Tag: Cambridge C2 Proficiency

Today’s phrase is…

To give a new lease of/on life

Introduce it with some examples:

The successful operation on his bad foot gave my dog a new lease of life.

The council gave the old theatre a new lease of life by converting it into a youth centre for local teenagers.

Lead students to the meaning: “Give a new lease of life” means to revitalize or rejuvenate something or someone, providing a fresh start or renewed energy after a period of decline or stagnation.

Discussion:

• Can you think of a change that really helped someone you know feel better or discover a new energy?
• Are there any areas of your city that renovated or rejuvenated recently?
• Think of an old, run-down building or area in your city. Think of a proposal to transform or rejuvenate it. What would is be used for? How much work would be needed to give it a new lease of life?

Here’s the Quizlet set of all the previous phrases of the day.

Today’s phrase is…

To give one’s word

Here are some examples:

He gave her his word that he wouldn’t tell anyone her secret.

I give you my word that everything I’ve told you is the truth.

Lead students to the meaning: to make a solemn promise.

Discussion:

• How often do you make promises to your friends?
• Do you always keep your promises?
• How good are you at keeping secrets?
• Which of your friends do you feel you can trust with your secrets?
• Are you good at telling if someone is lying or being insincere when they make a promise?

Here’s the Quizlet set of all the previous phrases of the day.

Today’s phrase is…

All of a sudden

Introduce it with some examples:

All of a sudden, the power went out and we were left in complete darkness.

We were driving along the highway when all of a sudden a deer ran out in front of us.

Lead students to the meaning: suddenly/unexpectedly.

Discussion:

• Have you ever had a near miss while travelling in a car/bus/other vehicle? What happened?
• Have you ever been shocked, scared or surprised by a sudden unexpected event? What happened?
• Are you a fan of horror films? Can you remember any particularly good jump scares?
• Invent the perfect jump scare from a horror film. The ingredients are: a spooky situation, tension building, a distraction or misdirect, the sudden appearance of something horrifying.

Here’s the Quizlet set of all the previous phrases of the day.

Today’s phrase is….

go to waste

Introduce it with some examples:

When I go out for dinner I often overeat because I hate to see good food go to waste.

He was a great guitarist but all that talent went to waste when he decided to become an accountant instead.

Meaning: fail to be used or taken advantage of

Discussion

Put students in pairs or small groups and have them answer the following questions:

Which of these statements are true for you?

• I often buy food from the supermarket and end up throwing it away.
• I always overorder at restaurants.
• Wasting food/water makes me feel guilty.
• I eat food that is past its best before date.
• I would consider eating fruit and vegetables that supermarkets have thrown away.
• I’ve worked hard on projects that have ended up failing or not going anywhere.
• I can think of sportspeople, musicians or other celebrities who have wasted their talent.

Here’s the Quizlet set of all the previous phrases of the day.

Today’s phrase is…

To be in one’s element

Introduce it to your students with some examples:

I had a dinner party last week with loads of old friends from university, I love telling jokes and old anecdotes about our uni days I was in my element.

There was a lot to get done before the wedding but my uncle was in his element; he was giving out orders, making phone calls and making sure everyone was involved.

Lead students to the meaning: to be in a situation where you feel comfortable and perform well.

Put students in pairs or small groups and have them discuss the following questions:

• When are you in your element?
• How do you feel in the following situations?:
• When people are looking to you to make decisions.
• In a group of people cracking jokes and making fun of each other.
• In a large crowd at a concert or festival with loud music.
• In the sales in a busy shopping centre hunting for bargains.
• Planning a social event.
• Working on a creative project on your own.
• Leading a team of people.

Here’s the Quizlet set of all the previous phrases of the day.