Essential english idioms

to see about : to give attention or time to (also: t o a t t e n d t o , t o s e e t o ) 
- Who is going to see about getting us a larger room for the meeting? 
- I'll see to arranging music for the wedding if you attend to the entertainment. 
to make out : to do, to succeed, to progress
- Charlie didn't make out very well on his final examinations. He may have to repeat one or more classes. 
- How did Rachelle make out on her acting audition in Hollywood yesterday? 
by heart : by memorizing
- He knows many passages from Shakespeare by heart. 
- Do you know all the idioms you have studied in this book by heart? 

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= Easy English = 
www.ez-english.narod.ru
20
 
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. Jack has been too busy with his work to date anyone recently. 
a. to see about
b. to make out
c. to go out with 
2. The manager wanted her assistant to ascertain when the products would be delivered. 
a. to make good time b. to get rid of
c. to make sure 
3. You should stir the milk and eggs before you add the butter. 
a. cut down on (Lesson 9) 
b. mix up 
c. come from 
4. I was so nervous about giving the speech that I learned every word by memorizing. 
a. by myself (Lesson 3)
b. by heart 
c. now and then 
5. The weather is so bad today that we should definitely postpone the picnic. 
a. put off (Lesson 5) 
b. call off (Lesson 5) 
c. see about 
6. George never seems to study. How is he progressing in his coursework? 
a. making out
b. coming from
c. looking over (Lesson 6) 
7. The test instructions were so poorly written that the students were confused about what to do. 
a. were attended to 
b. paid attention (Lesson 8) 
c. were mixed up 
8. This yellow tie doesn't match your blue jacket at all. 
a. go with 
b. get rid of 
c. come from 
9. John enjoys going hiking with his friends. They take a hike together every second weekend. 
a. every now and then b. every other
c. all weekend long (Lesson 3) 
10. This tablecloth is too old to use anymore; would you mind if we discard it? 
a. get rid of 
b. come from
c. see to