Language Notes

Idioms - Every cloud has a silver lining Be optimistic - every difficult situation can have some positive aspect “I hated working in the factory, but every cloud has a silver lining at least I met my wife there.” The best of both worlds To have all the advantages of a situation: She works in the city and lives in the country, so she gets the best of both worlds. Change of Heart To change your opinion or feelings about something. He was going to apply for the Head of Department job, but he’s had a change of heart. At the drop of a hat To do something immediately, without hesitation. He would help me at the drop of a hat. to cut corners To do something badly to save money “The company cut corners when building the factory.” Phrasal Verbs Fill in To write information in a form. “I had to fill in a university application form. Cheer up! and Cheer up “Cheer up!” We say this to encourage someone to be happier: “Cheer up! Things aren’t that bad.” We also use - to cheer up - when we try to make someone happier: “My son had a bad day at school so I took him to the cinema to cheer him up.” be over To end. “The film will be over by 9pm” “The concert should be over by 10pm then we can go for a drink.” give up To abandon or stop something. “He gave up smoking 3 years ago.” to cut corners To do something badly to save money “The company cut corners when building the factory.”