Idioms & Phrases

Which option gives the closest meaning of A skeleton in the cupboard?

• A cause of disagreement or argument
• By any possible interpretation or effort of thinking
• At an important point when a decision or change is needed
• A hidden and embarrassing secret from the past

Identify the correct meaning of the expression A slip of the pen.

• To receive unfair or worse treatment
• To happen or become real
• To have a personal stake or benefit in something
• Again and again; everywhere one tries
• A small mistake made while writing

What idea is expressed by A source of contention?

• During the most intense or advanced stage of something
• As an extra addition
• A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation
• A cause of disagreement or argument

Choose the correct meaning of A note of caution.

• Between two equally dangerous or difficult choices
• A warning or reminder to be careful
• To make something very clear and noticeable
• A simple practical method that is not exact or polished

In English grammar, how should A pack of lies be understood?

• A collection of false statements
• To have a hidden weakness despite an admirable image
• From very near or in close contact
• Much better than others of the same type

Select the best explanation of A cut-throat competition.

• Not in any possible way
• Fixed and not open to change
• Very severe competition in which people may act ruthlessly
• A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation

Which meaning best matches the idiom A foregone conclusion?

• A personal benefit or strong stake in an outcome
• To provide evidence or proof of something
• A practical, realistic, and sensible way of dealing with something
• A result that is certain before it happens

What does the phrase A full-fledged member mean in standard English?

• A complete and officially recognized member
• Hidden from public view or not openly known
• At the beginning or edge of a new stage
• A decisive moment when an important change begins

Choose the correct meaning of A great deal of.

• A decisive moment when an important change begins
• A warning action meant to prevent stronger action later
• To try any small hope when desperate
• To create division or hostility between people
• A large amount or quantity of something

In English grammar, how should A hair’s breadth be understood?

• To make something very clear and noticeable
• A victory that brings little satisfaction or real benefit
• To be in a difficult situation with very few choices
• A very small distance, difference, or margin

Which option gives the closest meaning of A hard-headed approach?

• An urgent effort to finish something before a deadline
• A practical, realistic, and sensible way of dealing with something
• To give little attention, sympathy, or consideration
• A large amount or quantity of something

For HSC English, what is the meaning of A hollow victory?

• To find one’s position or understand a situation
• Very severe competition in which people may act ruthlessly
• To become legally or officially active
• A victory that brings little satisfaction or real benefit
• A starting point for discussion, study, or change

Which meaning best matches the idiom A bitter pill to swallow?

• As a result of something
• To give little attention, sympathy, or consideration
• Advice that accepts failure and offers no real hope
• An unpleasant fact or result that is difficult to accept
• During the most intense or advanced stage of something

Identify the correct meaning of the expression A hue and cry.

• Unfair treatment
• To have a personal stake or benefit in something
• A loud public protest or strong complaint
• Much better than others of the same type

What does the phrase A blot on the landscape mean in standard English?

• To provide evidence or proof of something
• Something ugly or unpleasant that spoils an otherwise attractive place
• To return to the original position or situation
• After taking all facts and circumstances into account