Advanced English Conversations (2) - Robert Allans, Matt Edie, A. Mustafaoglu 2020
Set 83 - I’m kind of at a loose end
Ben: Hi, Jeremy. What are you guys doing tonight? I’m kind of at a loose end since I broke up with Sandy. I feel down most of the time and I do need to break from the daily grind.
Jeremy: Join us, then—we re going to hang out downtown—probably go to several places. Then we’re heading for Bill’s house to bid him a goodbye before he travels to India. Are you up for that?
Ben: Definitely. Where should I meet you? Better still, can you give me a ride?
Jeremy: Glad to. I’ll pick you up at your place at 9:30. Make sure you’re ready on time. OK?
Ben: Perfect. I’ll look out for you. Oh, could I ask you another favor?
Jeremy: Certainly. What’s it?
Ben: I’d be grateful if you pass on this message to Sandy. Tell her to bring back my camping gear. I know I’m putting you out, but you’re the only one I can count on.
Jeremy: Well, either you’re trying to cause a stir or muddy the waters.
Anyway. I’ll give her a call right away.
Vocabulary;
at a loose end: not knowing what to do : not having anything in particular to do.
feel down: to feel depressed or unhappy.
the daily grind: [someone's] everyday work routine.
head for: to proceed or move toward someone or something.
bid someone a goodbye: to farewell; to say goodbye to someone.
up for something: ready and willing to do something
Better still: Even better; a phrase used when talking about something that's more positive or exciting or a better option than that which preceded it.
look out for: to try to notice someone or something.
pass on something: to give, transmit, transfer, or deliver something.
put someone out: to upset, irritate, or inconvenience someone.
camping gear: equipment for staying outdoors.
cause a stir: cause commotion; to incite trouble or excitement.
muddy the waters: to make a situation or an issue more confusing and complicated.
Exercise;
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases or words;
1. Drop by if you find yourself at a .......... end this weekend.
2. When Bob appeared without jacket and tie, it caused a .......... at the state dinner.
3. We’re throwing a farewell party to .......... Mike a goodbye.
4. Recent research findings have muddied the .......... considerably — nuclear scientists are having to re-examine all their existing theories.
5. We don't want to .......... anybody out, but it's necessary for us to evolve our service as we go along.
6. Just walking through the aisles to see the .......... gear and asking the staff questions about the equipment will quickly bring you up to speed on what equipment you need to get.
7. .......... out for opportunities to coach on such issues as problem solving, career development, lack of motivation, and teamwork.
8. Psst! I heard Jenny and Mike are getting back together, .......... it on!
9. You could use a vacuum or, .......... still, a steam cleaner, to get all of this dirt off your rug.
10. I'm a little busy right now, but your brother is probably up .......... a game of basketball.
11. After some bewildered standing around, most of the kids .......... for waterplay.
13. When my vacation was over, I had to go back to the .......... grind.
1. loose 2. stir 3. bid 4. waters 5. put 6. camping 7. look 8. pass 9. better 10. for 11. head 12. daily