Lesson 3

Pick out… take one’s time… talk over…. lie down… stand up…. sit down… all (day, week, month, year) long…. by oneself… on purpose…. get along with… make a difference (to)… take out
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To pick out: to choose, to select (S)
Ø Ann picked out a good book to give to her brother as a graduation gift.
Ø Johnny, if you want me to buy you a toy, then pick one out now.
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To take one’s time: to do without rush, not to hurry
This idiom is often used in the imperative form. (See the first example.)
Ø There’s no need to hurry doing those exercises. Take your time.
Ø William never works rapidly. He always takes his time in everything that he does.
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To talk over: to discuss or consider a situation with other (S)
Ø We talked over Carla’s plan to install an air conditioner in her room, but we couldn’t reach a decision.
Ø Before I accepted the new job offer, I talked the matter over with my wife.
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To lie down: to place oneself in a flat position, to recline
Ø If you are tired, why don’t you lie down for an hour or so?
Ø The doctor says that Grace must lie down and rest for a short time every afternoon.
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To stand up: to rise from a sitting or lying position (also: to get up)
Ø When the president entered the room, everyone stood up.
Ø Suzy, stop rolling around on the floor; get up now.
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To sit down: to be seated (also: to take a seat)
Ø We sat down on the park bench and watched the children play.
Ø There aren’t any more chairs, but you can take a seat on the floor.
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All (day, week, month, year) long: the entire day, week, month, year
Ø I’ve been working on my income tax forms all day long. I’ve hardly had time to eat.
Ø It’s been raining all week long. We haven’t seen the sun since last Monday.
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By oneself: alone, without assistance
Ø Francis translated that French novel by himself. No one helped him.
Ø Paula likes to walk through the woods by herself, but her brother prefers to walk with a companion.
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On purpose: for a reason, deliberately
This idiom is usually used when someone does something wrong or unfair.
Ø Do you think that she didn’t come to the meeting on purpose?
Ø It was no accident that he broke my glasses. He did it on purpose.
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To get along with: to associate or work well with; to succeed or manage in doing (also: to get on with)
Ø Terry isn’t getting along with her new roommate; they argue constantly.
Ø How are you getting on with your studies?
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To make a difference (to): to be of importance (to), to affect
This idiom is often used with adjectives to show the degree of importance.
Ø It makes a big difference to me whether he likes the food I serve.
Ø Does it make any difference to you where we go for dinner?
Ø No, it doesn’t make any difference.
Ø It makes no difference to Lisa either.
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To take out: to remove, to extract (S), to go on a date with(S) (also: to go out with)
Ø Students, take out your books and open them to page twelve.
Ø Did you take Sue out last night?
Ø No, she couldn’t go out with me.
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E X E R C I S E S
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Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are indicated by number.
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1. I think that you should remove the last two sentences in the paragraph.
a. take out
b. pick out
c. talk over
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2. If you don’t hurry in completing your schoolwork, you’ll do a better job.
a. get off (lesson 1)
b. lie down
c. take your time
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3. How are you succeeding in your new job?
a. getting on with
b. making a difference to
c. picking out
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4. I don’t like to go to the movies alone.
a. as usual (lesson 2)
b. by myself
c. on purpose
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5. Do you have a moment to try to find my keys with me?
a. to talk over
b. to look for (lesson 2)
c. to get up
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6. The child said that she didn’t break the window deliberately
a. on purpose
b. all day long
c. making difference
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7. Did you go on a date with your new girlfriend again today?
a. get along with
b. stand up
c. go out with
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8. It’s cold outside; you’d better place a sweater on yourself.
a. sit down
b. put on (lesson 1)
c. take out
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9. Fortunately, Marie is associating well with her new co-workers.
a. calling on ( lesson 2)
b. talking over
c. getting along with
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10. Don’t sit on the dirty ground like that, rise right now!
a. get up
b. lie down
c. sit down
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Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from this unit only.
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Jean: Hi, Pete. Did you come__________________?
Pete: Yes, Sarah wasn’t able to come. She’s at the dentist’s office.
Jean: Oh? Why is that?
Pete: The dentist has to____________ one of her teeth. She has been
complaining of pain _________ week __________.
Jean: That’s too bad. Well, I’m glad you’re early.
Pete: Why? I didn’t come early_____________.
Jean: I know, but now we have time to _______________ that important matter
About the new employee.
Pete: You mean the employee who’s not _________________ her co-workers?
Jean: Exactly. But please, take off your coat first and ___________ on the couch.
Pete: Thanks.