Phrases to remember

To have/enjoy a good appetite; to eat with relish; to eat with gusto; to eat a big/small/scanty dinner; to eat in/with moderation; to make do with a cup of tea; to have regular meals; to have a substantial/square meal; to disguise the natural taste of ingredients; to content oneself with a cup of tea; to eat to one’s heart’s content; to make tea; to wait for the tea to brew; hot/lukewarm/stone-cold tea; to wash down a sandwich with a cup of tea.

Exercise 2

Fill in the necessary prepositions:

• Would you like dinner now?

• Yes, I’m starving. I’m a hearty eater. I like people who have a good appetite, who eat … relish and gusto. I can’t say I enjoy a hurried meal or eating … the move, … the go. I like to take my time … it. Taking the doctor’s advice … consideration, I never eat … excess, because I know that eating … excess does people harm. I eat … (...) moderation. When I happen to put … weight (when I’m overweight) I go … a diet. When … a diet, I live either … vegetables or milk or fruit alone. I lose weight very quickly. Generally I try to stick … the rule: eat simply.

• What kind of meals do you have?

• I have regular meals. I eat regularly. … the morning I make do … a snack (a sandwich washed ... … a cup of strong tea). … 11a.m. I have an apple. … the daytime I enjoy a substantial (square) meal (a good meal). When I’m thirsty I have a glass … fruit juice. … the evening I content myself … a light supper (small … quantity) of bread and cheese or leftovers. I eat them if they’re still edible (fresh, not stale or unfit ... eating). I’m a fussy eater. But I agree that hunger is the best relish.