Q: Use any FIVE of the following idioms in sentences to make their meaning clear:
(i) To cast pearls before swine
Meaning:
Use in sentence: I am afraid you are casting pearls before swine with your good advice. He will not listen to you.
or
He explained the beauty of the music to her but it was just casting pearls before swine.
(ii) To step into one’s shoes
Meaning:
Use in sentence: Every person must explore his abilities and must not try to step into other’s shoes.
or
There was no one who could step into Maryam’s shoes when she left, so everything came to a stop.
or
He is retiring, and it would not be easy to find someone who can step into his shoes.
(iii) Stuff and nonsense
Meaning:
Use in sentence: I don’t understand this book. It’s all stuff and nonsense as far as I am concerned.
or
We have a meeting each week meant to motivate staff, but it’s just stuff and nonsense from management.
(iv) A wild goose chase
Meaning:
Use in sentence: Police did wild goose chase efforts to catch criminal in complete dark.
or
They sent me on a wild goose chase to find a copy of a book that has not been released yet.
or
Researchers’ search for the cure of cancer has proved a wild goose chase.
(v) To be ill at ease
Meaning:
Use in sentence: He looked ill at ease in this formal dress.
or
My sister loves performing, but I am ill at ease on stage.
(vi) Sit on the fence
Meaning:
Use in sentence: They were on the fence about the whole issue.
or
You can not sit on the fence any longer – you need to choose who of these two we need to fire.
(vii) In a jiffy
Meaning:
Use in sentence: Salman ha reached to P chock he will be here in a jiffy.
or
Just wait a minute, I will be there in a jiffy.
or
Just wait a minute, I will be finished in a jiffy.
(viii) To preen oneself
Meaning:
Use in sentence: He preened himself on having been graduated with honours.
or
The peacock preened itself in the lawn.