Essential english idioms

l i t t l e b y l i t t l e : gradually, slowly (also: step by step )
- Karen's health seems to be improving little by little. 
- If you study regularly each day, step by step your vocabulary will increase. 
to tire o u t : to make very weary due to difficult conditions or hard effort (also: t o w e a r o u t ) (S)
- The hot weather tired out the runners in the marathon. 
- Does studying for final exams wear you out? It makes me feel worn out! 
t o c a l l o n : to ask for a response from; to visit (also: t o d r o p i n o n )
- Jose didn't know the answer when the teacher called on him. 
- Last night several friends called on us at our home. 
- Why don't we drop in on Sally a little later? 
never mind : don't be concerned about it; ignore what was just said
- When he spilled his drink on my coat, I said, "Never mind. It needs to be cleaned anyway." 
- So you weren't listening to me again. Never mind; it wasn't important. 

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= Easy English = 
www.ez-english.narod.ru
4
EXERCISES 
A. Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized word or words in each 
sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are indicated by number. 
1. Nan is trying to find the purse that she lost yesterday. 
a. finding out 
b. looking at 
c. looking for 
2. As is typical, Doug is late for the meeting. 
a. At last 
b. All along 
c. As usual 
3. Were you able to determine what his occupation is? 
a. to find out 
b. to pick up (Lesson 1) c. to call on 
4. I am very weary after all that physical exercise today. 
a. turned off (Lesson 1) b. tired out 
c. never mind 
5. John's mother knew that he wasn't telling the truth from the beginning. 
a. all along 
b. all right 
c. little by little 
6. Some old friends of mine visited us last night. 
a. called on 
b. called up (Lesson 1) c. wore out 
7. Eventually, Mario will be able to speak English better than he does now. 
a. Never mind
b. Sooner or later (Lesson 1) 
c. At last 
8. Is it acceptable for Mary to borrow our car for a few hours? 
a. right away (Lesson 1) 
b. all right 
c. step by step 
9. Would you please give your attention to me while I'm talking? 
a. dress up 
b. look at 
c. wear out 
10. They waited for forty-five minutes until finally the waiter brought their food. 
a. at last 
b. little by little
c. at first (Lesson 1)