Section B : Continuous Writing

[50 marks]

[Time suggested : One hour]

Write a composition of about 350 words on one of the following topics.

1 Explain about doing something that you don’t like and how do you feel about it.

2 Students should use computers or laptops in classroom.Do you agree?

3 How important is forest conservation to human?

4 Write a story about a teacher ending with:

“…. because learning never ends”

5 ‘Money is the root of all evil’

Describe how money can change someone.

Section B : Continuous Writing

[50 marks]

[Time suggested : One hour]

Write a composition of about 350 words on one of the following topics.

1 Describe the saddest moment you ever had and how you deal with it.

2 School students are not compulsory to wear school uniform.Do you agree?

3 Why animals are important to human?

4 Write a story about a doctor starting with:

“Bloods gushing out from her arm, she fainted…”

5 ‘Two heads are better than one’

Describe how teamwork can help you to do something better.

MINDMAPPING

VOCABULARY-MADE-EASIER

Important VitalSerious Dire

Sick IllImmediately Instantly

Arrive ReachCondition StateProblem Issue, matter

Opponent EnemyWorry Fear

Difficult ToughCombine MixRelate LinkAssist Help

Rescue SaveSupport Guide

Not enough LackProvide GiveDeliver Send

Appropriate AptMistake BlunderPrepare ReadyFinish Done

Appropriate FitDislike Hate

On the other hand On the other side of the coinAlways Frequently, Regularly

An Extensive List of Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal Verb

Meaning Example

abide byTo respect or obey a

decision, a law or a ruleIf you want to keep your job here, you must abide

by our rules.

account for To explain, give a reason I hope you can account for the time you were out!

add upTo make sense, seem

reasonableThe facts in the case just don’t add up.

advise against

To recommend not doing something

I advise against walking alone in this neighborhood.

agree withTo have the same opinion

as someone else.I agree with you. I think you should go as well.

allow for To take into considerationWe need to allow for unexpected charges along the

way.

appeal to1. To plead or make a

request

2. To be attractive or interesting

1. He appealed to the court to change its decision.

2. A vacation of sunbathing doesn’tappeal to me.

apply forTo make a formal request

for something (job, permit, loan etc.)

He applied for a scholarship for next semester.

back awayTo move backwards, in

fear or dislikeWhen he saw the bear, he backed away in fright.

back downTo withdraw, concede

defeatLocal authorities backed down on their threats to

build on that part of the beach.

back up

1. To give support or encouragement

2. To make a copy of (file, program, etc.)

1. I’m going to be very strict with him. I hope you’ll back me up on this?

2. You should back up all your computer files in a secure location.

bank onTo base your hopes on something / someone

I’m banking on you to help with the charity event.

black out To faint, lose Jenna fell in the parking lot and blacked out.

consciousness

block offTo separate using a

barrier.The police blocked off the street after the explosion.

blow up1. To explode

2. To get angry

1. Tommy blew up the red balloon.

2. Don’t blow up at me. It’s not my fault.

boil down to

To be summarized as It all boils down to who has more power.

boot upTo start a computer by loading an operating system or program

You need to boot up your computer before you begin to work.

break away To separate from a crowd One of the wolves broke away from his pack.

break down

1. To go out of order, cease to function

2. To lose control of one’s emotions

1. The washing machine broke downso we had to call in the repair technician.

2. John broke down when he heard the news.

break into To enter by force Burglars broke into my car last night.

break out To start suddenlyRioting broke out after the government raised the

fuel prices again.

break out of

To escape from a place by force

Several prisoners broke out of jail.

break upTo come to an end

(marriage, relationship)She broke up with Daniel after dating him for five

years.

bring up To raise (a child) Sara is bringing up her children by herself.

brush up on

To improve, refresh one’s knowledge of something

I must brush up on my French before going to Paris next month.

bump intoTo meet by chance or

unexpectedlyI bumped into Adam at the bank. He says “hello”.

burn out

1. stop (something) working

2. become exhausted from over-working

1. The light bulb burnt out. Please change it.

2. She needs to work fewer hours. Otherwise she will burn out.

call back To return a phone call Could please call back in ten minutes?

call off To cancel The game was called off because of bad weather.

calm downTo become more relaxed,

less angry or upsetIt took Kylie several hours to calm downafter she saw

the accident.

carry on To continueThe soldiers carried on walking in order to get to

their post before dark.

carry out

1. To do something as specified (a plan, an

order, a threat)

2. To perform or conduct (test, experiment)

1. His orders were carried out to the letter.

2. That company does not carry outtests on animals.

check inTo register at a hotel or

airportThey said I must check in at least three hours before

my flight.

check out

1. To pay one’s bill and leave (a hotel)

2. To investigate

1. Donna checked out of the hotel this morning.

2. I don’t know if this price is correct. I’llcheck it out online.

clam up To refuse to speakWhen the police started asking questions, the

suspect clammed up.

