Lesson 1

Exercise 1 Dialogue: Having a Ball

Direction: Look for the idiomatic expressions in the dialogue.

Tina: I feel like having a ball. Let's splurge.

Barbara: Forget it. I'm broke.
Tina: Don't worry. I'll pick up the tab. I'm loaded today. I'll treat you.
Barbara: No, we'll go Dutch. I don't like to freeload.

Exercise 2 : Vocabulary
Directions: Identify the idiomatic expression from the dialogue.

_________1.) v.) get things that others pay for.

_________2.) adj.) having lots of money.
_________3.) v.) each pay for himself or herself
_________4.) v.) pay the bill.
_________5.) v.) enjoy one's self, have a good time
_________6.) adj.) l having no money.
_________7.) v.) spend a lot of money for something.
_________8.) v.) pay for someone else

Exercise 3
Direction: Complete the sentences with the correct idiom.

1. I don't want pizza tonight. Let's go to a fancy restaurant. Let's _______.

2. I have so much money today. I'm_________.
3. You're going to a party? _____________.
4. I don't have any money. I'm _____________.
5. You pay for your meal. I'll pay for mine. We'll ____________.
6. This dinner was good. You don't have to pay. I'll _____________.
7. She always eats dinner with us, and never invites us to eat at her house. She
always _________.
8. Don't pay for that. I will. I'll ___________.

Exercise 4
Direction: Make an example sentence for each idiomatic expression.
Lesson 2

Exercise 1 Dialogue: Footing the Bill

Direction: Look for the idiomatic expressions in the dialogue.

Florence: I'm always running out of food.

Tina: Why don't you pick up some odds and ends at the store?
Florence: Because I'm fed up with having to foot the bill. I don't like to throw my
money down the drain.
Tina: Have everyone chip in.
Florence: No, just skip it.

Exercise 2 : Vocabulary
Directions: Identify the idiomatic expression from the dialogue.

___________1.) v.) forget, pass over

__________2.) adj.) disgusted with, had enough
__________3.) v.) pay
__________4.) of v.) contribute, give jointly
__________5.) n.) miscellaneous items
__________6.) adj. or adv.) wasted, lost
__________7.) v.) obtain, get
__________8.) v.) finish the supply, use up

Exercise 3
Direction : Complete the sentences with the correct idiom.

1. She doesn't like cooking every night. She's ________ it.

2. Everybody occasionally ________ bread and milk.
3. He goes to college and lives at home. He doesn't have a job yet. His father is
___________.
4. I bought a pair of shoes that don't fit me. I wore them once but my feet hurt. I
can't wear them anymore. That was money ___________.
5. Susan wanted to so to the movies but John was too tired. She told him to
___________ it.
6. I'm almost packed for vacation. I only need suntan lotion, toothpaste and other
______________.
7. I don't have enough money to buy that color TV. How much do you have? If all of
us____________, we can buy it.
8. I don't have any bread. I have to ____________.

Exercise 4
Direction: Make an example sentence for each idiomatic expression.
Lesson 3
Exercise 1 Dialogue : Making Ends Meet
Direction: Look for the idiomatic expressions in the dialogue.

Barbara: You're a clotheshorse.

Harriet: I know. I love dressing up.
Barbara: Do you shop around a lot for bargains?
Harriet: I'm lucky. I work for a department store and I get a discount on
merchandise.
Barbara: That's great because everything is sky-high.
Harriet: Yes, it's difficult making ends meet.
Barbara: We have to cut corners.
Harriet: Me too. I've cut down on luxuries.

Exercise 2: Vocabulary
Directions: Identify the idiomatic expression from the dialogue.

__________1.) n.) a conspicuously well-dressed person

__________2.) v.) balance one's budget, meet one's payments
__________3.) v.) use less. reduce
__________4.) v.) limit one's buying
__________5.) adj.) expensive
__________6.) adj.) terrific, wonderful
__________7.) v.) look in many stores
__________8.) v.) wear one's best clothes

Exercise 3
Direction : Complete the sentences with the correct idiom.

