Park 2: fish, duck

Duck Idioms

Idiom Explanation Example
get/have your ducks in a row have everything (facts) in order, organized Make sure you have your ducks in a row before you make any accusations.
take to something like a duck to water do something easily He’s taken to his new job like a duck to water.
water off a duck’s back a hurtful or offensive comment which has no effect on a person My competitors tried to put me off by saying terrible things to me. Their comments were like water off a duck’s back and I won the competition.

Fish/Pond Idioms

Idiom Explanation Example
drink like a fish drink a lot of/too much alcohol I’m worried about you, you’ve been drinking like a fish lately.
a fish out of water someone who is uncomfortable in a situation As the only woman in the class, Zoe felt like a fish out of water.
have bigger fish to fry have other or more important things to do I don’t have time to help you, I’ve got bigger fish to fry.
there are plenty more fish in the sea said to a person whose romantic relationship has ended meaning there are many more suitable people in the world I really liked her, but she broke up with me. Oh well, there are plenty more fish in the sea.
a big fish in a small pond a person who is important within a limited area, organisation or place —Mark is a presenter on the local news.
—Oh really? So he’s famous?
—Well sort of, he’s a big fish in a small pond.
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Exercises C1

Complete the sentences with the correct word.

duck – fish – pond

  1. —I’m heartbroken, I’ll never fall in love.
    —Now Roy, you know that’s not true. There are plenty more   in the sea.
  2. —We don’t like you, you’re no fun.
    —Whatever, I don’t care what you say. It’s all water off a  ’s back.
  3. I’m ready for new challenges. We’ve done everything there is to do in this town, we’re big fish in a small  .

Choose the correct idiom.

  1. We need to stop drinking three bottles of wine a day. It’s not healthy. We need to stop …
  2. The agency hasn’t paid us much attention. They have other more important clients.
  3. Ryan is in trouble at school again. Tomorrow we have a meeting with the principle, I want to hear the story from Ryan first and make sure I know all the facts.
  4. My mother doesn’t know how to cook and she always looks strange and uncomfortable in the kitchen.
  5. I’ve never seen somebody learn ballet so quickly. You have a lot of talent!

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