clamp down on

To act strictly to prevent something

The local authorities have decided to clamp down on illegal parking in handicapped parking places.

come across

1. To find by chance

2. To appear, seem, make an impression

1. I was cleaning up and came acrosssome old photos of you.

2. The politician came across as a complete fool during the TV interview.

come forward

To present oneselfHas the owner of the winning lotto ticketcome

forward?

count onTo rely or depend on (for

help)You can count on me to keep your secret.

cut down on

To reduce in number or size

I’ve decided to cut down on the amount of sweets I eat.

cut out

1. To remove using scissors

2. To stop doing something

1. She cut out a coupon from the newspaper.

2. You need to cut out all red meat from your diet.

deal withTo handle, take care of

(problem, situation)Catherine is not good at dealing with stress.

die downTo calm down, become

less strongAfter the storm died down, we went outside to see the

damage it had caused.

do without To manage withoutShe didn’t get a salary this month, so she’ll have to do

without extra treats.

drag onTo last longer than

expectedThe suspect’s trial dragged on longer than we had

expected!

draw upTo write (contract,

agreement, document)They drew up a contract and had me sign it.

dress up wear elegant clothesTheir wedding gave us a chance to dress upand get

out of the house.

drop inTo visit, usually on the

way somewhereWhy don’t you drop in to see us on your way home?

drop off

1. To deliver someone or something

2. To fall asleep

1. I’ll drop off the papers later today.

2. I often drop off in front of the TV.

drop outTo leave school without

finishingZack dropped out of college and joined the army.

ease offTo reduce, become less

severe or slow down (pain, traffic, work)

Traffic usually eases off about 7pm

end inTo finish in a certain way;

result inHer marriage ended in divorce.

end upTo finally reach a state,

place or actionIf you don’t improve your work habits, you’llend

up being fired.

fall through To fail; doesn’t happenHis plans to trek through South America fell

through when he got sick.

figure outTo understand, find the

answerHe’s trying to figure out how to earn enough money

to go on the trip to Spain.

fill outTo complete (a form/an

application)Please fill out the enclosed form and return it as soon

as possible.

find outTo discover or obtain

informationI’m going to to find out who’s responsible for the

power cut.

focus onTo concentrate on

somethingTom had difficultty focusing on work the day before

his holiday started.

get along (with)

To be on good terms; work well with

It’s important to get along with your team supervisor.

get at To imply What are you getting at? Do you think I’m to blame?

get away To escape I think we should get away for the weekend.

get byTo manage to cope or to

surviveStudents without jobs have a hard timegetting by.

get in To enter When did you get in last night?

get into (+noun)

To enter How did you get into your car without the keys?

get off

1. To leave (bus, train, plane)

2. To remove

1. You should get off the train in Kings Heath.

2. I can’t get the ink stain off my shirt.

get onTo board (bus, train,

plane)I’m trying to get on the flight to Brussels.

get on with (something)

To continue to do; make progress

After they split up, she had a hard timegetting on with her life.

get on (well) with (somebody)

To have a good relationship with

He doesnt get on very well with the other members of the committee.

get out To leaveHe had a hard time getting out of Newark because of

the snow?

get out of To avoid doing something Edna’s trying to get out of working the night shift.

get overTo recover from (illness,

disappointment)Has she gotten over the flu?

get overTo recover from (illness,

disappointment)Mary had the chickenpox last week but shegot over it.

get rid of To eliminate Please get rid of that old t-shirt. It’s so ragged.

get together To meet each other Let’s get together for your birthday on Saturday.

get up To rise, leave bedWill you please get up? You’ve got a class in 20

minutes.

give in

1. To cease opposition; yield

2. To To hand in; submit

1. We will never give in to the terrorists’ demands.

2. I’ll give in my paper tomorrow.

give up To stop doing something Morris gave up drinking 10 years ago.

go through To experienceAndy went through a lot of pain after his mother

died.

grow upTo spend one’s childhood; develop; become an adult

He’s like Peter Pan. He never really grew upat all.

hand inTo submit (report,

homework)Please hand in your papers before Friday.

hand out To distributeSusan volunteered at the shelter where shehanded

out warm clothes.

hang outTo spend time in a

particular place or with a group of friends

Which pub does the team hang out at after the game?

hang upTo end a phone

conversationIf you hang up now, I’ll never speak to you again.

hold on1. To wait

2. To grip tightly

1. Please hold on and a representative will answer your call.

2. She was so scared on the rollercoaster ride that she held onfor dear life.

hurry up To be quick, act speedilyHurry up and finish your lunch or we’ll miss the

train.

iron outTo resolve by discussion,

eliminate differencesThe two countries met at the conference toiron

out their differences.

join in To participateYes David, you can join in the discussion any time

you like.