1. She's looking for a particular dress. She can't find it so she has to __________.
2. She's too fat. She has to __________ food.
3, I have to save some money so I won't be eating in a restaurant for a while. I have
to _____________.
4. A lot of rich people live in that building. The rent is ____________.
5. You're getting a raise. That's ___________.
6. I made $300 but I spent $400. I can't ___________.
7. She dresses very well. She's a _____________.
8. Your clothes look terrible. We're going out to dinner. Why don't you take a bath
and ___________.

Exercise 4
Direction: Make an example sentence for each idiomatic expression.
Lesson 4

Exercise 1 Dialogue : Raking It In

Direction: Look for the idiomatic expressions in the dialogue.

Florence: He was in the casino and started to make a bundle. He was really raking it
in.
George: I bet he thought he had it made.
Florence: Then he started losing his shirt.
George: With his temper, he probably hit the ceiling.
Florence: Sure. The casino took him to the cleaners.
George: Was he a good sport?
Florence: Oh no. He was a sore loser.

Exercise 2: Vocabulary
Directions: Identify the idiomatic expression from the dialogue.

__________1.) v.) make a lot of money

__________2.) v.) make a lot of money
__________3.) n.) person who gets angry when he loses
__________4.) v.) .win all of someone's money. cheat someone
__________5.) v.) lose all one's money
__________6.) v.) get angry
__________7.) v.) be sure of success, have everything
__________8.) n.) person who loses well

Exercise 3
Direction : Complete the sentences with the correct idiom.

1. He has a terrific wife, Iots of money, a good job, a lot of friends. He __________.
2. He went to Las Vegas and came back without any money. He ___________.
3. When he lost the tennis match, he wouldn't shake his opponent's hand. He's a
__________.
4. When his son got a poor grade in school, the father ____________.
5 When it's very hot in the summer. ice cream stores ___________.
6 He bought that stock at $1 a share and sold it ten years later at $100 a share. He
__________.
7.Even though he lost, he was happy for the winner because he deserved the prize.
He's a ____________.
8.He invested money in a business deal that was bad. They____________.

Exercise 4
Direction: Make an example sentence for each idiomatic expression.
Lesson 5
Exercise 1 Dialogue : Caught Short
Direction: Look for the idiomatic expressions in the dialogue.

Karen: At the end of the week, I'm always caught short.

Joanne: That's because money burns a hole in your pocket. I don't feel sorry for you.
Karen: How can I tighten my belt?
Joanne: You're going to have to do without in order to get along.
Karen: I know. I'll try brown bagging it. Within a short time I'll be in the chips again.

Exercise 2: Vocabulary
Directions: Identify the idiomatic expression from the dialogue.

__________1.) v.) economize, spend and use less

__________2.) v.) bring one's lunch from home
__________3.) v.) live without something
__________4.) adj.) having an insufficient supply (especially of money) when needed
__________5.) v.) to be spent quickly
__________6.) adj.) having plenty of money
__________7.) v.) manage
__________8.) v.) pity

Exercise 3
Direction : Complete the sentences with the correct idiom.

1. Sometimes I don't have enough cake when company comes over. I'm __________.
2. She studied so hard for that exam but she failed it. I __________ her.
3. As soon as she gets some money she has to spend it. ___________.
4. Arthur lost his job, He's going to have to _____________.
5. I can't find a new car in my price range. I think I'll have to _________ one.
6. He has a large family to support. It's not easy ___________ on his salary.
7. He went to work on the holiday but all the restaurants were closed. He had to
__________ it.
8. His family is very prosperous. They're ____________.

Exercise 4
Direction: Make an example sentence for each idiomatic expression.
Lesson 6

Exercise 1 Dialogue : An Arm and a Leg

Direction: Look for the idiomatic expressions in the dialogue.

