ESL School

...many idioms are based on parts of the body. This exercise will help your students with some key ones.

Choose the meaning of the idiom used in the sentences from the choices below and write the letter underneath:

1. When the boss finds out we've lost
the contract, heads will roll.

2. In this kind of negotiation you mustn't expect
too much; even if they promise a lot,
we've got to keep out feet on the ground.

3. He's determined to buy the new equipment
even though it will cost an arm and a leg.

4. I really don't trust him; he's hand in glove
with the tax inspectors.

5. I know you don't want to reduce the staff
but in this economic climate we have no choice,
so you'll just have to grit your teeth and
do what's necessary.

6. I'm surprised he's investing in that company;
he got his fingers burnt once before
by buying those kinds of shares.

7.John's the apple of the boss’s eye
so it's no good trying to criticise his work.

8. She's burying her head in the sand;
she doesn't want to see this month's figures.

9. Don't take compliments from him too seriously;
I've always found him two-faced.

10. I'm not sure if should take the offer at face value
or whether they have some hidden agenda.

A. hypocritical

B. a favourite person

C. people will be dismissed from their jobs

D. avoid seeing the truth of a situation

E. very expensive

F. accept that you have to do something unpleasant

G. the price and conditions as stated

H. to have a very close relationship with somebody

I. to have had a bad experience

J. to be realistic