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!