Idioms & Phrases

To abide by means to accept, act in accordance with, or fulfil (a rule, decision, or recommendation). 'To fulfil' captures this sense of compliance. The other options (to avoid, at all costs, to rear) don't match the meaning of following or complying with something.

'After all' is a phrase used when everything is considered or taken into account - essentially meaning 'when all things are considered' or 'ultimately'. This matches option B. Option A (to obey) and C (to cause) are unrelated meanings.

To be in someone's good books means to be in favor with them or to be liked by them. This is a common idiom meaning someone has a positive opinion of you. The other options (to slap, to be known, none) don't capture this meaning of being in someone's favor.

Break open literally means to open something by force, using physical strength to separate parts that are sealed or closed. This matches option C. The other options (very strong, to avoid, spread) don't relate to the meaning of forcibly opening something.

To build castles in the air means to make grandiose plans or daydreams that have no foundation or chance of success - unrealistic fantasies. The correct option has a typo ('grndiose' instead of 'grandiose') but captures the right meaning. Options A, B, and D don't relate to unrealistic planning.

To back out means to withdraw from a commitment or promise, often at the last minute - to break a previously made agreement. This matches option C. The other options (completely, to die, none of these) don't capture the meaning of withdrawing from a commitment.

To beat about the bush means to talk about something indirectly or avoid getting to the main point - talking in a roundabout manner. This matches option B. The other options (to persuade, to reduce, all together) don't relate to indirect communication.

Come to blows is an idiom meaning to fight or start a physical altercation. It matches option C. The other options (rapidly to punish, to reduce, very near) don't capture the meaning of engaging in physical conflict.

The idiom "a big gun" refers to a person of importance, power, or influence in an organization or field. It is used metaphorically to describe someone who holds significant authority or has substantial impact, not literally as a weapon. The other options (to break, to forget quarrel, to kill) are unrelated to this figurative meaning of power and status.

The idiom "an axe to grind" means to have a selfish motive or vested interest in a situation. It refers to having a personal reason for being involved in something beyond the stated purpose. Option B appears to have a typo and is not the correct meaning. The phrase is about personal advantage or hidden agenda, not carrying out tasks, enemity, or reality.

"A bone of contention" is an idiom that means something that causes disagreement, dispute, or ongoing conflict between parties. It refers to an issue that people argue about or cannot agree on. Option B contains a typo (anobject). The phrase suggests ongoing disagreement or quarrel, not physical strength, love, or favor.

The phrase "to come of age" means to reach the age of maturity or adulthood, typically 18 years in most contexts. It refers to reaching the legal age where one gains full rights and responsibilities. It is not about general development, creating rules, or negation.

"To cry over spilt milk" is an idiom that means to waste time regretting something that has already happened and cannot be changed. It emphasizes that past mistakes or losses cannot be undone, so worrying about them is futile. The focus should be on moving forward rather than dwelling on unchangeable events.

The idiom "few and far between" means something that is scarce, rare, or does not happen very often. It describes things, events, or people that are uncommon and hard to find. The phrase combines the ideas of small quantity (few) and great distance (far between) to emphasize rarity.

The idiom "from hand to mouth" describes a precarious existence where one barely manages to meet basic needs, often spending all income immediately on food and essentials without any savings. It refers to living in poverty or financial struggle with no financial cushion. It emphasizes the cycle of earning just enough to survive but never getting ahead.

The idiom "far and wide" means everywhere, in all directions, or over a large area. It emphasizes comprehensive coverage or extensive searching/reaching. Note that option C has a slight grammatical issue (should be "from all corners" not "from all corner"). The phrase conveys the idea of something being widespread or thoroughly searched.

The idiom "fall flat" means to fail completely or be unsuccessful in achieving the intended result. It can refer to jokes that don't get laughs, plans that don't work, or attempts that don't connect with their audience. Something that "falls flat" produces no result or fails to have the desired effect.

The idiom "to fall into the hands of" means to come under the control, capture, or custody of someone, often with negative implications. It suggests becoming subject to someone's power or authority. While "to be caught" captures the basic idea, the full meaning is about coming under someone's control or domination, often used in contexts like falling into enemy hands.

The idiom "to give someone the cold shoulder" means to deliberately treat someone in an unfriendly, indifferent, or aloof manner. It is a form of social rejection where one intentionally ignores or behaves coldly toward another person. Note that option B has a spelling error (indiferent should be indifferent). The phrase is about intentional coldness in social behavior.

The phrase 'to get rid of' is commonly used to express removing something unwanted or becoming free from a burden. Option A correctly captures this meaning of relief or removal. Option B ('to feel happy') is an emotional state that might result but is not the meaning. Option C ('to produce no result') describes failure, not removal. Option D ('to be less than') is a comparison, not relevant.

The idiom 'to get on' means to make progress or succeed in something, particularly in life's journey or career. Option C accurately reflects this meaning of advancement. Option A ('make over') means to transfer ownership, not progress. Option B ('in the end') refers to a conclusion. Option D ('to be proud') is an emotional state, not the meaning.

The phrase 'to hang fire' means to be delayed, postponed, or held up temporarily. Option B correctly captures this meaning. Option A ('to be equal to') suggests equivalence, not delay. Option C ('to disagree') refers to conflict, not timing. Option D ('none of these') is incorrect since B is valid.

'Hale and hearty' is an idiom used to describe someone who is in excellent health and full of energy. Option A perfectly matches this meaning. Option B ('a loud noise') describes sound, not health. Option C ('in the end') refers to timing. Option D ('to be true') refers to veracity, not wellness.