Idiomatic expressions Ground

Meanings
The ground is one of the most basic things we know. It is not
surprising then if ground rules are basic rules. In a similar way, if
you have a good grounding in a subject, you know the basics.
Hundreds of years ago, everyone had to hunt animals to stay alive.
If you wanted to know if there were any large animals around, you
put your ear to the ground and listened. Today if you keep your ear
to the ground you are trying to be aware of any ideas or rumors
which are around.
Flying is a more modern idea. A plane literally gets off the ground.
This can be applied to a new project in business.
Examples:
1. Pauls good with people; hes patient; hes organized. Personally, I
think social
work will suit him down to the ground.
2. Another boring meeting! Theyre a waste of time. We always
cover the same old ground.
3. I knew I hadnt stolen anything in the shop, so I just stood my
ground and eventually they believed me. They had mixed me up
with someone else!
4. The best advice my grandmother ever gave me was to keep my
feet on the ground even if my head was in the clouds!
Exercises: Use these idiomatic expressions in the sentences below:
a. ground rules
b. on dangerous ground
c. a bit thin on the ground
d. keep your ear to the ground

e. a good grounding
1. Excuse me, Im thinking of changing my PC for an Apple Mac.
Have you got any
second-hand ones?
Sorry, we havent. Second-hand Macs are __________ at the moment.
2. Weve got to do something to reduce our costs.
Well, if you start talking about cutting staff, youre ___________.
3. Thanks for letting me stay with you. Youre doing me a big favor.
Thats OK, but there are one or two ___________ : no smoking, shoes
off at the front door and everyone does their own washing up.
4. Youre doing a computer course, arent you?
Yes, its nothing special but it gives you __________ in the basics.
5. You want to move to the Personnel Department, dont you? Ive
heard there might
be a job there soon so ____________.
Answers:
c; 2. b; 3. a; 4. e; 5. d;