Idioms and colloquialisms

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                                                                  Idioms and colloquialisms

Idioms and colloquialisms (spoken expressions) are a common feature of the TOEFL Listening Comprehension. There are a lot of them, and each one has to be learnt individually. Often, but not always, it is possible to identify the meaning of an idiom or a colloquialism from the context in which it is being used.
The idioms and colloquialisms exercises in this book focus on some of the most commonly-used expressions.

Exercise 1: Complete the dialogs with an expression from the list below:

  • I couldn’t agree more.
  • I couldn’t care less. 
  • I really don’t mind.
  • It’s up to you.
  • It does nothing for me. 
  • Let me sleep on it. 
  • Never mind.
  • It can’t be helped.
  • No way!
  • Not a chance! 
  • You’ve got to be kidding! 
  • Why not?
  • Go for it!
  • Wow!
  • Way to go! 
  • You should really get a life.

 You’re welcome, but it was nothing really.
1.

A. Shall we eat out or do you want me to cook something?

B. _____________________________________

A. OK. In that case, let’s eat out.
2.

A. The economics seminar has been canceled yet again.

B. _____________________________________

A. I’m afraid not. Professor Parkhill sure seems to be absent a lot these days.
3.

A. Our history lessons are really boring, aren’t they.

B. _____________________________________

A. Right. Perhaps we shouldn’t have chosen it as an option.
4.

A. We’re going to Mo’s bar tonight. Want to come?

B. _____________________________________

A. Come on, don’t be like that! It’ll be fun!
5.

A. I need a decision as soon as possible.

B. _____________________________________

A. Well, to be honest, I’d rather you told me now.
6.

A. Are you interested in science?

B. _____________________________________

A. Me neither. I find it really boring.
7.

A. I spent most of the weekend lying in bed and watching TV

B. _____________________________________

A. I know! You’re not the first person to say that.
8.

A. If you don’t work harder, you’ll fail your exams.

B. _____________________________________

A. Well, you should. Your whole future might depend on them.
9.

A. I’ve passed all my exams – grade A’s all round!

B. _____________________________________

A. Thanks. I never thought I’d be able to do it.
10.

A. Do you think I should apply to the University of West Virginia?

B. _____________________________________

A. All right, I will. Thanks.
11. A. Thank you so much for all your help. I couldn’t have done it without you.

B. _____________________________________

A. No, really, I really appreciate it.
12.

A. I’m really sorry that I lost your dictionary.

B. _____________________________________

A. Nevertheless, I promise to replace it.

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