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Chapter 1: Good and Bad

 Good and Bad

A. Read the idioms and their meanings:

  1. The best thing since sliced bread/ to die for= Extremely good and innovative

Free Freshly sliced whole grain bread with oats and flour provides a rustic and nutritious appeal. Stock Photo

CC BY: Mariana Kurnbyk

 

2. The icing on the cake = The best part of something that was already good

Free Delicious Easter cake with a bunny topper. Perfect for festive celebrations. Stock Photo

CC BY: Cottonbro Studios

3. The last straw = The last act that makes something/someone impossible to tolerate

Free Dynamic office scene showing a tense discussion among diverse coworkers around a table. Stock Photo
CC BY: Yan Kurukau

B. Find the idioms in the paragraph:

Maggie had been looking forward to her vacation for months. When she arrived at the cozy cabin by the lake and saw the free paddleboards and boats available for use, she immediately felt like it was the best thing since sliced bread. Everything was perfect—the weather was sunny, the cabin was beautiful, and the views were breathtaking. The hike to a nearby waterfall was just the icing on the cake, making the trip even more memorable. One evening, they visited a local restaurant known for its fresh, homemade food. Maggie ordered the grilled steak, and it was absolutely to die for. However, the trip wasn’t without its frustrations. First, Maggie lost her earphones. Then, their helicopter booking was cancelled due to a breakdown. When their flight was delayed on the last day, that was the last straw. Despite the setbacks, the trip overall was unforgettable. 

 

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

 

D.Match the idiom with its correct meaning:

Idiom

Meaning

1. The best thing since sliced bread

A.  Game-changer / A real gem

2. The last straw

B. Out of this world / Unbelievable.

3. The icing on the cake

C. Added bonus.

4. To die for

D. The final nail in the coffin, the breaking point

 

 

 

F. Write your own sentences using these idioms.

1. The best thing since sliced bread

2. The last straw

3. The icing on the cake

4. To die for

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers: D. 1. A 2. D 3. C 4. B

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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.