HSC English Grammar

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

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

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