Grammar：Common idioms
【明報專訊】Pat: Hey MoMo, you look like you're under the weather today. Is everything okay?
MO MO: Yeah, just a bit tired. I'll be fine after some rest.
Pat: By the way, did you hear about the new project deadline? It's tight!
MO MO: Yeah, it feels impossible to meet. I guess we'll finish it when pigs fly.
Pat: Don't worry, we've faced tough deadlines before. We always find a way to weather the storm.
MO MO: I hope so. I don't want this to get out of hand and affect our term result.
Pat: Agreed. Let's stay positive and work together. We can handle this like we always do.
MO MO: You're right. Thanks for finding me, Pat. Let's buckle down and get it done!
■English highway﹕
Idioms are one of the important parts in making English fun and lively. These expressions, often rooted in cultures and creativities, can add depth and richness to our usage of English.
◆Under the weather
If someone is or feels under the weather, they feel ill.
E.g. I'm feeling a bit under the weather - I think I'm getting a cold.
◆When pigs fly
Describes an impossibility.
E.g. I'll believe that he'll clean his room voluntarily when pigs fly.
◆Weather the storm
If someone or something weathers the storm, they successfully deal with a very difficult problem.
E.g. The company weathered the storm through the recession and is now very successful.
◆Get out of hand
To become difficult to control.
E.g. It was the end of term and the children were getting a little out of hand.
◆Buckle down
To start working hard.
E.g. I must buckle down to some work this afternoon.
■Gear up
1. The party was fun at first, but things _________ when uninvited guests showed up.
2. With exams approaching, it's time to ___________ and focus on studying.
3. Their relationship went through rough times, but they were able to _________ and come out stronger.
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
deadline (n) 最後限期
lively (adj) 生動的
depth (n) 深度
recession (n) 衰退
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[Smarties' Power English 第435期]