Diane: That car is in A-1 condition, but it would cost an arm and a leg.
Tina: I didn't know you were in the market for another car.
Diane: I'm thinking about it, but for the time being, I'll use this jalopy. It'll do in a
pinch.
Tina: I'm sure a new one will set you back 10 grand. That ain't hay!

Exercise 2: Vocabulary
Directions: Identify the idiomatic expression from the dialogue.

__________1.) n.) $1,000

__________2.) That's a lot of money
__________3.) n.) old car usually in poor condition
__________4.) adj.) excellent
__________5.) v.) cost That's a lot of money
__________6.) n.) a large amount of money
__________7.) adj.) wanting or ready to buy
__________8.) adv.) at the present time
__________9.) adv.) okay when nothing else is available

Exercise 3
Direction : Complete the sentences with the correct idiom.

1. I exercise every day and I'm in _________ shape.

2. I finally bought a fur coat but it _________ $3,000.
3. A gold watch costs __________.
4. Newlyweds are usually ___________ a new house.
5. It's not time for dinner and I'm hungry ______________ I'll just have a candy bar.
6. When a teenager buys a car, he usually can only afford a _____________.
7. If you don't have a needle to sew something together, a safety pin will do
_________.
8. It will cost you more than one ____________ to fly to Australia. You have to admit
_______________.

Exercise 4
Direction: Make an example sentence for each idiomatic expression.
Lesson 7
Exercise 1 Dialogue : A Nest Egg
Direction: Look for the idiomatic expressions in the dialogue.

Stan: He's always squawking about money.

Jim: If he had a nest egg, he wouldn't have to worry.
Stan: It's difficult to salt away money today.
Jim: That's true. And he tries to keep up with the Joneses.
Stan: Not really. He tries to save, but the family expenses are on his shoulders. That's
why he's on pins and needles.
Jim: Why doesn't he play the lottery?
Stan: Because he can bank on the fact that he's not going to make a killing that way.

Exercise 2: Vocabulary
Directions: Identify the idiomatic expression from the dialogue.

__________1.) n.) extra money saved

__________2.) v. ) try to equal your neighbors' lifestyle
__________3.) adj. or adv.) one's responsibility
__________4.) v.) gain a large amount of money at one time
__________5.) adj.) nervous, excited
__________6.) v.) count on, be sure of
__________7.) v.) complain about
__________8.) v.) save, keep hidden until needed

Exercise 3
Direction : Complete the sentences with the correct idiom.

1. Anybody who goes into the army _________ the food.

2. When you retire at 65 years old, it's good to have a ___________.
3. He wants a new car, so every week he ____________ some money.
4. He's getting married tomorrow. He's ____________.
5. Many years ago, he bought stock at $10 a share. It's now worth $1,000 a share. He
sold it and _____________
6. The cost of real estate will co much higher. You can __________ that.
7. If his neighbor gets a new car, he does too. He thinks he has to ____________.
8. Any president has the problems of his country ____________.

Exercise 4
Direction: Make an example sentence for each idiomatic expression.
Lesson 8

Exercise 1 Dialogue : Falling Behind

Direction: Look for the idiomatic expressions in the dialogue.

Cindy: I'm breaking my neck at two jobs so I don't fall behind in my bills.
Gilda: Maybe you better face up to the fact that you can't enjoy life to the hilt.
Cindy: I'll go over my budget again. Don't fly off the handle if my check bounces.
Gilda: I'm sure it will clear but if you want, I'll give you some money to tide you over.

Exercise 2: Vocabulary
Directions: Identify the idiomatic expression from the dialogue.

__________1.) adv.) completely, to the limit

__________2.) v.) get angry
__________3.) v.) examine
__________4.) v.) go through, meet the requirements
__________5.) v.) not be able to keep up, fail to maintain a schedule or rate of.speed
__________6.) v.) not be acceptable because of insufficient funds in the bank
__________7.) v.) try very hard
__________8.) v.) help someone through a shortage
__________9.) v.) accept something unpleasant or difficult

Exercise 3
Direction : Complete the sentences with the correct idiom.

