Can You Believe It 1

Can You Be ieve It?
stories and Idioms from Real Life
Oxford University Press
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ISBN 0-19- 37279-0
Copyright © 2000 Oxford niversity Press
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Huizenga, Jann.
Can you believe it?: stories and idioms from reallife/Jann
Huizenga.
p.cm.
includes index.
Contents: bk. 1
ISBN 0-19-437279-0
1. English language--Textbooks for foreign
speakers. 2. English language--United States--Idioms. 3.
Americanisms. 4. Readers. I. Title.
PE1128.H777 2000
428.6'4-dc21 00-021653
No unauthorized photocopying.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
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without the prior written permission of Oxford University Press.
This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of
trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated
without the publisher's prior consent in any form of binding or cover
other than that in which it is published and without a similar
condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent
purchaser.
Editorial Manager: Susan Lanzano, Janet Aitchison
Editor: Lynne Barsky
Senior Production Editor: Robyn F. Clemente
Associate Production Editor: Justin Hartung
Design Manager: Lynne Torrey
Designer: Elizabeth Onorato
Art BuyerlPhoto researcher: Stacy Godlesky
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Acknowledgments
Illustrations and realia by Patrick Merrell, Wally Neibart, Tom Powers,
William Waitzman
Cover illustration by Ken Condon
The publishers would like to thank the following for their permission
to reproduce photographs: APIWorldwide; Rachel Cobb; Wayne
Lockwood, David A. NorthcottiCorbis; Bill Cramer; Jann Huizenga;
Norman Y. LonolPeople Weekly c. 1998; Jack HollingsworthlPhotodisc;
Joshua SheldonIPhotonica; Gavriel Jecan, William Whitehurtffhe
Stock Market; Sid Avery/Stockfood; Ron Lee Browntrony Stone.
Credits
The stories in this book have been adapted from the following material:
p. 2, The New Mexican, December 3, 1997; p. 6, Ann Landers in The
New Mexican, November 11, 1997; p. 9, Reuters on-line, January 22,
1999; p. 10, Reuters on-line, November 1. 1998; p. 13, The Associated
Press on-line, June 7,1998; p. 14, Reuters on-line July 3,1998;
p. 18, Reuters on-line, January I, 1999; p. 21, Morning Edition,
National Public Radio, December 31,1998; p. 26, Morning Edition.
National Public Radio, October 9, 1998; p. 3D, The New Mexican,
January 24. 1999; p. 33, The Associated Press on-line, September 30,
1998; p. 34, The Funny Times; p. 38, Chicago Sun-Times, December 1,
1998; p. 42, The London Daily Telegraph, September 5,1998; p. 45
The Associated Press on-line, June 7, 1998; p. 50, The Associated Press
on-line, November 14, 1998; p. 53, Morning Edition, National Public
Radio, December 2,1998; p. 54, People Weekly, November 2,1998;
p. 57, Morning Edition, National Public Radio, November 27, 1997;
p. 58, The New Mexican, May 8,1998; p. 62. personal interview,
January 5, 1999; p. 66, People Weekly, September 21, 1998; p. 69,
People Weekly, September 21,1998.
--- --- ----
"
"
-,
I:
Can You Be ieve t?
8t ries and Idioms from Real Life
Book 1
Jann Huizenga
OXFORD
NIVERSITY PRESS
To the Student
In this book you will enjoy learning everyday idiomatic American English through amazing,
true stories from around the world.
When you study vocabulary, it is not enough to learn individual words. Everyday English is filled
with expressions that are two or more words long, such as tum over, get along with someone,
and after a while. These expressions are essential to successful communication in English, and
they need to be learned as individual units, in the same way as individual words. In this book
you will find idioms, fixed expressions, and phrasal verbs.
What is an idiom?
An idiom is a group of words that has a meaning different from the meaning of its individual
parts. In the example below, you probably know all the individual words, but you still may
not understand the meaning of the expression. This is because the expressions are idiomatic.
Miguel is into computer games, but I can't stand them.
Be into means like very much and can't stand means dislike very much.
What is a fixed expression?
Take a vacation, again and again, and be at deaths door are fixed expressions. You will
understand the whole expression if you know the meaning of the parts. But the translation
of a fixed expression into your language may not be word for word.
What is a phrasal verb?
Aphrasal verb is a verb followed by a particle such as in, at, on, for, etc. Look for and look
into are phrasal verbs that mean try to find and investigate. Phrasal verbs are usually
idiomatic. You can learn more about phrasal verbs in Appendix D, page 87.
The steps to learning idioms in this book are as follows:
1. Read the story quickly to get the main idea.
2. Listen several times to the story while you look at pictures to get used to the idioms.
3. Read the story and study the idioms.
4. Complete the idioms.
5. Tell the story using the idioms while looking only at pictures.
6. Talk about the story and then about yourself using the idioms.
7. Write about yourself using the idioms.
8. Take a dictation that uses the idioms.
9. Fill in the blanks in a. dialogue or story using the idioms. Then role-play the dialogue or
tell the story.
Extra study aids to use with this textbook include:
• A listening cassette
• Appendix A:. An Answer Key (page 74)
• Appendix B: Dictations (page 77)
• Appendix C: An appendix that groups the idioms in the book in various ways to help
you remember their form and meaning (page 80)
• Appendix D: An appendix that explains the grammar of phrasal verbs (page 87) and
gives a list of phrasal verbs (page 88)
• Lexicon: Alexicon that lists all the idioms in the book, and gives further examples,
language notes, and idiomatic synonyms and antonyms (page 91)
i"
To the Teacher
A General Introduction
The goal of Can You Believe It? Book 1 is to teach high-frequency idioms, two-word verbs, and
fixed expressions in the context of true, memorable stories to ESLIEFL students at a beginning
level. It is founded on two basic premises: 1) that everyone loves a good story, and 2) that
vocabulary acquisition occurs more readily when new items are embedded in engaging, whole
contexts and used in tasks that have meaning and purpose. The book is written for classroom
use, but it will also work well for self-study when used with the audio program.
Thanks in part to Michael Lewis's influential work on lexical issues, TESOL professionals are
increasingly aware that idioms and fixed expressions form a significant part of the lexicon of
English and are central to natural language use. These prefabricated multi-word expressions
must be acquired as wholes in the same way as individual words. Can You Believe It? Book 1
teaches the following kinds of high-frequency fixed lexical expressions:
• traditional, graphic idioms, such as: easy as pie, see eye to eye, and be dirt poor;
• non-traditional idioms, such as: spend time with, fall asleep, and can't stand;
• two- or three-word adverbial chunks, such as: on the way, after a while, and at once;
• two- or three-word phrasal verbs, such as: slow down, be frightened by, and get over;
• common expressions consisting of de-Iexicalized verbs, such as make or get + a noun or
adjective (make a living, get better), word partnerships that are likely to produce translation
mistakes and need to be learned as chunks.
Can You Believe It? Book 1 is compatible with comprehension approaches such as The Natural
Approach. The picture sequences that correspond to the stories provide the basis for great
"comprehensible input." So the book can be used for listening comprehension and general language
acquisition at a beginning level as well as for the specific mastery of idioms and expressions. (Note
that the first ten stories use only present tense, while the last five use past tense.)
The approach thoroughly integrates the four skills of listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
Activities are sequenced so that input precedes output. The initial approach relies heavily on
listening, with picture sequences used as visual supports for comprehension. It is through this
richly contextualized (and repeated) listening that students begin to make hypotheses about
the new expressions and develop a feel for their use. Students then go on to read the story-an
essential step that will provide welcome written reinforcement for visually-oriented learners
and will help all students with their literacy skills. After students' pumps have been primed, so
to speak, with the listening and reading input, they are ready to begin producing the idioms in
speaking and \-vriting. The output activities become progressively more demanding: these
include story retelling, thought-provoking personal questions, personalized sentence
completions, and dictation.
Researchers contend that we acquire new lexical items by meeting them a number of times
(seven times, some say). Thus. in Can You Believe It? Book 1, students will revisit the idioms
and expressions many times within each unit as well as in review units and, to some extent,
from unit to unit. (The idioms that are recycled between units have been indicated as such in
the Table of Contents, as well as in the New Idioms and Expression Box which follows each
reading.)
Extra Features
Listening Cassette
The cassette features dramatic readings of all the stories in the text, and Dictations for each
unit (from Appendix B). The stories are read by different actors with varying voices and
styles so students are exposed to language variety.
Answer Key (Appendix A)
Students who use the book independently will especially appreciate this feature, though
classroom teachers will also find it handy.
Idiom Groups (Appendix C)
This appendix is a rich resource for those students who would like a better sense of how the
idioms in Can You Believe It? Book 1 can be grouped together semantically.
Phrasal Verbs (Appendix D)
Simple but detailed grammar explanations of phrasal verbs are included here for students who
feel ready for this information.
Lexicon
The Lexicon gives extra information about each idiom and fixed expression in the book.
Additional examples, grammar information, more collocations, and idiomatic synonyms and
antonyms are included.
Specific Teaching Suggestions
The exercises and activities in each unit can be used in a variety of ways, and you are
encouraged to experiment and adapt them as you see fit. The suggested sequence below can be
changed, depending on your goals and your specific class needs.
1. Quick Reading
Before students read the story quickly to get the gist, have them do one of the following
prediction activities:
a. Cover the story and look at the picture sequence on the opposite page. Discuss (in pairs
or small groups) what the story seems to be about.
b. Cover the story. Look at the title and the picture on the story page. Ma.ke predictions
about the story.
Then ask students to read the story quickly just to get the main idea or the basic story line. You
might give them a time limit of two or three minutes for this. (The details of the story will
become clear during Exercise 2 as they listen to it repeatedly while looking at the picture·
sequence.) Previewing the story in this manner will allow students, especially those who are
stronger visual than oral/aural learners, to relax and better comprehend the story and the new
idioms in context during the listening "input" stage. It is best to have students read silently at
this stage since they will want to process the text in their own way.
2. Listen
Ask students to cover the story. Play the cassette or, if you prefer, read the story to the students.
If you are not using the cassette, be sure to say the numbers as you move from picture to
picture so students can follow (at least during the first listening). Tell the story at a natural
speed, pausing somewhat longer than usual at the end of breath groups and sentences. This
will give students important processing time. The goal of this activity is to provide students
with truly "comprehensible input," i.e., an acquisition stage in which a high degree of
contextualization will allow them to formulate hypotheses and discover meaning in language
that they are hearing for the first time. Making inferences and hypotheses about new language
in context is a skill that all language learners need to feel comfortable with; this exercise thus
develops good learning strategies while helping students acquire new language. During the
third telling of the story, you may want to write the new idioms on the board, as reinforcement
for your visually-oriented students. (The easiest thing would be to write them on the board
prior to the retelling and point to them as they occur.)
As an assessment technique (to see how well students have understood and internalized the
new expressions in the story), tell students you are going to talk about the pictures out of
order. They should point to the picture you are describing. Or, as an alternative, retell the story
"i
--------------- - ---
making some major "mistakes." Have students signal somehow (by raising their hands, making
a face, or making a buzzing sound) when they hear a mistake.
3. Read the Story
Your more visual learners will be especially eager to take a closer look at the story at this point,
double-checking their hypotheses with the New Idioms and Expressions box. After students
have had some silent time for re-reading, you might want to have them read aloud for
pronunciation practice. Volunteers could take turns reading to the whole class, or pairs could
read to each other, helping each other with pronunciation. You may want to do part or all of
Exercise 6 at this point (see suggestions below).
For a bit of extra practice with the idioms, and as a good lead-in to Exercise 4, you could
conduct the following matching activity: Write the unit idioms on slips of paper or index cards.
Cut the idioms in half. Give half to each student. Tell students to stand up, walk around the
room, and find the other halves of their idioms. As a check, have the pairs say their idioms
aloud to the whole class.
4. Complete the Idiom/Match
This activity functions as an assessment of sorts, making sure students can put the parts of the
idiom together and understand its meaning before using the idioms in the story retelling in
Exercise 5.
5. Tell the Story
At this point, the exercises move away from recognition into production. Elicit the story orally
from the whole class first. Encourage students to call out the ideas of the story in
chronological order. They can, of course, look at the picture sequence during this activity, but
the story should be covered. The retelling will be a paraphrase of the original story, but
students will probably reuse most of the new idioms. (You could have the idioms listed on the
board to give students a bit of extra help.) You may want to run this activity as a variation on
Language Experience, writing down sentences and phrases on the board as students suggest
them. Underlining the idioms and fixed expressions that students generate will help to
highlight them.
Next, ask students to work in pairs or small groups to retell the story to each other. Once again,
make sure they cover the story. One way for them to work is with Talking Chips,
communication regulators used in Cooperative Learning. Working in pairs or groups of three,
each student takes four or five Talking Chips (e.g., tokens, such as buttons, poker chips, or
paint chips). Together, they reconstruct the story. As each student contributes a sentence, he or
she puts in a token. (The chips ensure that each student speaks and that all have an equal
opportunity to participate.)
6. Answer the Questions
The questions in the section either use an idiom from the unit or elicit an idiom in the answer.
As an alternative to the traditional Whole-Class-Question-Answer here, you might want to try
using Numbered Heads Togethe" a Cooperative Learning structure. The steps to Numbered
Heads Together are as follows:
a. Students get into teams of four and number off from 1 to 4.
b. The teacher asks a question.
c. Students on each team literally put their heads together and reach a consensus on the
answer and the phrasing of the answer.
d. The teacher calls a number at random. Students with that number raise their hands (or
stand up) and report on their team's answer. You will probably want to get each team's
answer, as there will be variations to discuss and comment on.
The advantages of this questioning technique over the traditional Whole-Class-Question­
Answer are the following: All students are involved since no one knows who will be called on;
vii
stronger students help weaker ones; students have "think time" and "rehearsal time" in small
groups before they have to respond in front of the wholle class; and a wrong response is not so
embarrassing because it comes from a team rather than an individual.
The "About you" questions can be answered orally, either in a whole-class setting or in small
groups. These questions are also good springboards for mini-paragraph writing. Allow students
to choose their favorite one to respond to, and to share their writing with partners.
7. Write About Yourself
These sentence completions may be somewhat personal, so students may prefer to share them
in small groups rather than with the whole class. You might ask volunteers, though, to put
their sentences on the board after groups have shared. Be sure that the volunteers understand
that correction may be involved!
8. Take a Dictation
Play the cassette or use Appendix B to read students the dictation. Arecommended procedure
for the dictation is as follows:
a. Read the dictation once at normal speed. Students should not write at this stage.
b. Read the dictation again, this time pausing long enough after each breath group for
students to write. (Be sure, in advance, that students know the words comma and
period.)
c. Read the dictation a third time, at near-normal speed, allowing students to check their
writing.
Students can correct their own work or the work of a partner using Appendix B. Students
might also like to try peer dictations, where one student dictates to another.
9. Complete the Dialogue/Story
After students work individually, in pairs, or groups to fill in the blanks with the appropriate
xpressions from the box, they can check their answers in Appendix A.
Seven of the fifteen units have a dialogue exercise. In this case students can practice the
dialogue in pairs, perhaps preparing for an expressive readin1?: for the whole class.
The other eight units have a story exercise. After filling in the blanks, students can either
practice reading the story to each other in pairs or paraphrase it to each other, being sure to
use the idioms in the box in the retelling.
viii
Acknowledgments
Many people contributed to Can You Believe It? Book 1, and I'm grateful to them all. Susan
Lanzano at Oxford niversity Press was the guiding light from start to finish. Lynne Barsky was
a generous and patient editor whose care and expertise made this a much better book. Special
thanks to Ju tin Hartung and Robyn Clemente, production editors, who toiled with good
humor under tight deadlines. Good friend and colleague Ken Sheppard was crucial in getting
the project off the ground, contributing key ideas during an autumnal stroll down Fifth
Avenue. Linda Huizenga's help with writing made the project fun, and husband Kim Crowley's
constant search for stories yielded some of the best ones. Thanks also to Joel and Dolly for
feeding me stories from their local papers. My reviewers were a gold mine of wonderful
suggestions and comments:
Lubie Alatriste, New York, NY
Christel Antonellis, Boston, MA
Vicki Blaho, Los Angeles, CA
Susan Burke, Atlanta, GA
Gloria Horton, Pasadena, CA
Thy Lesley. Los Angeles, CA
Ellen Pentkowski, Chicago, IL
Barbara Jane Pers, Brooklyn, NY
Barbara Smith-Palinkas, Tampa, FL
Stephanie Snider, Suffolk County, NY
Candice Ramirez, Moreno Valley, CA
Christine Tierney. Houston, TX
Barbara Webster. Phoenix, AZ
ix
Please G t
Rid of hat
Smell!
1. Quick Reading
Look at the pictures on page 3.
What is the story about?
Now read quickly to get the main idea.
BALTIMORE, MO, USA 1lt's winter. Barbara
Pridgen, 43, is driving her car. 2When she turns
on the heater, there's a terrible smell in her car.
31t gets worse and worse. She can't stand it!
4She takes the car to the repair shop. "What's
the m tter with my car?" she asks. lIean you
get rid of this smell?" 5The mechanic takes a
look at the engine. He examines the heating
system. 6Then Barbara screams. She loses it. The
mechanic pulls out a big, fat, dead python!
get rid of something* remove something
turn something on* start a machine or the flow of electricity,
water, etc.
get worse and worse become very bad
can't stand something dislike something very much
What's the matter (with something or someone)'? . What's wrong (with something or someone)?
take a look (at something) look quickly (at something)
lose it become too excited; lose one's self-control
Words in parentheses ( ) can occur with the idiom, but don't have to. phrasal verb (see Lexicon, pp. 91-113 and Appendix D, p .87-90)
2 Can You Believe It? Book 1
~ 2. Listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
Note: As the tape or teacher says a number, look at the corresponding picture.
3. Read the story
Now read the story carefully. Pay special attention to the idioms so that
you're ready for Exercise 4.
4. Complete the Idiom
Cover page 2. Look at each definition below and then complete the idiom.
a. look at quickly = take a look A...i.­
b. start a machine =turn
c. dislike very much =can't
d. What's wrong? =What's the
-----_?
e. become very bad = get worse and
f. become very excited = lose
5. Tell the Story
I}
Cover the story and look at the pictures above. Tell the story using as many
idioms as you can.
a. First, '>\lork with the whole class to retell the story.
b. Then tell the story to a partner or small group.
kJ
Unit 1 Can You Believe It? 3
6. Answer the Questions
About the story .
a. Why does Barbara turn on her heater?
b. What happens when she turns it on?
c. Does Barbara like the smell?
d. What does she want the mechanic to do?
e. What does the mechanic take a look at?
f. Why does Barbara lose it?
g. Why do you think the snake was in the heater?
About you .
h. What makes you lose it?
i. What things do you turn on in your house every day?
j. What are some smells or foods that you can't stand?
k. Think about the problems in your community, native country, or in the world.
Which ones are getting worse and worse? What can you do about them?
7. write About Yourself
Complete the sentences, writing something true about yourself.
a. I want to get rid of my _
b. I can't stand _
c. I often turn on because
~ 8. Take a Dictation
When Barbara her heater, there's
a terrible smell. It . She
_____________ itl She goes to the repair shop.
u with my car?" she asks.
uPlease that smell!" When the
mechanic the heating system, he
pulls out a big, dead python. Barbara _
4 Can You Believe It? Book 1
9. Complete the Dialogue • take a look at
• get rid of
a. Amother and her teenage daughter are talking
• can't stand
about TV. Fill in the blanks with idioms from
• turn on
• are getting worse
and worse
the box.
Carmen, why did you
(1) _
that TV again? You've watched
enough for today.
But mom! This is a good show!
No, it's not.
I (2) it.
Just sit down* a minute.
(3) _
this, mom. It's funny!
These programs
(4) _
TUrn it off** now. It's time to
do your homework.
Just ten more minutesl
We should just (5) _
this stupid TV set!
• sit down: sit; have a seat
•• tum (something) off: stop a machine or the flow of electricity, water, etc.
b. Work with a partner. Role-play the dialogue together.
Unit 1 Can You Believe It? 5
Hedin
the F
1. Quick Reading
Look at the pictures on page 7.
What is the story about?
Now read quickly to get the main idea.
VANCOUVER, CANADA 1A woman is taking a ferry
from Vancouver to Victoria. 2She leaves her car to
go to the deck. She sits wn. Beside her, in a
chair, are her newspaper and candy bar. 3A man in
the next chair picks up the candy bar and eats it.
Then he takes the paper and walks off. The
woman is too shocked to speak. 4Later, she goes to
the cafeteria. She sees the man at a table, eating a
sandwich. SSti11 angry, she grabs his sandwich and
takes a bite, without saying a word. 6She goes
back to her car. On the seat are her newspaper
and candy bar. She never t ok them out of the
car! She is really red i the face.
be red in the face be embarrassed
take a ferry (a bus, a train, a plane) go by ferry (bus, train, plane)
sit down* sit; be seated
pick something up* take or lift something off the floor (or a chair, etc.)
walk off* walk away; walk in the other direction
go back (to a place)* return (to a place)
take something out (of a place)* remove something (from a place)
*phrasaJ verb (see Lexicon and Appendix Dj
6 Can You Believe It? Book 1
§ 2. Listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
3. Read the story
Now read the story carefully. Pay special attention to the idioms so that
you're ready for Exercise 4.
4. Match
Cover page 6. Match the definition in column Ato the idiom in column B.
2 a. walk in the other direction 1. go back
b. be embarrassed 2. be red in the face
c. return someplace -3. walk off
d. remove 4. pick up
e. take from the floor 5. take out
5. Tell the story
Cover the story and look at the pictures above. Tell the story using as many
idioms as you can.
a. First, work with the whole class to retell the story.
b. Then tell the story to a partner or small group.
Ie] Unit 2 Can You Believe It? 7
6. Answer the Questions
About the story .
a. How is the woman getting to Victoria?
b. Where does she sit down?
c. What is beside her?
d. What does the man in the next chair do with the candy bar?
e. What does he do then?
f. Why does the woman take a bite of the man's sandwich?
g. What happens when she goes back to her car?
h. Why is she red in the face?
About you .
i. Do you often take a bus, a train, a taxi, or a ferry?
j. tell about a time when you were red in the face.
k. Do you sit down or stand up most of the day?
I. What time do you usually go back to your house or apartment?
7. Write About Yourself
Complete the sentences, writing something true about yourself.
a. I sometimes take a bus/trainJplane/ferry to _
b. My favorite place to sit down is _
c. I want to go back to because
~ 8. Take a Dictation
Awoman . She _
on the deck. Next to her in a chair are her newspaper and candy bar. Aman in the
next chair the candy bar and eats it. Then he
takes the paper and . Later, the woman goes to
the cafeteria and sees the man eating a sandwich. She grabs it and takes a bit.e.
Then she her car. On the seat are her newspaper and
candy bar. She never them _
the car! She _
8 Can You Believe It? Book]
• is red in the face 9. complete the story
• takes out
a, Read the true story F'll·· .
• sits d n
idioms from the b o ~ . 1 In the blanks with
• 9 ack to
• picks up
air tylist·
Red in the f ce
Hong ~ g, CHI A A Hong
Kong hair salon is having a
spedal promotion. Come in for 0 free hoircut, the sign
says. So a Hong Kong man. g Koon-man. enters the
salon and (I) -' The stylist
(2)_ his comb from his
pocket. Then he (3) his
scissors and begins to cut the man's hair.
The stylist is in a urry* and cuts very qUickly.
Suddenly. Koon-man feels a terrible pain.The stylist has
cut off** part of his right ead Koon-m
an
has to go to
the hospital.
Later. Koon-m
an
takes the hair stylist to court. He
accuses him of working at a dangeroUS speed. The
stylist. of course, (4) . And
Koon-man is still angry. "I'll never
(5) - that salon!" he says.
* be in a hurry: want to move quickly
** cut something off: separate something with scissors or a knife
b. Read or tell the story to a partner,
Unit 2 Can You Believe It? 9
1. Quick Reading
Look at the pictures on page II.
What is the story about?
Now read quickly to get the main idea.
CHANDIGARH, INDIA 'A four-year-old boy is at
o e watching TV. 2He goes to the kitchen and
tells his mother, "There's a tiger in the bedroom."
She laughs, thinking he is talking about a TV
program. 3Later, she looks into the bedroom. She
is horrified by what she sees. There's a leopard
watching TV on the bed! 4She grabs her son and
runs way. sThe leopard soon turns over and
falls asleep. 6When forest department officials
arrive, the leopard is still taking nap_ They
take him to a zoo.
make oneself at home make yourself comfortable in someone else's home
at home· in your house or apartment
be horrified by something feel shock and horror at something
run away* leave quickly; escape
turn over* turn to the other side
fall asleep' begin to sleep
take a nap' sleep for a short time during the day
*phrasal verb (see Lexicon and Appendix D)
10 Can You Believe It? Bookl
~ 2. Listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
3. Read the story
Now read the story carefully. Pay special attention to the idioms so that
you're ready for Exercise 4.
4. complete the Idiom
Cover page 10. Look at each definition below and then complete the idiom.
a. leave quickly; escape = run
b. begin to sleep = fall
c. turn to the other side = turn
d. sleep for a short time during the day = take a
e. in your house =at
5. Tell the story
Cover the story alld look at the pictures above. Tell the story using as many
idioms as you can.
a. First, work with the whole class to retell the story.
b. Then tell the story to a partner or small group.
ok 1
Unit 3 Can You Believe It? 11
6. Answer the Questions
About the story
a. Where is the little boy watching TV?
b. What does he tell his mother? Does she believe him?
.
c. Later, what is she horrified by?
d. What does she do?
e. What does the leopard do after watching TV?
f. What is he doing when officials arrive?
g. In your opinion, how did the leopard get in the house?
About you
h. Who make themselves at home at your house?
i. What do you like to do at home?
j. Do you like to take a nap?
k. When do you usually fall asleep at night?
l. Do you ever have trouble falling asleep?
.
7. Write About Yourself
Complete the sentences, writing something true about yourself.
a. Sometimes I dream about running away to
b. I'm horrified by
c. At home I always
_
_
_
l§ 8. Take a Dictation
A boy is watching TV. He
goes to the kitchen and tells his mother, "There's a tiger in the
bedroom." She laughs. Later, she looks into his bedroom. She
_____________ what she sees. There's a leopard
watching TV on the bed! She _
with her son. The leopard and
_____________. When forest department officials
arrive, the leopard is still . They
take him to a zoo.
12 Can You Believe It? Book 1
• is horrified by
9. Complete the story
• runs away
a. Read the true sto F' . .
'd' ry. III In the blanks 'th • taking a nap
I IOms from the box. WI • turns over
• as fallen asleep
PITTSBURGH, ' PA,
USA A woman
leaves her house
e Himse' at Home
one Saturday
evening for a few hours, When she goes back
home, she finds her front door open. Then she
sees a broken window, In the house, her jewelry
boxes are on the floor. She
(1 ) - the boxes and
sees they are empty,
She (2) _ what she
sees next. There's a man on the floor. The thief
The woman
(3) __------­
quietly goes to another room and calls the police.
"Please hurry," she says, "before he wakes up*
and (4) __-------­
The police arrive right away.** The thief is still
(5) . The police arrest
the man, Walter Morgano, age 35 .
• wake up: stop sleeping (the opposite of fall asleep)
.. right away: immediately
b. Read or tell the story to a partner.
Can You Believe It? 13
Unit 3
ear
s 0 e Wal
Fast As e p
1. Quick Reading
Look at the pictures on page 15.
What is the story about?
Now read quickly to get the main idea.
LEEDS, ENGLAND 1Michael Turner, 48, is in the
hospital. He is getting over a heart attack. There
are heart monitors and alarms next to his bed.
20ne night while Turner is sleeping, he unhooks
the machines. He turns off the alarms. Then he
gets out of bed. 3He gets on the elevator and
goes to the street. It's raining. 4Still fast asleep,
he walks five miles to his house. 5His wife opens
the door. "Hello, love. 1 was jogging," he tells her.
6Turner says he doesn't remember anything about
his walk. "1 don't know how I got home." Turner
is now back in the hospital and getting etter.
be fast asleep be sleeping deeply
get over something* recover from an illness
turn something off* stop a machine or the flow of water, electricity, etc.
get out (of something)* leave (a bed, a car, a bath, work, class, school)
get on (something)* enter (an elevator, a plane, a train, a bus, or a ship)
be back be again in a place you were before
get better improve; become healthier
*phrasal verb (see Lexicon and Appendix 0)
14 Can You Believe It? Book 1
§ 2. Listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
3. Read the story
Now read the story carefully. Pay special attention to the iJioms so that
you're ready for Exercise 4.
4. complete the Idiom
Cover page 14. Look at each definition below and then complete the idiom.
a. become healthier
=get _
b. be sleeping deeply = be fast
c. stop a machine = turn
d. enter an elevator, bus, etc. = get __
e. be again in a place you were before = be
s. Tell the story
Cover the story and look at the pictures above. Tell the story using as many
idioms as you can.
a. First, work with the whole class to retell the story.
b. Then tell the story to a partner or small group.
Book I Unit 4 Can You Believe It? 15
-------------
6. Answer the Questions
About the story .
a. Why is Turner in the hospital?
b. What does he do after he turns off the alarms next to his bed?
c. What does he get on?
d. Where does he walk? Is he awake?
e. What does he tell his wife?
f. Where is Turner now? How does he feel?
About you .
g. Do you walk in your sleep?
h. Tell about a time when you were in the hospital.
i. What do you do when you want to get over a cold?
j. What do you turn off before you leave home?
k. Do you often get on a bus, train, or plane?
7. Write About Yourself
Complete the sentences, writing something true about yourself.
a. I usually get out of bed at _
b. I get out of class at _
c. I often forget to turn off _
d. When r get a cold, r take/eat to get over it.
e. I'm usually fast asleep by o'clock.
~ 8. Take a Dictation
Michael Turner is in the hospital a
heart attack. One night while he is , he
unhooks the machines next to his bed. He
the alarms. Then he bed and
_____________ the elevator. He walks five miles to his
house. Turner doesn't remember anything about his walk. He
___________ in the hospital and _
16 Can You Believe It? Book 1
9. complete the Dialogue
a. Cindy is talking with her boss, Ms. Ramirez,
about leaving work early. Fill in the blanks with
idioms from the box.
Ms. Ramirez, can I
(1) work early
today? I'd like to go home and go to bed.
• get better
• get out of
• turn off
• get on
• get over
Yes sure, Cindy. What's the matter?
I can't (2) _
this cold. I have a headache.*
Oh, I'm sorry. This horrible weather isn't
going to help you (3) _
It's snowing. Do you have a hat?
Yes, luckily.
Good. I hope you don't have to wait long
to (4) the bus.
Will you (5) _
the computers before you leave?
Sure. So long. **
• have a headache: feel pain in one's head
•• so long: goodbye
recycled idiom: What's the matter?
b. Work with a partner. Role-play the dialogue together.
Book 1 Unit 4 Can You Believe It? 17
1. Quick Reading
Look at the pictures on page 19.
What is the story about?
Now read quickly to get the main idea.
KIEV, UKRAINE 1A Ukrainian businessman wants to buy
New Year's gifts for his 50 employees. 2He goes
shopping and decides to get a pager for each employee.
3The salesman explains how they work. "Look," he says,
"when someone calls, your pager rings. You see the
caller's phone number and a short message on the
screen." 4The businessman pays for the 50 pagers, puts
them in his car, and heads for the office. sOn he way,
he suddenly hears a very loud noise. All 50 pagers start
ringing at the same time! The businessman freaks 0 t
and crashes into a lamp post. 6When he calms down,
he sees the message on the 50 pagers. It says,
"Congratulat"ons on a successful purchase!"
freak out* lose one's self control
go shopping shop
pay for something* give money for something
head for a place* go in the direction of a place
on the way (to a place) along the route (to a place)
calm down* become calm and quiet
congratulations on something I commend/salute you for something important.
*phrasal verb (see Lexicon and Appendix D)
18 Can You Believe It? Book 1
~ 2. Listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
When someoV\e.calls,
Your- pager ringS.
3. Read the story
Now read the story carefully. Pay special attention to the idioms so that
you're ready for Exercise 4.
4. Complete the Idiom
Cover page 18. Look at each definition below and then complete the idiom.
a. go in the direction of = head
b. give money for =pay _
c. become quiet = calm
d. lose one's self control = freak
e. along the route to a place = on the
_
f. shop
=go
5. Tell the Story
Cover the story and look at the pictures above. Tell the story using as many
idioms as you can.
a. First, work with the whole class to reteH the story.
b. Then tell the story to a partner or small group.
Book 1 Unit .5 Can You Believe It? 19
6. Answer the Questions
About the story
a. Why does the businessman go shopping?
b. What does the businessman do after he pays for the pagers?
c. What happens on the way to the office?
d. How does the businessman react?
.
e. What is the message on the pagers?
f. Do you think the man likes the message?
About you
g. Do you have a pager or a cellular phone? Why? How much did you pay for it?
h. Do you like to go shopping? Where?
i. Do you usually head for home after class? If not, where do you go?
j. When do you congratulate people? What do you say?
.
7. write About Yourself
Complete the sentences, writing something true about yourself.
a. When I am nervous or worried, _
helps me calm down.
b. I always freak out when
c. I like to go shopping at
I usually pay $ for
_
_
_
§ 8. Take a Dictation
A Ukrainian businessman for gifts for his 50
employees. He decides to get 50 pagers. He _
them, puts them in his car, and the office.
_____________, there's a very loud noise. All 50 pagers
start ringing at the same time! The businessman _
and crashes his car. When he , he sees the
message on the pagers. It says, " a
successful purchase!"
