10. What about ‘The Human Body’?
Turkish tale The Human
characters + Body
11. You should use
at least 1
of the Turkish tale characters
and
at least 7
of the following idioms
(used with the parts of the body)
in your tale/story.
12. Shoot off one’s mouth
• Jim doesn’t play tennis very well but
he’s always shooting off his mouth about
how good he is. He talks as if he knew
everything about the game.
13. Get in someone’s hair
• Clara: Children! Would you please stop making so
much noise! And pick up your clothes and toys!
Jack: Clara, I know that the children get in your hair
but please calm down.
Clara: Listen Jack. The children bother me and make
me very angry when they’re so noisy and messy.
14. Give someone a hand
• Fiona: Will you give me a hand carrying
this box. It’s very heavy. I need help.
• Sam: Of course I’ll help you.
15. Jump down someone’s throat
Dad: Harper, you should study for your exams and get good grades
this year.
Harper: I know, dad. You don’t have to jump down my throat! I told
you that all my grades will be more than 85 this year.
Dad: Well, you’ve said that before and you failed, so you can’t blame
me for getting angry and scolding you.
16. Pull someone’s leg
Carlos: I’m the winner of the writing competition.
Julia: Oh, really? Come on, you’re pulling my leg!
Carlos: No, honestly. Do you really think that I’m
trying to fool you.
17. Stick out one’s neck
• They’re asking me to guide them through the
jungle, but this jungle is very dangerous full
of wild animals. Why should I stick my neck
out for them? It’s taking a great risk and I
can get hurt.
18. Play it by ear
Lina: Let’s go to the cinema!
Jack: Sure. And what will we do after that?
Lina: Oh, I don’t know. Let’s play it by ear.
Let’s decide what to do as we go along.
19. All thumbs
Mum: Can you help me carrying these glasses?
Daniel: Let’s see if I can do it for you. I’m all thumbs because I’m so
nervous as I have a match at school tonight.
Mum: Well, I think being so nervous makes you clumsy. But don’t
worry, I’m sure you’ll win the match.
20. Shake a leg
Mike: Mary, you always take such a long time to
put on your make up. Come on, shake a leg! You should
hurry, or we’ll miss the plane.
Mary: OK. I’m ready. Let’s go.
21. Get off someone’s back
Sue: Hey, John. I’m bored. Let’s go out and do something.
John: I can’t. Get off my back! I can’t go anywhere.
Sue: OK. I’ll stop bothering you only if you promise to let
me know the minute you’re finished.
22. Not have a leg to stand on
Tim claims that he didn’t cheat in the exam, but
he doesn’t have a leg to stand on. The teacher
saw him. That’s why without a good defense to
support his position, he will fail the exam.
23. Scratch someone’s back
Sally: Frank, will you help me tidying the house?
Sam: OK. If you scratch my back, I’ll scratch
yours. I’ll help you with the housework if you
promise to return the favor.
24. Dressed to the teeth
George: Did you see Hilda at the party last night?
Adam: Yes, I did. She was really dressed to the
teeth! She had on her finest, most elegant clothing.
25. On one’s last legs
Poor Steve. He was one of the greatest
musicians, but when I saw him yesterday he
looked like he was on his last legs. I think he’s
been sick and failing in his career.
26. Eyes are bigger than one’s stomach
Jacob: Why don’t you eat your hamburger?
Jessica: It’s huge. I guess my eyes were bigger than my stomach
when I ordered it.
Jacob: Next time, you shouldn’t order more food than you can
possibly eat.
27. Put one’s money where one’s mouth is
Jill: Dad, you promised to take us to Disneyland. We’re
on holiday for two weeks. How about putting your money
where your mouth is?
Dad: You’re right. I’ll do exactly what I said. Let’s make
a detailed plan.
28. Pay through the nose
Stella liked the red dress she saw in the shop but
she didn’t buy it, because when she asked the
price she found out that she would pay through
the nose for the dress. As she didn’t want to pay
such a high price, she left the shop.
29. Learn something by heart
Clark is trying to learn the poem by heart.
He’s reading it again and again. He’s trying
to memorise it.
30. to be an old hand
Mrs. Winston is an old hand in teaching . She’s
very experienced. She has been a teacher for
20 years.
31. to be all ears
Samuel: Listen to me, please. This is very important.
Jack: OK. I’m all ears. I’m listening to you very
carefully.
32. have a big mouth
I don't like talking to Jenny. She has a
big mouth and can't keep any secrets.
33. cost an arm and a leg
Everything in that new boutique costs an
arm and a leg. I don't think I can afford
to buy anything there. They’re very
expensive.
34. have a sweet tooth
I have a sweet tooth. I like chocolate, ice
cream, and almost all kinds of desserts.
38. RULES
Please don’t forget that;
• You should bring your story and your
booklet on Monday. (22.10.2012)
• You should use at least 1 of the
presented Turkish tale characters.
• You should use at least 7 of the given
idioms and sayings in your booklet.
• You should do the pre-writing activities.
39. If you’re the winner…
• Your story / tale will be acted out.
And…
• You will win a prize.