1. I didn't study my lesson tonight. I hope I don't ___________.

2. I didn't have enough money in the bank and my check ____________.
3. I know your landlord is raising your rent and you're unhappy. Nevertheless, you
must ___________ your situation.
4. I got so angry. I __________.
5. I know you need some extra money. Here's S25 to ____________.
6. Please ____________ your English papers as we're having a test.
7. I hope that big check ____________. I forgot to make a deposit today.
8. He borrowed all this money on his house. He's mortgaged ___________
9. He studies very hard every night. He's __________ to get into the university.

Exercise 4
Direction: Make an example sentence for each idiomatic expression.
Lesson 9

Exercise 1 Dialogue : When the Chips Are Down

Direction: Look for the idiomatic expressions in the dialogue

Tom: I can't believe I'm down and out. I'm living hand to mouth and pinching
pennies.
Pat: You can always turn to me when the chips are down.
Tom: I don't want any handouts. I don't mooch off anyone.
Pat: Just sit tight. You'll get out from under.

Exercise 2: Vocabulary
Directions: Identify the idiomatic expression from the dialogue.

__________1.) adj.) having no money, no success

__________2.) adv. or adj.) barely able to cover daily expenses
__________3.) v.) be thrifty, careful how you spend money
__________4.) v.) go to for help
__________5.) adv.) at the worst time, when one faces the biggest obstacles
__________6.) n.) charity
__________7.) v.) borrow, beg, get without paying
__________8.) v.) wait patiently
__________9.) v.) end a worrisome situation

Exercise 3
Direction : Complete the sentences with the correct idiom.

1. It's terrible to see those old men on a corner asking people for a ___________.
2. He lost his job last week and now his family is living ____________.
3. Someday he wants his own business so now he's saving and ___________.
4. She needs money. Her parents are the only ones she can ___________.
5. You only know your true friends ___________.
6. He used to be very successful, but he gambled it away. Now he's __________.
7. He never buys his own cigarettes but he'll __________from everyone else.
8. If you work hard enough in that company someday you'll be an executive. Just
____________.
9. I know you have a lot of bills but with your new raise, you should be able to
____________.

Exercise 4
Direction: Make an example sentence for each idiomatic expression.
Lesson 10

Exercise 1 Dialogue : Keeping One’s Head Above Water

Direction: Look for the idiomatic expressions in the dialogue

Tony: I'm racking my brains to find a way to keep my head above water.
Edward: I didn't know you were hard up.
Tony: I put up a good front but I haven't seen daylight for a long time.
Edward: I'll give you some moola to bail you out.
Tony: That's just a drop in the bucket. I need too much to get back on my feet.

Exercise 2: Vocabulary
Directions: Identify the idiomatic expression from the dialogue.

__________1. n.) money

__________2. n.) a small amount
__________3. adj.) Financially independent or physically healthy again
__________4. v.) try hard to think or remember
__________5. v.) achieve or expect a favorable result
__________6. v.) try hard to think or remember
__________7. adj.) in desperate need of something
__________8. v.) pretend to be happy, fool people about one's status
__________9. v.) help

Exercise 3
Direction: Complete the sentences with the correct idiom.

1. He works in advertising and is constantly_________ to think of creative ideas.

2. I'd like to borrow some money because I'm __________ right now.
3. He finds it difficult supporting a family and trying to __________.
4. I have so much work. I don't know when I'll ___________.
5. How much ___________ would that car cost?
6. Whenever he gets in trouble, his parents always ___________.
7. I saved up $100 toward a new car but that's just ___________.
8. She was very upset over a poor grade but didn't want anyone to know. She smiled
and ___________.
9. He lost everything in a fire but he is working two jobs now trying to __________.

Exercise 4
Direction: Make an example sentence for each idiomatic expression.