20 Can You Believe It? Book 1
9. complete the Story
a. Read the tru. t '
with'd' e s ory and fIll in the blanks
1 \Oms from the box.
Toyota
T
BI
One day Betty Vaughn. a ~ ; ; ; ; ? ,
KENTUCKY, USA
schoolteacher, (1) - at
• calms down
• heads for
• pay for
• freaks out
• goes shopping
• on the way
a mall near her house. She lea es her blue Toyota in the big parking lot for a few
hours. hen she goes back to the car, she (2)_---------­
There's a deep ne," scratch on the car door.
Betty (3)_ - home. (4)_--------­
she drive slowly, thinking about her husband. What is she going to tell him? He'll
be licked off.' He won t want to (51- - the repair to
the car.
When her husband takes a look at the car. he notices right away that it isn't their car.
Betty drove home in someone else's blue Toyota! (Even the keys were the same!)
After Betty (61 ' she calls lhe po!iee to report the
problem.
.. be ticked off: be angry
recycled idioms: go back. take a look at
b. Read or tell the story t o a . partner.
1 Unit 5 Can You Believe It? 21
Revievv 1 :2 3 4 5
A. Idioms in pictures: What idioms do thes,e pictures show? Match the idiom to the picture.
a. turn over _c_ l.
b. freak out
ilo,,,
[
c. get rid of
d. take a nap
e. make oneself at home
8. Odd one out: Cross out the word or phrase that doesn't go with the verh.
2.
3.
5.
-_.
- -­
1. G O ~ - +
4. TAKE
a look at
out
a bus
at home
2. TURN
fast asleep
5.
lose it
3. BE
horrified by
red in the face
22 Can You Believe It? Book 1
rid of
the matter
worse and worse
G E T ~ - +
C. At, on, or UP? Complete each expression with the correct word.
1. Please turn 011 the light.
2. Sit down and make yourself home.
3. Get the train now!
4. Children, please pick your toys!
5. Take a look this funny photo.
6. I'll eat the way.
7. Congratulations your new baby!
8. I'll be home tonight if you want to call me.
D. Two-line dialogues: Read each sentence in Aand find an appropriate response in B.
Write the letter on the line.
~ 1. I'm freaking out. 1can't find my wallet. a. Can you stop at the bank on the way?
__ 2. I want to take a nap. b. No, let's take the train.
__ 3. Are you getting over your cold? c. No, it's getting worse and worse.
_ 4. Shall we get on the bus? d. Calm down. It's right here.
__ 5. I'm going shopping. e. Sorry. I'll pick them up.
__ 6. 1can't stand these dirty socks everywhere. f. OK. I'll turn off the stereo.
Work with a partner. Role-play the two-line dialogues, adding appropriate body language
and intonation.
E. Similar or opposite? Look at each pair of idioms. Decide if they are similar or opposite in meaning.
1. turn on turn off similar G P p o ~
2. get better get over something similar opposite
3. freak out calm down similar opposite
4. take a bus get on a bus similar opposite
5. get better get worse and worse similar opposite
6. freak out lose it similar opposite
7. take a nap fall asleep similar opposite
Book 1 Review 1-5 Can You Believe It? 23
F. complete the sentences: Complete the sentences so they are true for you.
1. I can't stand to
2. Every morning I turn on
3. Yesterday, I paid $ for _
4. I think is getting worse and worse.
5. When I go to , I make myself at home.
G. Emotional or calm? Is the person calm and relaxed or excited and emotional?
Write the sentences in the correct box.
He's freaking out. He's losing it.
He's falling asleep. He's taking a nap.
He's running away! He's horrified by it.
He's calming down. He's fast asleep.
He's red in the face. He's making himself at home.
H. Expressions with get: Complete each sentence with the correct expression.
get rid of get worse and worse
get over get on
get better get out of
1. I hope I ---=t@=et-=---=()I/,-=--e=Y' thiscoldsoon!
2. The problem will if we do nothing.
3. I always the bus at Main Street.
4. Please this garbage.
5. Lupe doesn't want to bed.
6. Chin does not speak English well, but he will _
24 Can You Believe It? Baoli
I. Find someone who... Fill in the chart with names of classmates. Try to write a
different name in each blank. Stand up and walk around the room. Ask questions such as:
Do you sit down most ofthe day?
Do you get on a bus every day?
se.
ne.
Find omeone wh
• ••
1. ... sits down most of the day.
2....gets on a bus every day.
3. . .. often takes a nap in the afternoon.
4.... has a cat or dog at home.
5. ... is horrified by snakes.
6....falls asleep before 10:00 p.m.
7.... turns on the TV every night.
8. .. .loves to go shopping.
9.... takes a bus or train to school.
10....can't stand cold weather.
(Question: Do you like cold weather?)
11. ... is getting over a cold or the flu.
12....usually gets out of bed very early.
Book 1 Review 1-5 Can You Believe It? 25
1. QUick Reading
Look at the pictures on page 27.
What is the story about?
Now read quickly to get the main idea.
NOITINGHAM, ENGLAND 10ne evening Kerry Kelliby
drops by a local bar and plays a game of darts. 2He wins
the game and gets a small toy stethoscope as a joke prize.
3After a while, Kerry starts playing with the toy. He
listens to his heart. He is frightene by what he hears­
lots of beats and then silence. 4He goes to the doctor
right away. "Something's wrong with my heart," he says.
sThe doctor finds that Kerry really has a serious problem­
a hole in his heart. 6Surgeons operate ·ust i time and
now Kerry is fine. A toy saved his life!
drop by (a place)* visit (a place) for a short time
after a while later; at some time in the future
listen to someone or something* use your ears carefully to hear someone or something
be frightened by someone or something be afraid of someone or something
lots of many
right away '" immediately
just in time just before the last minute; just soon enough
*phrasal verb (see Lexicon and Appendix D)
26 Can You Believe It? Book
ng
~ 2. Listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
3. Read the story
Now read the story carefully. Pay special attention to the idioms so that
you're ready for Exercise 4.
4. Match
Cover page 26. Draw a line from the first word of each idiom to the second.
Then match the definitions with the idioms.
a. drop ~ away
1. later
b. after by _ 2. immediately
c. listen a while 4- 3. many
d. right to _ 4. just before the last minute
e. just of a 5. visit for a short time
f. lots in time 6. use your ears to hear something
s. Tell the story
Cover the story and look at the pictures above. Tell the story using as many
idioms as you can.
a. First, work with the v\lhole class to retell the story.
b. Then tell the story to a partner or small group.
~ o o k 1 Unit 6 Can You Believe It? 27
6. Answer the Questions
About the story .
a. What does Kerry get as a prize?
b. What does he do with the toy?
c. How does he feel about what he hears?
d. Where does he go right away?
e. What does he tell the doctor?
f. What is wrong with Kerry's heart? What do the surgeons do?
g. How is Kerry now?
About you .
h. Where do you like to drop by after work or school?
i. What kind of music do you listen to?
j. What are you frightened by?
k. Do you usually get to class early, just in time, or late?
7. write About Yourself
Complete the sentences, writing something true about yourself.
a. I have to right away.
b. When I was a child, I was frightened by _
Now I'm frightened by _
c. I plan to after a while.
d. I have lots of _
§ 8. Take a Dictation
One evening Kerry Kelliby _
a local bar. He wins a game of darts and gets a toy stethoscope as a
joke prize. 1 Kerry uses the
toy to his heart. He is
_____________ what he hears­
_____________ beats and then silence. He
goes to the doctor . The
doctor finds that Kerry has a hole in his heart. Surgeons operate
28 Can You Believe It? Book 1
9. Complete the Dialogue
a. Giorgio and his friend are talking about
homework. Fill in the blanks with idioms
from the box.
Hey Giorgio. Why don't you
(1) tonight?
• right away
• after a while
• drop by
• listen to
• frightened by
• lots of
I don't know, man. I have
(2) _
homework.
Aw, come on. * We can
(3) _
some of my new CDs.
I have a math test tomorrow. I should
hit the books** (4) _
You know how horrible Ms. Klein's tests are.
You're (5) _
her easy tests? You must be joking.
ot everyone can be
a genius like you.
I'll call you (6) _
to see how it's going.
• come on: please do it! (informal)
•• hit the books: study
b. Work with a partner. Rote-play the dialogue together.
~ o o k 1
Unit 6 Can You Believe It? 29
1. Quick Reading
Look at the pictures on page 31.
What is the story about?
Now read quickly to get the main idea.
SANTA FE, NM, USA 1Norma Vise, 60, is into hats.
She has a big collection of unusual hats and puts
on a different one each day. 20ne hat looks like
a carrot. Another looks like a big piece of cheese.
Another looks like a pig. 3Adults as well as
children laugh at her hats. 4"1 need a hat because
I'm very sensitive to light," says Vise. But she wears
crazy hats, she says, "because it's fun. Life can be
sad. I want to cheer people up." SVise, a college
Spanish teacher, also wears traditional hats from
Mexico. She is called the "Hat Lady" around
campus. 6What is the most popular hat? "People
are crazy about my hamburger hat," says Vise.
cheer someone up* •......................... make a sad person happier
be into something ...............•........... be very interested in something
put something on* •....................•.... wear c1oth'es
look like someone or something' ........•.... be similar in appearance to someone or something
as well as .•.....•.........•................. in addition to; and also
laugh at someone or something* show joy at someone or something
be crazy about someone or something like someone or something very much
*phrasaJ verb (see Lexicon and Appendix 0)
30 Can You Believe It? Book 1
~ 2. listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
hing
3. Read the Story
ow read the story carefully. Pay special attention to the idioms so that
you're ready for Exercise 4.
4. complete the Idiom
Cover page 30. Look at each definition below and then complete the idiom.
a. wear clothes = put __
b. like very much
= be crazy _
c. and also = as well
d. be similar in appearance to = look
e. be interested in = be
5. Tell the story
Cover the story and rook at the pictures above. Tell the story using as many
idioms as you can.
a. First, work with the whole class to retell the story.
b. Then tell the story to a partner or small group.
Unit 7 Can You Believe It? 31
------------------------
---------- ----------
6. Answer the Questions
About the story .
a. What is Norma Vise into?
b. What does she put on everyday?
c. What do some of the hats look like?
d. \\Tho laughs at her hats?
e. Why does Vise wear unusual hats?
f. Which hat are people crazy about?
g. What do you think of Norma Vise?
About you .
h. What are you into?
i. Name three foods you are crazy about.
j. Who (or what) cheers you up when you're sad?
k. Who do you look like?
7. write About Yourself
Complete the sentences, writing something true about yourself.
a. When I was younger, I was into _
Now I'm into
b. I like to put on _
c. I'm crazy about _
d. I laugh at _
[§ 8. Take a Dictation
Norma Vise hats. She
_____________ a different unusual hat each
day. One hat a carrot. Another
_____________ a pig. Vise wears crazy hats
because "it's fun. I want to people
." Adults
children her hats. What is her
most popular one? "People my
hamburger hat," says Vise.
32 Can You Believe It? Book 1

- people
• laughing at
.Isinto
9. complete the Story
a. Read the true story. Fill in
• cheer... up
with'd' the blanks
• as well as I lOms from the box.
• are crazy about
ants to
Bubble La y
Ch er Pe
SANTA CRUZ, CA, USA Karen Turcotte, 35, (1)--------bubbles.
Eight hours a week: she blows soap bubbles at bus stopS and at busy intersections.
Drivers honk and wa e at her. People (21 Turcotte's bubbles,
adults (31 hildreo. The Bubble Lady, as she is called, says
,hat life is full of tragedy. "This is a way to (4)
But police (5) her
bubbles. They've given Tur oUe a traffi
ticket. ''The bubbles could cause an accident,"
say police officer Brad oodwin.
• a week: each we k
b. Read or tell the story to a partner.
Unit 7 an You Believe It? 33
n
1. Quick Reading
Look at the pictures on page 35.
What is the story about?
Now read quickly to get the main idea.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, USA 1An elderly
couple is taki g a acation in Yellowstone Park.
They stop their car to tak a p. ture of some bears.
They leave their car doors open. 2A young bear gets
in. He is lookin for food. he man and woman
do their best to get rid of the bear, but he refuses
to move. 450 they drive 17 miles to a park ranger
station with the bear in the back seat. sWhen the
man gets out to report the problem, the bear gets
the front seat. 6The rangers can not believe
their yes! They find a woman in the passenger
seat and a bear behind the wheel.
on vacation away from work or school; on holiday
take a vacation have time away from work or school
take a picture (of someone or something) use a camera to get a photograph (of someone or
something)
get in (something) * enter (a car, bed, bathtub, shower, or small boat)
look for someone or something* try to find someone or something
do one's best perform as well as you can
not believe one's eyes be very surprised to see something
recycled idioms: get rid of, get out *phrasal verb (see Lexicon and Appendix DJ
34 Can You Believe It? Book 1
~ 2. Listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
3. Read the Story
Now read the story carefully. Pay special attention to the idioms so that
you're ready for Exercise 4.
4. Match
Cover page 34. Match the definition in column Ato the idiom in column B.
~ [!]
a. try to find 1. get in
b. enter (a car, bed, etc.) 2. on vacation
c. be very surprised 3. do your best
d. away from work or school 4. look for
e. perform as well as you can 5. not believe your eyes
:or
5. Tell the Story
Cover the story and look at the pictures above. Teli the story using as many
idioms as you can.
a. First, work with the whole class to retell the story.
b. Then tell the story to a partner or small group.
Book 1 Unit 8
Can You Believe It? 35
6. Answer the Questions
About the story .
a. Where is the couple taking a vacation?
b. Why do they stop their car?
c. Why does a bear get in?
d, Does he get out?
e, What does the couple decide to do?
f. Why can't the rangers believe their eyes?
About you .
g. What do you know about Yellowstone Park? Would you like to take a vacation
there? Why or why not?
h. Tell about a great vacation you took.
i. Do you like to take pictures? If so, of what?
j. Do you always do your best?
7. Write About Yourself
Complete the sentences, writing something true about yourself.
a. I would like to take a vacation to _
because _
b. When I go on vacation, I always look for _
c. I always do my best when I am _
~ 8. Take a Dictation
An elderly couple in Yellowstone
Park. They stop their car to some
bears. Ayoung bear , He's
_____________ food. The man and woman
_____________ to get rid of the bear, but he
refuses to move. So they drive 17 miles to a ranger station with the
bear in the back seat. When the man gets out to report the problem,
the bear the front seat. The
rangers can , They find a woman
in the passenger seat and a bear behind the wheel.
36 Can You Believe It? Book 1
9. Complete the Dialogue • get in
• won't believe your eyes
a. Marcella and Hyunwoo are neighbors. Marcella
• taking a vacation
sees Hyunwoo putting suitcases in the car. Fill
• on vacation
• take pictures
in the blanks with idioms from the box.
Hi, Hyunwoo. What's up?*
Where are you going?
(1) _
You are?
Didn't I tell you? To the Grand Canyon.
You're (2) to the
Grand Canyon? How wonderful! Can I come?
Sure.
(3) _
Great idea-ha hal I wish I could. I was there a few
years ago and loved it. Do you have your camera?
You'll want to (4) _
Yes, and I have tons of** film.
It's so beautiful. You
(5) _
• What's up?: What's happening?; How are you? (informal)
•• tons of: a lot of
b. Work with a partner. Role-play the dialogue together.
Unit 8 Can You Believe It? 37
o o k 1
Man
on fo
Life
1. Quick Reading
Look at the pictures on page 39.
What is the story about?
Now read quickly to get the main idea.
CHICAGO, IL, USA 'One day Charles Gardner, 35, sees two
teenage boys breaking into his car. 2As they tak off,
Gardner jumps on the car and grabs the luggage rack. 3The
teenage driver speeds up. He hits a light pole. 4Then he
drives through two fences. Gardner hangs on or dear
life. sThe car gets on the highway. By this time, more than
two dozen police cars are following it. 6After 20 minutes,
the driver slows down. Police surround the car. The teens
are in big tr uble. As for Gardner, he has some cuts, but
he is okay. "It's a miracle that he wasn't killed," said police
officer Michael Kuemmeth.
hang on for dear life hold something very tightly
break into something* enter illegally by force
take off* ...................•........ leave (by car, on foot, by plane)
speed up* go faster
slow down* go more slowly
be in (big) trouble have big problems; be in a difficult situation
as for someone or something' regarding or concerning someone or something
recycled idiom: get on *phrasal verb (see Lexicon and Appendix D)
38 Can You Believe It? Book 1
~ 2. listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
3. Read the story
Now read the story carefully. Pay special attention to the idioms so that
you're ready for Exercise 4.
4. Match
Cover page 38. Match the definition in column Ato the idiom in column B.
[!].
a. enter illegally by force 1. take off
b. go faster 2. hang on for dear life
c. leave 3. be in big trouble
d. hold something very tightly 4. break into
e. be in a difficult situation 5. speed up
5. Tell the Story
Cover the story and look at the pictures above. Tell the story using as many
idioms as you can.
a. First, work with the whole class to retell the story.
b. Then tell the story to a partner or small group.
