Speak English Around Town Lesson 20 Idioms, Proverbs, Expressions MCQ Test
LESSON 20 – Traveling by Car
TRAVELING BY CAR
Sara and Nick are taking a car trip. Nick has taken a wrong turn, and now they need to stop and ask for directions.
Sara: Do you think we can make it to Joe and Mary’s by 7?
Nick: I hope so. It’s only 5 o’clock now and we’ve only got about 120 miles left to go. We’re making good time.
Sara: Yes, but we still need to make a pit stop. Don’t you want to stop somewhere and grab a bite?
Nick: I guess so. Let’s look for a place we can turn off.
Sara: I just saw a sign that said Route 584 North. Aren’t we supposed to be on 80 East!
Nick: Yes. We must’ve taken a wrong turn somewhere.
Sara: I thought you said you knew these roads like the back of your hand. Did you doze off or what?
Nick: We’d better stop at a gas station and ask for directions.
(at the gas station)
Sara: Hi, we’re lost. Can you tell me the quickest way to get on 80 East?
Clerk: Hang a left out of the gas station. Hop on 35 South. Take it about 10 miles and you’ll see a sign for 80 East.
Sara: Thanks a lot.
(back in the car)
Nick: Did you get the directions?
Sara: Yes. Left out of here, then 35 South to 80 East.
Nick: Got it.
Sara: Careful! You almost hit a piece of tire in the road.
Nick: Please don’t be a backseat driver!
Sara: I try to bite my tongue, but sometimes I can’t help myself.
Language Lens: Phrases with “so”
To give a positive reply, use “so” instead of “yes” after: afraid, believe, guess, hope, suppose, and think.
|
Say |
Do NOT Say |
|
I’m afraid so |
I’m afraid yes |
|
I believe so |
I believe yes |
|
I guess so |
I guess yes |
|
I hope so |
I hope yes |
|
I think so |
I think yes |
|
I suppose so |
I suppose yes |
“I’m afraid so” means “unfortunately, yes.”
Say “I guess so” or “I suppose so” to mean you are not too happy about doing something.
Examples:
◼ “Did your team lose?” – “I’m afraid so.”
◼ “Do we have next Monday off?” – “I believe so.”
◼ “Should we invite Brad to the party?” – “I guess so.”
◼ “Don’t you think we’ll have good weather?” – “I hope so.”
◼ “Will it snow tonight?” – “I think so.”
◼ “Can I borrow the car on Friday night?” – “I suppose so.”
IDIOMS
- backseat driver
→ a passenger who offers unwanted driving advice
Example: “You’re driving too close to the car in front ofus.” – “Don’t be a backseat driver!”
- (to) bite one’s tongue
→ to not say what one is really thinking; to resist saying something one wants to say
Example: Mary doesn’t like her husband’s snacking habits, but she tries to bite her tongue.
- (to) doze off
→ to fall asleep
Example: Matt stayed up so late doing his homework, he ended up dozing off in class.
- got it
→ I understand; do you understand
Example 1: “Take a right at the light and go three blocks. The restaurant will be on your right.” – “Got it.”
Example 2: “You can borrow my car, but bring it back by 9. Got it?” “Got it.”
- (to) grab a bite
→ to get something quick to eat
Example: Let’s meet at 7 o’clock and grab a bite before the concert.
- (to) hang a left / a right
→ to turn left / right
Example: Hang a right at the next stoplight and you’ll see the Whole Foods on your right.
- (to) hop on
→ to get on a road
Example: If you’re going downtown, hop on the highway. It’s the fastest way.
- (to) know something like the back of one’s hand
→ to know very well (said most often about streets or places)
Example: We don’t need to bring a map with us. I know Boston like the back of my hand.
- (to) make a pit stop
→ to make a quick stop, usually to use the bathroom or to get something to eat
Example: “Would you mind making a pit stop? After drinking so much coffee, I need to use the bathroom.”
- (to) make good time
→ to travel efficiently; to get somewhere in less time than expected
Example: It’s noon and we’re already in Pennsylvania? We’re making good time!
- (to) take a wrong turn
→ to turn where one shouldn’t have
Example: We were headed to Manhattan, but we took a wrong turn and ended up in Brooklyn.
- (to) turn off
→ to exit the highway
Example: I think we’re going the wrong way. Turn off here and we’ll check the map.
- I can’t help myself
→ I can’t stop myself; I can’t resist
Example: “Stop telling me how to drive!” -“Sorry, I can’t help myself.”
