Proverbs - Money Doesn't Grow on Trees

Meaning – Money is not easily obtained. You have to work for it.

Ø     It’s important that children realize money doesn’t grow on trees. That way, they will be more prudent (=careful) with the way they spend money.

Ø    Despite coming from a wealthy family, Mike is fully aware that money doesn’t grow on trees. That’s why he always does his research whenever he is purchasing something for the first time.

Homonyms - Leave (As a Verb)

1.  (verb) – go away

Ø     He left the restaurant by the back door.

Ø     Hurry up! The bus leaves in 10 minutes.

2.  (verb) – didn’t take

Ø     John left without his house keys in his hurry to work.

Ø     You can leave the kids with us on Friday if you can’t find a nanny.

3.  (verb) – remain

Ø     If I give you $50, that won’t leave me enough cash to buy the groceries.

Ø     Many people were left homeless and without water or electricity when a hurricane hit the small town.

4.  (verb) – not use at all

Ø     Is there any milk left at home?

5.   (verb) – stop

Ø     Many children leave school (for college) at the age of 17.

Ø     Lionel left work three months ago for health reasons.

6.   (verb) – end relationship

Ø     He left his girlfriend after he got a better job offer abroad (=overseas).

7.   (verb) – after death

Ø     Mr Goodman passed away from a heart attack, leaving a wife and three children.

8.   (verb) – give responsibility

Ø     I left the decision to my parents.

Ø     Leave the car with me, and I’ll see what I can do.

Similes with Like - (Come Down on Somebody) Like a Ton of Bricks

Meaning – to severely criticize or reprimand somebody

Ø     Your father is going to come down on you like a ton of bricks when he learns that you have just crashed his car into a tree.

Ø     Our principal, Mr Johnson, will definitely come down on us like a ton of bricks if he finds out we’ve been skipping class this entire week.

Phrasal Verbs - Bear With

Meaning – tolerate, be patient with (someone or something)

Ø      How did you bear with all that noise and dust for three whole months?

Ø      Just bear with his mess for another few days. After all, it’s not every day  we see him.

Ø      Poor Dylan had to bear with the pain in his leg until his father came  home from work to take him to see a doctor.

Similes with Like - Eat Like a Horse

Meaning – eat a lot, have a healthy appetite

Ø     Ian has been thin all his life, but he eats like a horse. It’s no wonder he loves going for buffets.

Ø     Whenever my relatives return to Malaysia for a holiday, they tend to eat like a horse as it’s very hard to find authentic Malaysian food in Australia.  

Homonyms- Pack (As a Noun and Verb)

1.    (verb) – put into

Ø     Kent sure travels light! He’s going away for two weeks but all he’s     packed is a small suitcase.

Ø     We were shocked to hear that Tim just packed his bags and walked out on (= left) his wife and children.

Ø     Nick’s mom always packs a small lunch box for him to take to        school every morning.

2.    (verb) – fill

Ø     Tennis fans packed the stadium to watch the men’s finals                 yesterday evening.

Ø     I always try to avoid taking the subway during peak hours as it’s       always packed with people.

3.    (noun) – group

Ø     It’s very common to see wolves travelling in packs.

Ø     Poor John was chased by a pack of dogs as he was walking to the     park.

Ø     A pack of journalists/reporters were eagerly waiting for the             president outside the White House this morning.

4.    (noun) – container

Ø     William can’t seem to remember where he left his pack of                 cigarettes.