~ o o k 1
Unit 9 Can You Believe It? 39
6. Answer the Questions
About the story .
a. When Gardner first sees the boys, what are they doing?
b. What does he do when the car takes off?
c. When the teenage driver speeds up, what does Gardner do?
d. Why does the driver finally slow down?
e. Why are the teens in big trouble? What kind of punishment do you think they
should get?
About you .
f. When you were a teen, were you ever in big trouble?
g. Are you a good driver? When do you speed up? When do you slow down?
h. Has anyone ever broken into your car, apartment, or house?
i. °Is your life busy and fast? How do you slow down?
7. Write About Yourself
Complete the sentences, writing something true about yourself.
a. Recently I was in big trouble when _
b. When I'm on a plane and it is taking off, I _
[§ 8. Take a Dictation
One day Charles Gardner, 35, sees two boys _
his car. They , and Gardner jumps on the
car. The driver ' He hits a light pole. Then
he drives through two fences. Gardner _
The car gets on the highway. By this time, more than two dozen police cars are
following it. After 20 minutes, the driver _
and police surround the car. The teens _
_____________ Gardner, he is okay.
40 Can You Believe It? Book 1 r.
9. Complete the Dialogue
a. Blanca and Julia are going to school.
Blanca is giving Julia a ride on her bike.
Fill in the blanks with idioms from the box.
Blanca, you're going too fast!
• be in big trouble
• slow down
• as for
• speed up
• am hanging on for
dear life
We're late! We have to
(1) a little.
But not down this hill!
We'll (2) if
we're late for school again. Ms. Vine will. ..
... 1know, 1know, but please
(3) a little. 1don't
want to fall. And (4)--- --
Ms. Vine, she can just wait.
Don't sweat it!*
Everything's under control!**
1(5) _
,. Don't sweat it!: Don't worry about it. (informal)
** Everything's under control!: Everything is fine.
b. Work with a partner. Role-play the dialogue together.
~ o o k 1 Unit 9
Can You Believe It? 41
1. Quick Reading
Look at the pictures on page 43.
What is the story about?
Now read quickly to get the main idea.
LONDON, ENGLAND 1James Meadows, 28, doesn't
get along with his neighbors. He likes to play
loud music. 2But his neighbors are fed up with
it. 3Again and again they report the problem to
the police. They tell Meadows to turn down the
volume. 4But Meadows ignores the warnings and
continues to play loud music. 5Finally, the police
take away his $700 stereo. They smash it with a
hammer on a public street. "This is a warning to
everyone. Neighbors have rights," they say. 6But
Meadows is steaming. "The police should go
after criminals, not music lovers," he says.
be fed up (with someone or something) ......• be tired of; be at the end of your patience
(with someone or something)
get along (with someone)* ....•.•............ have a good relationship (with someone)
again and again ...•..................•...... many times; repeatedly
turn something down* •...................... make something less loud or less strong
take something away* ......•.......•.•....•. remove something
be steaming' .........•..................•... be angry
go after someone or something* ....•........ try to get or catch someone or something
*phrasal verb (see Lexicon and Appendix Dj
42 Can You Believe It?
~ 2. Listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
~ ~ f f i Stop t ~ Q t
musIc!
. The police
should
ao after
\J. • I I
crImIna s....
3. Read the Story
Now read the story carefully. Pay special attention to the idioms so that
you're ready for Exercise 4.
4. complete the Idiom
Cover page 42. Look at each definition below and then complete the idiom.
a. be angry = be
b. try to get or catch =go
c. have a good relationship with = get _ _ _ _ _ with
d. many times =again and _
e. be tired of = be up with
5. Tell the story
Cover the story and look at the pictures above. Tell the story using as many
idioms as you can.
a. First, work with the whole class to retell the story.
b. Then tell the story to a partner or small group.
look 1 Unit 10 Can You Believe It? 43
6. Answer the Questions
About the story .
a. How do Meadows' neighbors feel about his music?
b. What do they do about it?
c. What do the authorities tell Meadows?
d. Does he listen to them?
e. What do the police finally do with the stereo?
f. How does Meadows feel about it?
g. Do you think the police did the right thing?
About you .
h. Do you get along with your neighbors?
i. Do they do anything that you are fed up with?
j. Do yOLl like loud music? If so, do people ask you to turn it down?
k. Are you steaming about something now? If so, what?
7. Write About Yourself
Complete the sentences, writing something true about yourself.
a. I'm fed up with _
because _
b. I like to _
again and again.
c. I get along well with _
because _
[§ 8. Take a Dictation
James Meadows doesn't his neighbors. His
neighbors his loud music. They report the
problem to the police . The police tell
Meadows to the volume, but Meadows
ignores the warnings. Finally, the police _
his stereo. They smash it with a hammer on a public street. Meadows
_____________. "The police should
______________ criminals, not music lovers," he says.
44 Can You Believe It? Book 1
• is steaming 9. complete the Story
• again and again
a. Read the true story and fill in th
• going after
blanks .th'd' e
WI I tOms from the box. • ~ e t along with
• 15 fed up with
an rres ed for Piano Playing
ORONO, ME, USA Robert Noland
doesn't (1) his
neighbor. oland has a Master's degree
in piano, and he plays concerts all over
the u.s. and Europe. When he is at home,
he practices the piano a lot. Sometimes
he plays the same music
(2)_ But his
neighbor, Mary Lou Dall, (3)_--------- the noise.
One daY Noland is practicing the piano. It's very hot and his
windows are open. Two police officers appear at his door. They
tell Noland that Mary Lou Dall has called them about his loud
music. "You have to stop playing or shut the windoWs," they say.
Noland ignores the warning. He keeps on* playing the piano with
the windows open. The police return and arrest him. Noland is
waiting to go to court, and he (4) . "Why
are the police (5)_ me? I'm not drunk in
the middle of the street. I'm only playing the piano!" he says.
* ke P on doing something: continue doing something
recycled idiom: at home
b. Read or tell the story to a partner.
Unit 10 Can You Believe It? 45
Revievv 6 7 8 9 10
A. Idioms in pictures: What do these pictures show? Write the second word of the idiom.
5. hang __ 1. laugh a t
6. put __
L.. listen
~
3. speed __ 7. take
---- iii
8. slow 4. take
B. Word partners: Look at the common words and phrases that follow these idioms.
Can you add others?
1. put on a dress 3. laugh at ajoke
perfume a TV show
lotion a funny story
gloves a clown
sunglasses an idea
a hat
2. break into a bank 4. get in bed
a building line
a store the bathtub
an apartment a truck
a safe a taxi
Note: You get on a bus, train, plane, and ship.
46 Can You Believe It? Book 1
C. Good or bad? Is the speaker feeling good or bad? Write the sentences in the correct box.
I'm fed up with all of this. I'm crazy about this.
Please cheer me up! I'm steaming.
I'm really into this! I'm getting along with everyone.
I'm i big trouble now! I'm frightened by it.
D. Expressions with take: Complete each sentence with the correct expression.
take off take a picture of
take...away take a vacation
1. The dog has my shoes! them _
from him!
2. I'd like to , but my boss doesn't want me to.
3. Can you me, please?
4. Hurry! The plane is going to in ten minutes.
E. EXpressions with be: Complete each sentence with the correct expression.
Use the correct form of the verb be.
be into be fed up with
be frightened by be steaming
be crazy about be in big trouble
1. I don't want to play this game anymore. I it.
2. I . The dog just ate my shoes.
3. You're late again! The boss is steaming. You now.
4. Basketball is her favorite sport. She it.
5. Last year she was into tattoos. This year she body
piercings.
6. I spiders and snakes, aren't you?
Review 6-10 Can You Believe It? 47
f. Crossword puzzle: Complete the idioms and fill in the crossword puzzle.
Across
1. The plane will off at 11 o'clock.
2. I'm trying to sleep! Please turn the TV.
4. Why are you driving so slowly? Let's up.
5. Ivan doesn't get with his mother-in-law.
6. Please in the car.
7. She's studying Chinese as as Japanese.
10. You're just in ! The movie just started.
Down
1. Do you want to listen Mozart?
3. I'm leaving right away. As John,
he'll leave next week.
4. I'm . I just got a parking ticket.
8. What a surprise! I don't believe my _
9. We went to Costa Rica vacation.
11. I left messages with Katya again and _
but I never got an answer.
12. I did my on the test.
G. Complete the sentences: Complete the sentences so they are true for you.
1. This morning I put on.
2. Some of my friends are into _
but I'm not.
3. I want to take vacation _
______________________ (where? when?).
4. I often drop by _
in order to
5. I like to listen to _
again and again.
6. I would like to buy lots of _
48 Can You Believe It? Book 1
H. Idiom game: Play this game in pairs or groups of three. Each player should put a
different marker (a penny, a button, etc.) on START. Players will take turns,
beginning with the person whose birthday comes first in the year.
again
and
again
listen to
be crazy
about
Directions:
1. When it is your turn close your eyes. Use your pencil to
touch a number (in the box on the right). Move your
marker that. many spaces.
2. Try to make a personal, true sentence using the idiom.
3. If you can do it, stay on the space. [f you can't, go back
two spaces.
4. The first person to reach FINISH is the winner.
4­ J 2 1 2
2 4­ J 4­ J
1 2 2 J 1
be crazy
look like laugh at put on lots of
about
on
vacation
be
steaming
right
drop by be into look for get in
away
be
be fed get along after a take a
frightened
up w ~ t h with while vacation
by
take a
vacation
get along take
listen to cheer up get in
with pictures of
take off laugh at look like right away be into
Review 6-10 Can You Believe It? 49
1. Quick Reading
Look at the pictures on page 51.
What is the story about?
Now read quickly to get the main idea.
SUMATRA ISLAND, PAlEMBANG, INDONESIA 11t was
Sunday, visiting day, at the Merdeka prison. Families
were spe di e i h the prisoners. 2When
visiting hours ere over, security guards opened
the front gate for the visitors and let them out.
3Later on that day, 106 prisoners escaped. 4How?
It was a asy as pie. They walked out the front
gate! sThe guards had made a mistake and
forgotten to lock it. 6Prison officials are red in the
face. Police are looking for the escaped prisoners,
but s far, they have caught only three.
(as) easy as pie very simple, easy
spend time (with someone) use time (with someone)
be over be finished; end
let someone out* allow someone to leave
later on later; at some time in the future
make a mistake· do something incorrectly
so far until now; up to the present time
recycled idioms: be red in the face, look for *phrasal verb (see Lexicon and Appendix 0)
50 Can You Believe It?
Book 1
~ 2. listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
3. Read the Story
Now read the story carefully. Pay special attention to the idioms so that
you're ready for Exercise 4.
4. Match
Cover page 50. Draw a line from the first word of the idiom to the second.
Then match the definitions with the idioms.
a. later pie
b. make a out
c. as easy as over
d. be on
e. let mistake
5. Tell the story
_ 1. very simple
_ 2. allow to go out
3. end
4. at some time in the future
_ 5. do something incorrectly
Cover the story and look at the pictures above. Tell the'story using as many
idioms as you can.
a. First, work with the whole class to retell the story.
b. Then tell the story to a partner or small group.
Unit 11 Can You Believe It? 51
6. Answer the Questions
About the story .
a. Why were families spending time with prisoners?
b. What happened when visiting hours were over?
c. When did the prisoners escape?
d. Why was their escape as easy as pie?
e. How do prison officials feel now?
f. How many prisoners have they found so far?
About you .
g. Tell about a time when you made a big mistake.
h. What things are easy as pie for you?
I. How do you spend your free time? Who do you like to spend it with?
j. Do you have a pet? Do you let it out of the house alone?
k. What time is your English class over?
7. Write About Yourself
Complete the sentences, writing something true about yourself.
a. Yesterday, I spent time with _
b. When school or work is over, I usually _
c. Later on I plan to _
d. So far in this book, I have learned _
~ 8. Take a Dictation
It was Sunday at the Merdeka prison. Families were _
the prisoners. When visiting hours , security
guards opened the front gate and the
visitors. that day, more than 100 prisoners
escaped. How? It was . They walked out the
front gate! The guards had and forgotten to
lock it. Prison officials are red in the face. Police are looking for the escaped
prisoners, but they've caught only three _
52 Can You Believe It? Book 1
9. Complete the Story
• Was over
a. Read the t
rue story and fH .
• later on
with 'd" . I In the blanks
I Joms from the box.
• easy as pie
• made a mistake
• spend time
• Ie out
r ma at McDonald's
BODENGRAVEN, THE NETHERLANDS People in Bodengraven
love to (1) at their local
McDonald's restaurant. It's quick, and getting a meal there
is (2) _
But one day, the fast-food restaurant didn't open on time. Customers wanted their Big
Macs. They called the police, and the police became worried. "McDonald's always
opens on time!*" they thought. The police were afraid there was a hostage situation
inside the restaurant. Soon there were more than 30 police cars around the restaurant.
(3) , police called a special team to storm the building. It
was time to (4) the hostages. Just then, the manager of
the restaurant arrived. "I'm sorry. I thought I was working the late shift," he said. The
drama (5) . The police (6) _
and they are red in the face .
• on time: at the correct time
recycled idiom: be red in the face
b. Read or tell the story to a t
par nero
Unit 11
•
Can You Believe It? 53
Sma t Pig
Sav 5 t
Day
1. Quick Reading
Look at the pictures on page 55.
What is the story about?
Now read quickly to get the main idea.
PITTSBURGH, PA, USA
smart pet. She belongs to Jo Ann Altsman, 57.
20ne day when Jo Ann was alone at home, she had a
heart attack. She had trouble breathing and fell to the
floor. She was at deat 's
day. The pig ran into the fenced-in yard. Somehow she
pushed the gate open. 4Then she walked into the middle
1LuLu, a Vietnamese pig, is a very
oor. 3But LuLu saved the
of the road and lay down. sA surprised motorist
stopped and got out of his car. LuLu got up and led the
man into the house. He quickly called an ambulance.
6When the ambulance showed up, LuLu tried to get in
too. "She's very, very smart," the lucky owner said later.
save the day' produce excellent results when things are going badly
belong to someone* be the property of someone
have trouble doing something' find something difficult to do
be at death's door be near death
lie down* rest in a horizontal position
get up* ...........................•. rise from a sitting or lying position
show up* ....•...................... appear; arrive
recycled idioms: at home, get out, get in *phrasal verb (see Lexicon and Appendix 0)
54 Can You Believe It? Book 1
~ 2. Listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
3. Read the story
Now read the story carefully. Pay special attention to the idioms so that
you're ready for Exercise 4.
4. complete the Idiom
'Cover page 54. Look at each definition below and then complete the idiom.
a. be near death = be at death's
b. arrive, appear = show
c. be the property of =belong __
d. produce excellent results
when things are bad = save the
e. rest in a horizontal position = lie
5. Tell the story
Cover the story and look at the pictures above. Tell the story using as many
idioms as you can.
a. First, work with the whole class to retell the story.
b. Then tell the story to a partner or small group.
Unit 12 Can You Believe It? 55
-------------
6. Answer the Questions
About the story .
a. Who does LuLu belong to?
b. Why was LuLu's owner at death's door?
c. What did she have trouble doing?
d. What did LuLu do to save the day?
e. When the motorist got out of his car, what did LuLu do?
f. What did LuLu try to do when the ambulance showed up? Why?
g. Would you like a pet like LuLu?
About you .
h. Do you have a pet? If so, is your pet smart?
i. Tell about a situation when you (or someone you know) saved the day.
.
j. What time do you usually get up in the morning?
k. What do you have trouble doing? Do you ask for help?
7. Write About Yourself
Complete the sentences, writing something true about yourself.
a. I like to lie down on/in to rest.
b. I'm very happy that belongs to me.
c. I never have trouble _
d. On weekends, I get up at _
fffi] 8. Take a Dictation
One day Jo Ann Altsman, 57, had a heart attack. She _
breathing and was . But her pet pig LuLu
. LuLu went into the middle of the road
and . Finally, a motorist stopped. LuLu
_____________ and led the man into the house, where he
called an ambulance. When it , LuLu tried
to get in too. "She's very, very smart," the lucky owner said later.
56 Can You Believe It? Book 1
9. Complete the story • saved the day
• lay down
a. Read the true t bl . sory and fill in th
• belonged to
wIth idioms from the box. e anks
• showed up
• got up
n
a
B F ALO, NY, USA One
e ening, Tracey Schelanski
(1)---------­
and fell asleep. A few
hours later, she heard a loud crash. She
(2) and looked out the
window. A car had hit her house! But nO one got out.
Instead, the car backed np' and drove away!
The next morning, Tracey looked at the damage to
her house. It was bad, and Tracy was steaming. Bnt
then she noticed something. The car's license
plate as stuck in the house! The license plate
(3) for Tracey. When police
(4) they told her it
(5) a 23-year-ol
d
man. They
arrested him right away.
.. back up: move in reverse
recycled idioms: fall asleep, get out. be steaming, right away
b. Read or tell the story to a partnero
Unit 12 Can You Believe It? 57
•
a
5 Lett
1. Quick Reading
Look at the pictures on page 59.
