Idioms Exercises – Part 109

.Use the prepositions in the box to complete the sentences

at/ for/ off/ on/ out/ to /with

!……………… N1. we’re ready when you are. Bring it

.N2. Martin’s always spoiling ………………… a fight

.N3. I think it’s time we had this ………………… once and for all

?………………… N4. Do you really think you’re ready to take them

.N5. There is absolutely no reason to come ………………… blows

. ……………… N6. It was a friendly discussion until their lawyers took the gloves

.N7. Listen to them argue. They’ve been going ………………… it for and hour

.N8. Suddenly, he let fly ……………… angry threats

:Answers

N1. on
N2. for
N3. out
N4. on
N5. to
N6. off
N7. at
N8. with

Wanting to fight

Spoiling for a fight: very eager to fight
Take on someone / take someone on: choose to fight

Starting a fight

Pick a fight/ start something: begin a fight
Go at someone / get at it / let someone have it: attack someone physically or with words
Let fly with something: say something that will make someone angry
Bring it on: to begin a fight or competition

Fighting

Fight it out: argue or fight until an agreement
Have it out with someone: argue with someone
Come to blows: begin to fight physically
Take the gloves off: start fighting or arguing in more determined way
A running battle: an argument that continues for a long time
Hot and heavy: full of strong emotion

Preventing a fight

Keep the peace: stop an argument or a fight from happening