Boat Idioms

Vocabulary activity

I)Match the two halves of these sentences to find the meanings of the idioms.

1. If you miss the boat...	a) you are in a bad situation that has no solution and will suffer the consequences.
2. If you sail through something...	b) you are a newcomer or gullible and naive.
3. If you knock or take the wind out of somebody’s sails...	c) you deal with it easily.
4. If you go overboard...	d) you grab the opportunity.
5. If you are forced to walk the plank...	e) you commit to a destination ahead or course.
6. If you say “that ship has sailed”...	f) you miss a good opportunity by acting too slowly.
7. If you say “that ship is in my harbor”...	g) you learn to do something new.
8. If you sail close to the wind...	h) you’re taking a long time to do or get something.
9. If you are on a slow boat to China...	i) you accept any solution.
10. If you are just off the boat...	j) you make them less confident or humiliate them.
11. If you do whatever floats your boat...	k) you are clear that the time has passed or the opportunity is lost.
12. If you burn your boats...	l) you are close to doing something illegal or saying something improper.
13. If you rock the boat...	m) you are in the same situation or having the same problem.
14. If you learn the ropes...	n) you disturb a stable situation.
15. If you think or say “any port in a storm”...	o)you do what makes you happy
16. If you are in the same boat (as someone)...	p) you do too much or be extravagant.

II)Exercise: Complete the blanks with words missing from the idioms above. 

A.These may be difficult times, but we’re all ................. boat. We can get through it together.

B.She seems just .................boat. She doesn’t get any jokes.

C.We can have a nice, quiet party, don't go ................... It doesn't need to be fancy.

D.I can’t become a ballerina at 30. That ship ……………………..!

E.We are on a slow ......................., this line is not moving.

F.You'll .........................if you don’t study now that you’re young.

G.Everything is fine here as it is, don't .......................boat!

H.Why did you say that to poor Cate? You knocked .............................of her sails, she felt embarrased.

I.I’ll get the new client, don’t worry. That ship is……………………….. 

J.If you want to go camping, you should! Whatever …....................boat.

K.Quitting your job before you have another is crazy! Don’t burn ...........................

L.I know I made a mistake forgetting our anniversary but you are not ging to make me walk ..........................., right?

M.In this situation, anything is better than nothing. It’s …....................in a storm.

N.Give me some time and I’ll figure it out. I’m still learning ..........................

O.It’s an easy game tomorrow. We’ll sail ......................it.

P.Watch your language young lady, that’s sailing close ........................!

Answers here!