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
  blow your nose
  use the bathroom
  put on make-up
  
  
• 2 - In the family way: "I heard that Jane is in the family way again. That'll be her third.
  
  married
  pregnant
  divorced
  sick
  
  
• 3 - Kick the bucket: "That horrible old guy has finally kicked the bucket. I won't miss him."
  
  to die
  on holiday
  to hide
  to leave
  
  
• 4 - The big C: "She got the results back from the hospital. Bad news - she has the big C."
  
  cold
  cough
  clinic
  cancer
  
  
• 5 - Stretch the truth: "Politicians often stretch the truth especially when making election promises."
  
  to start talking
  to be honest
  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."
  
  unemployed
  bored
  on holiday
  retired
  
  
• 7 - Let go: "My company plans to let go 100 workers unless business improves."
  
  employ
  sack/fire
  promote
  give a pay raise
  
  
• 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."
  
  lost
  drunk
  sleeping
  angry
  
  
• 10 - Pre-owned: "I bought a pre-owned car."
  
  sencond-hand
  ordered
  brand-new
  fast