join up

1. To engage in, become a member of

2. To meet and unite with

1. There was a war on, so some kids were only sixteen when they joined up.

2. Let’s separate now and join up later at the restaurant.

keep onTo continue doing

somethingIf you keep on making that noise I will get annoyed.

keep up with

To stay at the same level as someone or something

I read the paper every day to keep up withthe news.

kick off To begin, start The rugby match kicked off at 3 o’clock.

leave out To omit, not mentionPlease check your form again and make sure nothing

is left out.

let down To disappointI feel so let down because they promised me a puppy

but all I got was a doll.

look after To take care of Andy can you look after your sister until I get back?

look down on

To consider as inferiorShe’s such a snob. She always looks down on anyone

who is poor.

look onTo be a spectator at an

eventIf you don’t want to take part in the game you

can look on for now.

look for To try to find something Harry went to the shop to look for a new computer.

look forward to

To await or anticipate with pleasure

I’m looking forward to my birthday. It’s in two days time.

look up to To admire I always looked up to my father. He was a great man.

make fun ofTo laugh at/ make jokes

aboutIt’s not nice to make fun of people in wheelchairs.

make up To invent (excuse, story)That’s a good excuse. Did you make up it up

yourself?

mix upTo mistake one thing or

person for anotherShe had so many cats that she kept mixing up their

names.

move inTo arrive in a new home

or officeDid you hear? Our new neighbors aremoving in this

afternoon.

move outTo leave your home/office

for another one.When are you moving out? We need your office for

the new guy.

nod off To fall asleepYou were so tired after the game that younodded

off on the couch.

own upTo admit or confess

somethingCome on. Own up. We know you did it!

pass away To dieYour grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep

last night.

pass out To faintHe didn’t drink enough water so he passed out at the

end of the race.

pay back To reimburse I’ll pay you back as soon as I get the loan.

put offTo postpone, arrange a

later dateDon’t put off until tomorrow, what you can do today.

put on To turn on, switch on It’s very dark in here. Please put on the light on.

put out To extinguishThe fire fighters were able to put out fire in ten

minutes.

put upTo accommodate, give

somebody a bedI can put you up until the weekend but then I’m

going away.

pick up To collect somebodyI’ll pick you up at around 7:00 to take you to the

airport.

point outTo indicate/direct

attention to somethingAs I already pointed out, there was a mistake in your

calculation.

rely onTo count on, depend on,

trustYou can rely on me. I always arrive on time.

rule out To eliminateSince he had a sound alibi, the police ruledhim out as

a suspect.

run awayTo escape from a place or

suddenly leaveHe ran away from home and joined the circus.

run intoTo meet by accident or

unexpectedly (also: bump into)

I’m so glad I ran into you. I need to ask you something.

run out ofTo have no more of

something.We’ve run out of milk. I’ll just pop next door to

borrow some.

set off To start a journey; Let’s set off early to miss the rush hour traffic.

set up To start a businessThey set up their own company when they were still

in high school.

shop around

To compare pricesDon’t buy that. Let’s shop around and see if we can

find something cheaper.

show offTo brag or want to be

admiredHe’s such a show off. He has to tell everybody about

his new computer.

show up To appear/arriveI don’t think she’ll show up tonight. Her daughter is

sick.

shut up (impolite)

To be silent, stop talking Shut up, you’re spoiling the movie!

sit down To take a seat I think you should sit down. It’s bad news.

stand upTo rise from a sitting

positionThe whole stadium stood up for the national anthem.

stick up for To defendMy big brother always stuck up for me when I got

into a fight.

take afterTo resemble, in

appearance or characterAngie really takes after her grandmother.

take care of To look after Please take care of my cat when I’m away.

take off To leave the ground The plane will take off as soon as the fog lifts.

take on To hire or engage staff I hear they’re taking on extra staff for this event.

take out To remove; extractPlease take out your mobile phones and turn them

off.

tell offTo reprimand/criticize

severelyThe coach told her off for not trying hard enough.

think over To consider Take your time and think it over before you decide.

try onTo wear something to see

if it suits or fitsGo ahead, try it on and see if it fits?

turn down To refuse I asked her out but she turned me down flat.

use upTo finish a product (so that there’s none left)

Your parents used up all the coffee!

watch out To be careful Watch out! There’s a dog in the road.

wear out1. To become unusable

2. To become very tired

1. Julie wore out her shoes running the marathons.

2. Julie was worn out after all that running.

work out

1. To do physical exercise

2. To find a solution or calculate something

1. You should work out twice a week at the gym.

2. Can you work this out? I’m no good at math.

wipe off To clean (board, table). I’ll wash up if you wipe off the table.

