Lesson 4

Take part in... at all… look up…. wait on…. at least…. so far… take a walk…, stroll, hike, etc… take a trip… try on… think over…. take place… put away….
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To take part in: to be involved in, to participate in (also: to be in on)
Ø Martin was sick and could not take part in the meeting yesterday.
Ø I didn’t want to be in on their argument, so I remained silent.
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At all: to any degree (also: in the least)
Ø Larry isn’t at all shy about expressing his opinions.
Ø When I asked Donna whether she was tired, she said, “Not in the least. I’m full of energy.”
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To look up: to locate information in a directory, dictionary, book, etc. (S)
Ø Ellen suggested that we look up Lee’s telephone number in the directory.
Ø Students should try to understand the meaning of a new word from context before looking the word up in the dictionary.
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To wait on: to serve in a store or restaurant
Ø A very pleasant young clerk waited on me in that shop.
Ø The restaurant waitress asked us, “Has anyone waited on you yet?”
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At least: a minimum of, no fewer (or less) than
Ø I spend at least two hours every night on my studies.
Ø Mike claims that he drinks at least a quart of water every day.
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So far: until now, until the present time (also: up to now, as of yet)
This idiom is usually used with the present perfect tense.
Ø So far, this year has been excellent for business. I hope that the good luck continues.
Ø How many idioms have we studied in this book up to now?
Ø As of yet, we have not had an answer from him.
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To take a walk, stroll, hike, etc.: to go for a walk, stroll, hike, etc.
A stroll involves slow, easy walking; a hike involves serious strenuous walking.
Ø Last evening we took a walk around the park
Ø It’s a fine day. Would you like to take a stroll along Mason Boulevard?
Ø Let’s take a hike up Cowles Mountain this afternoon.
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To take a trip: to go on a journey, to travel
Ø I’m so busy at work that I have no time to take a trip.
Ø During the summer holidays, the Thompsons took a trip to Europe.
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To try on: to wear clothes to check the style or fit before buying (S)
Ø He tried on several suits before he picked out a blue one.
Ø Why don’t you try these shoes on next?
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To think over: to consider carefully before deciding (S)
Ø I’d like to think over your offer first. Then can we talk it over tomorrow?
Ø You don’t have to give me your decision now. Think it over for a while.
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To take place: to occur, to happen according to plan
Ø The regular meetings of the committee take place in Constitution Hall.
Ø I thought that the celebration was taking place at John’s house.
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To put away: to remove from sight, to put in the proper place (S)
Ø Please put away your papers before you open the test booklet.
Ø John put the notepad away in his desk when he was finished with it.
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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.
1. You’ll have to locate his number in the telephone book.
a. to think over
b. to wait on
c. to look up
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2. Let’s go on a serious walk in the mountains this weekend.
a. take a hike
b. take a trip
c. take a stroll
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3. You ought to spend a minimum of an hour outside in the fresh air.
a. in the least
b. as usual (lesson 2)
c. at least
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4. Would you like me to help you choose a new dress for the dance?
a. pick out (lesson 3)
b. try on
c. put away
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5. I’ve always wanted to journey to Alaska during the summer.
a. to take a walk
b. to take a trip
c. to take a stroll
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6. It took a long time for the store clerk to serve us.
a. to call on (lesson 2)
b. to take part in
c. to wait on
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7. I don’t enjoy this hot, humid weather to any degree.
a. at all
b. up to now
c. at last (lesson 2)
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8. Our guest will arrive soon, please remove your dirty clothes from sight.
a. try on
b. put away
c. get off (lesson 1)
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9. I’d better switch on the light so that we can see better in here.
a. be in on
b. turn on (lesson 1)
c. try on
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10. James didn’t want to be involved in the preparations for the conference.
a. to take part in
b. to take place
c. to try on
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Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from this unit only.
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Mara: Where’s the store clerk?
Ted: I don’t know. It’s taking him too long to _____________ us.
Mara: I don’t like the service in this store _____________. I feel like leaving right
now.
Ted: Oh, no, let’s not do that. How many dresses have you tried on
__________?
Mara: Oh, I’ve tried on about eight dresses.
Ted: Well, after all that time and effort, you should buy ____________ one,
don’t you think?
Mara: No, never mind. I’m so upset that I need to ____________ outside in the
fresh air.
Ted: Mara, I think that you’re making the wrong decision. You should ________
It _________ first. This is really a nice dress at a great price.
Mara: Well…. I guess a few more minutes of waiting won’t make a difference.