Idioms With Prepositions - At a Price

Meaning – for a lot of money, time, effort etc.

Ø     They can make your fairy tale wedding come true, but it will come at a price.

Ø     John may be a successful salesman, but his success came at a price. He hardly has time to sleep, eat or exercise.

Words from The Same Family - Lose v Loss

Lose (verb)

1.   to no longer have sth.

Ø     I’ve lost my parking ticket.

2.   to have sth or someone taken away.

Ø     At least 500 people will lose their jobs if the factory closes.

3.   to stop feeling a certain way.

Ø     I lost interest halfway through the movie.

4.  to have less of sth than before.

Ø     William is trying to lose some weight before Christmas.

Loss (noun)

1.   to no longer have sth or have less of sth.

Ø     Poor Tim suffered a gradual loss of memory as he grow older over the years.

Ø     Wendy’s sudden weight loss is a huge concern to her and her family.

2.   to refer to the death of someone.

Ø     Mr and Mrs Johnson never really got over the loss of their young son.

3.   a situation whereby a company spends more money than it makes.

Ø     Poor sales has led to a loss of millions of dollars at the  company. 

Verbal Idioms - Beat Someone To It.

Meaning – Be the first to do something.

Ø     I was hoping to be the first to wish my sister Happy Birthday, but my mother beat me to it.

Ø     John was so sure he’d be the first in the family to visit Europe, but his sister beat him to it.

Similes with Like - Take to Something Like a Duck to Water

Meaning – to get used to and enjoy something new immediately.

Ø     Cindy’s parents were relieved and delighted that she took to tennis like a duck to water.

Ø     Most children take to candy like a duck to water. David,  however, seems to prefer fruit.

Identical Pairs - Bit by Bit

Meaning – slowly, gradually

Ø     Jason came from a poor family. Fortunately, he managed to save up the money he needed for college bit by bit.

Ø     Mrs Williams’ son is relieved that she is improving bit by bit   after her leg operation.

Words from The Same Family - Selfish v Selfless

Selfish (adj) – used to refer to someone who only thinks of their own advantage.

Ø     It would selfish of you not to share any of the food with the other children.

Ø     It was very selfish of him to venture into this risky business without speaking to his family first.

Selfless (adj) – used to refer to someone who cares for other people’s needs and wants instead of their own.

Ø     Wendy is such a selfless person. She’s always trying to help  others.

Ø     John’s selfless devotion to duty has made him one of the most  respected teachers in the school.

Ø     Her countless selfless acts has earned her many friends. 

Similes with As - As Strong As A Horse

Meaning – to have great physical strength.

Ø     Despite being the youngest and smallest athlete on his team,  John is as strong as a horse.

Ø     Sam often fell sick when he was young. However, he’s as  strong as a horse now. In fact, he exercises regularly and  hardly falls sick.