High-Intermediate Level - What are Euphemisms?

Euphemisms are words or expressions we use when we don't want to be too direct. Sensitive subjects can be talked about using euphemisms. For example, it can be too direct to say "His grandmother died", so instead we say "His grandmother passed away". Here we can see that pass away is a euphemism for die. Although euphemisms are often used to be polite, they can also be very casual and humourous. For example, "pushing up daisies" is a slang euphemism for death, "His grandmother is pushing up daisies"!

Take a look at euphemisms and try and work out the correct definition.

1 - Powder my nose
2 - In the family way
3 - Kick the bucket
4 - The big C
5 - Stretch the truth
6 - In-between jobs
7 - Let go
8 - Big-boned
9 - Tired and emotional
10 - Pre-owned

How to use understatement

• 1 - Powder my nose: "I just need to powder my nose before we leave".
  
  get changed
  put on make-up
  use the bathroom
  blow your nose
  
  
• 2 - In the family way: "I heard that Jane is in the family way again. That'll be her third.
  
  pregnant
  divorced
  married
  sick
  
  
• 3 - Kick the bucket: "That horrible old guy has finally kicked the bucket. I won't miss him."
  
  on holiday
  to hide
  to die
  to leave
  
  
• 4 - The big C: "She got the results back from the hospital. Bad news - she has the big C."
  
  cancer
  cough
  cold
  clinic
  
  
• 5 - Stretch the truth: "Politicians often stretch the truth especially when making election promises."
  
  to be honest
  to start talking
  to have a meeting
  to tell lies
  
  
• 6 - In-between jobs: "I'm actually in-between jobs at the moment. I'm sure I'll find one soon."
  
  retired
  unemployed
  bored
  on holiday
  
  
• 7 - Let go: "My company plans to let go 100 workers unless business improves."
  
  sack/fire
  give a pay raise
  promote
  employ
  
  
• 8 - Big-boned: "That shop doesn't sell clothes for big-boned women."
  
  fat
  old
  thin
  tall
  
  
• 9 - Tired and emotional: "He was described as being tired and emotional when the police found him in the street at 4am."
  
  angry
  lost
  drunk
  sleeping
  
  
• 10 - Pre-owned: "I bought a pre-owned car."
  
  ordered
  fast
  brand-new
  sencond-hand