ADJECTIVES FOR HAPPY / PLEASANT FEELINGS

OPEN HAPPY ALIVE GOOD LOVE INTERESTED

POSITIVE

STRONG

understanding great playful calm loving concerned eager impulsive

confident gay courageous peaceful considerate affected keen free

reliable joyous energetic at ease affectionate fascinated earnest sure

easy lucky liberated comfortable sensitive intrigued intent certain

amazed fortunate optimistic pleased tender absorbed anxious rebellious

free delighted provocative

encouraged devoted inquisitive inspired unique

sympatheti overjoyed impulsive clever attracted nosy determined dynamic

c

interested gleeful free surprised passionate snoopy excited tenacious

satisfied thankful frisky content admiration engrossed enthusiastic hardy

receptive important animated quiet warm curious bold secure

accepting festive spirited certain touched brave

kind ecstatic thrilled relaxed sympathy daring

satisfied wonderful serene close challenged

glad free and easy loved optimistic

cheerful bright comforted re-enforced

sunny blessed drawn toward confident

merry reassured hopeful

elated

jubilant

ADJECTIVES FOR UNPLEASANT / DEPRESSING FEELINGS

ANGRY DEPRESSED

CONFUSED

HELPLESS

INDIFFERENT

AFRAID HURT SAD

irritated lousy upset incapable insensitive fearful crushed tearful

enraged disappointed doubtful alone dull terrified tormented sorrowful

hostile discouraged uncertain paralyzed nonchalant suspicious deprived pained

insulting ashamed indecisive fatigued neutral anxious pained grief

sore powerless perplexed useless reserved alarmed tortured anguish

annoyed diminished embarrassed inferior weary panic dejected desolate

upset guilty hesitant vulnerable bored nervous rejected desperate

hateful dissatisfied shy empty preoccupied scared injured pessimistic

unpleasant miserable stupefied forced cold worried offended unhappy

offensive detestable disillusioned hesitant disinterest

ed frightened afflicted lonely

bitter repugnant unbelieving despair lifeless timid aching grieved

aggressive despicable sceptical frustrated shaky victimized mournful

resentful disgusting distrustful distressed restless heartbroken dismayed

inflamed abominable misgiving woeful doubtful agonized

provoked terrible lost pathetic threatened appalled

incensed in despair unsure tragic cowardly humiliated

infuriated sulky uneasy in a stew quaking wronged

cross bad pessimistic dominated menaced alienated

worked up a sense of loss tense wary

boiling

fuming

indignant

Appearance Adjectives

adorablebeautifulcleandrabelegantfancyglamoroushandsomelongmagnificentold-fashionedplainquaintsparklingugliestunsightlywide-eyed

Feelings (Good) Adjectives

agreeablebravecalmdelightfuleagerfaithfulgentlehappyjollykindlivelyniceobedientproudrelievedsillythankfulvictoriouswittyzealous

Condition Adjectives

alivebettercarefulcleverdeadeasyfamousgiftedhelpfulimportantinexpensivemushyoddpowerfulrichshytenderuninterestedvastwrong

Feelings (Bad) Adjectives

angrybewilderedclumsydefeatedembarrassedfiercegrumpyhelplessitchyjealouslazymysteriousnervousobnoxiouspanickyrepulsivescarythoughtlessuptightworried

Touch Adjectives

boilingbreezebrokenbumpychillycoldcoolcreepycrookedcuddlycurlydamageddampdirtydrydustyfilthyflakyfluffyfreezinghotwarmwet

Size Adjectives

bigcolossalfatgiganticgreathugeimmenselargelittlemammothmassiveminiaturepetitepunyscrawnyshortsmalltallteenyteeny-tinytiny

Taste/Touch Adjectives

bitterdeliciousfreshgreasyjuicyhoticyloosemeltednutritiouspricklyrainyrottensaltystickystrongsweettarttastelessunevenweakwetwoodenyummy

Shape Adjectives

broadchubbycrookedcurveddeepflathighhollowlownarrowroundshallowskinnysquaresteepstraightwide

Color Adjectives

redorangeyellowgreenbluepurplegrayblackwhite

Sound Adjectives

cooingdeafeningfainthissingloudmelodicnoisypurringquietraspyscreechingthunderingvoicelesswhispering

Time Adjectivesancientbriefearlyfastlatelongmodernoldold-fashionedquickrapidshortslowswiftyoung

Quantity Adjectives

abundantemptyfewfullheavylightmanynumeroussparsesubstantial

A hot potato - Speak of an issue which many people are talking about and which is usually disputed

A penny for your thoughts - A way of asking what someone is thinking

Actions speak louder than words - People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.

Add insult to injury - To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable situation.

An arm and a leg - Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money.

At the drop of a hat - Meaning: without any hesitation; instantly.

Back to the drawing board - When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.

Ball is in your court - It is up to you to make the next decision or step

Barking up the wrong tree - Looking in the wrong place. Accusing the wrong person

Be glad to see the back of - Be happy when a person leaves.

