Blog

on the ball

Paul Huber

American Idiom: on the ball

On the ball  – means being attentive and competent.

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

Watch the full video below to learn about the idiom, on the ball

Video Transcript

on the ball

She was on the ball, catching all mistakes on the report. She did a great job!

On the ball  – means being attentive and competent.

Here are example sentences :

Alan was right on the ball, making sound decisions. He’s a reliable manager.

James did not sleep very well last night. That’s why he’s not on the ball today.

Let’s do an exercise!

For each question, replace a word or words in a sentence with the idiom so that the meaning of the sentence is not changed. You have five seconds per question.

Question 1:

It’s hard to be attentive when you’re tired.

It’s hard to be on the ball when you’re tired.

Question 2:

Please be very attentive to this customer’s special order. She is a big client of ours.

Please be on the ball to this customer’s special order. She is a big client of ours.

Practice makes perfect!

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

More questions here!

Question 1:

My assistant is amazing. He’s always alert in noticing mistakes and offering valuable suggestions.

_____________________________________________________

Question 2:

Thanks to Mary for being very attentive with the inventory

_______________________________________________________

Please subscribe to our YouTube channel, and learn to speak English with Poly Languages.

Learn more Idioms with American Teachers here in POLY! Apply now!

bend over backwards

bend over backwards

Paul Huber

American Idiom: bend over backwards

To bend over backwards – means to work extra hard to accommodate or help someone.

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

Watch the full video below to learn about the idiom, bend over backwards

Video Transcript

to bend over backwards

Amy has been bending over backwards to help her friend in need of help. 

To bend over backwards – means to work extra hard to accommodate or help someone.

Here are example sentences :

Gregory bends over backwards to please his boss. He often puts overtime to get things done.

Amy is tired of bending over backwards to help him. He’s never shown any gratitude.

Let’s do an exercise!

For each question, replace a word or words in a sentence with the idiom so that the meaning of the sentence is not changed. You have five seconds per question.

Question 1:

My parents worked extra hard to put me through medical school.

My parents bent over backwards to put me through medical school.

Question 2:

Carolyn always works extra hard to satisfy all her customers. 

Carolyn always bends over backwards to satisfy all her customers.

Practice makes perfect!

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

More questions here!

Question 1:

He will work extra hard just to help you.

_____________________________________________________

Question 2:

Our hosts were amazing people and they work very hard just to keep us comfortable.

_______________________________________________________

Please subscribe to our YouTube channel, and learn to speak English with Poly Languages.

Learn more Idioms with American Teachers here in POLY! Apply now!

piece of cake

piece of cake

Paul Huber

American Idiom: piece of cake

A piece of cake – means something easy or simple to do. It has nothing to do with cake.

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

Watch the full video below to learn about the idiom, piece of cake

Video Transcript

a piece of cake

I finished the math test in 20 minutes. It was a piece of cake.

A piece of cake – means something easy or simple to do. It has nothing to do with cake.

Here are example sentences :

I was told that the exam would be difficult, but it was a piece of cake. The exam was very easy.

Cooking spaghetti was a piece of cake. It’s one of the easiest dishes to cook.

Let’s do an exercise!

For each question, replace a word or words in a sentence with the idiom so that the meaning of the sentence is not changed. You have five seconds per question.

Question 1:

Homework was easy.

Homework was a piece of cake.

Question 2:

It’s doable, but it’s not easy for everyone.

It’s doable, but it’s not a piece of cake for everyone.

Practice makes perfect!

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

More questions here!

Question 1:

My Math exam is very easy!

_____________________________________________________

Question 2:

Cooking eggs is very easy!

_______________________________________________________

Please subscribe to our YouTube channel, and learn to speak English with Poly Languages.

Learn more Idioms with American Teachers here in POLY! Apply now!

POLY Languages Institute

Paul Huber

English Language School

POLY Languages Institute is an accredited English language (ESL) school in California, USA. It has three English language (ESL) schools in California, specifically in the cities of Irvine, Los Angeles and Pasadena.

