Exam Preparation

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

Which meaning best matches the idiom Between Scylla and Charybdis?

• To fail to continue or be abandoned
• To begin to understand or deal with a difficult matter
• Between two equally dangerous or difficult choices
• A decisive moment when an important change begins

In English grammar, how should Blow the lid off be understood?

• To expose a hidden scandal, secret, or truth
• To demand an explanation or hold someone responsible
• So honest or respectable that no one is likely to suspect wrongdoing
• Something done only to achieve a larger purpose

Which option gives the closest meaning of Break ranks?

• To stop supporting a group and act independently
• Because of someone’s request or order
• An urgent effort to finish something before a deadline
• To fail to continue or be abandoned
• Central to the main issue or problem

For HSC English, what is the meaning of Bring into sharp focus?

• To emphasize a point strongly and repeatedly
• A warning action meant to prevent stronger action later
• To reach a stage where one’s ability or value is fully shown
• To make something very clear and noticeable

Identify the correct meaning of the expression Bring pressure to bear.

• At a distance, especially to avoid close involvement
• To apply influence or force to make someone act
• To suspend or postpone something temporarily
• Something done only to achieve a larger purpose

What idea is expressed by By a long chalk?

• Automatically because no other choice is made
• By a large amount; not nearly close
• To obey or be controlled by someone else
• To manage to speak when others are talking a lot
• To make something very clear and noticeable

Select the best explanation of By any stretch of the imagination.

• At the beginning or edge of a new stage
• To apply influence or force to make someone act
• By any possible interpretation or effort of thinking
• To be in a very uncertain or dangerous state

Which answer explains By common consent correctly?

• To transform something completely
• With general agreement
• To suspend or postpone something temporarily
• Very similar in character, nature, or behavior

What does the phrase By fair means or foul mean in standard English?

• By honest or dishonest methods
• Very similar in character, nature, or behavior
• Between two equally dangerous or difficult choices
• To create division or hostility between people

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

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

In English grammar, how should At the helm be understood?

• By a very narrow margin
• In control or in a leadership position
• A career marked by both successes and failures or controversies
• To try any small hope when desperate

For HSC English, what is the meaning of At the height of?

• To support the person, plan, or side that fails
• To expose a hidden scandal, secret, or truth
• Something ugly or unpleasant that spoils an otherwise attractive place
• During the most intense or advanced stage of something
• A career marked by both successes and failures or controversies

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

Select the best explanation of Bear testimony to.

• During the most intense or advanced stage of something
• To stop supporting a group and act independently
• To provide evidence or proof of something
• A mysterious quality or feeling
• To become successful or real after effort

Which answer explains Behind the veil correctly?

• Hidden from public view or not openly known
• To provide evidence or proof of something
• Because of the request or command of someone
• To suspend or postpone something temporarily

Select the best explanation of At a pinch.

• To transform something completely
• To receive unfair or worse treatment
• Much better than others of the same type
• If necessary, especially in a difficult situation

Which answer explains At arm’s length correctly?

• At a distance, especially to avoid close involvement
• On first impression
• Very seriously ill or near death
• By honest or dishonest methods

Which meaning best matches the idiom At bottom?

• To wait anxiously or expectantly
• A very small distance, difference, or margin
• To become successful or real after effort
• Basically or fundamentally
• A career marked by both successes and failures or controversies