AMERICAN IDIOMS WITH 'CLOSE' - EXERCISE 1/EFL (B2/C1)

level: Upper-intermediate (B2/C1)

American English is rich with idiomatic expressions. This exercise focuses on idioms that use the word close. Definitions are provided in brackets to help you understand the meaning in context.

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Complete each sentence with the correct idiom. Choose from: come to a close, close call, close the deal, close, but no cigar, cutting it close, close-up, closed-minded, too close for comfort, keep a close watch over, closing in on.

1. The scientists are a working vaccine. = The scientists are close to discovering/creating a working vaccine.✓

2. That was a . = Something bad almost happened.✓

3. The proceedings will ( = end) at around midnight.✓

4. I love my grandfather, but I admit that he can be pretty . ( = unwilling to accept/consider other opinions than his own) ✓

5. This was a great opportunity to get a view ( = a view from a close distance) of the painting.✓

6. The police officer promised to ( = observe, diligently) the warehouse.✓

7. The two sides failed to . ( = reach an agreement, finalize a proposed deal)✓

8. You plan to get to the airport at 7:30 PM? That's . You might not make your flight.✓

9. P1: Can you guess my age? P2: 35? P1: !✓

10. The speeding car passed us a little . ( = uncomfortably close)✓

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