Leave the field clear for somebody

Meaning:

• If you leave the field clear for somebody, you stop competing with them. This, in consequence, gives them a better chance to succeed.

Example sentence:

I realized it was time to stop competing with Alice. She had always been much better than me so I decided to leave the field clear for her so that she could become the manager.


Questions for you to answer:

1. When did you last think it'd be better to leave the field clear for somebody?
2. In what situations do you think it's better to leave the field clear for somebody? When, on the other hand, is it wise not to?
3. What character features does a person have to have to be able to leave the field clear for somebody easily?
4. How would you characterize somebody who is never willing to clear the field?

Race against time

Meaning:

• If something is a race against time, it is a rush to beat a deadline.
• If you race against time, you hurry to beat a deadline.

Example sentence:

Don't disturb me tonight. I'm in a race against time to finish my project before the deadline.


Questions for you to answer:

1. When did you last have to race against time? Did you finally make it?
2. How do you feel when you are in a race against time? Give as many adjectives as possible.
3. What advice would you give to someone who doesn't want to be in a race against time?
4. In what situations do you usually race against time?

Weed something out

Meaning: 

When you weed something/someone unwanted or undesirable out, you get rid of them. You remove someone or something unwanted or undesirable from a group or collection.

Example sentence:

We must do our best to weed out this kind of immoral behaviour. It can't be tolerated in modern society any more.

Questions for you to answer:

1.      What do you think needs to be weeded out from modern society?

2.      What kind of misbehaviour should be weeded out from schools?

3.      Why do people want to get rid of weed?

4.      Try to come up with as many synonyms for weed out as possible.

Rotten apple spoils the barrel

Meaning:

• A bad person influences everyone he or she comes into contact with, making them bad too.

Example sentence:

This boy is the rotten apple that spoils the barrel. He doesn't do his homework and skips a lot of classes. The other kids think it's all right. Of course, they tend to do the same.


Questions for you to answer:

1. Do you know anyone who is considered the rotten apple that spoils the barrel?
2. What adjectives would you use to describe such a person?
3. In what situations is such a person dangerous?
4. Can you think of situations when a rebellious person can be helpful and beneficial?

Come on in, the water's fine!

Meaning:

• This expression is used to tell someone that an activity is safe, enjoyable, profitable, etc., and to encourage them to participate. It is a way of encouraging someone to begin something.

Example sentence:

I'm sure you'll like it. Don't be afraid. Come on in, the water's fine.


Questions for you to answer:

1. In what situations would you use this idiom?
2. What do you think is the literal meaning of this idiom?
3. Look at the picture. Which boy is saying: Come on in, the water's fine!?
4. What are some other ways of encouraging somebody to participate in something?