Phrases and idioms are expressions using more than one word. It may be difficult to work out the meaning by looking at the individual words. For example, actors sometimes say ‘Break a leg!’ to mean ‘Good luck!’. You need to recognise when an exam task is testing a phrase or an idiom and be able to provide or complete it accurately.
The example of what actors sometimes say shows that a group of words may have its own meaning when used in a certain context.
It’s vital because they’re so frequent in all forms of written and spoken English. You need to recognise and understand them when you come across them. If you fail to recognise that someone is using a phrase or idiom, you may misunderstand them.
The paragraph suggests that phrases and idioms are found in both informal and formal English.
You need to be familiar with a large number of phrases and idioms, knowing their meaning and when it’s appropriate to use them. Compare them to similar phrases and idioms in your own language and note how they are similar or different to your own language. Being able to guess the meaning of new phrases and idioms is an essential skill. You need to be able to work out their meaning from the context.
The most important part of working out the meaning of an unknown phrase is the context you hear or read it in.
stage lighting = how the actors and sets are illuminated on stage
black comedy = humorous production with a dark side
dress rehearsal = final practice of a play in costume before opening night
stage direction = instruction to actors, written into a script
creative licence = altering details for a more imaginative effect
The audience kept on clapping, so the whole cast returned to the stage for a curtain call.
A successful acting performance often depends not only on the individual performer, but one the collaborative effort between the actor and the director.
Michelle created the perfect choreography to ensure the dancers wouldn’t miss a step on opening night.
The reconstructed version of Shakespeare’s famous Globe Theatre has a seating capacity of 3,000.
Ben is a famous child actor who has lived his entire life in the limelight.
Last night’s production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet might have been spectacular enough to impress the playwright himself. The production was initially written off as a vehicle for its stars, set to make money simply for having famous actors, who nonetheless turned in stunning performances. But where the production soared was in its use of imaginative costume designs, elegant props, especially the trailing vines on the balcony where Juliet delivers her famous monologue, and the unusually tempered pace of the production. The performance played to a packed house and received uproarious applause and a standing ovation at the finale.
If you don’t get your act together, you’ll never get a good role.
On top of being the leading role, it also pays big money.
Jeffrey is suffering from writer’s block and can’t finish the script for the play.
With weeks of touring with her theatre company still yet to come, Julie felt there was no end in sight / mind.
Never in a million years did I think I’d achieve such fame as an actor!
If there are any snags with the production, I’ll be there at the drop of a hat.
We don’t go to the theatre often, only once in a blue moon.
Her performance was revolutionary; she really broke the shell.
After getting the green light from the financial backers, the show get under way.
The characters audiences admire are those that seem larger than life.
The whole theatre company was up in arms when it turned out they wouldn’t be paid for three months.
Jessica did some breathing exercises to steady her nerves before going on stage.
If you’re disappointed with my performance, just say your piece and then leave!
So you missed a few dance steps in the performance. Don’t worry about it – there’s no point crying over spilt milk.
Even though the production was badly reviewed, the theatre owner lt it run its course.
If you’ve memorised your lines and practised all your moves, your performance in the play ought to be plain sailing.
Nancy fell to pieces after reading the scathing remarks critics made about her.
We didn’t realise there was a curtain call after we left the stage, so we only got back on to bow in the nick of time.
Come rain or shine, this production will go ahead as planned.
You’ve got to be thick-skinned to deal with negative criticism.
After the playwright rewrote the script, the story began to take shape.
Anyone who criticises the lead is simply asking for trouble.
Don’t worry, you’ll do splendidly tonight – just go out there and break a leg.
Sophie was feeling a bit down on her luck after not getting the part, so Frank bought her lunch.
The play is simply a vehicle for its stars and falls short of having a decent plot.
Anna’s friend knew the casting director, so she pulled a few strings to arrange an audition.
Terrence focused on minor details so much he couldn’t see the wood for the trees.
Such detailed stage directions exist because some actors can’t put two and two together.
The famous actor showed up out of the blue and demanded to be in the play.
Martin went to acting school to learn the tools of the trade.
If you think the character should be played more aggresively, stick to your guns and maybe the director will come round.
We’d like to stage performances every night, but the powers that be won’t allow it.
Nobody expected Fred to make it as a dancer as he’d always seemed to have two left feet.
There’s often a very fine line between black comedy and tragedy.
There’s nothing like home sweet home after touring with a theatre company for months.
Let’s throw out this script and start with a clean slate.
I know the play was a tragedy, but I got the giggles halfway through and couldn’t keep a straight face.
After the strange and dramatic ending, the audience sat in dead silence.
The theatre was located in a strange place off the beaten track in the heart of the countryside.
Some questioned his motives for taking the role, but Henry assured them he acted in good faith.
She’s never taken acting classes; it just comes as second nature.
Things went from bad to worse when the bumbling actor knocked over a large prop.
Some theatrical productions are so elaborate, you might think it would take a miracle to produce them. The glory of a successful production is usually bestowed upon the play’s director, but you must take into consideration the collaborative effort that took place behind the scenes. The set and props must be constructed, lighting must be positioned, costumes must be designed, and sound must be mixed. The success of all this depends on lighting and sound engineers, costume designers and others who are all on the same wavelength. If even one of them takes creative licence that clashes with director’s intentions, the director may fly off the handle and heated discussions are sure to follow. If such disputes are never resolved, the performance is likely to be below par. Making sure everyone works well together rests on the shoulders of the play’s director, who must put extra effort into striking a balance between all of these elements.