Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: Reputation and Relationships
Explore reputation and relationships with eight useful expressions, including live up to, rub someone up the wrong way, give someone the benefit of the doubt. Read the meanings and examples, then use the language in eight C1 discussion questions.
What’s in the worksheet?
- Eight expressions with meanings and example sentences
- Eight matching discussion questions
- One printable page
- Open-ended speaking practice
Practise eight C1 expressions for reputation, support and repairing relationships. The questions balance saving face and giving the benefit of the doubt with accountability and justified criticism.
Worksheet preview
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A simple way to teach it
Before the lesson
Use the single adults/teens discussion page. There is no fixed key. Note the mainly British expression rub someone up the wrong way and allow fictional examples.
- Compare living up to expectations with standing by someone. Read the examples of clearing the air, saving face and building bridges.
- Discuss the eight prompts, asking for conditions and limits rather than simple approval or disapproval. Distinguish support for a person from agreement with their actions.
- Role-play a private correction that preserves respect without hiding a mistake. Review the full phrases and discuss their tone.
Support and extension
Support with an imagined club misunderstanding. Extend by comparing a public statement with a practical bridge-building action; private relationship disclosures are unnecessary.
Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.
