Learning English

We may not literally wait in a queue forever and a day, but people do love to exaggerate - and English speakers use lots of exciting and dramatic language to do this. We are going to share some 'exaggeration expressions' with you.

To do

Meet Alan and Beth. They are on their way home from a party - but have they had a successful evening? Read their conversation to find out...

Alan
Well that was a complete disaster! I was so embarrassed when you started eating food off the next table!

Beth
I had to, I was hungry and the food was taking a long time to come. I'm fed up with all these work parties you drag me to.

Alan
I've told you many times you don't have to come! I'd much rather you stayed at home.

Beth
Come on, it's getting late. Let's get a taxi back. My shoes are hurting and I need the toilet!

So - not a very good evening for these two! Now let's listen to a recording of their conversation. You'll hear seven expressions that are NOT in the dialogue you just read. 

Do the activity

Seven ways to exaggerate

Did you find the seven phrases? Click 'show transcript' to find out if you are correct. The seven phrases in bold are all examples of exaggeration. For example, I nearly died of embarrassment is an exaggerated way to say 'I was embarrassed', and forever means 'for a very long time' - similar to forever and a day.

To do

Now try this quiz to match the exaggerated phrases with their meanings.

Next

Well done if you matched all the phrases with their correct meanings. We bet you’re dying for some more practice though! Go to the next page to see how much you can remember about the phrases - and to try writing your own dialogue.