common idioms

1. What does the idiom “Break the ice” mean?

  • A) To cause trouble
  • B) To make a start in a relationship or conversation
  • C) To physically break something
  • D) To be overly friendly

Answer: B) Explanation: The idiom “break the ice” refers to doing something to initiate conversation or a relationship, making people feel more comfortable.


2. What does the idiom “Under the weather” mean?

  • A) Very happy
  • B) Feeling sick or unwell
  • C) Spending time outdoors
  • D) Having a good time

Answer: B) Explanation: “Under the weather” means to feel ill or unwell, typically due to a cold or flu.


3. What does “The ball is in your court” imply?

  • A) It’s someone else’s turn to make a decision
  • B) You are playing a sport
  • C) You are in trouble
  • D) You need to take the next step or action

Answer: D) Explanation: This idiom implies that it is now someone’s responsibility to make a decision or take action.


4. Which of the following describes “Bite the bullet”?

  • A) To accept a difficult situation
  • B) To avoid problems
  • C) To be afraid of confrontation
  • D) To react aggressively

Answer: A) Explanation: “Bite the bullet” means to endure a painful or unpleasant situation that is inevitable.


5. What is meant by “Spill the beans”?

  • A) To waste food
  • B) To reveal a secret
  • C) To start a new project
  • D) To cook a delicious meal

Answer: B) Explanation: “Spill the beans” means to accidentally or intentionally reveal a secret or disclose information prematurely.


6. What does “Burn the midnight oil” mean?

  • A) To cook at night
  • B) To stay up late working or studying
  • C) To waste time
  • D) To be busy with family matters

Answer: B) Explanation: This idiom means to work late into the night, usually in an effort to complete something important.


7. What does “Caught between a rock and a hard place” mean?

  • A) To be in a difficult situation with no easy solution
  • B) To be in a comfortable situation
  • C) To be confused about choices
  • D) To be in a safe environment

Answer: A) Explanation: “Caught between a rock and a hard place” refers to being in a situation where one has to choose between two difficult options.


8. What does “Hit the nail on the head” mean?

  • A) To make a mistake
  • B) To be exact or correct about something
  • C) To be angry
  • D) To fix something precisely

Answer: B) Explanation: This idiom means to describe exactly what is causing a situation or to be exactly right about something.


9. What does “A blessing in disguise” mean?

  • A) Something that looks bad but is actually good
  • B) A hidden blessing
  • C) A disguised gift
  • D) An unhelpful event

Answer: A) Explanation: This idiom refers to something that initially seems bad but turns out to be beneficial in the long run.


10. What is the meaning of “The early bird catches the worm”?

  • A) Morning people are more successful
  • B) Birds are active in the morning
  • C) It’s important to be punctual and proactive
  • D) Birds work harder than humans

Answer: C) Explanation: The idiom means that success is often achieved by those who start early or take the initiative.


11. What does “Put all your eggs in one basket” mean?

  • A) To rely on one thing or plan
  • B) To have a variety of plans
  • C) To be cautious with investments
  • D) To spend too much money

Answer: A) Explanation: This idiom means to risk everything on a single venture or plan, which can be dangerous if it fails.


12. What does “Cry over spilled milk” mean?

  • A) To be angry about something that cannot be fixed
  • B) To waste something valuable
  • C) To regret past mistakes
  • D) To waste food

Answer: A) Explanation: “Cry over spilled milk” means to be upset over something that has already happened and cannot be changed.


13. What does “Let the cat out of the bag” mean?

  • A) To accidentally reveal a secret
  • B) To rescue someone
  • C) To release a pet
  • D) To give a surprise gift

Answer: A) Explanation: This idiom refers to revealing a secret, often accidentally or prematurely.


14. What is the meaning of “Actions speak louder than words”?

  • A) Words are more important than actions
  • B) What you do is more important than what you say
  • C) Talking helps resolve issues
  • D) Words can be misinterpreted

Answer: B) Explanation: This idiom means that people’s actions are a better reflection of their intentions than their words.


15. What does “A penny for your thoughts” mean?

  • A) Asking someone to share their opinion
  • B) Offering a small reward
  • C) To be lost in thought
  • D) To ask for money

Answer: A) Explanation: “A penny for your thoughts” is a way of asking someone what they are thinking about.


16. What does “On cloud nine” mean?

  • A) Feeling extremely happy or delighted
  • B) To be in a difficult situation
  • C) To be confused
  • D) To be in love

Answer: A) Explanation: This idiom means to be extremely happy or in a state of bliss.


17. What does “Throw in the towel” mean?

  • A) To quit or give up
  • B) To clean up a mess
  • C) To compete in a match
  • D) To win easily

Answer: A) Explanation: “Throw in the towel” means to give up, often after trying hard but failing.


18. What does “Once in a blue moon” mean?

  • A) Very rarely
  • B) Every month
  • C) During special occasions
  • D) At midnight

Answer: A) Explanation: “Once in a blue moon” refers to something that happens very rarely.


19. What does “Jump on the bandwagon” mean?

  • A) To avoid following trends
  • B) To join a popular activity or trend
  • C) To avoid crowds
  • D) To leave a situation

Answer: B) Explanation: This idiom means to join others in doing something that has become popular or fashionable.


20. What does “Beat around the bush” mean?

  • A) To get straight to the point
  • B) To avoid answering a question directly
  • C) To hit something
  • D) To speak loudly

Answer: B) Explanation: “Beat around the bush” means to avoid directly addressing the main issue or question.

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