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Idioms & Phrases

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Quizzes in Idioms & Phrases

Choose the correct meaning of Give short shrift to.

  • To discuss a point hypothetically
  • To support the person, plan, or side that fails
  • Something ugly or unpleasant that spoils an otherwise attractive place
  • A small amount of uncertainty
  • To give little attention, sympathy, or consideration
Correct answer(s):
  • To give little attention, sympathy, or consideration

What idea is expressed by Fall into line?

  • At the beginning or edge of a new stage
  • To conform or agree with rules, orders, or a group
  • To act honestly, sincerely, and with fair intention
  • An issue based on a moral rule or firm belief
  • During the most intense or advanced stage of something
Correct answer(s):
  • To conform or agree with rules, orders, or a group

In English grammar, how should Go against the tide be understood?

  • A practical, realistic, and sensible way of dealing with something
  • To demand an explanation or hold someone responsible
  • To fail to continue or be abandoned
  • To oppose the usual opinion, trend, or direction
Correct answer(s):
  • To oppose the usual opinion, trend, or direction

Select the best explanation of Fathom out.

  • To become successful or real after effort
  • To understand something after thought or investigation
  • Between two equally dangerous or difficult choices
  • A victory that brings little satisfaction or real benefit
Correct answer(s):
  • To understand something after thought or investigation

Which option gives the closest meaning of Go by the board?

  • Unable to continue, work, or succeed
  • To be abandoned, lost, or ignored
  • A small mistake made while writing
  • A connected sequence of ideas in the mind
Correct answer(s):
  • To be abandoned, lost, or ignored

Which answer explains Feel the pinch correctly?

  • To suffer because of lack of money or resources
  • By a large amount; not nearly close
  • A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation
  • To reach a stage where one’s ability or value is fully shown
Correct answer(s):
  • To suffer because of lack of money or resources

For HSC English, what is the meaning of Go down a storm?

  • To hurt, wound, or make a successful attack in argument
  • Very seriously ill or near death
  • To support or defend a person, idea, or cause
  • To be received very successfully or enthusiastically
  • Through spoken recommendation or information
Correct answer(s):
  • To be received very successfully or enthusiastically

Which meaning best matches the idiom Fight shy of?

  • To provide evidence or proof of something
  • A result that is certain before it happens
  • A cause of disagreement or argument
  • To avoid something because of fear, reluctance, or dislike
  • Very seriously ill or near death
Correct answer(s):
  • To avoid something because of fear, reluctance, or dislike

Identify the correct meaning of the expression Go out of fashion.

  • So honest or respectable that no one is likely to suspect wrongdoing
  • Automatically because no other choice is made
  • To become no longer popular or common
  • To have a hidden weakness despite an admirable image
Correct answer(s):
  • To become no longer popular or common

What does the phrase Fill the bill mean in standard English?

  • Hidden from public view or not openly known
  • To be suitable for a need or purpose
  • To avoid something because of fear, reluctance, or dislike
  • To try any small hope when desperate
Correct answer(s):
  • To be suitable for a need or purpose

What idea is expressed by Go the way of all flesh?

  • To understand something after thought or investigation
  • To die or disappear like all living things
  • A starting point for discussion, study, or change
  • By honest or dishonest methods
Correct answer(s):
  • To die or disappear like all living things

Choose the correct meaning of Follow in someone’s footsteps.

  • Because of the request or command of someone
  • A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation
  • Basically or fundamentally
  • To do the same work or follow the same path as someone else
Correct answer(s):
  • To do the same work or follow the same path as someone else

Select the best explanation of Hammer home.

  • During the most intense or advanced stage of something
  • A result that is certain before it happens
  • To emphasize a point strongly and repeatedly
  • A very large and sudden improvement or change
  • Very severe competition in which people may act ruthlessly
Correct answer(s):
  • To emphasize a point strongly and repeatedly

What idea is expressed by Come to grips with?

  • To begin to understand or deal with a difficult matter
  • Having nothing useful to do or feeling unsettled
  • At an important point when a decision or change is needed
  • Very similar in character, nature, or behavior
Correct answer(s):
  • To begin to understand or deal with a difficult matter

Select the best explanation of Come to naught.

  • After taking all facts and circumstances into account
  • An unpleasant fact or result that is difficult to accept
  • To fail completely or produce no result
  • In a less favorable or weaker position
  • To create division or hostility between people
Correct answer(s):
  • To fail completely or produce no result

Which answer explains Come to pass correctly?

  • Central to the main issue or problem
  • A small and unimportant part of a large system
  • To avoid something because of fear, reluctance, or dislike
  • To happen or become real
Correct answer(s):
  • To happen or become real

Which option gives the closest meaning of By the skin of one’s teeth?

  • To happen or become real
  • By a very narrow margin
  • Very severe competition in which people may act ruthlessly
  • To give little attention, sympathy, or consideration
Correct answer(s):
  • By a very narrow margin

Which meaning best matches the idiom Cut from the same cloth?

  • To suffer because of lack of money or resources
  • Very similar in character, nature, or behavior
  • An issue based on a moral rule or firm belief
  • To be in a very uncertain or dangerous state
Correct answer(s):
  • Very similar in character, nature, or behavior

For HSC English, what is the meaning of By word of mouth?

  • Through spoken recommendation or information
  • With very little warning or preparation time
  • To oppose the usual opinion, trend, or direction
  • A decisive moment that tests a person, plan, or situation
Correct answer(s):
  • Through spoken recommendation or information

What does the phrase Dance to someone’s tune mean in standard English?

  • An insult, rejection, or painful disappointment
  • To obey or be controlled by someone else
  • As an extra addition
  • To suspend or postpone something temporarily
  • A risky action taken without knowing the result
Correct answer(s):
  • To obey or be controlled by someone else