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

Set (71) - Getting me down against my will!

Dialogue

Lucy: Although we are making good profits there is one cloud on the horizon — the government may increase taxes in the near future.

Tina: Don’t be so gloomy; every dark cloud has a silver lining.

Lucy: The terrible news is getting me down against my will! I can’t help but cloud up - I wish I had a million dollars. I will lay back all day and watch TV.

Tina: Get your head out of the clouds and watch where you are driving! You're going to kill us.

Lucy: You’re very good at smashing my dreams into pieces! Aren’t you? The thought of millions sends me to cloud nine.

Vocabulary

Cloud on the horizon: an omen that something bad or problematic will happen in the near future.

Every dark cloud has a silver lining: it is possible for something good to come out of a bad situation.

Get someone down: depress or demoralize someone.

Against someone’s will: contrary to a person's choice or desire.

Cloud up: to become very sad or upset.

Lay back: to relax and rest on your back.

Get your head out of the clouds: stop daydreaming.

(to be on) Cloud nine: to be blissfully happy.

Exercise;

Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases;

cloud on the horizon

every dark cloud has a silver lining

get someone down

against someone’s will

cloud up

lay back

get one’s head out of the clouds

(to be on) cloud nine

a. She put her arms under her head and .........., looking up at the sky.

b. Come on, man, .......... — we only have an hour left to cram for the test!

c. Kitty was on.......... when she heard the good news

d. Her face .......... at the mention of her ex-girlfriend.

e. Financial analysts believe that the sudden drop in oil prices points to a .......... for the national economy.

f. When I'm going through a hard time, I try to remind myself that ..........

g. The thought of working for a faceless corporation really ..........

h. The attacker forced the woman into his car ..........