Verbal Idioms - Be Wrapped Up In

Meaning – to be so involved in.

Ø     Sarah’s been so wrapped up in her work that she’s barely had time to get proper rest.

Ø    Vincent’s so wrapped up in church activities that he hasn’t had time for social life lately.

Words From The Same Family - Differ v Different

Different (adj)

1.   not the same

Ø     Sam’s different now that he’s started working.

Ø     Despite being twins, Hailey and Sally are completely  different from each other.

Ø     We’re visiting a different museum this week.

2.   used to indicate someone or something is unusual, unique

Ø     We sell 30 different flavours of ice-cream.

Ø     Taiwan has its own way of preparing their noodles, which  is different from that of Hong Kong.

Differ (verb)

1.  To be not the same like someone or something else, either physically or in some other way.

Ø     They may be siblings, but they differ in temperament.

Ø     The findings from the various universities differ significantly (= a lot).

2.  To disagree

Ø     While our opinions may differ on many levels, we still work very well together.

Ø     I beg to differ with you on how we should handle the  situation.

Verbal Idioms - Cross One's Mind

Meaning – to think of something.

Ø     It never once crossed Mr Richardson’s mind that his employees may be  unhappy with their work environment.

Ø     It crossed my mind yesterday that you must be short of staff, given you've been returning home late from work lately.  

Idiomatic Pairs of Adverbs - By and Large

Meaning – for the most part

Ø      Aside from the distance, this job is by and large very enjoyable.

Ø      There are a few little things about this apartment that bothers me, but by  and large it’s very cosy (= comfortable) and within walking distance to  the metro station and cafes. 

Homonyms - Critical (As an Adjective)

1.    not pleased

Ø      The report is highly critical of the hygiene standards at that  fancy restaurant.

2.    extremely serious

Ø      Both driver and passenger are in critical condition after the  accident last night.

Ø      Despite being in critical condition, John was surprisingly alert  when we visited him this morning.

3.    important

Ø      The professor’s support/endorsement is critical to this project.

Words From the Same Family - Dishearten V Disheartening

Dishearten (verb) – to make someone lose confidence, hope and energy.

Ø     We were so disheartened by the poor service at that 5-star restaurant  that they never went back again.

Ø     William will be unduly disheartened if he finds out that his son has been  arrested for shoplifting.

Disheartening (adjective)

Ø      Tom’s new injury was not only disheartening for him, but his fans.

Ø      No one wanted to deliver the disheartening news to the old man and his  family.

Homonyms - Crane (As a Noun and Verb)

1.    (noun) – a machine used for lifting and moving heavy objects

Ø      We’ll need a crane to lift the containers off of the ship.

2.    (noun) – a bird

Ø      Little Tim was so fascinated by the cranes that he saw at the zoo  yesterday.

3.    (verb) – to stretch in order to look at something or someone.

Ø      Gary was craning his neck to get the first glimpse of the company  proposal.

Ø      Sally craned forward from her apartment window to see the  procession.

Similes with Like - Fit Like a Glove

Meaning – fits perfectly

Ø     I recently came across a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses that I  really liked. In fact, it fitted like a glove. I would have bought it  if I didn't already have a pair of sunglasses.

Ø     My mother and I went shopping for a dress yesterday. I was delighted that the first dress I tried on fitted me like a glove! Needless to say, I ended up buying it.