Idioms & Phrases

The phrase 'a black sheep' refers to a disreputable or undesirable member of a group, family, or organization. It originates from the literal black sheep that were considered less valuable than white sheep in a flock because their wool couldn't be dyed.

'To make a clean breast of' means to confess fully and without holding anything back. The phrase suggests baring one's soul or being completely honest about something, often a wrongdoing or mistake.

'A man of straw' refers to a person who appears powerful or influential but actually has no real substance, money, or character. Like a straw effigy, they can be easily pushed over or defeated. It describes someone lacking in genuine worth or ability.

'To cry wolf' means to give a false alarm or warn of danger that doesn't exist. It comes from Aesop's fable where a shepherd boy repeatedly tricked villagers by shouting that a wolf was attacking the flock, so when a real wolf came, nobody believed him.

'To catch a tartar' means to deal with a person who turns out to be more difficult, powerful, or troublesome than expected. A 'tartar' refers to a fierce or formidable person, so catching one means encountering someone who is more than your match.

 If something ends in smoke, it produces no concrete or positive result.

'To smell a rat' means to suspect that something is wrong, deceptive, or dishonest about a situation. The phrase suggests having a suspicion that there's hidden foul play, similar to detecting an unseen rat by its smell.

'To be above board' means to be honest, open, and legal in one's dealings. The phrase comes from gambling, where keeping one's hands above the board (table) showed that no cheating was taking place.

The idiom 'to have an axe to grind' means having a selfish or ulterior motive for an action. Option A correctly captures this meaning - having a personal agenda to serve. Option B suggests failing to create interest, which is unrelated. Option C implies having no result, which contradicts the purpose of grinding an axe.

The phrase 'to pick holes' means to find faults or criticize someone/something. Option B is correct. Option A suggests destruction, which is too extreme. Option C implies finding someone specifically to quarrel with, but the idiom focuses on criticism, not seeking conflict.

'To keep one's temper' means to remain calm and not get angry. Option B correctly states this means being in a good, controlled mood. Option A is the opposite - becoming angry means losing one's temper. Option C suggests detachment, which is different from emotional control.

'To leave someone in the lurch' means to abandon them when they need help, especially in a difficult situation. Option A is correct in meaning (though has a typo: 'is' should be 'in'). Option B suggests care, which is the opposite. Option C implies compromise, not abandonment.

'To beat about the bush' means to avoid getting to the main point, speaking indirectly. Option B correctly captures this - approaching in a roundabout way. Option A is literal (beating a physical bush). Option C suggests finding something, which is irrelevant.

'To hit the nail on the head' means to be exactly right about something. Option C correctly states this means doing/saying the right thing. Option A implies reputation damage, which is 'to nail someone' in a different sense. Option B suggests teaching, which is unrelated.

'To foot the bill' means to pay for something, especially expenses. Option B is correct. 'Foot' here relates to 'footing' (adding up/reckoning), not physical stomping (Option A) or shrugging (Option C). The idiom dates to accounting where the bottom (foot) of a page showed the total.

'To bear the brunt' means to endure the worst or main force of something unpleasant. Option C is correct - enduring the shock or impact. Option A suggests bearing fruit (positive outcome), which is incorrect. Option B states simply 'to be hurt' but lacks the nuance of bearing the main force.

'To miss the bus' is an idiom meaning to miss an opportunity, especially a final or crucial one. Option B correctly captures this - losing the last chance. Option A is literal (missing transportation). Option C suggests grabbing opportunity, which is the opposite.

'To get the jitters' means to become nervous, anxious, or tense. Option C is correct. Option A suggests being scared, which is close but jitters is more about nervousness than fear. Option B implies excitement (positive), when jitters is specifically about anxiety.

'To pay lip service' means to express support verbally without genuine commitment or action. Option A is correct - pretending faithfulness/support. Option B suggests giving voice (could be genuine), which misses the insincerity. Option C implies agreement without the pretense element.

'To go places' is an idiom meaning to become increasingly successful or advance in one's career/life. Option A is correct. Option B suggests literal travel (globe trotting). Option C implies job hunting, which is too specific - the idiom covers all success.

The phrase "to kick up a row" is an idiomatic expression meaning to cause trouble, create a commotion, or make a disturbance. Option C correctly captures this meaning of causing a disruption or fuss.

The phrase "to egg on" means to encourage, urge, or incite someone to do something, often something unwise or risky. Option C "to incite" correctly captures this meaning of urging someone toward an action.

The phrase "to drive home" means to make a point clearly and effectively, or to emphasize something so it is fully understood. Option B "to emphasise" correctly captures this meaning of driving a point home.

The phrase "to beg the question" is commonly used to mean "to raise a question" or "to take something for granted." Option C "to take for granted" aligns with this common usage. In formal logic, the phrase has a different technical meaning, but this question tests the common idiomatic usage.

The phrase "to blow hot and cold" means to be inconsistent, unreliable, or frequently change one's attitude or opinions. Option A correctly captures this meaning of being inconsistent and unreliable in behavior or decisions.