Read the following paragraph. Can you guess what the idioms in bold mean?
We always knew what our team leader, Julie, was thinking. As soon as she walked through the door, right off the bat, she would explain what she wanted you to do. She spoke clearly, directly, and openly. She put her cards on the table.
If you did something incorrectly or said something inappropriate, Julie immediately told you that you were completely off base. However, if she thought you were on the ball and doing a great job, she told you that, too. Not many people disagreed with Julie and won the argument! I think she really enjoyed when people would confront her and give their own opinions. I think she secretly got a kick out of it. Sometimes she was a good sport, and she was always very professional.
Idiom 1: Right off the bat
Question: If you do something right off the bat, when do you do it?
Answer: At the very beginning
Example: Right off the bat, my mother started yelling at me!
Idiom 2: Put cards on the table
Question: Are people who put their cards on the table dishonest?
Answer: Not at all! They are not hiding anything.
Example: Let me put my cards on the table. Either we sell more cookies, or we’ll have to close the business.
Idiom 3: To be off base
Question: If you are off base, do you understand the situation or problem correctly?
Answer: Nope! You are mistaken. You have the wrong idea.
Example: You are off base with that explanation. Try again.
Idiom 4: On the ball
Question: If you really know how to stay focused and organized, are you on the ball?
Answer: Of course! Keep up the good work.
Example: My English tutor is on the ball! She understands my level, and she gives me a lot of help.
Idiom 4: A kick out of it
Question: When you watch a funny video and start laughing, are you getting a kick out of the video?
Answer: Yes, you are! Keep watching and keep laughing.
Example: I really get a kick out of idioms in English. They don’t make a lot of sense!
Idiom 5: A good sport
Question: If your friend wins the tennis match and smiles and shakes your hand, is she being a good sport?
Answer: Yes, she is a great sport. You’re lucky to have a friend like that.
Example: Thanks for being such a great sport! I’ll see you next time.
Practice!
Match the idioms and the definitions
1. very good at doing things, effective and efficient
2. immediately, without delay
3. to enjoy something a lot
4. someone who does not complain if they lose or who does not brag if they win
5. to be mistaken
a. good sport
b. off base
c. on the ball
d. to get a kick out of something
e. right off the bat
Answers: 1 (c), 2 (e ), 3 (d), 4 (a), 5 (b)
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