Idioms & Phrases

 To turn over a new leaf is to mend one's ways in order to start anew.

'Rise to the occasion' means to step up and demonstrate the necessary ability or courage to handle a challenging situation or emergency effectively. It implies summoning one's resources when faced with difficulty, not doing things habitually or merely understanding something.

'Too many irons in the fire' means to be engaged in too many activities or undertakings simultaneously, often implying that one may not be able to give adequate attention to all of them. The idiom comes from blacksmithing, where having multiple pieces of iron in the fire required managing them carefully.

'To let the cat out of the bag' means to reveal a secret, often unintentionally or prematurely. The idiom suggests that once a secret is out (like a cat escaping from a bag), it cannot be contained again. It is the opposite of keeping a secret confidential.

'To cut the Gordian knot' means to solve a difficult problem with bold, decisive action rather than through conventional methods. The idiom comes from the legend of Alexander the Great, who untied the complex Gordian knot by slicing through it with his sword rather than trying to unravel it.

'Face the music' means to accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of one's actions. The idiom does not refer to actual music or enjoyment, but rather to confronting the repercussions or accountability for what one has done, similar to facing a disciplinary proceeding.

'A burning question' refers to an issue or topic that is being hotly debated, discussed, or causes great public concern and urgency. The 'burning' aspect signifies intensity, controversy, or immediate importance in public discourse, not a physical gift or imprisonment.

'A feather in one's cap' means an achievement or honor that one can be proud of. The idiom comes from the historical practice of adding feathers to one's headgear to signify victories or accomplishments. It represents creditable success that enhances one's reputation, not something to be ashamed of.

'Can't see the wood for the trees' means being so occupied with or focused on small details that one loses sight of the overall situation or main point. The idiom describes someone who gets bogged down in minutiae and cannot perceive the broader perspective or essential issue.

'Laugh up one's sleeve' means to laugh secretly or quietly, often at someone else's expense or while hiding one's amusement. The idiom suggests suppressed, concealed laughter rather than public or open amusement. It implies laughing discreetly, possibly while pretending to be serious.

'Chicken-hearted' means cowardly, timid, or lacking courage. The idiom draws from the perception of chickens as easily frightened birds. It describes someone who is not brave or bold in difficult situations, contrasting with someone who acts fearlessly or faces challenges head-on.

'Kick up a row' is an idiom that means to cause a disturbance, commotion, or create trouble. Option A correctly identifies this meaning. The other options refer to different concepts: meeting by chance, pursuing something, or doing something quietly, none of which relate to the idiom.

'Come off with flying colours' means to achieve great success or perform exceptionally well, especially in a difficult situation or examination. