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16 Chapter 2: Fighting and arguing

Fighting and arguing

A. Read the idioms and their meanings:

  1. Cross the line=behave in a very inappropriate way
  2. Spoil for a fight=want to fight
  3. Fight fire with fire=use the same methods as your opponent’s use against you

B. Find the idioms in the paragraph:

Adam was frustrated when his friend made a joke about the fault Adam made in baseball that led them to lose the game. He thought his friend crossed the line and he was ready to spoil for a fight. But instead of arguing, he decided to fight fire with fire. The next time his friend made a foul; Adam reminded him of his mistake mercilessly at his face. His friend quickly realized how it felt and promised not to joke about their fouls. 

 

C. Let’s watch a cool video about these idioms and more:

 

D.Match the idioms with their meanings:

Expression 

Synonym 

1. Cross the line 

a. Looking for trouble

2. Spoil for a fight 

b.Use the same tactics

3. Fight fire with fire 

c.Overstep the mark

 

E. Fill in the blanks with the correct idiom.

1
Leila: Did you hear what Rob said to his manager?
Sam: Yeah, he totally _______ this time. That was way out of line.
Leila: He might get written up for that.

2
Mira: I tried being nice, but they just keep spreading lies.
Ezra: Maybe it’s time to _______.
Mira: You’re right. I’m done playing nice.

3
Dan: Ever since he joined the team, he’s just been so aggressive.
Riya: I know. He acts like he’s constantly _______.
Dan: It’s exhausting.

F. Write your own sentences using these idioms. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers: D. 1. C 2. A 3. B

E. 1. crossed the line. 2. fight fire with fire. 3. spoiling for a fight

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Idioms in English for High Intermediate Level Copyright © by Lake Washington Institute of Technology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.