. Have an edgeHave an edge

4.4. Have it both waysHave it both ways

5.5. Head over heels in loveHead over heels in love

6.6. In over one’s headIn over one’s head

7.7. In the blackIn the black

8.8. In the redIn the red

9.9. Keep a level headKeep a level head

10.10.Keep something bottled upKeep something bottled up

11.11.Keep up with the JonesesKeep up with the Joneses

12.12.Keep up with the timesKeep up with the times


1.1. Know where one standsKnow where one stands

2.2. The last wordThe last word

3.3. Lay it in thickLay it in thick

4.4. Learn the ropesLearn the ropes

5.5. Let someone downLet someone down

6.6. Live it upLive it up

7.7. Live within one’s meansLive within one’s means

8.8. Look like a million bucksLook like a million bucks

9.9. Make a mark Make a mark

10.10.Make a plugMake a plug

11.11.Make a splashMake a splash

12.12.Make mountains out of molehillsMake mountains out of molehills


1.1. Make one’s dayMake one’s day

2.2. Make something flyMake something fly

3.3. Make wavesMake waves

4.4. Mean beansMean beans

5.5. Mean businessMean business

6.6. Middle-of-the-roadMiddle-of-the-road

7.7. Miss the boatMiss the boat

8.8. Nest eggNest egg

9.9. No ifs, ands, and butsNo ifs, ands, and buts

10.10.No strings attachedNo strings attached

11.11.No sweatNo sweat

12.12.Not have a prayerNot have a prayer


1.1. Not see the forest for the treesNot see the forest for the trees

2.2. Odds areOdds are

3.3. Off the beaten pathOff the beaten path

4.4. Off the top of one’s headOff the top of one’s head

5.5. On the goOn the go

6.6. On the houseOn the house

7.7. Open a can of wormsOpen a can of worms

8.8. Open doorsOpen doors

9.9. Out of this worldOut of this world

10.10.Paint the town redPaint the town red

11.11.Promise the moonPromise the moon

12.12.Pros and consPros and cons


1.1. Put one’s best foot forwardPut one’s best foot forward

2.2. Put one’s name on the linePut one’s name on the line

3.3. Put someone on the pedestalPut someone on the pedestal

4.4. Raise eyebrowsRaise eyebrows

5.5. Right around the cornerRight around the corner

6.6. Right under one’s noseRight under one’s nose

7.7. Rule outRule out

8.8. Save faceSave face

9.9. Search high and lowSearch high and low

10.10.See something in a whole new lightSee something in a whole new light

11.11.Show one’s true colorsShow one’s true colors

12.12.Sitting duckSitting duck


1.1. Slip one’s mindSlip one’s mind

2.2. Slip through one’s fingersSlip through one’s fingers

3.3. Snowed underSnowed under

4.4. Stack upStack up

5.5. Stars in one’s eyesStars in one’s eyes

6.6. Stay in touchStay in touch

7.7. Stay putStay put

8.8. Stick one’s neck outStick one’s neck out

9.9. Stop something in its tracksStop something in its tracks

10.10.Stretched too thin (to spread oneself too thin)Stretched too thin (to spread oneself too thin)

11.11.Strike a chordStrike a chord

12.12.Take a hike Take a hike


1.1. Take center stageTake center stage

2.2. Take it easyTake it easy

3.3. Take it out on someoneTake it out on someone

4.4. Take one’s breath awayTake one’s breath away

5.5. Take someone to the cleanersTake someone to the cleaners

6.6. Take something in strideTake something in stride

7.7. Take the heatTake the heat

8.8. Throw in the towelThrow in the towel

9.9. Till the cows come homeTill the cows come home

10.10.To the letterTo the letter

11.11.Toe the lineToe the line

12.12.Too close for comfortToo close for comfort


1.1. Top bananaTop banana

2.2. Top-of-the-lineTop-of-the-line

3.3. Travel in the wrong circlesTravel in the wrong circles

4.4. Up in the airUp in the air

5.5. Uphill battleUphill battle

6.6. Warm up toWarm up to

7.7. Wipe outWipe out

8.8. Worth one’s saltWorth one’s salt

Documents

Vocabulary and Idioms Four Year Program Four Year Program Freshmen students Freshmen students Mastering Vocabulary: High Intermediate GEPT Level Professor: