Fixed Phrases

Fixed phrases are phrases in which the wording cannot be changed without sounding odd to
native speakers, even if the literal meaning is the same.

Fixed phrases help to make your speech and writing more fluent.

1) Match the sentence halves. The expressions in bold form fixed phrases with the pattern
noun + of + noun.
1. The film’s release caused a surge
2. I didn’t get a wink
3. Everything he told her was a pack
4. She showed great presence
5. Whether it’s right or wrong is a matter
6. When he met her, she showed no sign

a. of opinion – there’s no definite answer.

b. of mind in the emergency.
c. of publicity in the press.
d. of lies – he made it all up.
e. of recognition, but just walked past.
f. of sleep all night – the baby kept crying.

2) Read the statements 1-7, and answer the questions a-g below, which all include idioms
with noun + of + noun.
1. I can’t go on like this – if I don’t have a holiday, I’ll collapse!
2. I didn’t think about it – I just got on a plane and went!
3. I think there may be a new treatment for this type of illness.
4. I really wish I hadn’t insulted him – it’s just that I was so angry.
5. I’ve won a free holiday for two in Hawaii.
6. You only just made it – another few minutes and he would have drowned.
7. I feel so much better since I had the operation.

a. Who’s acted on the spur of the moment?

b. Who’s at the end of her tether?
c. Who’s arrived in the nick of time?
d. Who has provided a ray of hope?
e. Who spoke in the heat of the moment?
f. Who’s been given a new lease of life?
g. Who’s had a stroke of luck?
3) Complete the sentences below with a suitable phrase from the box and make any
necessary structural changes. The sentences all follow the pattern verb + noun +
preposition. Use the preposition in the sentence to help you choose the right phrase.

draw the line put one’s back shed light have a go make sence
spare a thought

1. If we really ___ into it, we could be finishing by tonight.

2. The instructions are so complicated I can’t ___ of them at all.
3. I’d like to ___ at running my own business.
4. His explanation did little to ___ on the mystery.
5. I believe in freedom of choice, but I ___ at letting children choose whether or not to
go to school.
6. Not everyone is as lucky as you - ___ for those who are out of work.