Разговорный английский для жизни. Идиомы, устойчивые выражения и фразы для повседневного общения

a) wind down

b) take up

c) kill time

I listen to podcasts to ______ after work.

a) take up

b) wind down

c) be into

He is really ______ video games.

a) into

b) kill

c) take

I read the news to ______ while waiting.

a) be into

b) wind down

c) kill time

Exercise 2 – Fill in the Gaps

I want to ______ a new sport this year.

After work, I watch a series to ______.

She is really ______ art and design.

He played games on his phone to ______.

Exercise 3 – Use It!

Finish the sentences with your own ideas.

This year I want to take up ______.

I usually wind down by ______.

I am really into ______ because ______.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding (sample answers)

He took up painting.

He runs three times a week.

To wind down and clear his mind.

Because he thinks it is more useful than scrolling on his phone.

Sample answer: I like reading and going to the gym because it helps me relax.

Exercise 1

b

b

a

c

Exercise 2

take up

wind down

into

kill time

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

…photography.

…watching movies or walking outside.

…learning languages because I enjoy communication.

Food and Eating Out

Word Power

1. eat out – есть вне дома, ходить в ресторан

We usually eat out on Fridays.

Мы обычно ужинаем вне дома по пятницам.

They ate out to celebrate her birthday.

Они пошли в ресторан, чтобы отметить её день рождения.

2. try something new – попробовать что-то новое

I want to try something new today.

Я хочу попробовать что-то новое сегодня.

She tried something new at the restaurant.

Она попробовала что-то новое в ресторане.

3. book a table – забронировать столик

We need to book a table for tonight.

Нам нужно забронировать столик на сегодня.

He booked a table for two.

Он забронировал столик на двоих.

4. have a sweet tooth (idiom) – любить сладкое

I have a sweet tooth.

Я люблю сладкое.

She has a sweet tooth and always orders dessert.

Она любит сладкое и всегда заказывает десерт.

Reading Text

Emma enjoys cooking at home, but sometimes she likes to eat out with friends. Last Saturday, her friends suggested trying a new Italian restaurant in the city center. Emma agreed because she likes to try something new.

They decided to book a table in advance because the restaurant is popular on weekends. When they arrived, the place was full, and Emma was happy they booked a table.

Emma usually orders healthy dishes, but she has a sweet tooth. After dinner, she could not resist dessert. She said that when you eat out, it is okay to enjoy yourself.

The evening was fun and relaxed. They talked, laughed, and tried something new together. Emma thinks that eating out is not only about food. It is also about spending time with people you like.

Check Your Understanding

Why did Emma and her friends book a table?

What kind of restaurant did they visit?

Why did Emma order dessert?

Why does Emma think eating out is important?

Do you prefer to eat out or cook at home? Why?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

We decided to ______ for Saturday night.

a) eat out

b) have a sweet tooth

c) try something

It’s better to ______ at popular restaurants.

a) try something new

b) book a table

c) eat out

She always orders cake because she ______.

a) eats out

b) books a table

c) has a sweet tooth

I like to ______ when I travel.

a) try something new

b) have a sweet tooth

c) book a table

Exercise 2 – Fill in the Gaps

We usually ______ on special occasions.

Let’s ______ at that new café.

Don’t forget to ______ before Friday evening.

He loves chocolate because he ______.

Exercise 3 – Use It!

Finish the sentences with your own ideas.

I like to eat out when ______.

I want to try something new, for example ______.

I have a sweet tooth, so I usually ______.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding (sample answers)

Because the restaurant is popular on weekends.

They visited a new Italian restaurant.

Because she has a sweet tooth.

Because it is about spending time with people you like, not only food.

Sample answer: I prefer cooking at home because it is healthier and cheaper.

Exercise 1

a

b

c

a

Exercise 2

eat out

try something new

book a table

has a sweet tooth

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

…I meet my friends.

…Thai food or sushi.

…order dessert.

Shopping

Word Power

1. go shopping – ходить по магазинам

I usually go shopping on weekends.

Я обычно хожу по магазинам по выходным.

She went shopping for new shoes.

Она ходила по магазинам за новой обувью.

2. try on – примерять (одежду, обувь)

I want to try on this jacket.

Я хочу примерить эту куртку.

