12 English Phrasal Verbs and Idioms for Learning & Improving 4 skills | Lesson 7 – Intermediate Level

• Ex: Please hold still while I adjust your tie.
• Ex: If you don’t hold that camera still, you’ll get a blurred picture.

This idiom is used when the person has been seen previously but is not known personally. The person must be used to separate the idiom.

• Ex: I have never met our new neighbors; I simply know them by sight.
• Ex: The woman said that she would know the thief by sight if she ever saw him again.

In a question, this idiom is used with what or something. In an answer, something or nothing is usually used.

Example:

• A: What is the matter, Betty? You look very upset.
• B: Yes, something is the matter. I’ve lost my purse!
• A: Is something the matter, Charles? You don’t look well.
• B: No, nothing is the matter. I’m just a little under the weather.

• Ex: Sarah wanted to bring the scheduling problem up at the club meeting, but finally she decided against doing so.
• Ex: One of the students brought up an interesting point related to the subject in our textbook.

The second definition provides a very informal, even rude, meaning that should be used only with close friends. It is sometimes used in a joking manner.

• Ex: While driving in Boston, we got lost and drove many miles in the wrong direction.
• Ex: Todd kept bothering me while I was studying, so I told him to get lost.
• Ex: Lisa joked that she wanted her sister to get lost forever.

• Ex: A big accident held up traffic on the highway for several hours.
• Ex: Deidre is amazed at how well her car has held up over the years.

• Ex: The young couple ran away and got married because their parents wouldn’t permit it.
• Ex: That cat is just like a criminal — it runs away from anyone who tries to come near!

• Ex: Heather ruled out applying to college in Texas because she would rather go to school in Canada.
• Ex: I’d like to watch a good movie on TV tonight, but a ton of homework rules that out.

• Ex: Jacquie is by far the most intelligent student in our class.
• Ex: This is by far the hottest, most humid summer we’ve had in years.

A noun or pronoun must divide the idiom.

• Ex: We are going to the airport to see Peter off on his trip to Europe.
  Ex: When I left for Cincinnati on a business trip, no one came to the train station to send me off.

A noun or pronoun must again divide the idiom.

• Ex: The Johnsons were certain to see their guests out as each one left the party.
• Ex: Would you please see me out to the car? It’s very dark outside.

This idiom derives form reducing it is no wonder that…

Ex: No wonder the portable heater doesn’t work. It’s not plugged into the electrical outlet!

Ex: Jack has been out of town for several weeks. No wonder we haven’t seen him recently