Unit 7 An Active Lifestyle

Unit 7 An Active Lifestyle

Early bird someone who likes to rise early in the morning

             ▪ I’ve always been an early bird. I rarely get up after six o’clock in the morning.

             ▪ Jake’s new job forces him to be an early bird. He has to start work at 5:00 A.M.

Night owl someone who likes to stay awake late at night

             ▪ It’s easy for Laura to study until three in the morning. She’s always been a night owl.

             ▪ Scientists believe that body chemistry may determine whether someone is more likely to be an early bird or a night owl.

Night on the town an evening of dining and entertainment

             USAGE NOTE: This idiom is often used with the verb spend.

             ▪ Mr. Frederick impressed his fiancee with an expensive night on the town.

             ▪ Matt and Tina spent a night on the town with their guests from Europe.

Live (life) in the fast lane to lead a very active social life

             Related form: life in the fast lane (noun)

             ▪Jet-setters are rich people who travel around the world living life in the fast lane.

             ▪ How’s life in the fast lane, Van? You’re gone so often I hardly see you anymore!

Live it up to enjoy life by spending money freely

             Also: do it up (right)

             GRAMMAR NOTE: The pronoun it cannot be changed or removed.

             ▪ The Pierces go to Las Vegas once a year and live it up in the best hotel suite available.

             ▪ We shouldn’t worry about how much we spend on our vacation. We should do it up right.

Have a ball to enjoy oneself greatly, to have pleasure

             Also: have a good time

             ▪ Thanks so much for inviting us to the party. We really had a ball.

             ▪ Matt didn’t expect to have a good time at the picnic, but he actually did.

Party animal someone who likes to have fun often

             ▪ Up late again last night? This is the third day, you party animal.

             ▪ Dave had become such a party animal that he failed two classes.

Throw a party to invite guests to a party

             USAGE NOTE: Words such as farewell, retirement , and graduation can precede party.

             ▪ Are you free next Saturday evening? I’m throwing a party and I’d like you to come.

             ▪ The employees threw a farewell party before their supervisor left for another job.

Get out (and about) to leave home for a social activity

             USAGE NOTE: This idiom is usually used when someone doesn’t leave home often enough due to overwork, injury, or old age.

             ▪ Since our child was born, my wife and I get out much less often.

             ▪ You should try to get out and about more now that you’ve recovered from the accident.

             ▪ Mrs. Carlson tends to stay home and watch TV. She should get out and about more often.