HSC English Grammar

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

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

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 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

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

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

Which meaning best matches the idiom Fight shy of?

• To provide evidence or proof of something
• A result that is certain before it happens
• A cause of disagreement or argument
• To avoid something because of fear, reluctance, or dislike
• Very seriously ill or near death

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 does the phrase Fill the bill mean in standard English?

• Hidden from public view or not openly known
• To be suitable for a need or purpose
• To avoid something because of fear, reluctance, or dislike
• To try any small hope when desperate

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

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