39 Emphasis

Question 1

For hours/ days/weeks on end

Answer 1

Used for emphasizing how long sth continues.

My brother sometimes leaves his bike in the hall for weeks on end.

Question 2

Well and truly

INF

Answer 2

Completely .

I think we’re well and truly lost.

Question 3

Without (a) doubt

Answer 3

Used to emphasize an opinion.

Kish Island is the best place to stay without a doubt.

Question 4

Just like that

INF

Answer 4

Suddenly,without warning or explanation.

Max was here a minute ago,then he disappeared - just like that.

Question 5

Into the bargain

Answer 5

In addition to the things already mentioned.

He recommended a place to stay, and gave me a lift there into a bargain.

Question 6

Ever such (a) / ever so

INF

Answer 6

( used before adjectives/adverbs)
Very, really.

My next door neighbor is a ever such a kind woman.
They were ever so grateful for our help.

Question 7

Not just any

Answer 7

Used to say that sb or sth is not ordinary, but is especially good or important.

He’s not just any doctor - he’s a top surgeon.

Question 8

No wonder

Answer 8

Used to emphasize the fact that sth is not surprising.

He hasn’t eaten all day,so no wonder he’s hungry.

Question 9

As it is

Answer 9

Already
( used to express concern that an amount or number will increase further )

I’ve been back there three times today as it is; I don’t want to go again.

Question 10

By far

SYN: far and away

Answer 10

( used with comparative and superlative adjectives or adverbs) by a large amount.

I think it’s by far / far and away her most interesting novel.

Question 11

Streets ahead of INF

SYN
Head and shoulders above sb INF

Answer 11

Much better

Rodney is streets ahead of the rest of us at maths.

Question 12

Not doing a stroke of work

INF

Answer 12

Do no work at all

My cousin doesn’t do a stroke of work.

Question 13

Get on like a house on fire

INF

Answer 13

Like each other very much.

The two boys get on like a house on fire.

Question 14

Be lost for words

Answer 14

I was lost for words .

= was so surprised or shocked that I didn’t know what to say.

Question 15

All hell breaks loose

INF

Answer 15

All hell broke loose at the party =

Sth happened which caused people to get angry and start fighting or arguing.

Question 16

Avoid sb like the plague /pleyg/

INF

Answer 16

I avoided him like the plague =

was determined to keep away from him completely.

Question 17

Can not believe my ears

INF

Answer 17

I couldn’t believe my ears when he said he was going abroad = was extremely surprised.

Question 18

Up in arms about sth
Also: up in arms over sth

INF

Answer 18

Transport groups are up in arms about the increased fares = extremely angry

Question 19

Pull out all the stops

INF

Answer 19

We’ll have to pull out all the stops to get the show ready on time.
= make the greatest effort possible.

Question 20

Would give my right arm to …

INF

Answer 20

I’d give my right arm to be in his position = would do anything.

Question 21

Come down on sb like a ton of bricks

INF

Answer 21

My dad came down on me like a ton of bricks.

Was extremely angry with me and told me off severely. ( it could also mean to punish sb severely)

Question 22

Tell sb off

Answer 22

Informal.
to rebuke severely; scold:

It was about time that someone told him off.

Question 23

Not half

INF

Answer 23

Used to emphasize a statement or opinion.

She talks a lot = She doesn’t half talk a lot !