Beat around the bush - Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.

Best of both worlds - Meaning: All the advantages.

Best thing since sliced bread - A good invention or innovation. A good idea or plan.

Bite off more than you can chew - To take on a task that is way to big.

Blessing in disguise - Something good that isn't recognized at first.

Burn the midnight oil - To work late into the night, alluding to the time before electric lighting.

Can't judge a book by its cover - Cannot judge something primarily on appearance.

Caught between two stools - When someone finds it difficult to choose between two alternatives.

Costs an arm and a leg - This idiom is used when something is very expensive.

Cross that bridge when you come to it - Deal with a problem if and when it becomes necessary, not before.

Cry over spilt milk - When you complain about a loss from the past.

Curiosity killed the cat - Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation.

Cut corners - When something is done badly to save money.

Cut the mustard - To succeed; to come up to expectations; adequate enough to compete or participate

Devil's Advocate - To present a counter argument

Don't count your chickens before the eggs have hatched - This idiom is used to express "Don't make plans for something that might not happen".

Don't give up the day job - You are not very good at something. You could definitely not do it professionally.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket - Do not put all your resources in one possibility.

Drastic times call for drastic measures - When you are extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions.

Elvis has left the building - The show has come to an end. It's all over.

Every cloud has a silver lining - Be optimistic, even difficult times will lead to better days.

Far cry from - Very different from.

Feel a bit under the weather - Meaning: Feeling slightly ill.

Give the benefit of the doubt - Believe someone's statement, without proof.

Hear it on the grapevine - This idiom means 'to hear rumours’ about something or someone.

Hit the nail on the head - Do or say something exactly right

Hit the sack / sheets / hay - To go to bed.

In the heat of the moment - Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment.

It takes two to tango - Actions or communications need more than one person

Jump on the bandwagon - Join a popular trend or activity.

Keep something at bay - Keep something away.

Kill two birds with one stone - This idiom means, to accomplish two different things at the same time.

Last straw - The final problem in a series of problems.

Let sleeping dogs lie - Do not disturb a situation as it is - since it would result in trouble or complications.

Let the cat out of the bag - To share information that was previously concealed

Make a long story short - Come to the point - leave out details

Method to my madness - An assertion that, despite one's approach seeming random, there actually is structure to it.

Miss the boat - This idiom is used to say that someone missed his or her chance

Not a spark of decency - Meaning: No manners

Not playing with a full deck - Someone who lacks intelligence.

Off one's rocker - Crazy, demented, out of one's mind, in a confused or befuddled state of mind, senile.

On the ball - When someone understands the situation well.

Once in a blue moon - Meaning: Happens very rarely.

Picture paints a thousand words - A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words.

Piece of cake - A job, task or other activity that is easy or simple.

Put wool over other people's eyes - This means to deceive someone into thinking well of them.

See eye to eye - This idiom is used to say that two (or more people) agree on something.

Sit on the fence - This is used when someone does not want to choose or make a decision.

Speak of the devil! - This expression is used when the person you have just been talking about arrives.

Steal someone's thunder - To take the credit for something someone else did.

Take with a grain of salt - This means not to take what someone says too seriously.

Taste of your own medicine - Means that something happens to you, or is done to you, that you have done to someone else

To hear something straight from the horse's mouth - To hear something from the authoritative source.

Whole nine yards - Everything. All of it.

Wouldn't be caught dead - Would never like to do something

Your guess is as good as mine - To have no idea, do not know the answer to a question

1. Acid Test:Meaning - Acid test proves the effectiveness of something.Example - I practiced hard at the dance sessions but the acid test will come when the master will assess our solo performances.2. Cut the ground from under feet:Meaning - When you cut the ground from under someone's feet, you do something which weakens their position.Example - When team India hit more than 350 runs in the ODI, they cut the ground from under the opponent's feet.3. Chase your tail:Meaning - Spending a lot of time and energy doing a lot of things but actually achieving too little.Example - He's been chasing his tail all week collecting data but the report is still not ready4. Whole bag of tricks -Meaning - Means trying all the clever means to achieve something.Example - It was really difficult to find the information even after applying the whole bag of tricks.5. Deliver the goods -Meaning - Do what is expected or promised.Example - I have given my car to a new mechanic for repair, hope he delivers the goods.6. Fine-tooth comb -Meaning - Examining something carefully to not miss out any details.Example - The boss examined my report with a fine tooth comb before submitting it to the senior management.7. Explore all avenuesMeaning - Trying out every possibility to get a result.Example - It is a difficult thing to do but if we really want it done, we must explore all avenues.8. Fast track something -Meaning - Rating something higher on your priority list to achieve the desired result.Example - In view of the seriousness of the crime, the civil society is pressing up on a fast track decision from the court.9 . Get ducks in a row -Meaning - Getting your things well organized.Example - To ensure a successful product launch, we must get our ducks in a row.10. Get the show on the road -Meaning - Putting up a plan or idea into action.Example - Now that we have completed all the legal formalities, let's get the show on the road.11. Keep your fingers on the pulse -Meaning - Being constantly aware of the most recent developments.Example - An entrepreneur must keep his fingers on the pulse of the market to be successful.12. Mean business -Meaning - Being serious about what you announce.Example - Now that all our policies about work are put up on intranet, we mean business.13. Think on your feet -Meaning - Adjusting quickly to changes and making fast decisions.Example - A good sales man must be able to think on his feet to close the deal.

14. Sail through something -Meaning - Being successful in doing something without difficulty.Example - The presentation at the national conference was extremely important for the company. We sailed through it.15. Tricks of the trade:Meaning - Clever or expert way of doing something.Example - Being into the construction business for last 10 years, I know all tricks of the trade.16. Not let grass grow under feet -Meaning - Don't delay in getting something done.Example - As soon as he finished all the registration formalities, he put the house on sale. He doesn't let the grass grow under his feet.17. Work like a charm -Meaning - Works very well or has the desired effect.Example - I had cloves from my sore throat and they worked like a charm.18. Back-room boys -Meaning - People who perform important work but have no contact with the public.Example - Our back room boys deserve an applause for the success of this advertisement.19. Dead wood -Meaning - People or things which are no longer useful or necessary.Example - The company bought in a lot of new computers. They no longer want the dead woods.20. Get the axe -Meaning - lose the job.Example - The projects team was undergoing a major restructuring, recruitment executives were the first to get the axe.21. Plum job -Meaning - Desirable position which is well-paid and considered relatively easy.Example - This looks like a plum job but it has its own bunch of complications.22. Shape up or ship out -Meaning - This expression is used to warn someone that if they do not improve their ways, they will have to leave their job.Example - When Tom started neglecting the customers, he was told to shape up or ship out.23. Golden handshake -Meaning - Big sum of money given to a person when they leave a company or retire.Example - The management of various PSUs wanted to cut down on the man power. They offered a golden hand shake to many of their aged employees.24. Separate sheep from goats -Meaning - Examining a group of people and deciding their suitabilityExample - Audition test was conducted by the director to separate sheep from goats.25. Waiting in the wings -Meaning - Waiting for an opportunity to take action, mostly to replace someone else in their job.Example - The senior manager is going to retire in next 2 months. Two of his juniors who are waiting in the wings will have a fierce competition. 26. Eat, sleep and breathe something -Meaning - Being so enthusiastic and passionate about something that you think about it all the time.Example - My son has recently learnt cycling. He eats, sleeps and breathes it now.

27. With bells on -Meaning - When you are delighted and eager to go somewhere, you are said to go with bells on.Example - The New Year party at the beach is most awaited. I will be there - with bells on.28. Fever pitch -Meaning - When a feeling is very intense and exciting, it is said to be at a fever pitch.Example - His love for music had reached a fever pitch before he became a world known musician.29. Blood, sweat and tears -Meaning - Something that requires a lot of effort and hard work.Example - Being the team of Indian cricket team is not just a matter of luck for him, it is his blood, sweat and tears which has got him here.30. Have on the brain -Meaning - Thinking or talking about it all day long.Example - He has just got engaged. Now, he has his fiancé on his brain all the time.31. Fling yourself into -Meaning - Doing something with a lot of energy and enthusiasm.Example - Flinging himself into the exercise routine is the reason for his good physique.32. Raring to go -Meaning - Being very eager and enthusiastic about the idea of doing something.Example - My kids wish to see the animals. They are raring to go to zoo.33. Xerox subsidy -Meaning - Using the office photocopier for personal use.Example - The office now has a strict policy about xerox subsidy.34. Get a grip on yourself -Meaning - Controlling your feelings to deal with a situation.Example - Reema saw her jewellery and cash missing from the machine. After the initial shock, she got a grip on herself and called up the police.35. Hang on by fingernails -Meaning - Continuing to do something in a very difficult situation.Example - The market of watches has suffered a big loss after the arrival of mobile phones. The survivors are just hanging on by their fingernails.36. Pull out all the stops -Meaning - Doing everything you can to make something successful.Example - The deadline for the project is fast arriving; we have pulled out all the stops for timely completion.37. Buckle down -Meaning - Doing some hard work with determination and full attention.Example - Getting through the exam for civil services is possible when you have buckled down yourself.38. First out of the gate -Meaning - Being the first one to make a start at something.Example - John and his friends had decided to voice their opinion against the new economic policy. John was the first one to be out of the gate.39. Going places -Meaning - Exhibiting talent and ability that will lead to a successful future.Example - Rakesh was a performer at the school sports club. It was obvious that he was going places.