What is the story about?
Now read quickly to get the main idea.
OSLO, NORWAY
were not getting any mail. IIWhat is goin
asked each other. 2They told the Norwegian Postal Service
~ I - ) o u t the problem. 3'fhe postal authorities sm
They began to look into the problem. 4They dropped in
at the home of the mailman for that neighborhood. They
couldn't believe their eyes. They came across piles of mail
1Residents in one Oslo neighborhood
on1
11
they
lied a rat.
in the man's house. There were at least 900 pounds of
letters and packages. Sit seems the mailman was too lazy
to finish his route every day. 6Most bosses are happy when
an employee takes work home, but not the Norwegian
Postal Service. They fired the mailman at once.
What is going on?
smell a rat
look into something*
drop in (at a place)*
come across something*
at least
at once .
What is happenind ?
think there may be something wrong or illegal
investigate; examine something
visit for a short time, often unexpectedly
find something by chance
a minimum of; no fewer than
immediately
recycled idiom: not believe one's eyes *phrasaJ verb (see Lexicon and Appendix D)
58 Can You Believe It? Book 1
§ 2. Listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
~ : ; W l l l d I _
3. Read the Story
Now read the story carefully. Pay special attention to the idioms so that
you're ready for Exercise 4.
4. complete the Idiom
Cover page 58. Look at each definition below and then complete the idiom.
a. What is happening? =What is going __?
b. investigate = look
c. find by chance = come
d. immediately =at
e. a minimum of = at
5. Tefl the Story
Cover the story and look at the pictures above. Tell the story using as many
idioms as you can.
a. First, work with the whole class to retell the story.
b. Then tell the story to a partner or small group.
Unit 13 Can You Believe It? 59
-------------
6. Answer the Questions
About the story .
a. What did residents in Oslo ask each other?
b. When postal authorities smelled a rat, what did they do?
c. How did they react when they went to the mailman's home?
d. What did they come across?
e. How many pounds of mail were there?
f. Why didn't the mailman deliver the mail?
g. What did the Norwegian Postal Service do?
About you .
h. Are you sometimes too lazy to finish things?
i. Tell about a situation when you smelled a rat.
j. Have you ever come across something valuable on the street?
k. What is going on this week at your school or at your job?
•
7. Write About Yourself
Complete the sentences, writing something true about yourself.
a. I need to _
at once.
b. I often drop in to see _
c. I have at least pairs of shoes.
~ 8. Take a Dictation
Some residents in Oslo, Norway, were not getting any mail.
I< ?" they asked each other. The
Norwegian Postal Service and
_____________ the problem. They
_____________ at the home of the mailman for
that neighborhood. They couldn't believe their eyes. They
_____________ piles of mail in the man's
house- 900 pounds! They fired
him
60 Can You Believe It? Book]
• at once
9. complete the Dialogue
• smell a rat
a. Paco and Gianni are friends. They're talking
• looking into
about Paco's car. Fill in the blanks with • what's going on
• at least
idioms from the box.
Hey, Gianni. (1) ?
Where's my car? You said you
were returning it today.
Uh, do you really need it today?
Yes, I do.
WelL ..
I need it now. (2) _
Urn, Paco, the car. .. uh ... You don't want to see it.
I (3) . Where is my car?
Well, uh, I parked it over there,
across the street.
Where? Oh! I don't believe my eyes! The front is smashed in.
Oh, no! Oh, man, you had an accident! It looks bad! That'll cost
me (4) $1,000 bucks!*
Paco, calm down. Someone hit it in a parking lot.
I reported it to the police and they're
(5) it. I'm really sorry, man.
Not half as sorry as I am.
* bucks: dollars (informal)
recycled idioms: I don't believe my eyes, calm down
b. Work with a partner. Role-play the dialogue together.
Unit 13 Can You Believe It? 61
Girl
MOl'e
Art
1. Quick Reading
Look at the pictures on page 63.
What is the story about?
Now read quickly to get the main idea.
SANTA FE, NM, USA 1
Ortega, 18. She has nine piercings on her face. 2First
she got a nose ring. Then she got her tongue pierced.
She couldn't stand to eat hot food for weeks after that.
3Next she got her cheeks, ears, chin, and the bridge of
her nose pierced. 41sabella and her mother don't see
eye to ye about body art. Her mother gets mad at
her each time she wants more. 5Does Isabella h ve
second thoughts about her piercings? "At times I
do,lI she admits. II People stare at me, and I hate that."
6But she is already thinking about her next piercing.
"1 want four or five rings in my lips," she says.
11
Body art is -n,1I says Isabella
p..&-"'a........-.L.IoI!.....I.Io.ooL­
be in .•.....•....•.........•................... be in fashion; be popular
see eye to eye· .......•.......•...••............ agree completely
get mad (at someone) become angry (at someone)
have second thoughts (about something) ..•...•. have doubts (about something)
at times ! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• sometimes; occasionally
stare at someone or something* look at someone or something with wide eyes
think about someone or something* consider; anticipate; form a mental image of
someone or something
recycled idiom: can't stand something *phrasal verb (see Lexicon and Appendix DJ
62 Can You Believe It? Book 1
I§] 2. listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
3. Read the Story
Now read the story carefully. Pay special attention to the idioms so that
you're ready for Exercise 4.
4. Match
Cover page 62. Match the definition in column Ato the idiom in column B.
a. be popular 1. stare at
b. look at with wide eyes 2. get mad at
c. sometimes 3. see eye to eye
d. agree completely 4. at times
e. become angry at 5. bein
5. Tell the story
Cover the story and look at the pictures above. Tell the story using as many
idioms as you can.
a. First, work with the whole class to retell the story.
b. Then tell the story to a partner or small group.
Unit 14 Can You Believe It? 63
6. Answer the Questions
About the story .
a. What do you think about Isabella's body art?
b. How does her mother react when Isabella wants another piercing?
c. Is Isabella always completely happy with her body art?
d. What do people do when she goes out?
e. What is Isabella thinking about now?
About you .
f. Is body art in with your group of friends?
g. What is in with teens in your country (music, dance, fashion, etc.)? What is in
with you and your friends?
h. Who do you get mad at? Why?
i. Do you have second thoughts about a decision you made when you were
younger?
7. write about Yourself
Complete the sentences, writing something true about yourself.
a. At times I don't see eye to eye with _
because _
b. I am always thinking about _
c. Last week I got mad at _
because _
§ 8. Take a Dictation
"Body art ," says Isabella Ortega.
She has nine piercings on her face. First she got a nose ring. Then she got her
tongue pierced. Next she got her cheeks, ears, chin, and the bridge of her nose
(
pierced. Isabella's mother doesn't with
her about body art. She Isabella when
she gets another piercing. , Isabella
_____________ her body art. She hates when people
______________ her. But she's
_____________ gett,ing rings in her lips.
64 Can You Believe It? Book 1
• get mad at 9. Complete the Dialogue
• is in
a. Ivanka is talking with her mother about
• I'm thinking about
changing her hair color. Fill in the blanks
• see eye to eye
• at times
with idioms from the box.
Mom, I want to do something to
my hair. (1) _
changing the color.
What? Your hair is beautiful.
It's boring. I love red hair. Purple hair
(2) too.
Purple hair? re you serious? Don't you dare.
Honey, (3) I think
you're completely crazy.
Don't (4) _
me, mom. It'll look good.
I don't think so.
Well, I do.
Well, we'll never
(5) about this.
Let's discuss it at dinner with your father.
With dad? He doesn't have a clue about* fashion.
He doesn't know what's out** or what's in.
* not have a clue about something: not know anything about something
** be out: be out of fashion
b. Work with a partner. Role-play the dialogue together.
Unit 14 Can You Believe It? 65
One i
a M II
1. Quick Reac;Hng
Look at the pictures on page 67.
What is the story about?
Now read quickly to get the main idea.
PITTSBURGH, PA, USA 1Albert Lexie is one in
million. 2As a child, he was dirt poor and
dropped out of school. 3Today, Lexie, 56, makes
a living by shining shoes. He works at the Children's
Hospital in Pittsburgh. 4He charges $2 to shine
doctors' shoes and makes about $9,000 per year. In
addition, he gets tips from the doctors. sLexie is
not well-off, but he gives all his tips away to the
hospital. Since 1985, he has given more than $40,000
to help sick kids. 6" Albert's work is as important as
any doctor's work," says one regular customer, Dr.
Samuel Kocoshis. "He is a true humanitarian."
humanitarian: someone who helps people and society
one in a million' unique; very special
be dirt poor have very little money
drop out (of something)* quit (school, a race, etc.)
make a living' earn money for food, housing, etc.
in addition also
be well-off have a lot of money; be rich
give something away* give something as a gift
*phrasal verb (see Lexicon and Appendix D)
66 Can You Believe It? Book 1
§ 2. Listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
3. Read the story
Now read the story carefully. Pay special attention to the idioms so that
you're ready for Exercise 4.
4. Match
Cover page 66. Draw a line from the first part of each idiom to the second.
Then match the definitions with the idioms.
a. be dirt away _ 1. give as a gift
b. In addition _ 2. earn money for food and housing
c. give in a million _ 3. leave (school, a race, etc.)
d. make poor _ 4. have very little money
e. drop a living _ 5. unique; very special
f. one out 6. also
5. Tell the story
Cover the story and look at the pictures above. Tell the story using as many
idioms as you can.
a. First, work with the whole class to retell the story.
b. Then teU the story to a partner or small group.
Unit 15 Can You Believe It? 67
6. Answer the Questions
About the story .
a. What do you know about Lexie's childhood?
b. Did he finish school?
c. How does Lexie make a living?
d. Is he well-off? How much does he make per year?
e. What does he get in addition?
f. What does he do with his tips?
g. Do you agree that Lexie is one in a million? Why or why not?
About you .
h. Do yOLl know someone (either famous or not) who is one in million? Tell why this
person is one in a million.
1. How do you make a living now? How do you hope to make a living in the future?
J. In your opinion, is it necessary to be well-off to be happy?
k. In your opinion, why do children drop out of school?
7. Write About Yourself
Complete the sentences, writing something true about yourself.
a. I speak English. In addition, _
b. I think is one in a million
because _
c. I gave _
away to _
~ 8. Take a Dictation
As a child, Albert Lexie and
_____________ school. Today, Lexie, 56,
_____________ by shining shoes at a
hospital for children. He shines doctors' shoes, and he makes
about $9,000 per year. , he
gets tips. Lexie all his
tips to the hospital. Since 1985, he has given more than $40,000 to
help sick kids. Lexie , but he's
a true humanitarian. He's _
68 Can You Believe It? Book]
9. complete the story • makes a living
• o!'e in a million
a, Read the true sto F' .
'd' ry. III In the blanks 'th
• dirt poor
I lOms from the b
ox,
WI
• gives away
• well-off
• in addition
Man Gives way Free ash
is
He was
, "I didn't
as a
is not
, he
NORFOLK, VA, USA Don Stephenson
(1) -' Stephenson, 36, was
living on the streets a few years ago.
homeless and (2)
____- ~ - - _ .... knoW where my next meal was corning from," he says.
NoW Stephenson has a home and (3)
mechanic. But he has not forgotten the people on the streets. One night a
week he goes to the poor side of town. Stephenson
(4) , but he stands on street corners and hands
out' $5 or $10 to anyone whO needs it. (5)
(6) food and clothing. "I don't want to see anyone
hungry," he says. "\ understand these people because I've been the,e.""
• hand something out: distribute something
•• I've been there: I've experienced that
b, Read or tell the story to a partner.
Unit 15 Can You Believe It? 69
------
------
Revievv 11 12 13 14 15
A. Idioms in pictures: Complete each idiom and match it to its definition.
-4-- 1. spend __t..::...:/c..:..:·M...:...::e.=------_ with a. have very little money
2. smell a _ b. very simple
3. be poor c. be near death
__ 4. as easy as _ d. agree completely
e. very special 5. save the
~ ~ # q q P w
6. see f. think there may be something wrong
t.n
..J'l 7. be at death's ------
g. use time with
8. one in a _ h. produce excellent results when
things are going badly
B. opposites: Each question in Acontains an idiom. Find an appropriate answer in B
which contains an opposite idiom. Write the letter on the line.
[K] [!]
fLAre they well-off? a. No, later on.
__ 2. Did they have trouble writing it? b. No, they just got up.
__ 3. Are they lying down? c. No, they always get mad at each other.
__ 4. Do they see eye to eye? d. No, they saved the day.
__ 5. Will they begin at once? e. No, it was easy as pie.
__ 6. Did they make a mistake? f. No, dirt poor.
70 Can You Believe It? Book 1
C. At or in? Complete each expression with the correct word.
l. once 6.be death's door
2. drop 7. times
3. stare 8.be
4. addition 9. get mad
5. one a million 10. least
D. Good or bad? Is the speaker feeling good or bad? Write the sentences in the correct box.
She says I'm one in a million. I'm getting mad at you now.
I made a big mistake. I saved the day!
I feel like I'm at death's door. I need to lie down.
It's easy as pie for me. I'm dirt poor now.
I'm making a good living. I'm having a lot of trouble with this.
E. Time expressions: Match each idiom in Awith its definition in B. Then fill in the blanks below
with an idiom from A.
[I]

1. later on a. immediately
2. at once b. sometimes
3. so far c. after a while
4. at times d. until now
I love movies. When a new film comes to town, I go . This
month I've seen at least 10 new ones. I prefer dramas
and comedies, but I go see an action film or a western.
In fact, I think I'm going to see a new movie today.
Review 11-15 Can You Believe It? 71
F. Phasal verbs that take objects (transitive): The following phrasal verbs take direct
objects. Fill in the sentences with the correct verb.
stare at
look into
drop out of
give away
come across
belong to
think about
let out
1. The bikes b::....:e=.:../.=...:ol/c:.:;9I-t-=..:o'----__ Johann.
2. What do you this book?
3. I'll myoid car.
4. Pavel wants to school.
5. Please don't me.
6. The police will the crime.
7. The teacher will the students early.
8. I looked everywhere for that photo, but I didn't it.
G. Phrasal verbs that do not take objects (non-transitive): The following phrasal verbs
do not take direct objects. Fill in the sentences with the correct verb.
drop in
show up
lie down
getup
1. Hurry! If you don't now, you'll be late.
2. I miss you. Please when you're in town.
3. I have a headache. I'm going to _
4. We were worried because Jason didn't _
72 Can You Believe It?
Book]
H. Find someone who: Fill in the chart with names of classmates. Try to write a different
name in each blank. Stand up and walk around the room. Ask questions such as:
Do you want to be well-offin the future?
Will you watch TV later on today?
•
In s me n who...
1. ...wants to be well-off in the future.
2....will watch TV later on today.
3.... thinks learning English is easy as pie.
4.... has trouble learning English.
5....wants to make a living in the business world.
6....got mad at someone or something yesterday.
7.... often thinks about getting married.
8.... likes to get up early.
9.... spends a lot of time with family.
10.... has at least four brothers and sisters.
11. ... belongs to a club or organization.
12.... made a big mistake at work this week.
Review 11-15 Can You Believe It? 73
Appendix A: Ansvver Key
1: Please Get Rid of that smell!
page 3: 4) a. at b. on c. stand d. matter e. worse f. it
page 4: 8) See Appendix B, page 77
page 5: 9) 1. turn on 2. can't stand 3. Take a look at 4. are getting worse and worse 5. get rid of
2: Red in the Face
page 7: 4) a. 3 b. 2 c. 1 d. 5 e.4
page 8: 8) See Appendix B, page 77
page 9: 9) 1. sits down 2. takes out 3. picks up 4. is red in the face 5. go back to
3: leopard Makes Himself at Home
page 11: 4) a. away b. asleep c. over d. nap e. home
page 12: 8) See Appendix B, page 77
page 13: 9) 1. turns over 2. is horrified by 3. has fallen asleep 4. runs away 5. taking a nap
4: Heart Patient walks Home Fast Asleep
page 15: 4) a. better b. asleep c. off d. on e. back
page 16: 8) See Appendix B, page 77
page 17: 9) 1. get out of 2. get over 3. get better 4. get on 5. turn off
5: Businessman Freaks out
page 19: 4) a. for b. for c. down d. out e. way f. shopping
page 20: 8) See Appendix B, page 77
page 21: 9) 1. goes shopping 2. freaks out 3. heads for 4. On the way 5. pay for 6. calms down
Review: lessons 1-5
page 22: A. 1. c 2. e 3. d 4. b 5. a
B. 1. rid of 2. for 3. lose it 4. at home 5. the matter
page 23: C. 1. on 2. at 3. on 4. up 5. at 6. on 7. on 8. at
D. 1. d 2. f 3. c 4. b 5. a 6. e
E. 1. opposite 2. similar 3. opposite 4. similar 5. opposite 6. similar 7. similar
page 24: F. Answers will vary.
G. EMOTIONAL: He's freaking out.; He's running away!; He's red in the face.; He's losing it.; He's
horrified by it.