She tried on three dresses before choosing one.

Она примерила три платья, прежде чем выбрать одно.

3. be on sale – быть на распродаже

These shoes are on sale this week.

Эти туфли на распродаже на этой неделе.

Many items are on sale during Black Friday.

Многие товары на распродаже во время Черной пятницы.

4. shop till you drop (idiom) – делать покупки до усталости

On Saturday, we shopped till we dropped.

В субботу мы делали покупки до усталости.

She loves to shop till she drops in the city center.

Она любит ходить по магазинам до усталости в центре города.

Reading Text

Tom enjoys going shopping, especially on weekends. Last Saturday, he went shopping with his sister. They wanted to buy clothes for a party. Tom tried on several jackets before choosing one that fit perfectly.

Many items in the store were on sale, so they saved some money. Tom’s sister was happy because she could buy a dress for less. They walked around different shops and compared prices. At one point, Tom said they could shop till they drop, but they decided to rest for a coffee break.

Shopping is not only about buying things for Tom. It is also about spending time with family and enjoying the experience. He likes to try on new clothes, look for sales, and sometimes just watch people in the mall.

Check Your Understanding

Who did Tom go shopping with?

Why did Tom try on several jackets?

What does it mean if an item is on sale?

Why did Tom say «shop till you drop»?

How do you usually feel when you go shopping?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

I want to ______ for new shoes.

a) go shopping

b) try on

c) be on sale

I need to ______ this coat before buying it.

a) go shopping

b) try on

c) shop till you drop

These shirts are cheaper because they ______.

a) try on

b) be on sale

c) go shopping

On weekends, we often ______ at the mall.

a) go shopping

b) shop till you drop

c) be on sale

Exercise 2 – Fill in the Gaps

Let’s ______ for some groceries.

She wanted to ______ the shoes before buying them.

Many items are ______ this week.

They shopped so much that they could ______.

Exercise 3 – Use It!

Finish the sentences with your own ideas.

I like to go shopping when ______.

I usually try on ______ before buying them.

I would shop till I drop if ______.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding (sample answers)

With his sister.

To find one that fit perfectly.

It is cheaper than usual because of a sale.

He meant they shopped a lot and felt tired.

Sample answer: I feel happy when I buy something I like.

Exercise 1

a

b

b

a

Exercise 2

go shopping

try on

be on sale

shop till you drop

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

…I have free time and want to relax.

…jackets or shoes.

…I found a huge sale with my friends.

Getting Around Town

Word Power

1. get on / get off – садиться / выходить (из транспорта)

I get on the bus at 8 a.m.

Я сажусь в автобус в 8 утра.

She got off the train at the last station.

Она вышла из поезда на последней станции.

2. catch (a bus / a train / a taxi) – успеть на транспорт, поймать транспорт

I need to catch the 7:30 train.

Мне нужно успеть на поезд в 7:30.

He caught a taxi to the airport.

Он поймал такси до аэропорта.

3. take a shortcut – сократить путь

I take a shortcut through the park.

Я сокращаю путь через парк.

She took a shortcut and arrived faster.

Она пошла короткой дорогой и пришла быстрее.

4. hit the road (idiom) – отправляться в путь

It’s time to hit the road.

Пора отправляться в путь.

We hit the road early to avoid traffic.

Мы отправились в путь рано, чтобы избежать пробок.

Reading Text

Anna lives in a busy city. Every morning, she has to get on the subway at 8 a.m. to reach her office. Sometimes the trains are crowded, but she knows she needs to catch the first one to arrive on time.

After work, Anna often walks home and takes a shortcut through a small park. It is quicker and more pleasant than walking along the main street. On weekends, she sometimes hits the road early to visit her parents in the countryside.

Last week, Anna had to get off at the wrong stop because of a construction delay. She was late, but she laughed at the situation. She thinks that getting around town can be stressful, but planning ahead and taking shortcuts helps her save time.

Anna enjoys observing people during her trips. She often meets friends at the station or chats with other passengers. Transport is not only about moving from place to place for her; it is part of city life.

Check Your Understanding

What time does Anna get on the subway?

Why does she take a shortcut after work?

What happened last week with Anna’s trip?

Why does she think planning ahead is important?

How do you usually get around town and why?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

I need to ______ the 7 a.m. bus.

a) take a shortcut

b) catch

c) get off

She ______ at the last station.

a) gets off

b) hits the road

c) catches

To save time, I often ______ through the park.

a) take a shortcut

b) catch

c) get on

We ______ early to avoid traffic.

a) take a shortcut

b) hit the road

c) get off

Exercise 2 – Fill in the Gaps

I usually ______ at 8 a.m. to get to work.

Don’t forget to ______ when your stop comes.

I often ______ through the streets to be faster.

We decided to ______ early for our weekend trip.

Exercise 3 – Use It!

Finish the sentences with your own ideas.

I usually catch ______ to go to ______.

I take a shortcut when ______.

I hit the road early when ______.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding (sample answers)

At 8 a.m.

Because it is quicker and more pleasant.

She got off at the wrong stop due to a construction delay.

Because it helps save time and avoid stress.

Sample answer: I usually take the bus because it is convenient.

Exercise 1

b

a

a

b

Exercise 2

get on

get off

take a shortcut

hit the road

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

…the bus to go to school.

…I am in a hurry.

…I travel to another city.

At the Hotel

Word Power

1. check in / check out – зарегистрироваться / выписаться из отеля

We checked in at 3 p.m.

Мы зарегистрировались в 3 часа дня.

They will check out tomorrow morning.

Они выпишутся завтра утром.

2. make a reservation – забронировать номер

I need to make a reservation for two nights.

Мне нужно забронировать номер на две ночи.

She made a reservation online.

Она забронировала номер онлайн.

3. ask for – просить что-то

I asked for a quiet room.

Я попросил тихий номер.

He asked for extra towels.

Он попросил дополнительные полотенца.

4. hit the hay (idiom) – лечь спать

I’m tired. I think I’ll hit the hay.

Я устал. Думаю, я пойду спать.

After a long day, they hit the hay early.

После долгого дня они рано легли спать.

Reading Text

James traveled to Paris for a business trip. He needed to stay at a hotel near the city center. Before leaving, he made a reservation online to make sure there was a room available.

When James arrived, he checked in at the front desk. The receptionist was friendly and gave him the key to a quiet room. He asked for extra towels and a map of the city. The staff were helpful and answered all his questions.

After a long day of meetings, James was exhausted. He decided to hit the hay early. In the morning, he checked out and left the hotel. His experience was smooth and comfortable. Making a reservation and asking for what you need helped James have a stress-free stay.

Staying at a hotel is not only about sleeping; it is about feeling comfortable and having the services you need.

Check Your Understanding

Why did James make a reservation before arriving?

What did he ask for at the front desk?

Why did James hit the hay early?

How did making a reservation and asking for things help him?

What do you usually ask for when staying at a hotel?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

I need to ______ for three nights.

a) check in

b) make a reservation

c) hit the hay

We will ______ tomorrow morning.

a) check out

b) make a reservation

c) ask for

She ______ extra pillows at the front desk.

a) hit the hay

b) asked for

c) checked in

I’m tired. I think I’ll ______.

a) make a reservation

b) check in

c) hit the hay

Exercise 2 – Fill in the Gaps

Before arriving, I always ______ to avoid problems.

I ______ at the hotel reception at 2 p.m.

He ______ more towels and a blanket.

After a long trip, I like to ______.

Exercise 3 – Use It!

Finish the sentences with your own ideas.

I usually make a reservation when ______.

At the hotel, I always ask for ______.

I hit the hay early when ______.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding (sample answers)

To make sure there was a room available.

Extra towels and a city map.

Because he was exhausted after a long day of meetings.

It helped him have a smooth and stress-free stay.

Sample answer: I usually ask for a quiet room and extra towels.

Exercise 1

b

a

b

c

Exercise 2

make a reservation

check in

asked for

hit the hay

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

…I travel to another city.

…a quiet room and extra pillows.

…I arrive late at night.

Small Talk

Word Power

1. break the ice – растопить лед, начать разговор

He told a joke to break the ice.

Он рассказал шутку, чтобы растопить лед.

It’s hard to break the ice with strangers.

С незнакомыми людьми трудно начать разговор.

2. make conversation – вести разговор

I try to make conversation with my colleagues.

Я стараюсь поддерживать разговор с коллегами.

