Advanced English Conversations - Robert Allans, Ahmet Mustafaoglu, Metin Emir 2019

Set (65) - I've been whistling a different tune!

Dialogue

James: I used to be very pessimistic, but ever since surviving that car wreck, I've been whistling a different tune!

Bill: You used to have a chip on your shoulder as well. What about this?

James: Well, let bygones be bygones! Oh; What are you getting at?

Bill: Previously, you would dish it out but you couldn’t take it!

James: I know what you mean; I have already cleared the air with Steven. By the way save your wisecracks for yourself. I still need to settle accounts with you. Little jerk!

Bill: Old habits die hard, indeed!

Vocabulary

Whistle a different tune: to change one's opinion or behavior.

Have a chip on your shoulder: to have quarrelsome attitude; quick to anger.

Let bygones be bygones:

Get at: to mean; to hint; to imply.

Dish it out: to criticize other people.

Take it: to endure trouble, criticism, abuse, pressure.

Clear the air with: to calm anger and remove misunderstanding.

A wisecrack: (noun) a sarcastic or nasty remark.

Settle accounts: to avenge a misdeed.

Old habits die hard: people find it difficult to change their accustomed behavior.

Exercise;

Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases;

whistle a different tune

have a chip on your shoulder

get at

let bygones be bygones

dish out

take it

clear the air with

a wisecrack

settle accounts

old habits die hard

a. He made some .......... about my lack of culinary ability.

b. They decided to .......... and made peace with each other.

c. He never used to support that political candidate, but he’s .......... all of a sudden.

d. She still seems to .......... about the argument she had with her partner.

e. Look, there are no .......... with you or anything, so let's just let bygones be bygones, OK?

f. Ross is better at .......... criticism than receiving it himself.

g. Tell me what you really thought of my play—be honest, I can ..........!

h. Can you get to the point? I don't know what you're ..........!

i. A former police officer proved .......... after detaining a violent teenager who attacked him.

j. The silent treatment isn't helping the situation between you two, so .......... already.