Idioms & Phrases

Which explanation is closest to Bend over backwards?

• At the beginning
• Try very hard to help or please someone
• By a very small distance or amount
• Very quickly and greatly

How should we understand An axe to grind in a sentence?

• With responsibility for any danger or loss
• A question that is debatable or no longer important
• A private reason for being involved, often selfish
• A situation where both sides must give or act

What does the phrase An eye-opener suggest?

• Something that makes someone understand the truth
• When one has free time
• A warning that makes someone realize action is needed
• A general improvement that benefits everyone
• A situation where something grows larger or more serious over time

Which answer best defines At the end of one’s tether?

• Watch or pressure someone very closely
• Exhausted from arguing or trying without success
• Keep changing one’s opinion or attitude
• Unable to deal with a difficult situation any longer

Which answer best defines An olive branch?

• Honest, open, and legal
• An offer of peace
• Opposite to what is usual or natural
• Be patient with someone or something

What does the idiom At the mercy of mean?

• With all belongings; completely
• Completely controlled by someone or something
• Being the person who suffers or is affected by something
• Available for someone to use
• Force someone to obey or submit

Choose the correct meaning of At the outset.

• Very hostile and ready to quarrel
• Make financial records correct or make income equal expenses
• At the beginning
• Wait patiently for the right opportunity

Select the option that best explains At a loose end.

• Not knowing what to do or having nothing useful to do
• Returning to simple and important principles
• Everyone without distinction
• A subject that makes someone upset or angry
• Completely controlled by someone or something

Which option gives the correct meaning of At a premium?

• Only when all other choices have failed
• The main point being discussed or disputed
• Scarce and therefore valuable
• As a normal or expected thing

For SSC English, identify the meaning of At cross purposes.

• Misunderstanding each other while working toward different aims
• A situation where something grows larger or more serious over time
• Very hostile and ready to quarrel
• A difficult or awkward situation

What is the figurative meaning of At daggers drawn?

• Not relevant to the matter being discussed
• An easy target for attack or criticism
• Misunderstanding each other while working toward different aims
• Very hostile and ready to quarrel
• At the beginning

Which meaning matches the phrase At full stretch?

• When one has free time
• Using all one’s strength, effort, or resources
• Be unable to decide between two choices
• A normal part of one’s duty or job