40. Have one's heart set on -Meaning - Possessing a determination to obtain something.Example - He has not become a renowned cardiologist just by chance. He has his heart set on it after his father passed away with a cardiac arrest.41. Make headway -Meaning - Progress in what you are trying to achieve.Example - The police have made a headway with their investigation in the terror attack on the city last friday.42. Punch above one's weight-Meaning - Performing beyond your ability.Example - He was not the best swimmer around but he could win the gold medal at the state swimming competition by working hard and punching above his weight in the finals.43. Sink your teeth into -Meaning - doing something with a lot of energy and enthusiasm.Example - Marie joined the badminton coaching classes. She sank her teeth into the practice sessions.44. Stand one's ground -Meaning - Maintaining your position.Example - He stood his ground in support of his friend in spite of several family interferences.45. Close to home -Meaning - A comment which is true and makes you uncomfortable is close to home.Example - Tom's comment about his friend's unethical activities was quite close to home. He looked quite embarrassed.46. Carry the torch for -Meaning - Having strong feelings for someone who cannot be yours.Example - He has been carrying a torch for Mamta, who is now married to Nitin, since they studied together in college.47. Cork up something -Meaning - Failing to express your emotions.Example - She did not let her grief pour out when her father passed away. It’s not good for her to cork up his feelings.48. Cut to the quick -Meaning - Hurting someone deeply or offending them.Example - Joe had worked for 10 years with all his loyalty for his company. He was cut to the quick when his boss held him responsible for the theft.49. Fish out of water -Meaning - Feeling uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings.Example - Being a French, I felt like a fish out of water in the group of Japanese50. Bee in one's bonnet -Meaning - Carrying an idea which constantly occupies your thoughts.Example - She is not happy in Africa. She has a bee in the bonnet about moving to Dubai. 51. Deep down -Meaning - Describing what a person really feels deep inside or what is he like.Example - He appears to be indifferent to the success or failure of his children but deep down he is highly concerned.

52. Have your heart in the right place -Meaning - Refers to a person with good intentions; even though the results are not that impressive.Example - The dinner she had cooked wasn't the best but she had her heart in the right place.53. Groan inwardly -Meaning - Refers to a feeling where you want to express despair, disapproval or distress, but you keep quite.Example - She was quite disappointed at the sarcastic remark by her friend but looking at the situation sh groaned inwardly.54. Beard the lion in his den -Meaning - Challenge someone in his own area.Example - If he doesn't come to see me today, I'll have to beard the lion in his den.55. Keep a stiff upper lip -Meaning - Refers to a person who doesn't show off his emotions. Example - He heard the news about his father's demise but kept a stiff upper lip.56. Go bananas -Meaning - Refers to someone who behaves in a crazy way out of emotions.Example - Your decision to go abroad for a year will make your family go bananas.57. Lump in your throat -Meaning - Refers to a tight feeling in your throat because of an emotion like sadness or gratitude.Example - After all the hardships, I saw my son winning a gold medal today - I had a lump in my throat.58. Hard as nails -Meaning - Refers to a person without sentiments and sympathy for anyone.Example - He has become as hard as a nail after his brother was brutally murdered.59. Lick one's wounds -Meaning - Trying to regain their confidence or boost up the spirits after a defeat.Example - Raja is licking his wounds after being dropped from the Indian Cricket Team.60. Proud as a peacock -Meaning - Refers to an extremely proud person.Example - His son is has finally become a doctor. He is as proud as a peacock.61. Tongue-tied -Meaning - Difficulty in expressing yourself because of nervousness or embarrassment.Example - As her prospective in laws came to see her, she was completely tongue tied.62. Look on the bright side -Meaning - View an unpleasant situation in a positive light.Example - You met with an accident but look on the bright side - you managed to get away just with some bruises.63. Swallow one's pride -Meaning - Accepting something humiliating or embarrassing.Example - When his son was caught cheating in the exam. He had to swallow his pride and meet the principal.64. Makes your flesh crawl -Meaning - Something that makes you feel disgusting or nervous.Example - The sight of the accident made my flesh crawl.