CALM: He's falling asleep.; He's calming down.; He's taking a nap.; He's fast asleep.; He's
making himself at home.
H. 1. get over 2. get worse and worse 3. get on 4. get rid of 5. get out of 6. get better
page 25: L Answers will vary.
74 Can You Believe It? Book 1
6: Toy Saves Man's Life
page 27: 4) a. drop by (5) b. after a while (1) c.listen to (6) d. right away (2) e. just in time (4)
f. lots of (3)
page 28: 8) See Appendix B, page 77
page 29: 9) 1. drop by 2. lots of 3. listen to 4. right away 5. frightened by 6. after a while
7: Hat lady Wants to Cheer You up
page 31: 4) a. on b. about c. as d. like e. into
page 32: 8) See Appendix B, page 77
page 33: 9) 1. is into 2. are crazy about 3. as well as 4. cheer ... up 5. aren't laughing at
8: Bear Goes on Vacation
page 35: 4) a. 4 b. 1 c. 5 d.2 e.3
page 36: 8) See Appendix B. page 78
page 37: 9) 1. On vacation 2. taking a vacation 3. Get in 4. take pictures 5. won't believe your eyes
9: Man Hangs on for Dear Life
page 39: 4) a. 4 b. 5 c. 1 d. 2 e. 3
page 40: 8) See Appendix B, page 78
page 41: 9) 1. speed up 2. be in big trouble 3. slow down 4. as for 5. am hanging on for dear life
10: Neighbors fed up with loud Music
page 43: 4) a. steaming b. after c. along d. again e. fed
page 44: 8) See Appendix B, page 78
page 45: 9) 1. get along with 2. again and again 3. is fed up with 4. is steaming 5. going after
Review: lessons 6-10
page 46: A. 1. at 2. to 3. up 4. off 5. on 6. on 7. away 8. down
B. Answers will vary but the following are possibilities: 1. a hat, pants, a coat, shoes 2. a house,
a car 3. a funny person, a funny movie, a cartoon, a comedy, a comedian 4. a car, the shower,
a sailboat, a canoe
page 47: C. GOOD: I'm really into this!; I'm crazy about this.; I'm getting along with everyone.;
BAD: I'm fed up with all of this.; Please cheer me up!; I'm in big trouble now!; I'm steaming.;
I'm frightened by it.
D. 1. Take... away 2. take a vacation 3. take a picture of 4. take off
E. 1. am fed up with 2. am steaming 3. are in big trouble 4. is crazy about 5. is into 6. am
frightened by
page 48: F. Across: 1. take 2. down 4. speed 5. along 6. get 7. well 10. time
Down: 1. to 3. for 4. steaming 8. eyes 9. on 11. again 12. best
G. Answers will vary.
Page 49: H. Answers will vary.
Appendix A Can You Believe It? 75
11; Prison Escape is Easy as Pie
page 51: 4) a. later on (4) b. make a mistake (5) c. as easy as pie (1) d. be over (3) e. let out (2)
page 52: 8) See Appendix B, page 78.
page 53: 9) 1. spend time 2. easy as pie 3. Later on 4. let out 5. was over 6. made a mistake
12; Smart Pig Saves the Day
page 55: 4) a. door b. up c. to d. day e. down
page 56: 8) See Appendix B, page 78.
Page 57: 9) 1. lay down 2. got up 3. saved the day 4. showed up 5. belonged to
13; lazy Mailman Hides letters
page 59: 4) a. on b. into c. across d. once e. least
page 60: 8) See Appendix B, page 78.
page 61: 9) 1. What's going on 2. At once 3. smell at rat 4. at least 5. looking into
14; Girl Wants More Body Art
page 63: 4) a. 5 b. 1 c. 4 d. 3 e. 2
page 64: 8) See Appendix B, page 79.
page 65: 9) 1. I'm thinking about 2. is in 3. At times 4. get mad at 5. see eye to eye
15; One in a Million
page 67: 4) a. be dirt poor (4) b. in addition (6) c. give away (1) d. make a living (2) e. drop out (3)
f. one in a million (5)
page 68: 8) See Appendix B, page 79.
page 69: 9) 1. one in a million 2. dirt poor 3. makes a living 4. welt-off 5. In addition 6. gives away
Review: lessons 11-15
page 70: A. 1. g, time 2. f, rat 3. a, dirt 4. b, pie 5. h, day 6. d, eye to eye 7. c, door 8. e, million
B. 1. f 2. e 3. b 4. c 5. a 6. d
page 71: C. 1. at 2. in 3. at 4. in 5. in 6. at 7. at 8. in 9. at 10. at
D. GOOD: She says I'm one in a million.; It's easy as pie for me.; I'm making a good living.;
I saved the day.
BAD: I made a big mistake.; I feel like I'm at death s door.; I'm getting mad at you now.; I need
to lie down.; I'm dirt poor now.; I'm having a lot of trouble with this.
E. 1. c 2. a 3. d 4. b
at once, so far, at times, later on
page 72: F. 1. belong to 2. think about 3. give away 4. drop out of 5. stare at 6. look into 7. let out
8. come across
G. 1. get up 2. drop in 3. lie down 4. show up
76 Can You Believe It? Book 1
Appendix B: Dictations
1. please Get Rid of that Smell! (page 4)
When Barbara turns on her heater, there's a terrible smell. It is getting worse and worse. She
can't stand it! She goes to the repair shop. "What's the matter with my car?" she asks. "Please get
rid of that smell!" When the mechanic takes a look at the heating system, he pulls out a big, dead
python. Barbara loses it!
2. Red in the Face (page 8)
A woman is taking a ferry. She sits down on the deck. Next to her in a chair are her newspaper
and candy bar. A man in the next chair picks up the candy bar and eats it. Then he takes the paper
and walks off. Later, the woman goes to the cafeteria and sees the man eating a sandwich. She
grabs it and takes a bite. Then she goes back to her car. On the seat are her newspaper and candy
bar. She never took them out of the car! She is red in the face.
3. Leopard Makes Himself at Home (page 12)
A boy is at home watching TV. He goes to the kitchen and tells his mother, "There's a tiger in the
bedroom." She laughs. Later, she looks into his bedroom. She is horrified by what she sees.
There's a leopard watching TV on the bed! She runs away with her son. The leopard turns over
and falls asleep. When forest department officials arrive, the leopard is still taking a nap. They
take him to a zoo.
4. Heart Patient Walks Home Fast Asleep (page 16)
Michael Turner is in the hospital getting over a heart attack. One night while he is fast asleep, he
unhooks the machines next to his bed. He turns off the alarms. Then he gets out of bed and gets
on the elevator. He walks five miles to his house. Turner doesn't remember anything about his
walk. He is back in the hospital and getting better.
5. Businessman Freaks out (page 20)
A Ukrainian businessman goes shopping for gifts for his 50 employees. He decides to get 50
pagers. He pays for them, puts them in his car, and heads for the office. On the way, there's a very
loud noise. All 50 pagers start ringing at the same time! The businessman freaks out and crashes
his car. When he calms down, he sees the message on the pagers. It says, "Congratulations on a
successful purchase!"
6. Toy Saves Man's Life (page 28)
One evening Kerry Kelliby drops by a local bar. He wins a game of darts and gets a toy stethoscope
as a joke prize. After a while, Kerry uses the toy to listen to his heart. He is frightened by what he
hears-lots of beats and then silence. He goes to the doctor right away. The doctor finds that
Kerry has a hole in his heart. Surgeons operate just in time!
Appendix B Can You Believe It? 77
7. Hat lady Wants to Cheer You Up (page 32)
Norma Vise is into hats. She puts on a different unusual hat each day. One hat looks like a carrot.
Another looks like a pig. Vise wears crazy hats because "it's fun. I want to cheer people up." Adults
as well as children laugh at her hats. What is her most popular one? "People are crazy about my
hamburger hat," says Vise.
8. Bear Goes on Vacation (page 36)
An elderly couple is taking a vacation in Yellowstone Park. They stop their car to take a picture of
some bears. Ayoung bear gets in. He's looking for food. The man and woman do their best to get
rid of the bear, but he refuses to move. So they drive 17 miles to a ranger station with the bear in
the back seat. When the man gets out to report the problem, the bear gets in the front seat. The
rangers can not believe their eyes. They find a woman in the passenger seat and a bear behind the
wheel.
9. Man Hangs on for Dear life (page 40)
One day Charles Gardner, 35, sees two boys breaking into his car. They take off, and Gardner
jumps on the car. The driver speeds up. He hits a light pole. Then he drives through two fences.
Gardner hangs on for dear life. The car gets on the highway. By this time, more than two dozen
police cars are following it. After 20 minutes, the driver slows down and police surround the car.
The teens are in big trouble. As for Gardner, he is okay.
10. Neighbors Fed Up with loud Music (page 44)
James Meadows doesn't get along with his neighbors. His neighbors are fed up with his loud
music. They report the problem to the police again and again. The police tell Meadows to tum
down the volume, but Meadows ignores the warnings. Finally, the police take away his stereo.
They smash it with a hammer on a public street. Meadows is steaming. "The police should go
after criminals, not music lovers," he says.
11. Prison Escape is Easy as Pie (page 52)
It was Sunday at the Merdeka prison. Families were spending time with the prisoners. When
visiting hours were over, security guards opened the front gate and let out the visitors. Later on
that day, more than 100 prisoners escaped. How? It was as easy as pie. They walked out the front
gate! The guards had made a mistake and forgotten to lock it. Prison officials are red in the face.
Police are looking for the escaped prisoners, but they've caught only three so far.
12. Smart Pig Saves the Day (page 56)
One day Jo Ann Altsman, 57, had a heart attack. She bad trouble breathing and was at death's
door. But her pet pig Lulu saved the day. Lulu went into the middle of the road and lay down.
Finally, a motorist stopped. Lulu got up and led the man into the house, where he called an
ambulance. When it showed up, Lulu tried to get in too. "She's very, very smart," the lucky owner
said later.
13. lazy Mailman Hides letters (page 60)
Some residents in Oslo, Norway, were not getting any mail. "What is going on?" they asked each
other. The Norwegian Postal Service smelled a rat and looked into the problem. They dropped in
at the home of the mailman for that neighborhood. They couldn't believe their eyes. They came
across piles of mail in the man's house - at least 900 pounds! They fired him at once.
78 Can You Believe It? Book 1
14. Girl wants More Body Art (pgge64)
"Body art is in," says Isabella Ortega. She has nine piercings on her face. First she got a nose ring.
Then she got her tongue pierced. Next she got her cheeks, ears, chin, and the bridge of her nose
pierced. Isabella's mother doesn't see eye to eye with her about body art. She gets mad at Isabella
when she gets another piercing. At times, Isabella has second thoughts about her body art. She
hate when people stare at her. But she's thinking about getting rings in her lips.
15. One in a Million (pgge 68)
As a child, Albert Lexie was dirt poor and dropped out of school. Today, Lexie, 56, makes a living
by shining shoes at a hospital for children. He shines doctors' shoes, and he makes about $9,000
per year. In addition, he gets tips. Lexie gives away all his tips to the hospital. Since 1985, he has
given more than $40,000 to help sick kids. Lexie is not well-off, but he's a true humanitarian. He's
one in a million.
Appendix B Can You Believe It? 79
Appendix C: Idiom Groups
This appendix categorizes idioms and expressions in different ways to help you learn and remember.
pages 81-82 Idioms grouped according to form
Page 81 Idioms that use...
Life/death
As
Up/down
Numbers
Time
Body parts
Page 82 Idioms that use...
Get
Make
Look
Be
Go
Have
Take
Drop
Turn
pages 83-86 Idioms grouped according to meaning
Page 83 Idioms related to Feelings
Page 84 Idioms related to Changes
Page 85 Idioms related to Opposites, Time expressions, Performance
Page 86 Idioms related to Leaving/Returning/Arriving; Money;
Eyes/Nose/Ears; Health; Bed
80 Can You Believe It? Book 1
Idioms
that
up/Down
speed up slow down
get up sit down
lie down
spend time with
Idioms grouped according to form
Life/Death
hang on for dear life
make a living
at death's door
As
as for
as well as
as easy as pie
®3'iJ
.------1 l 5J
9
Numbers ~ t:..::5 b
one in a million
have second thoughts about
at once
lots of
Time
at times
just in time
r - ~ ~ ///..-::.­
Body Part ~ ~
see eye to eye ~ ..---'
not believe one's eyes
be red in the face
head for
go back
(to a place)
cheer up calm down
pick up turn down
show up
be fed up with
Can You Believe It? 81 Appendix C
Idioms grouped according to form
Verbs
worse and worse
rid of
over
out (of)
on
better
in
along with
up
mad at
oneself at home
MAKE
a living
into
LOOK for
like
red in the face
horrified by
fast asleep
back
frightened by
into
crazy about
BE E----+- in big trouble
fed up with
steaming
over
at death's door
in
dirt poor
well-off
back to
shopping
GO
after
on (What is going on?)
second thoughts about
HAVE
trouble doing something
a look at
a ferry (bus, train, plane)
out (of)
a nap
TAKE
a vacation
a picture (of)
off
away
by

out of
on
off
TURN
over
down
82 Can You Believe It? Book]
Idioms grouped according to meaning
Feelings
Like very much
be crazy about
be into
Dislil<e
be fed up with
can't stand·
be horrified by
Agree with
see eye to eye (with)
get along (with)
Disagree with
not see eye to eye (with)
get mad (at)
Calm, relaxed
be fast asleep r----=--------,
take a nap
fall asleep
lie down
be on vacation
take a vacation
make oneself at home
calm down
Emotional
lose it = freak out
ANGRY
be steaming
get mad at
IN TROUBLE
be in big trouble
AFRAID
be frightened by
SUSPICIOUS
smell a rat
ASHAMED
be red in the face
SURPRISED
not believe one's eyes
Appendix C
Can You Believe It? 83
Idioms grouped according to meaning
Changes
Change in location Change in position
walk off
run away
take off lie down/get up
(on foot, in a car, in a plane) sit down/get up
head for
(on foot, in a car, in a plane)
get in/get out of
(bed, the shower, the bathtub, a car)
get on/get off
(a bus, a train, a ship, a plane, an elevator)
turn over
--­ ------­
calm down
Change in eduational status
get in (to a school or university)
= be accepted
drop out of (school)
= leave before graduating
Change in speed
speed up slow down
cheer someone up
lose it = freak out
Change in opinion
have second thoughts about
Change in mood
,---"----::;;>--, Change in health status
G)
get better get worse and worse
get over
Change in the operation of an electrical device
turnon(+)
turn off (-)
turn up (-.)
84 Can You Believe It? Book 1
Id·oms grouped according to meaning
Opposites
be dirt poor
turn on
get better
speed up
calm down
get in
can't stand, be fed up with
right away, at once
be in big trouble
get mad at
'"
be well-off
turn off
get worse and worse
slow down
lose it, freak out
get out (of)
be crazy about, be into
after a while, later on
save the day
see eye to eye, get along with
Time e pressions
When? immediately: right away, at once
after some time: later on, after a while
up to now: so far
in time: just in time
How often?
sometimes: at times
repeatedly: again and again
Performance
Do something well:
do one's best
save the day
People may say:
"Congratulations on the good work!"
"You're one in a million!"
Do something poorly:
make a mistake
have trouble doing something
People may say·
"You're in big trouble."
"What's going on?"
"What's the matter?"
Appendix C Can You Believe It? 85
.----.A....-_----,
Idioms grouped according to meaning
r
I Eyes, Nose, and Ears
- - - ~
///--=-­
Eyes
~ ~
stare at
take a look at
Nose
smell a rat
c : ~
"'"
look for
look into
not believe one's eyes
Ears
listen to
~ ~
\...
see eye to eye
~
Health
C£)
S
get better get worse and worse
get over (an illness) be at death's door
Bed
lie down/get up fall asleep
get in/get out of be fast asleep
take a nap
Leaving, Returning, and Arriving
Leaving
walk off (= leave on foot)
run away (= leave quickly on foot)
take off (= leave on foot, by car, in a plane, etc.)
get out (of) (= leave a bed, a car, the shower)
drop out (of) (= leave school, a race, a competition, etc.)
let out (= let someone leave)
Money
be well-off
be dirt poor
go shopping
pay for
make a living
Returning
go back (to)
be back (at)
Arriving
show up
drop in
drop by
86 Can You Believe It? Book J
Appendix D: Phrasal Verbs
I. What is a phrasal verb?
Aphrasal verb is a verb + a particle.
What time did you show up?
(verb) (particle)
The woman gave 1 million dollars away.
(verb) (particle)
In English, many phrasal verbs are idiomatic; you cannot understand the meaning of the whole
from the parts. Show up means arrive and give away means give something as a gift.
II. Phrasal verbs fall into different categories.
Transitive (object) Intransitive (no object)
~
separable inseparable
I I
tum on get over lie down
tum off look for run away
a. Some phrasal verbs are transitive; others are intransitive.
Transitive phrasal verbs take a direct object.
