Test 10

Study the definitions of the English idioms. Insert a corresponding idiom into the sentence. Pay attention to the translation of the English idioms into Russian. Translate the sentences into Russian. Make up your own sentences in Russian for your groupmates to translate in class.

1. An outcast.

I haven’t seen my uncle since I was a child, because he isn’t in contact with my parents. He’s the ... of the family.

Comment: The expression probably originates from the fact that most sheep are white and only the very different ones are black.

2. Formal dress in which men wear black bow ties and dinner jackets or tuxedos and women wear formal, usually floor-length dresses.

The film star’s wedding was .... It was a glamorous affair that I’ll never forget.

Comment: The expression originates from the black bow tie that is part of men’s formal dress.

3. To boast or brag.

Keith lets everyone know that the boss is going to make him the new assistant manager. He likes to ....

Comment: Dating back to at least the 16th century, this phrase is a reference to the practice of blowing horns to announce the arrival of important officials such as kings. To blow one’s own horn is to boast or claim a position of superiority over others.

4. To become suddenly very angry.

When Emily’s father saw the damage she had done to the family car, he ....

5. Renowned.

The president assembled a ... panel of experts to study the problem.

Comment: The expression originates from the blue ribbon that is often presented to the best entry in a contest.

6. To confront or hold someone responsible for some misdeed.

The student tried to make the teacher think that his report was original, but the teacher knew it wasn’t, and ....

Comment: This phrase originates from the military, where it used to be that only senior officers had carpet in their offices. To be called on the carpet meant that a lower-ranking soldier was brought into the senior’s office to be formally reprimanded for an offense.

7. To be in control or to give orders.

In this classroom, the teacher is in control. The teacher ..., not the students.

Comment: This idiom stems from use in sports that involve aiming. For example, in darts, the thrower might call out the exact spot he/she expects to hit on the target. Calling the shots well shows the player to be in control of the outcome.

8. To be in love with someone, usually someone who does not love in return.

Sara will never remarry. She will always ... for Henry.

Comment: The expression suggests that love is a flame in the heart.

9. To take on work or responsibility in order to keep a project moving forward.

We need more people to help get this work done on time. Are you going to sit there and do nothing or are you going to help ...?

10. A reversal of attitude.

Karen told her boss that she planned to leave the company, but after the boss offered her a pay raise, she had a ... and agreed to stay.

Comment: The expression is usually applied to an emotional attitude.

blow (one’s) own horn
black sheep
change of heart
carry the ball
call the shots
carry a torch (for someone)
call (someone) on the carpet
blow (one’s) stack
black tie
blue ribbon

ЛЕКСИЧЕСКИЕ ТРУДНОСТИ ПИСЬМЕННОГО ПЕРЕВОДА: ТЕСТОВЫЕ ЗАДАНИЯ

Test 10