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Hello again Jan,

I'm very impressed with how quickly you have done your homework - all done in a day while on holiday in Spain.

Other students take note! This is real dedication.

So let's go through your homework and see what we can learn…

1. Cast your net wide
A: When you're looking for something, do it everywhere! CORRECT.

Example: It's no good just looking for a girlfriend in your street. You need to cast your net wide and try in lots of places.


2. Take the bait
A: Reach your goal by tempting someone with something interesting for him. NOT QUITE – this phrase means that the person you are tempting has taken the thing you are offering. In other words, you have caught them.

Example: I offered to let my friend borrow my car when I go on holiday and he took the bait. Now he'll have to drive me to the airport.


3. Fishing for a compliment
A: I haven't heard it before and I have no idea what does it mean. INCORRECT. To fish for a compliment means to try to get someone to pay you a compliment.

Example: She showed off her new dress to her boyfriend so much that I'm sure she was fishing for a compliment.


4. There are plenty more fish in the sea
A: There are many other opportunities and people, except definite one. NEARLY CORRECT. We use this when a person has split up with their partner. It means don't worry there are lots of available people to have a romantic relationship with.

Example: "My girlfriend left me for another man!"
"I'm sorry to hear that, but there are plenty more fish in the sea."


5. A big fish in a small pond
A: For example, each local official thinks that he is a god in his aria (area). CORRECT. It means to be an important person but in a small area.

Example: He has three small businesses in the town so he's a big fish in a small pond, but in the big city he's not so impressive.


6. Like a fish out of water
A: To be in essential need of something. INCORRECT. This expression means to be in a situation that you have never experienced before and that makes you uncomfortable.

Example: The first time I visited another country I felt like a fish out of water.
7. Drink like a fish
A:I guess, to drink a lot! CORRECT. To drink like a fish means to drink a lot of alcohol.

Example: That man is in the pub every night of the week. Look at his big, red nose. He obviously drinks like a fish!


8. A different kettle of fish
A: Can't imagine, what it means! INCORRECT. This phrase means that a situation is completely different to anything you have experienced before.

Example: I have studied English for years but learning Chinese is a completely different kettle of fish.


9. A cold fish
A: unfriendly, close person. CORRECT. But I think you mean a 'closed' person.

Example: Don't waste your time trying to start a conversation with her. She's a cold fish.


10. A fisherman's tale
A: I hear them every time when we meet with my husband's friends! Extremely exaggerated stories about something, generally about size of a fish, which some fisherman caught. CORRECT. It's an exaggerated or made up story.

Example: Don't believe his fisherman's tales about the famous actresses he's dated. He's never had a girlfriend in his life!

Well done Jan. I hope you have learned some useful expressions here.

Thanks,

Diarmuid