As a result of many years our dedication and commitment to better educate and serve our students, we can confidently assure our students that we are one of the best English language (ESL) schools in California USA.

About Poly Languages Institute

Are you a student with F-1 visa in United State and looking for TRANSFER to better language school?

We can make it Today, Contact Us Now !

Contact Us
Apply Now

Poly Languages Courses

General English : The General English is a communicative English program. The goal of the program is to prepare students to interact confidently in English through a fun and engaging activities.

Business English : The Business English program is for students who want to learn English and learn about business, and for business people who want to advance their careers.

Academic English :The Academic English is an intensive integrated skills program. . The purpose of the program is to prepare students for colleges and universities.

TOEFL Prep : The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized integrated-skills test, where the English proficiency of non-native speakers is evaluated. The goal of the TOEFL Prep program is to prepare students to succeed on the test.

*POLY Languages Institute is an ETS-Authorized TOEFL iBT® Test Center. Students may opt in to take their exams at our institute.

More Information About Our Programs

Poly Languages Tuition and Fees

Covid19 Special for Full-Time Students

The program consists of two courses: one from Academic English or TOEFL Prep courses – and the other from General English, Business English, or IELTS courses. Furthermore, it applies only to the courses offered after 1:00 pm. The program is applicable for F-1 transfer students; however, the program is not applicable for F-1 initials applying outside the U.S.

WeeksStandart TuitionDiscountTuition Due
4560$200$360$
121680$786$894$
243360$1572$1788$

Our Programs

The price listed below is for one term. Each term is 4 weeks long.

Course Contact HoursLab HoursTuition
General English (1-6)1616160$
Business English (5-6)1616160$
Academic Eng. L/S (1-6)328400$
Academic Eng. R/W (1-6)328400$
TOEFL Prep L/S (5-6)328400$
TOEFL Prep R/W (5-6)328400$

Let’s Learn English!

One step at a time.

Register Now !
Contact Us !

Are you in the U.S.A and want to Study in Poly Language School or Do you want to study with us Changing Your Visa Status to Student?

We Got You..

Fill the form below, We will contact you back, right away !

Admission Inquiry
Contact Us !
Apply Now !

How to Apply and Visa Process

I don’t need an F-1 visa. I just want to learn English.

  • Apply online. Pay the Application Fee and the applicable tuition.
  • We will contact you before your scheduled start date for orientation with our student adviser.

Initial (I want to go to the USA. I need an F-1 visa.)

Step 1

  • Apply online. Pay the Application Fee and the Mailing and Handling Fee.
  • We will contact you for the following
    • Copy of passport
    • Financial Statement (Documentary Evidence of Financial Support)
    • If you are under 18, a copy of your high school diploma or transcript
  • We will send you an acceptance packet by UPS. It includes an acceptance letter, SEVIS payment instructions, a Form I-20, and other applicable documents.

Step 2

Transfer (I am in the USA. I want to transfer.)

  • Apply online. Pay the Application Fee ($150).
  • We will contact you for the below documents, which you can email us.
    • Copy of passport
    • Financial Statement (Documentary Evidence of Financial Support)
    • If you are under 18, copy of your high school diploma or transcript
    • I-20 from your current school.
  • We will email you and your current school the below documents. You may pick up the documents in person. The Notice of Intention to Transfer to be completed by your current school.
  • Acceptance letter
  • Pick up your new I-20 in person.  Save the mailing fee.

C.O.S (I am in the USA. I want to change my visa to F-1)

  • Apply online. Pay the Application Fee ($150)
  • We will contact you for the following:
    • Copy of passport
    • Financial Statement (Documentary Evidence of Financial Support)
    • If you are under 18, copy of your high school diploma or transcript
  • We will contact you to set up an appointment for you with our designated student adviser who can help you with the Change of Status to F-1 process.

Yaşar Dolugan| Turkish Student Advisor

[email protected]

Contact us

Admission Inquiry

Apply Now