Academic Vocabulary

What idea is expressed by Carry conviction?

• Automatically because no other choice is made
• To sound convincing or believable
• A very large and sudden improvement or change
• Something done only to achieve a larger purpose

In English grammar, how should Draw a veil over be understood?

• A risky action taken without knowing the result
• To avoid discussing or hide something unpleasant
• Because of someone’s request or order
• Through spoken recommendation or information

Select the best explanation of Cast a long shadow.

• To obey or be controlled by someone else
• To expose a hidden scandal, secret, or truth
• Something ugly or unpleasant that spoils an otherwise attractive place
• To have a lasting and powerful influence

Which option gives the closest meaning of Draw blood?

• To hurt, wound, or make a successful attack in argument
• A very small distance, difference, or margin
• A person who prefers fixed routines and familiar ways
• To fail completely or produce no result
• A strong belief accepted without question

Which answer explains Cast in stone correctly?

• Fixed and not open to change
• To suffer because of lack of money or resources
• To have power, control, or influence
• With very little warning or preparation time
• To manage to speak when others are talking a lot

For HSC English, what is the meaning of Drive a wedge between?

• To create division or hostility between people
• To discuss a point hypothetically
• To have a lasting and powerful influence
• A difficult and complicated problem

Which meaning best matches the idiom Catch at a straw?

• A clear practical example or warning
• A situation likely to lead to failure, danger, or serious trouble
• To try any small hope when desperate
• A risky action taken without knowing the result

Identify the correct meaning of the expression Fall by the wayside.

• A strong belief accepted without question
• To emphasize a point strongly and repeatedly
• To fail to continue or be abandoned
• To sound convincing or believable

In English grammar, how should Come full circle be understood?

• To return to the original position or situation
• Unable to continue, work, or succeed
• An urgent effort to finish something before a deadline
• To happen or become real

For HSC English, what is the meaning of Come into one’s own?

• To understand something after thought or investigation
• Very severe competition in which people may act ruthlessly
• A warning action meant to prevent stronger action later
• To reach a stage where one’s ability or value is fully shown
• Again and again; everywhere one tries

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

Choose the correct meaning of By hook or by crook.

• After taking all facts and circumstances into account
• Basically or fundamentally
• By any possible means
• To return to the original position or situation

What idea is expressed by Back the wrong horse?

• To wait anxiously or expectantly
• A person who prefers fixed routines and familiar ways
• To begin to understand or deal with a difficult matter
• To support the person, plan, or side that fails

In English grammar, how should By no stretch of the imagination be understood?

• A career marked by both successes and failures or controversies
• As a result of something
• Not in any possible way
• To wait anxiously or expectantly
• So honest or respectable that no one is likely to suspect wrongdoing