J'll turn on the TV. She can't get over her cold.
He turned 0(( the water. I'm looking (or my cat.
Intransitive phrasal verbs do not take an object.
J want to lie down.
My do.q ran away.
b. Some transitive phrasal verbs are separable (that is, the object can come between the two parts
of the verb); others are inseparable.
Separable phrasal verbs
turn on
!'II turn on the TV.
!'II turn the TVon.
rtl turn it on.
give away
He turned off the water.
He turned the water off.
He turned it off.
Inseparable phrasal verbs
get over
She can't get over her cold.
She can't get over it.
look (or
I'm looking (or my cat.
I'm looking (or it.
When a phrasal verb is separable, you can put a noun bebNeen the verb and the particle or after the
particle. If you use a pronoun (me, you, it, him, her, them), the pronoun must go between the verb
and particle. If a phrasal verb is inseparable, the noun and pronoun always come after the particle.
Appendix D Can You Believe It?87
III. Phrasal verbs from this book
BELONG TO (transitive, inseparable): be the property of
That bag is not mine; it belongs to Maria.
That bag is not mine; it belongs to her.
BREAK INTO (transitive, inseparable): enter illegally by force
Someone broke into my car last week.
Someone broke into it last week.
CALM DOWN (intransitive): become calm and quiet
I'm nervous; I need to calm down.
CHEER (SOMEONE) UP (transitive, separable): make a sad person happier
The movie was funny, and it cheered up Bob.
The movie was funny, and it cheered Bob up.
The movie was funny and it cheered him up.
COME ACROSS (transitive, inseparable): find by chance
Did you come across my keys?
Did you come across them?
DROP BY (transitive, inseparable): visit for a short time
Let's drop by the library this evening.
Let's drop by it this evening.
DROP IN (intransitive): visit for a short time, often unexpectedly
I was out ofthe office when Jorge dropped in.
DROP IN TO (transitive, inseparable): visit for a short time, often unexpectedly
Jorge dropped in to the office today.
(The pronoun is not normally used with this phrasal verb.)
DROP OUT (intransitive): quit
He went to school until the age of16; then he dropped out.
DROP OUT OF (transitive, inseparable): quit (school, a competition, a race, etc.)
Sandra got tired and dropped out of the race after an hour.
Sandra got tired and dropped out ofit after an hour.
FREAK OUT (intransitive): lose your self control
When I won $5,000 in the lottery, I freaked out.
GET ALONG WITH (transitive, inseparable): have a good relationship with
Selma gets along with her classmates.
Selma gets along with them.
GET IN (transitive, inseparable): enter (a car, bed, bath, or small boat)
Hurry and get in the taxi.
Hurry and get in it.
The taxi is waiting! Get in!
GET ON (transitive, inseparable): enter (an elevator, a plane, a train, a bus, or a ship)
They got on the train at Grand Central.
They got on it at Grand Central.
They got on at Grand Central.
GET OUT (OF) (transitive, inseparable): leave (a bed, a car, a bath, work, class, school)
I got out ofthe bus quickly and fell.
I got out of it quickly and felt.
GET OVER (transitive, inseparable): recover from an illness
I hope you get over the flu soon.
I hope you get over it soon.
88 Can You Believe It? Book 1
GET RID OF (transitive, inseparable): remove something
Will you please get rid ofthis junk?
Will you please get rid ofit?
GET UP (intransitive): rise from a sitting or lying position
Erhan is very comfortable in bed; he doesn" want to get up.
GIVE AWAY (transitive, separable): give as a gift
I'm going to give away my bicycle; I don't ride it anymore.
I'm going to give my bicycle away; I don't ride it anymore.
I m going to give it away; I don't ride it anymore.
GO AFTER (transitive, inseparable): try to get or catch
The police went after the bank robber, but they didn't get him.
The police went after him, but they didn't get him.
GO BACK (intransitive): return
We've walked a long time; let's go back.
GO BACK TO (transitive, inseparable): return to a place
After 30 years Eva went back to her birthplace.
After 30 years, Eva went back to it. (ALSO: Eva went back there.)
HEAD FOR (transitive, inseparable): go in the direction of
I'm heading for the cafe now.
I'm heading for it now. (ALSO: I'm heading there now.)
LAUGH AT (transitive, inseparable): show joy at
You're going to laugh at this photo ofme.
You're going to laugh at it.
LET OUT (transitive, separable): allow to leave
Will you let out the dog?
Will you let the dog out?
Will you let him out?
LIE DOWN (intransitive): rest in a horizontal position
Maybe I won't sleep, but I need to lie down.
LISTEN TO (transitive, inseparable): use your ears carefully to hear something
Did you listen to that song?
Did you listen to it?
LOOK FOR (transitive, inseparable): try to find
She's looking for her glasses.
She's looking for them.
LOOK INTO (transitive, inseparable): investigate; examine
The police are looking into the bus accident.
The police are looking into it.
PAY FOR (transitive, inseparable): give money for something
I paid for the gas.
I paid for it.
NOTe: The verb can only be separated by a phrase that tells how much:
I paid a lot for the gas.
I paid $25.00 for it.
PICK UP (transitive, separable): take or lift off the floor (or a chair, etc.)
I cleaned my room and picked up my clothes.
I cleaned my room and picked my clothes up.
I cleaned my room and picked them up.
Appendix D Can You Believe It? 89
PUT ON (transitive, separable): wear clothes
It's cold; you should put on a sweater.
ft's cold; you should put a sweater on.
It's cold; you should put it on.
RUN AWAY (intransitive): leave quickly; escape
Jane's dog ran away.
SHOW UP (intransitive): arrive; appear
The party starts at 9 PM. What time do you plan to show up?
SIT DOWN (intransitive): sit; be seated
There's a bench. Do you want to sit down?
SLOW DOWN (intransitive): go more slowly
There's ice on the road. Slow down!
SPEED UP (intran itive): go faster
This is a dangerous road. Don't speed up.
STARE AT (transitive, inseparable): look at with wide eyes
I'm staring at that woman because l think / know her.
I'm staring at her because [ think I know her.
TAKE AWAY (transitive, separable): remove
Tim never returned books, so they took away his library card.
Tim never returned books, so they took his library card away.
Tim never returned books) so they took it away.
TAKE OFF (intransitive): leave (by car, on foot, or hy plane)
The plane took offat 12:30.
TAKE OUT (transitive, separable): remove
J'll take out the garbage.
fll take the garbage out.
I'll take it out.
THINK ABOUT (transitive, inseparable): consider; anticipate; form a mental image of
I often think about leaving this crazy city.
I often think about it.
TURN DOWN (transitive, separable): make something less loud or less strong
Will you please turn down the volume?
Will you please turn the volume down?
Will you please turn it down?
TURN OFF (transitive, separable): stop a machine or the flow of water, electricity, etc.
Please turn off the computer when 110U finish.
Please turn the computer off when you finish.
Please turn it offwhen you finish.
TURN ON (transitive, separable): start a machine or the flow of water, electricity, etc.
I'll tum on the lights so you can see.
I II turn the lights on so you can see.
I'll tum them on so you can see.
TURN OVER (intransitive): turn to the other side
The car was going too fast, and it turned over.
TURN OVER (transitive, separable): turn to the other side
Tum over the plate so I can see where it was made.
Turn the plate over so I can see where it was made.
Turn it over so I can see where it was made.
WALK OFF (intransitive): walk away; walk in the other direction
Hilda got angry and she just walked off.
90 Can You Believe It? Book 1
LEXICON
A
Idiom and
Definition
Usage Example Language
notes
Similar
expressions
Opposite
expressions
after a while (6)
later; at some
time in the
future
informal You'll get bored with that
video after a while.
in a while
later on
right away
again and again
(10)
many times;
repeatedly
I read the story again and
again, but I still don't
understand it.
over and over
time after time
time and time
again
(as) easy as pie
(II)
very simple, easy
informal Mathematics may be easy
as pie for you, but I think
it's hard.
The first as can be
omitted. The
expression usually
occurs \vith the
verb be. You can
also say: It's easy
as apple pie!
a piece of cake
(informal)
a breeze
(informal)
tough
a bear (informal)
as for someone
or something (9)
regarding,
concerning
someone or
something
a. Tatjana likes cola.
Ruben likes tea. As for
me, I prefer coffee.
b. I want to keep this
shirt. As for the dress,
it's too small.
as well as (7)
in addition to;
and also
I enjoy tennis as well as
golf.
As well as is used
at the middle of a
sentence to
connect two
things. As well is
used at the end
of a sentence: 1
enjoy tennis and
golfas well.
in addition to
at home (3)
in your house or
apartment
Tomas is at home now.
Why don't you call him
there?
The verb go is
simply followed
by home-I'm
going home now.
The expression
feel at home
(with) means feel
comfortable with.
on the road
out of town
Le.xicon Can You Believe It? 91
LEXI ON
A B
Idiom and Usage
Definition
atleast (13)
a minimum of;
no fewer than
at once (13)
immediately
at times (14)
sometimes;
occasionally
be at death's informal
door (12)
be near death
be back (4)
be again in a
place you were
before
be crazy about informal
someone or
something (7)
like someone or
something very
much
92 Can You Believe It?
Example
Cehan studies at least
five hours a night.
If we don't leave at once,
we'll be late for the
movie.
I'm usually happy, but at
times I get sad and
depressed.
After the car accident,
Jeff was at death's door,
but he is getting better.
Selma went to Peru for a
month, but she's back
now.
I'm crazy about mambo
dancing. Do you like it?
Language
notes
At least is
followed by a
number: at least
five hours; at
least $100; at
least ten
students.
After you go back
to a place, you
are back.
Use a noun or
gerund after the
expression.
Similar Opposite
expressions expressions
at most
right away after a while
in a while
later on
now and then (a) round the
now and again clock
once in a while day and night
from time to all the time
time
off and on
every so often
be on one's last be healthy
legs be fit
not be long for feel like a million
this world dollars
be between life
and death
be away
be gone
be mad/nuts/wild can't stand
about someone something
or something be turned off by
(informal) something
be into (informal)
something be lukewarm
about
something
(informal)
Bookl
B
Idiom and Usage
Definition
be dirt poor (15) informal
have very little
money
be fast asleep (4)
be sleeping
deeply
be fed up (with informal
someone or
something) (10)
be tired of; be at
the end of your
patience with
someone or
something
be frightened by
someone or
something (6)
be afraid of
someone or
something
be horrified by
something (3)
feel shock and
horror at
something
be in (14) informal
be in fashion; be
popular
Lexicon
Example
He's dirt poor; he doesn't
know how he'll find the
money for college.
Five minutes after the
plane took off, Jimmy
was fast asleep and
snoring.
I'm fed up with cooking;
let's go to a restaurant.
I was frightened by that
loud noise.
The citizens of the small
town were horrified by
the murder.
Blue jeans never go out
of fashion; they are
always in.
Language
notes
Dirt cheap
means very
inexpensive.
Don't confuse
this expression
with be full,
which means
unable to eat any
more food.
You can also be
Frightened of
someone or
something.
You can also be
horrified at
something.
Similar Opposite
expressions expressions
be broke be well-off
be as poor as a be well-to-do
church mouse be loaded
be penniless (informal)
be sound asleep be wide awake
be sleeping like a be wired (slang)
baby
be sleeping like a
log (informal)
be dead to the
world
(informal)
be sick (and tired) can't get enough
of someone or of something
something be ready for more
can't take it
(something)
anymore
can't stand some­
one or some­
thing anymore
be terrified of be comfortable
someone or with someone
something or something
be scared of be at ease with
someone or someone or
something something
be shocked by be comfortable
someone or with someone
something or something
feel at ease with
someone or
something
be hot be out
be cool be out of
be in fashion fashion/style
be hip be old fashioned
be the rage be old hat
be the thing
be the in thing
Can You Believe It? 93
EXICON
B
Idiom and Usage
Definition
be in big trouble informal
(9)
have (big)
problems; be in a
difficult situation
be into informal
something (7)
be very
interested in
something
be over (11)
be finished; end
be red in the face informal
(2)
be embarrassed
Example
The little girl is in big
trouble because she
painted on the kitchen
walls.
Roberto is into science
fiction; he reads all the
books and sees all the
movies.
When dinner was over,
everyone helped with the
dishes.
The waiter spilled cola on
me. I was sticky and he
was red in the face!
Language
notes
The expression
can be followed
by with: The
little girl is in big
trouble with her
parents. It can
also be followed
by for + gerund:
The little girl is
in big trouble for
painting on the
kitchen walls.
Similar Opposite
expressions expressions
be in trouble get out of trouble
be in hot water be in the clear
(informal)
be in a tight
spot/jam/pickle
(informal)
be hot/stud\! not give two
hooked on hoots about
something or something
someone (informal)
(informal) be down on
dig something or something
someone (informal)
(informal) be turned off by
be turned on by something or
something or someone
someone (informal)
(informal) can't stand
be crazy/wild! something or
nuts about someone
something or
someone
(informal)
be through start up
be all wrapped up
(informal)
have a red face be proud of
(informal) something
have egg on one's
face (informal)
be ashamed (of
something)
94 Can You Believe It? Book 1
LEXICON
B
Idiom and Usage Example Language Similar Opposite
Definition notes expressions expressions
be steaming (10) informal Hassan was steaming When water gets
be angry when he missed the very hot, it's
plane. steaming.
be mad (as hell)
(informal)
be hot under the
collar
(informal)
be fuming
(informal)
be ticked off
(informal)
be cool
(informal)
be mellow
(informal)
be well-off (15) Bill Gates, founder of be well-to-do be dirt poor
have a lot of Microsoft, is extremely be loaded be as poor as a
money; be rich well-off. church mouse
be penniless
be low on funds
belong to The motorcycle belongs
someone (12) to Silvio, and the car
be the property belongs to me.
of someone
Phrasal verb
(transitive,
inseparable)
The example
could also be
written: The
motorcycle is
Silvio's and the
car is mine.
break into The thieves broke into
something (9) the car last night.
enter illegally by
force
Phrasal verb
(transitive,
inseparable)
Common words
following the
expression
include: a car,
a house, a
building, a bank,
a store, and
a computer
system.
force one's way
into something
Lexicon Can You Believe It? 95
LEXI
C
Idiom and Usage
Definition
calm down (5)
become calm and
quiet
can't stand
something (1)
dislike
something very
much
cheer someone
up (7)
make a sad
person happier
come across
something (13)
find something
by chance
congratulations
on something
(5)
I commend!
salute you for
something
important.
96 Can You Believe It?
Example
Don't get so excited
about thisl Calm down!
When I was younger I
liked to exercise, but now
I can't stand it!
Seher was feeling bad
about her exams, so I
tried to cheer her up.
Did you come across my
keys when you cleaned
the house?
I heard the great news,
Zoran. Congratulations
on your engagement!
Language
notes
Phrasal verb
(intransitive)
The expression
calm someone
down means
make someone
calm; and is
transitive and
separable.
Sometimes the
expression is
expanded to can't
stand the sight/
smell/sound/
thought of
something
Phrasal verb
(transitive,
separable)
Phrasal verb
(tran itive,
inseparable)
Some common
phrases with this
expression
include:
Congratulations
on your
engagement/
marriage/new
baby/newjob/
promotion/award/
graduation
Similar Opposite
expressions expressions
chill (out) freak (out)
(informal) (informal)
cool down lose it (informal)
(informal) flip(out)
(informal)
can't bear be crazy/wild!
something nuts about
something
(informal)
be into
something
(informal)
lift someone's dampen
spirits someone's
give someone a spirits
boost bum someone
make someone's out (slang)
day (informal) drag/bringlget
someone down
(slang)
happen upon look (high and
something low) for
stumble upon something
something
happen to find
something
Book 1
D
Idiom and Usage
Definition
do one's best (8)
perform as well
as you an
drop by (a place)
(6)
visit (a place) for
a short time
drop in (at a
place) (13)
visit for a short
time, often
unexpectedly
drop out (of
something) (15)
quit (school, a
race, etc.)
Example
I worked day and night
on the project. I did my
best!
a. I'll drop by at 2
o'clock. Will you be
there?
b. I dropped by the
library.
a. Guess who dropped in
today? Myoid friend
Jorge!
b. Guess who dropped in
at/to the office today?
Myoid friend Jorge!
a. He dropped out of
college after 3 years.
b. He dropped out before
he graduated.
Language
notes
This expression
can be followed
by on + noun, as
in I did my best
on the project or
by to + verb as
in: I did my best
to contact you.
Example a:
Phrasal verb
(intransitive)
Example b:
Phrasal verb
(transi tive,
inseparable)
Example a:
Phrasal verb
(intransitive)
Example b:
Phrasal verb
(transi tive,
inseparable)
Example a:
Phrasal verb
(transitive,
inseparable)
Example b:
Phrasal verb
(intransitive)
Other common
words following
drop out of
include: a group,
a competition,
an organization.
