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

Set (8) - All I need is a bit more leeway

Dialogue

Sam: I’m racking my brains to find a way to get the work done before noon.

Kathy: I will give you a hand. I didn’t know you were hard up.

Sam: Honestly; I’ve had enough of this job and I’m doing my best to get a better one so that I can stand on my feet.

Kathy: You mean you are going to change you line of work!

Sam: No, not at all. All I need is a bit more leeway. I just feel that I’m boxed-in inside this office. I need some space and a change of air.

Kathy: Go for it!

Vocabulary

Rack ones brains: to make a great effort to think of or remember something.

Give someone a hand: to help, aid, or assist.

Hard up: (adj.) in desperate need of something.

Have enough of (something/ someone): used when somebody/something is annoying you and you no longer want to do, have or see them/it.

Do one’s best: to do all one can.

Stand on one’s feet: to be financially independent or physically healthy again.

Line of work: the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money.

Leeway: the amount of freedom to move or act that is available.

Boxed-in: to be restricted or feeling stuck due to one's limited options.

A change of air: a different climate, as a means of improving one's health.

Go for it: Go ahead! Give it a good try!

Exercise;

Fill in the gaps with the appropriate expressions;

rack ones brains

give someone a hand

hard up

have enough of

do one’s best

stand on one’s feet

line of work

leeway

boxed-in

a change of air

go for it

a. My .......... is entirely unrelated to politics.

b. To the sick the doctors wisely recommend .......... and scenery.

c. She is always .......... because she doesn't lay out her money wisely.

d. A; "I'm thinking of applying for that job." B; "..........!"

e. She'll have to get a job and learn to .......... sooner or later.

f. I've been .......... trying to recall where we put the key.

g. We have a little .......... to make up here and there in efficiency, but we are more or less all right.

h. Please .......... all our dedicated volunteers .......... for their hard work.

i. Clare moved to the countryside because she felt ..........

j. My father always .......... to meet our needs.

k. It’s time to get rid of this piece of junk. I’ve .......... It.