Exam Preparation

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

In English grammar, how should For all practical purposes be understood?

• A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation
• To receive unfair or worse treatment
• In effect; almost completely
• By any possible means
• Something done only to achieve a larger purpose

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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