Here is the more formal way of saying the same conversation as last week. However, remember that we would never speak like this in real life.

John: Hello Paul, how are things in your life at the moment?

Paul: Things are normal, and you, what is your news.

John: Well things are a little confused at the moment, I failed my mid-term tests.

Paul: O dear that’s a shame, you should have done what I told you and studied more. When will you discover the consequences?

John: Later today.

Paul: O well, try to not become depressed and remain confident.

Later

Paul: Hello John, how did the meeting with your professor go?

John: I manage to pass the semester, but only just. The professor said he would not treat me as severely as he could, because I told him that I felt sick at exam time.

Paul: Was that the truth?

John: No, It was a complete lie. I feel a bit guilty now, but I will recover from this feeling.

Paul: You must be extremely happy.

John: Yes very, I would like to celebrate by drinking a lot. Do you think it is a good idea?

Paul: You know me, that is a very obvious question that you don’t need to ask.

John: Where would you like to go?

Paul: I have no preference.

John: Remember that place where we were talking to those girls from Canada last year.

Paul: That’s sounds familiar.

John: I think Ivan was with us, maybe he remembers. We can try to persuade him to join us.

Paul: Excellent. You can phone him. Ok, if we are going out then I need to go to bed and get some sleep.

Here is a list of 10 popular idioms.

A piece of cake – This means that some task or activity is very simple. For example, Anna said “The exam was a piece of cake.” Anna meant that she found the exam easy.

It cost an arm and a leg – The meaning of this phrase is not that the purchaser had to sacrifice their body parts but rather that the item being bought was very expensive.

Break a leg – Strangely, this is a commonly used phrase to wish a person good luck. It is frequently said to actors or other performers before a show or dramatic performance.

Hit the books – This is a phrase which means to study.  So if you are in a learning environment and a student says they are “going to hit the books” it means they intend to start a period of serious study or research.

To let the cat out of the bag – This is a very common English phrase which means to give away a secret. So, if you hear someone say this, you don’t need to rush to your nearest animal care centre to report a case of animal cruelty!

To hit the nail on the head – You can use this saying to describe a situation where someone has made a very accurate or appropriate comment. It is closely associated with another DIY related phrase “You have nailed it” which means you have got something exactly right.

And pigs might fly – This is a skeptical comment which is used to describe a lack of belief that something will happen. For example, you could comment on your brother’s intention to give up cigarettes by saying “and pigs might fly”. In other words you don’t believe that your brother will give up smoking.

You can’t judge a book by its cover – How often do we make a judgment about a person based on our first impressions? Well this statement advises you not to do this, because appearances are frequently misleading.

To bite off more than you can chew – Someone might say this to you if they believe that you have taken on a task which is too difficult for you to achieve.

You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours – What a strange proposition! This popular English idiom actually means that, if you do me a favour I will do you a favour in return.

These are just a few examples of a rich and varied collection of idioms in modern English that are alive and well in everyday use.