Cultural Context & Idiomatic Expressions Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Cultural Context & Idiomatic Expressions flashcards as text
A classmate says, 'The test was a piece of cake.' What does she mean?
Answer: The test was very easy
'A piece of cake' is an idiom meaning something is very easy to do.
In American workplaces, 'small talk' before a meeting usually refers to:
Answer: Casual conversation about unimportant topics
Small talk is light, informal conversation about neutral topics like weather or sports.
Your neighbor says, 'It's raining cats and dogs out there!' She is saying:
Answer: It is raining very heavily
'Raining cats and dogs' is an idiom for very heavy rain.
When someone says 'break a leg' before a performance, they are expressing:
Answer: A wish for good luck
'Break a leg' is a theatrical expression wishing someone good luck before a performance.
Which of the following best describes 'Dutch treat' in American culture?
Answer: Each person pays for their own meal
'Going Dutch' or 'Dutch treat' means each person pays their own share of the bill.
A teacher tells a student, 'Burning the midnight oil again?' The teacher is commenting on the student:
Answer: Staying up very late to work or study
'Burning the midnight oil' means working or studying very late into the night.
In US culture, maintaining eye contact during a conversation generally signals:
Answer: Attentiveness and confidence
In American culture, making eye contact shows you are engaged and trustworthy.
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