Idioms & Phrases

What does the phrase A train of thought mean in standard English?

• To do the same work or follow the same path as someone else
• A connected sequence of ideas in the mind
• A final desperate attempt to solve a problem or avoid failure
• To avoid something because of fear, reluctance, or dislike

Identify the correct meaning of the expression A quantum leap.

• A situation likely to lead to failure, danger, or serious trouble
• An insult, rejection, or painful disappointment
• A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation
• A very large and sudden improvement or change

In English grammar, how should A vested interest be understood?

• A personal benefit or strong stake in an outcome
• A situation likely to lead to failure, danger, or serious trouble
• To have a natural talent for something
• Having different aims or misunderstanding each other

Select the best explanation of A raw deal.

• A constant threat or danger hanging over someone
• A change in method, plan, or direction
• Unfair treatment
• A victory that brings little satisfaction or real benefit

Which option gives the closest meaning of A vicious circle?

• Because of someone’s request or order
• To be in a difficult situation with very few choices
• A harmful cycle in which one problem causes another and makes the first worse
• A warning action meant to prevent stronger action later

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

Choose the correct meaning of A breach of trust.

• To die or disappear like all living things
• With general agreement
• Briefly and without much detail
• An act that breaks confidence, honesty, or responsibility

Select the best explanation of A leap in the dark.

• To emphasize a point strongly and repeatedly
• To have power, control, or influence
• A risky action taken without knowing the result
• An unpleasant fact or result that is difficult to accept
• To understand something after thought or investigation

In English grammar, how should A change of tack be understood?

• To support or defend a person, idea, or cause
• Very obvious or easy to understand
• A change in method, plan, or direction
• To suspend or postpone something temporarily
• To discuss a point hypothetically