Unit 35. I'll Believe It when I See It!

Fixed Phrases and Idioms in Speech Units
Unit 35; Part A
Fixed phrases and idioms are usually said together in one speech unit rather than being divided across speech units. For example: // It's a race against timetrying to do something quickly because there is only a short time in which to fnish it// to get help to the refugees before winter. is more likely than: // It's a race// against time// to get help to the refugees before winter. It was so noisy in the room// I could barely hear myself thinkthere was so much noise that it was almost impossible to hear anything//. is more likely than: It was so noisy in the room// I could barely// hear myself think//. ![]() //I could count// on the fingers of one hand// the number of times I've seen her this year. |
Unit 35; Part B
Many fixed phrases and idioms are usually said with two prominent syllables, one of which is in the last word:![]() = (the reason I forgot is that I was very busy) He's been around so long// he's just PART of the FURniture//. = (so familiar that I no longer notice him) A: Why don't you ask them for your money back? B: Well// that's EAsier said than DONE//. = (it's a good idea, but it's difficult) They want me to go to Taiwan in January,// but that's OUT of the QUEStion//. = (cannot possibly happen) Other examples include: a RACE against TIME it's just ONE of those THINGS to CALL it a DAY to SLIP [my] MIND I COULDn't believe my EYES |
Unit 35; Part C
In some other fixed phrases and idioms, the last prominent syllable is not in the last word (see also Unit 36): She says she's going to get a new job// but I'll beLIEVE it when I SEE it//. = (I don't think it will happen) Somehow// we'd GOT our WIRES crossed// and she tured up a week early. = (we had understood things diferently) They'd like me to invest in the company now// but I want to SEE how the WND'S blowing// first. (= see how the situation develops before making a decision) // I've HAD my MONey's worth// out of this old car. I only paid £5OO for it and I've been driving it for years. = (it was good value) Other examples include: THROW [ your] WEIGHT around [it]'s NOT to be SNEEZED at PUT [your] FOOT down a WHOLE new BALL game |
Exercises
![]() | Unit 34 Unit 35 Unit 36 | ![]() |