65. Speak volumes -Meaning - Expresses a reaction without words.Example - She came to pick me at the station at an odd hour. Her actions spoke volumes about her brevity.66. Not turn a hair -Meaning - Refers to not exhibiting any emotion where it is expected.Example - He didn't turn a hair even after his office was raided by the CBI.67. Reduce to tears -Meaning - Getting into tears because of some one's behaviour.Example - Her best friend stopped talking to her. This reduced her to tears.68. In the bag -Meaning - Refers to a situation when you are sure that success is sure.Example - The wickets of opponent team fell down very fast, victory seemed to be in the bag at the end of 25 overs.69. Blow up in face -Meaning - Refers to a situation when a plan or project suddenly fails.Example - It was difficult to get a place in the train to Mumbai. It blew up in the face when a train de-railed and blocked the track.70. Bottom fell out -Meaning - Refers to a situation when a plan or project fails.Example - When the police announced a red alert in the city, the bottom fell out of their plan to hold a rally.71.Cake not worth the candle -Meaning - Refers to something in which result vs. efforts are too less.Example - He worked very hard to organize the party but very few guests walked in. The cake wasn't worth the candle.72. Chance one's arm -Meaning - Deciding to do something even though the chances of success are very little.Example - She knew there was little chance of getting through the audition test but she decided to chance her arm.73. Come up roses -Meaning - Successful end results even though there may be some initial hiccups.Example - After initial hiccups, the project seems to be coming up roses.74. Cook someone's goose -Meaning - Spoil other person's chances of success.Example - When the opponent team saw Indian batsmen taking wicket after wicket, they realised that their goose was cooked.75. Cut one's own throat -Meaning - Doing something that will cause your own failure.Example - Raghav is not sincere in the class since the beginning. He is cutting his own throat. 76. Foot in the door -Meaning - Small but good start with a possibility for a bright future.Example - With customers coming in, his new venture has got a foot in the door.

77. Go great guns -Meaning - Being successful.Example - Ram's preparation for the final exams is going great guns. He scored 90% marks in the practice test.78. Dead in the water -Meaning - Plan or project that has ceased to function and is not expected to be re-activated in future.Example - Because of the revolt from the civil society, the plan to get the FDI in various sectors is now dead in the water.79. Flying start -Meaning - Something that is immediately successful.Example - The film hit the box office with a flying start and collected the highest revenue on day 1.80. Make a go of -Meaning - Succeeding in your enterprise.Example - With his hard work and dedication, he has made a go of his new venture.81. Go to the dogs -Meaning - Getting comparably less successful than before.Example - With new corruption scams un-veiling everyday, the country is going to dogs.81. Go up in smoke -Meaning - Something that ends before getting a result.Example - With a vigilant police force around the town, the plan of antisocial elements to cause chaos went up in smoke.82. Live on the breadline -Meaning - Having very little income.Example - The partition of the country has left many people on the breadline.83. Make or break -Meaning - Circumstances causing total success or total ruin.Example - The huge investment in this big project with make or break him.84. Landslide victory -Meaning - Overwhelming victory received by a candidate of political party at an election.Example - With a win of more of than 40% seats in the first two hours of counting, they are expecting a landslide victory.85. Let slip through fingers -Meaning - Failing to obtain or keep up a good opportunity.Example - This opportunity can be your breakthrough in the industry. Don't let it slip through your fingers.86. Rags to riches -Meaning - Becoming very rich while starting very poor.Example - His innovative ideas in business got him from rags to riches.87. On the pig's back -Meaning - Refers to a person in successful and well situation.Example - The tourism in the state was on the pig's back before the terror attacks hit the capital.88. Miss the boat -Meaning - Failing to take advantage of an opportunity because of slow actions.Example - I managed to get a discount of 10% but could not get an early bird offer. Reaching late made me miss the boat.

89. Smash hit -Meaning - Refers to music, films which are very successful.Example - His music became a smash hit in a week's time.90. Murphy's law -Meaning - Means that if anything can go wrong, it will.Example - Let's be prepared for the worst but don't forget the Murphy's law.91. Place in the sun -Meaning - Finding a place in the sun refers to a position which provides you all the success and happiness you want in your life.Example - Getting married into the renowned business family in the town, she found a place in the sun.92. Sink or swim -Meaning - fail or succeed.Example - The test will decide if he sinks or swims.93. Champagne on a beer budget -Meaning - Wanting expensive things that you cannot afford. Example - She always buys things out of her budget. She has developed a taste for champagne on beer budget.94. Top dog -Meaning - Very successful group, company, person, country etc.Example - The economic survey proved that they are the top dogs of the IT industry.95. Keep up appearances -Meaning - Maintaining an outward show of prosperity or well-being while hiding your difficultiesExample - Keeping up the appearances was important for him to secure the new big projects.96. Wooden spoon -Meaning - Imaginary prize for the last person in a race.Example - We won a wooden spoon at the fashion show.97. Have the world by its tail -Meaning - Very successful person who can choose from a lot of opportunities.Example - Being the pioneers in the pharmaceutical industry, they are now having the world by its tail.98. Live beyond means -Meaning - Spending more money than you can afford.Example - He has a habit of living beyond his means. Most of the times, you will find him borrowing the money from his friends.99. Live in an ivory tower -Meaning - Living a lifestyle that saves you from the real world problems.Example - Her inexperience in dealing with tough situations is because she has lived in an ivory tower100. Hit the road running -Meaning - Start performing immediately.Example - She was our old employee. She hit the road running when she joined us back.