Idioms with the letter “I” – Handout and Worksheet

Introduction to several idioms starting with the letter “I”, with explanations and a worksheet to practice giving advice with these idioms.

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Idioms: “I”

 If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it

–      Don’t mess with something that is already working fine.

In a pickle
In a jam
In a fix

–      These all mean “in trouble” or “in a difficult situation”.

In one ear and out the other

–  This means that you forget something as soon as you hear it.

In the driver’s seat

–      In charge of a situation

In the short run

–      In the immediate future; in the short-term

In the long run

–      In the distant future; eventually; in the end

 (You’re) in over your head

–      If someone is “in over his/her head,” this means that they have a problem or situation that is too difficult or complicated for them to deal with or solve.

It ain’t over till the fat lady sings

–      You cannot be sure about the result (of a game or situation) until it has officially finished. (This comes from opera, in which a “fat lady” often sings at the very end of the opera.)

Advice and Answers

Using the idioms, give advice or answers to these people: 

Iris: I have to finish 5 essays in the next hour! There’s no way I can do this alone!

Advice:_____________________________________________

Innis: My clothing company makes a lot of money, but I’m thinking that maybe I will start selling furniture instead.

Advice:____________________________________________

Ian: Oh no! The Yankees just hit a home run! Now the Red Sox will never win!

Advice:____________________________________________

Now, fill in the blanks with suitable idioms: 

Ida is ____________________ and she doesn’t know what she should do. She has to choose a major in college this week, but she just can’t decide. ____________________, she just wants to have fun and study something interesting, but ____________________, she wants to be successful and make a lot of money. Her mother tried to give her advice, but Ida ignored it; her mother’s advice went ____________________. Ida knows that she is _____________________ and she must make the decision by herself. Luckily, Ida is a very smart girl, so she is not in over her head.