Similar Opposite
expressions expressions
give it (or fall down on the
something) job
your best shot slack off
(informal) (informal = not
give it (or work hard)
something) all
you've got
(informal)
give it 100%
(informal)
work like a dog
(informal)
drop in
stop by
stop in
come by
pay a quick visit
drop by
stop by
stop in
come by
pay a (quick) visit
stick with
something (to
the bitter end)
Lexicon Can You Believe It? 97
LEXICON
Ci
Idiom and Usage Example Language Similar Opposite
Definition notes expressions expressions
get mad (at informal I'm sorry I'm late. Don't be steaming see eye to eye
someone) (14) get mad at me. get hot under the with someone
become angry (at collar keep (one's) cool
someone) be mad as hell at
be mad as a
hornet
see red
get on I usually get on the bus Phrasal verb get off
(something) (4) at the corner of First and (transitive, (something)
enter (an Main. inseparable)
elevator, a plane,
a train, a bus, or Don't confuse get
a ship) on with get in,
which is used
when referring
to: a car, a small
boat, a bathtub,
a shower, or a
bed.
get out (of It's so cold that I don't Phrasal verb get up (=get out get in
something) (4) want to get out of the (transitive, of bed) (something)
leave (a bed, a car. inseparable)
car, a bath, work,
class, school) Don't confuse get
out of with get
o f ~ which is used
with other forms
of transportation:
get off a bus, a
train, a plane, a
large ship.
get over I can't get over this cold; Get over can also shake an illness come down with
something (4) I've had it for two weeks! mean recover get better an illness
recover from an from an catch an illness
illness emotional shock. (a cold, the flu)
You get over a
shock, a surprise,
grief, or a love
affai r.
Lexicon Can You Believe It? 99
LEXICON
Idiom and
Definition
get rid of
something (1)
remove
something
Ci
Usage
get up (12)
rise from a
sitting or lying
position
get worse and
worse (1)
become very bad
give something
away (15)
give something
as a gift
go after someone
or something
(10)
try to get or
catch someone
or something
go back (to a
place) (2)
return (to a
place)
100 Can You Believe It?
Example
I cleaned my closet and
got rid of myoid clothes.
I'm tired; I don t want to
get up!
Another murder! Crime
is getting worse and
worse here.
a. When she got her new
computer, she gave
away her old one.
b. When she got her n w
computer, she gave her
old one away.
a. The thief ran away, but
the police went after
him.
b. Tarik wants to go after
a job at IBM.
I want to go back to
Mexico City. I haven t
been there for 5 years.
Language
notes
Phrasal verb
(transitive,
inseparable)
Phrasal verb
(intransitive)
Get up usually
refers to getting
out of bed, but
you also get up
from a chair, a
sofa, or the floor.
An illness, a
problem (such as
crime), or the
weather can get
worse and worse.
Phrasal verb
(transitive,
separable)
Phrasal verb
(transitive,
inseparable)
Phrasal verb
(transitive,
inseparable)
Similar Opposite
xpressions expressions
throw something hold on tolhang
away on to (=keep)
do away with something
something
toss something
away/out
get out of bed lie down
go to bed
hit the hay/sack
sit down
go from bad to get better and
worse better
take off (=leave)
Book 1
LEXICON
Idiom and
Definition
go shopping (5)
shop
G
Usage
H I
Example
Boris likes to go
shopping at Bell's
because the prices are
low.
Language
notes
Other common
expressions using
go includego
skiing, go
swimming, and
go fishing.
Similar
expressions
Opposite
expressions
hang on for dear
life (9)
hold something
very tightly
have second
thoughts (about
something) (14)
have doubts
(about
something)
informal The sea was rough and
our boat was smaJ\. We
hung on for dear life.
Susan wanted to study
architecture, but now
she's having second
thoughts.
get second
thoughts
(about
something)
change one's
mind (about
something)
let go (of
something)
be (loa percent)
sure (about
something)
be certain (about
something)
have trouble
doing something
(12)
find something
difficult to do
I have trouble learning
languages, but I keep
trying.
have a hard time
doing
something
take to
something like
a duck takes to
water
head for a place
(5)
go in the
direction of a
place
I'm tired; I'm heading for
bed now.
Phrasal verb
(transitive,
inseparable)
go away from a
place
in addition (15)
also
Keiko speaks English and
Japanese. In addition, she
knows French.
In addition to is
used as follows:
In addition to
English and
Japanese, Keiko
speaks French.
as well (as)
Lexicon Can You Believe It? 101
102 Can You Believe It? Book 1
L
Opposite
expressions
turn a deaf ear to
(someone)
Idiom and Usage Example Language Similar
Definition notes expressions
listen to Did you listen to the Phrasal verb lend an ear to
someone or news this morning? (transitive, someone
something (6) inseparable)
use your ears
carefully to hear You can listen to
someone or a person, music,
something the radio, a CD, a
tape, etc.
look for I looked for a birthday Phrasal verb search for
someone or gift for my father, but I (transitive, someone or
something (8) couldn't find the right inseparable) something
try to find thing.
someone or You can put
something adverbs such as
everywhere or all
over between
look and f01; but
you can't separate
them with a noun
or pronoun: I
looked
everywhere for
my glasses, but [
couldn't find
them.
look into The mayor is looking Phrasal verb check into
something (13) into the traffic problem (transitive, something
investigate; and will report the inseparable)
examine findings next week.
something You can look into
a problem, a
crime, an issue, a
matter, a
question, a
possibility of
something, etc.
look like Francoise looks like her Often the words look alike look different
someone or mother. just or exactly (Francoise and from someone
something (7) occur in this her mother look nothing like
be similar in expression: She look alike.) someone
appearance to looks exactly like look nothing
someone or her mother or alike
something She looks just
like her mother.
Lexicon Can You Believe It? 103
L M
Idiom and Usage Example Language Similar Opposite
Definition note expressions expressions
lose it (I) informal When I heard the bad This expression lose one's cool calm down
become excited' news, I totally lost it. is usually used in freak out cool off/cool
lose one's self- the past tense: I (informal) down
control lost it; He lost it, flip out (informal)
etc. The words (informal) chill out (slang)
totally, really, or go bananas pull oneself
completely often (informal) together
occur before the
expression. He
really lost it!
lots of (6) informal I should do the laundry. Lots ofis followed a lot of precious few
many There are lots of dirty by a noun: quite a few
clothes. There's lots of
water, There are
lots ofbooks. You
can also use lots
by itself, as in
Friends? 1have
lots! .
make a living a. Sandra makes a living After the make a buck
(15) as a painter. expression, you (informal)
earn money for b. Sandra makes a living can use as + job bring home the
food, housing, by painting. or by + gerund as bacon
etc. in the examples. (informal)
The expression is earn one's keep
also used as (informal)
follows: She
makes a good/
decent living as a
painter.
make a mistake I made a big mistake. I Other common mess up
(11) burned our dinner! expressions with (informal)
do something make include screw up
incorrectly make the bed, (informal)
make dinner, goof up
make money and (informal)
make a living.
104 Can You Believe It? Book 1
EXIO
MNOP
Idiom and
Definition
Usage Example Language
notes
Similar
expressions
Opposite
expressions
make oneself at
home (3)
make yourself
comfortable in
someone else s
home
When Seville visited us,
she made herself at
home. She cooked her
favorite food and joined
all our family activities.
This expression
is often used as a
welcoming
command: Please
make yourselfat
home!
make oneself
comfortable
feel ill at ease
feel out of place
feel uncomfortable
feel like a fish out
of water'
(informal)
not believe one's informal I can't believe my eyes! This expression be dumbfounded
eyes (8) You got a new car! often starts with not believe one's
be very surprised I can't, I ears (=be very
to see something couldn't, [don't, surprised to
[ didn 'I, and I hear something)
could hardly.
on the way (to a Did you know Charles is en route to a
place) (5) on the way to China? place
along the route
(to a place)
on vacation (8) I'll be on vacation next You can be on . on a break (from at work
away from work week, so I can't attend vacation or go on work or school)
or school; on the meeting. vacation. on holiday
holiday
one in a million Berta is really one in a one of a kind a dime a dozen
(15) million; she helps (=very common)
unique; very everyone with their
special problems.
pay for I paid for the shoes with
something (5) my credit card.
give money for
something
Phrasal verb
(transitive,
inseparable)
ote that you pay
for dinner, a new
car, a new Tv, etc.,
but you pay bills,
tuition, and rent.
Pay for can also
mean be
punished for
something, as in:
The criminal is
paying for his
crime in prison.
Lexicon Can You Believe It? 105
106 Can You Believe It? Book 1
show up (12) I waited and waited for Phrasal verb turn up vanish into
appear; arrive John. Finally, he showed (intransitive) thin air
up three hours late. (=disappear)
go away, take off
(=leave)
sit down (2) My feet hurt. Can we sit
sit; be seated down for a few minutes?
Phrasal verb
(intransitive)
Often used as a
welcoming
phrase when
someone enters a
room: Please sit
down! Don't
confuse the
expression with
set down, which
means put
something down.
have a seat stand up
take a seat get up
Lexicon Can You Believe [t7 107
5
Idiom and
Definition
slow down (9)
go more slowly
Usage Example
Slow down! You're
walking too fast.
Language
notes
Phrasal verb
(intransitive)
Slow it down! is
an informal way
to say Slow
down. The
expression is also
used when
talking about
slowing down
one's life: You're
working too
hard. You should
slow down.
Similar
expressions
slow up
(informal)
Opposite
expressions
speed up
hurry up
smell a rat (13)
think there may
be something
wrong or illegal
informal When 1couldn't find my
car keys, 1smelled a rat.
Sure enough, my car was
missing!
I think something
is fishy.
(=1 smell a rat.)
so far (11)
until now; up to
the present time
I have seen 10 movies so
far this month.
This phrase is
used with the
present perfect.
up to now from now on
(=from this
moment into
the future)
speed up (9)
go faster
We're late. Could you
speed up a little?
Phrasal verb
(intransitive)
Speed it up is an
informal way to
say Speed up.
pick up speed slow down
slow up
(informal)
spend time (with
someone) (11)
use time (with
someone)
Petra spends a lot of time
with her friends.
You can spend an
hour with
someone, spend
a day with
someone, spend
a few minutes
with someone,
etc.
108 Can You Believe It? Book 1
5 T
Idiom and
Definition
Usage Example Language
notes
Similar
expressions
Opposite
expressions
stare at someone
or something
(14)
look at someone
or something
with wide eyes
I'm sorry to stare at you,
but you look so much
like my brother!
Phrasal verb
(transitive,
inseparable)
look at someone
or something
look away
look down
take a quick look
at someone or
something
glance at
someone or
something
take a ferry (a
bus, a train, or a
plane) (2)
go by ferry (bus,
train, or plane)
I usually walk to school,
but today I took a bus.
get on (a ferry,
bus, train, or
plane)
get off (a ferry,
bus, train, or
plane)
take a look (at
something) (l)
look quickly (at
something)
Will you take a look at
this letter before I send
it?
have a look at
something
take a nap (3)
sleep for a short
time during the
day
I didn't get much sleep
last night; I'm going to
take a nap now.
take a siesta
(informal)
take a snooze
(informal)
catch 40 winks
(informal)
catch some Zs
(slang)
get some shut­
eye (slang)
stay up
stay awake
take a picture (of
someone or
something) (8)
use a camera to
get a photograph
(of someone or
something)
Twant to take a picture
of you; please smile!
The expression is
often followed by
of + person, as in
the example;
however, take a
picture with
someone means
be in the picture
with someone.
take a photo of
someone or
something
snap a photo of
someone or
something
(informal)
Lexicon Can You Believe It? 109
LEXie N
T
Idiom and
Definition
Usage Example Language
notes
Similar
expressions
Opposite
expressions
take a vacation We plan to take a go on vacation work day and
(8) vacation in August. take time off night
have time away take a trip work like a dog
from work or get away (informal)
school
take something Please take these dishes
away (10) away. I want to work at
remove the table.
something
Phrasal verb take out (of)
(transitive, (=remove an
separable) object that is
In<:,\M
You take away an something)
object that is Q.!l
something.
Compare this
expression with
take out, which
means remove an
object that is
inside something.
take off (9) Mitsu took off right after
leave (by car, on class.
foot, by plane)
Phrasal verb go away show up
(intransitive)
You can indicate
b..Qw. a person
took off' He took
orf on his bike/in
his car/on foot.
Take off has
another common
meaning. As a
transitive,
separable phrasal
verb it means to
remove clothing;
in this sense it is
the opposite of
put on.
110 Can You Believe It? Book 1
T
Idiom and
Definition
Usage Example Language
notes
Similar
expressions
Opposite
expressions
take something
out (of a place)
(2)
remove (from a
place)
Please take the eggs out
of the refrigerator.
Phrasal verb
(transitive,
separable)
You take out an
object that is
inside something.
Compare this
expression with
take away, which
means remove
and object that is
on something.
take away
(=remove an
object that is
on something)
put (back) in
think about
someone or
something (14)
consider;
anticipate; form a
mental image of
someone or
something
I'm thinking about
dinner; what shall we
have?
Phrasal verb
(transi tive,
inseparable)
Think about can
be followed by a
noun, as in the
example, or a
gerund (verb +
ing), as in: I'm
thinking about
cooking dinner.
think something
over
tum something The TV is much too loud.
down (10) Please turn it down!
make something
less loud or less
strong
Phrasal verb turn up
(transi tive,
separable)
You can tum
down the
volume, the TV,
the stereo, the
music, the heat,
the temperature,
the air
conditioner, the
oven, etc. Tum
down has
another common
meaning: refuse
an invitation.
Lexicon Can You Believe It? 111
EXI
T
Idiom and
Definition
Usage Example Language
notes
Similar
expressions
Opposite
expressions
tum something a. Did you turn off the Ph rasal verb switch something turn something
off (4) water? (transitive, off on
stop a machine b. Did you turn the water separable) switch something
or the flow of off? on
water, electricity, In informal
etc. usage, tum
someone off
means disgust, as
in I hate that
music; it really
turns me ofr.
tum something a. I can't see. Will you Phrasal verb switch something turn something
on (1) turn on the light, (transitive, on off
start a machine please? separable)
or the flow of b. I can't see. Will you
electricity, water, turn the light on, In informal
etc. please? usage, tum
someone on
means interest or
excite, as in:
Chocolate
doesn't tum me
on. f don't like it.
tum over (3) a. The car was going too
turn to the other fast on the ice and
side turned over.
b. Please turn your paper
over and write on the
other side.
Example a:
Phrasal verb
(intransitive)
(A car can tum
over or a person
can tum over in
bed.)
Example b:
Phrasal verb
(transitive and
separable)
Here, tum over
refers to
someone turning
something over.
112 Can You Believe It? Book 1
.......N
w XYZ
Idiom and
Definition
Usage Example Language
notes
Similar
expressions
Opposite
expressions
What is going
on? (13)
What is
happening?
informal What is going on? Why
don't you call me?
Also used as an
informal
greeting: Hey
man, what's
going on? A
negative answer
to this question
is Nothing (is
going on).
What is
happening?
What's up?
(informal)
What's cooking?
(informal)
What's the
matter (with
someone or
something)? (1)
What's wrong
(with someone' or
something)?
What's the matter with The expression is
Lily? She hasn't been in often followed by
class for a week. with + person, as
in the example.
what's up (with
someone or
something)
(informal)
what's going on
(with someone
or something)
(informal)
nothing's the
matter (with
someone or
something)
nothing's wrong
(with someone
or something)
walk off (2) When I told John the Phrasal verb take off
walk away; walk truth, he just walked off. (intransitive)
in the other
direction People often
walk olTbecause
they're angry, as
in the example.
Don't confuse
walk olfwith
walk out, which
means to
abandon or [eave
someone. Note
that walk offwith
something
means to steal
something.
Lexicon Can You Believe It? 113
Can You Believe It?
Stories and Idioms from Real Life
Book 1
Can You Believe It? is a three-level series that integrates true and memorable readings
with idioms and vocabulary development. Can You Believe It? combines a holistic
approach to readi"ng with a thorough treatment of high-frequency idioms, phrasal
verbs, and fixed expressions.
Designed for young adult and adult students of ESLIEFL at the beginning through
intermediate levels, Can You Believe It? aUows teachers to address reading, oral, and
vocabulary acquisition skiUs together. With its lively visual and aural presentation, the
stories and lexical expressions in the series come to lite, enhancing student recall of
content and vocabulary.
Features:
• Unusual, and true news stories on a wide rang,e of topics capture student interest
from the very start
• Common and essential idioms are pr,esented in engaging, rea] contexts
that provide clear meaning and natural use of new vocabulary
• Lively comic-strip style illustrations and accompanying cassettes provide richly­
contextualized visual and aural input and reinforcement of content and idioms
• Ample opportunities for producing idioms in spea ing and writing are provided
through story retelling, thought-provoking personal questions, dialogue
production, and dictation
• Review Units allow additional practice of ~ o r m and meaning of idioms in
enjoyable new contexts.
• A complete Lexicon offers additional information on collocations, grammar,
synonyms, and antonyms
Can You Believe It?
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