Idioms: human relationships.

Exercise on the use of relationship idioms.

When we talk about human relationships, there are all types, of course. Some people get on very well with each other. They never argue and always see eye to eye about everything. In fact, we say they get on like a house on fire. If the relationship is particularly intimate between two people, we say they are like two peas in a pod.

Of course, it's not always like that. Some people are like chalk and cheese - they are complete opposites in personality and tastes and don't get on at all. It's true that sometimes it's important to talk to people we don't see eye to eye with especially if we work with them. If tensions increase between two colleagues, one of them is likely to lash out (suddenly attack the other by saying something very nasty and rude). This sort of tension can really get you down - make you feel upset.

So it's important not to fall out with a colleague, which means to argue with them and ignore them at work. One solution is to have it out with that person - to be honest and talk about your differences. We also call this to have a heart to heart especially when both people are honest with each other. When you get it off your chest (say everything you want to say) you'll feel better and hopefully relations will improve.

Fill the gaps with a word or words from the idioms in the text above. You may have to change words grammatically eg. fall out a fallen out, etc.

1) Since John and Mary had that they seem to have stopped arguing and even get on quite well.

2) They are like . I've never come across two people who are so completely different.

3) There's so much friction in the office. People are always arguing. I hate it. It really .

4) John and James are always together. They work together. They have lunch together. They're like two .

5) I love my classmates. Everybody is so friendly. We all get on like a .

6) I'm fed up with her attitude. Tomorrow I'm going to have her.

7) I've with Steve. We're not talking anymore.

8) I don't want to see Carmen again. We just don't see .

9) I was shocked by her reaction. She just all of a sudden without warning.

10) If you've got something to say, say it and get it .

*Incorrect answers are shown in red. You have TWO chances to find the correct answers.

Solutions...