HSC English Grammar

Select the best explanation of Come to naught.

• After taking all facts and circumstances into account
• An unpleasant fact or result that is difficult to accept
• To fail completely or produce no result
• In a less favorable or weaker position
• To create division or hostility between people

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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 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