Phrasal Verbs - Go (Go about v Go after v Go against v Go back)

Go about (sth) – to find some way of doing it

Ø      What’s the best way to go about starting an online business?

Ø      How can we go about recruiting people during the festive season?

Go after (sb) – to chase or follow someone  

Ø     The police went after the robbers but lost them in the crowd of people.

Go against (sth/sb) – to disagree with something or someone

Ø      It goes against company policy to keep complacent employees.

Ø      To go against traffic is not only dangerous, but suicidal.

Go back (on sth) – to break a promise

Ø      It's terribly disappointing that the manager has gone back on his word and decided not to give me a raise after all.

Ø      The government looks likely to go back on its decision not to increase fuel prices.

Similes with As - As Sick As A Dog

Meaning – ill/unwell, vomiting

Ø      John refused to rest or see a doctor even though he’s as sick as a dog.

Ø      I feel so sorry for Tim. He’s as sick as a dog but he hardly gets enough rest as he's preparing for his final exams.

Synonyms - Adhere

1.   stick (verb)

Ø      A smooth, dry surface helps the wallpaper adhere/stick to the wall.

2.  obey (verb) – abide by, comply with, follow

Ø     Anyone who fails to abide by the rules and regulations will be disqualified from the competition.

Ø     There are serious penalties for failure to comply with company rules and regulations.

Ø     Follow the instructions in the manual book carefully.

Proverbs and Sayings- He Who Laughs Last Laughs Longest

Meaning – the person who succeeds in the end or is finally proven right can laugh at those who laughed at him or her earlier.

Ø      When we first opened a stall at the weekend flea market, everyone laughed at us. Fortunately, we had the last laugh. Business picked up recently, and it’s getting better by the month. 

Ø     All his friends made fun of Mike when he took up singing lessons a few years ago. However, he had the last laugh when he recently managed to secure a lucrative contract to perform at a 5-star hotel.

Homophones - Ring (As a noun and verb)

1.   (noun) – a circular piece of jewelry worn on the finger

Ø     Sally was over the moon (= very happy) when John recently bought her a huge diamond ring.

2.   (noun) – a specific place for people to compete or perform

Ø     The audience went wild as the boxers entered the boxing ring.

3.   (verb) – phone

Ø     I’ll ring Hannah tomorrow morning to confirm our lunch appointment.

4.   (verb) – make sound

Ø      My alarm clock rang for at least 5 minutes before I woke up this morning.

Ø      I rang the doorbell and waited, but no one came to the door.

Homonyms - Rock (As a noun and verb)

1.   (noun) – stone

Ø      ‘Why is your bag so heavy? Have you got rocks inside?’

2.   (noun) – music

Ø     I listen to all types of music, but rock music is my favourite.

3.   (verb) – move

Ø     Please rock the cradle if the baby cries.

Ø     Being a dedicated father, John gently rocked his daughter in his arms till she fell asleep.

4.   (verb) – shock

Ø     News of the kidnapping rocked the little town.

Similes with As - As free as a bird

Meaning – completely free

Ø      I feel as free as a bird now that my exams are finally over!

Ø      While owning my own company makes me feel as free as a bird, I also feel the pressure that comes with running a business. 

Homophones - Wine V Whine

Wine (noun) – an alcoholic drink

Ø     We should celebrate this special occasion by having some wine.

Ø     John was unimpressed by the restaurant’s wine list and opted to have water instead.   

Whine (verb) – to make a long and sad sound

Ø      The dog was whining the whole evening. So, William reluctantly got up and took it for a walk.

Ø      ‘Instead of whining, why don’t you sit down and tell your parents what exactly is on your mind?’

Proverbs and Sayings - Flattery is the sincerest form of flattery

Meaning – If you imitate someone’s example, then you must really admire them.

Ø      You should be flattered that everyone is trying to imitate your work. It’s like they say, ‘imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.’

Ø      Some may believe that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but when these imitations start to eat into company profits, then it becomes a huge problem.

Similes with As - As stubborn/obstinate as a mule

Meaning – very stubborn

Ø      My student is as stubborn/obstinate as a mule! She refuses to go through her homework upon completion. Thus, she often makes careless mistakes.

Ø      Nathan grumbled, ‘My grandmother is as stubborn/obstinate as a mule! Despite repeated attempts to get her to use a walking stick, she insists she doesn’t need one.’

Phrasal Verbs - Give away v Give in v Give off v Give up

Give (sth) away - to sell it really cheap.

Ø      Daniel had to literally give his car away as it was old and giving a lot of problems.

Give in – to admit you have been beaten by

someone or sth.

Ø      My brother pestered me for a new guitar for months, and I finally gave in.

Ø      If we give in to his threats, he just might make it a habit to threaten us every time he wants something from us.

Give off – to produce.

Ø      You should get a bigger radiator. There’s no way that tiny radiator can give off much heat.

Give (oneself) up – to surrender.

Ø      The kidnapper finally gave himself up to the police after realizing he had nowhere to run or hide.

Give (sth) up – to stop eating, drinking or using it.

Ø     We were all secretly relieved when Daniel announced that he had given up drinking.

Ø     When Randy first told us he had given up smoking, no one believed him.

Homophones - Whether v Weather

Whether (conjunction)

1.  used in reporting questions and expressing doubts

Ø                  I wonder whether Gary can join us for dinner on Friday.

Ø                  We weren’t sure whether Esther would like the present we got her.

Ø                  Damian secretly doubts whether this project would get approved.

2.  used to introduce more than one possibility

Ø                 I’m going to the concert, whether James joins me or not.

Ø                 Just admit it, we’re going to be late for work whether we drive or take the train.

Weather (noun) – the conditions in the air such as wind, rain or temperature in a particular area

Ø      The weather is just lovely today. We just might go for a swim later.

Ø      The weather in Melbourne can change very quickly, so be sure to bring suitable clothing.

Similes with As - As mad as a hornet

Meaning – very angry

Ø      John was as mad as a hornet when came home and saw the mess the dog had made.

Ø      Sam was as mad as a hornet when he came home from work this evening. Apparently, someone had slashed all four of his car tyres!