She made conversation with the people at the party.

Она разговаривала с людьми на вечеринке.

3. get to know someone – узнавать кого-то лучше

Small talk helps you get to know someone.

Небольшой разговор помогает узнать человека лучше.

I want to get to know my new neighbors.

Я хочу лучше узнать своих новых соседей.

4. keep it light (idiom) – говорить на лёгкие, нейтральные темы

In small talk, it’s best to keep it light.

В небольшом разговоре лучше говорить на лёгкие темы.

They kept it light and talked about the weather.

Они говорили на лёгкие темы, обсуждая погоду.

Reading Text

Emma attended a conference in London. She didn’t know many people there, so she tried to break the ice by introducing herself. At first, it was a little awkward, but she started to make conversation with the people around her.

She asked simple questions about their work and hobbies. Most people were happy to talk, and soon Emma began to get to know someone from another company. They discovered that they had some interests in common.

During small talk, Emma tried to keep it light. She avoided difficult topics and focused on friendly conversation. She realized that small talk is not just about exchanging words. It is about building connections and making others feel comfortable.

By the end of the day, Emma felt more confident. She knew that with a smile and simple questions, she could break the ice anywhere and get to know new people easily.

Check Your Understanding

Why did Emma try to break the ice?

What topics did she talk about during small talk?

Why is it important to keep it light?

How did small talk help Emma at the conference?

How do you usually start small talk with someone new?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

I told a joke to ______ with my new classmates.

a) get to know someone

b) break the ice

c) make conversation

She asked about hobbies to ______.

a) break the ice

b) make conversation

c) keep it light

Small talk helps you ______ people.

a) keep it light

b) get to know

c) break the ice

During the meeting, they decided to ______ by talking about the weather.

a) keep it light

b) make conversation

c) break the ice

Exercise 2 – Fill in the Gaps

I try to ______ with people at parties.

A smile can help you ______ when meeting someone new.

Small talk helps you ______ others.

It is better to ______ and avoid heavy topics.

Exercise 3 – Use It!

Finish the sentences with your own ideas.

I usually break the ice by ______.

I make conversation by asking ______.

I try to keep it light when ______.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding (sample answers)

Because she didn’t know many people at the conference.

She talked about work, hobbies, and common interests.

Because it makes others feel comfortable and the conversation friendly.

It helped her get to know new people and feel confident.

Sample answer: I usually start with a greeting and ask about hobbies or work.

Exercise 1

b

b

b

a

Exercise 2

make conversation

break the ice

get to know

keep it light

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

…telling a joke or commenting on the weather.

…simple questions about hobbies or work.

…talking with someone I just met.

Making Plans

Word Power

1. set up – организовать, назначить встречу

I set up a meeting with my colleagues.

Я организовал встречу с коллегами.

She set up a dinner with her friends.

Она организовала ужин с друзьями.

2. check your schedule – проверить своё расписание

Before saying yes, I need to check my schedule.

Прежде чем согласиться, мне нужно проверить своё расписание.

He checked his schedule and found a free afternoon.

Он проверил расписание и нашёл свободное время днём.

3. confirm – подтвердить

Please confirm the meeting by email.

Пожалуйста, подтвердите встречу по электронной почте.

She called to confirm the reservation.

Она позвонила, чтобы подтвердить бронирование.

4. play it by ear (idiom) – действовать по обстоятельствам

We don’t have a plan yet. Let’s play it by ear.

У нас пока нет плана. Давай действовать по обстоятельствам.

Sometimes I like to play it by ear when meeting friends.

Иногда мне нравится действовать по обстоятельствам при встрече с друзьями.

Reading Text

Liam wanted to meet his friends on Saturday. First, he had to check his schedule to see if he was free. Luckily, he had no work or appointments, so he decided to set up a lunch at a new café.

He sent messages to his friends to confirm the plan. Everyone replied quickly and agreed on the time and place. Liam was happy because planning in advance made things easier.

Sometimes, Liam prefers to play it by ear when meeting friends. If someone is late or changes plans, he adjusts easily. This approach helps him stay relaxed and enjoy the time with others.

Making plans is not only about organizing a meeting. It is also about communication and being flexible. Liam believes that confirming details and sometimes playing it by ear is the key to stress-free gatherings.