English Idioms – Episode 6

Hi there! This time the idioms will be about health and illness. Ready, set, go!

1. touch and go = uncertain (смертельно опасная ситуация, неопределенный, рискованное положение, критический)

2. the writing is on the wall = a sign/warning of danger/unhappiness/failure, etc (предвестие грядущего несчастья, зловещее предзнаменование, знак свыше)

3. have (got) one foot in the grave = to be near death (дышать на ладан, стоять одной ногой в могиле)

4. hold one’s own = manage despite difficulties/obstacles (не поддаваться (болезни и т.п.), стоять на своем, не сдаваться, не слабеть)

5. alive and kicking = still alive and active (жив и здоров, полон жизни, жив курилка!, в добром здравии)

Here is the script for this movie:

John: I was amazed to see Mark back at work.
Paul: Yes me too. When he was in hospital it was touch and go for a while, according to the doctors.
John: That’s right. Two weeks ago it looked like the writing was on the wall. He had one foot in the grave.
Paul: Apparently it was just a virus. All he needed was a long rest.
John: Well, he held his own, didn’t he?
Paul: I’ll say! He’s certainly alive and kicking now!