Exam Preparation

What idea is expressed by Hold one’s breath?

• A collection of false statements
• To wait anxiously or expectantly
• As an extra addition
• To begin to understand or deal with a difficult matter
• To emphasize a point strongly and repeatedly

Select the best explanation of Hold sway.

• A disapproving or negative opinion about something
• Because of someone’s request or order
• To have power, control, or influence
• To apply influence or force to make someone act

Which answer explains In a class of one’s own correctly?

• To begin to understand or deal with a difficult matter
• Very severe competition in which people may act ruthlessly
• A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation
• Much better than others of the same type

What does the phrase Have a vested interest in mean in standard English?

• To hurt, wound, or make a successful attack in argument
• To have a personal stake or benefit in something
• To demand an explanation or hold someone responsible
• Through spoken recommendation or information
• Central to the main issue or problem

Choose the correct meaning of Have feet of clay.

• To obey or be controlled by someone else
• To have a hidden weakness despite an admirable image
• To harm or criticize someone who helps or supports you
• To become no longer popular or common

In English grammar, how should Have one’s back to the wall be understood?

• To be in a difficult situation with very few choices
• A clear practical example or warning
• An issue based on a moral rule or firm belief
• A mysterious quality or feeling

For HSC English, what is the meaning of Hold a brief for?

• To have a natural talent for something
• To support or defend a person, idea, or cause
• To be received very successfully or enthusiastically
• A small and unimportant part of a large system

Identify the correct meaning of the expression For the sake of argument.

• To allow complete freedom to act or express something
• Outside acceptable limits of behavior
• An urgent effort to finish something before a deadline
• To demand an explanation or hold someone responsible
• To discuss a point hypothetically

What idea is expressed by From the sublime to the ridiculous?

• From something excellent or serious to something absurd
• After a quick look
• To avoid discussing or hide something unpleasant
• A decisive moment that tests a person, plan, or situation

Which answer explains Get one’s bearings correctly?

• To find one’s position or understand a situation
• A strong belief accepted without question
• Because of the request or command of someone
• To manage to speak when others are talking a lot
• In a less favorable or weaker position

Which meaning best matches the idiom Get the short end of the stick?

• A small amount of uncertainty
• To give little attention, sympathy, or consideration
• To become legally or officially active
• To receive unfair or worse treatment

What does the phrase Give free rein to mean in standard English?

• To allow complete freedom to act or express something
• At an important point when a decision or change is needed
• To become legally or officially active
• To hurt, wound, or make a successful attack in argument

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which answer explains Hang by a thread correctly?

• To be in a very uncertain or dangerous state
• To give little attention, sympathy, or consideration
• Through spoken recommendation or information
• A hidden and embarrassing secret from the past

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