Success
Vocabulary/ Expressions
Read the idioms about success in context. Match the idioms with their definitions.
1. count one's chickens before they hatch It's too soon to cry victory. Don't count your chicken before they hatch!
A. you achieve something you want but by giving up something.
2. be alive and kicking (also be alive and well) Don't worry about your grandfather; he is alive and kicking.
B. You're in a position which provides you with everything you want.
3. come at a price (also come at a cost) You say that you want to be famous, but you have to know that fame comes at a price.
С. to continue to be well, healthy or successful
4. dog-eat-dog It's disheartening to know that we are living in a dog-eat-dog world.
D. It is said about a world where people do anything to be successful.
5. every dog has its day. It's okay that you didn't succeed this time. Every dog has its day.
E. to assume success too early, before it is certain
6. bear fruit I hope your new plans will bear fruit
F. to acknowledge the talent or the success of an opponent or unpleasant person
7. come up roses I was worried a lot about the project, but eventually it's coming up roses.
G. Everyone can be successful at something at some time in their life.
8. give the devil his due. I don't like the man but give the devil his due – he works incredibly hard.
H. You do something and it produces a desired result or reward.
9. place in the sun He finally earned his place in the sun after winning the contest.
I. Something is happening very successfully.
Match the phrases with the pictures:
A. count one's chickens before they hatch, B. be alive and kicking (also be alive and well), C. come at a price (also come at a cost), D. dog-eat-dog, E. every dog has its day, F. place in the sun, G. come up roses, H. give the devil his due, I. bear fruit
A. count one's chickens before they hatch, B. be alive and kicking (also be alive and well), C. come at a price (also come at a cost), D. dog-eat-dog, E. every dog has its day, F. place in the sun, G. come up roses, H. give the devil his due, I. bear fruit
CONVERSATION questions
- How do you define success? Please explain.
- Is there some sort of key to success? In other words, is there a quality or characteristic that guarantees success? Why/not?
- Why do so many people measure success with symbols of wealth, power, and fame?
- Assuming you could possess only one, would you prefer health, happiness, or money? Why?
- What characteristics does someone require for financial success? Why do you think so?
- Tell me about one of your goals in life. Is it difficult for you to focus on your goal all the time? Why or why not?
- Do people learn from their failures? Why or why not?
- What advice would you give someone who wants to be successful?
- In which aspects of your life do you hope for greater success? Is it possible to achieve your goals within 1 year? 5 years? 10 years? Why/not?
- There are many books which purportedly offer the key to success. Do you believe these guides really work? Why/not?
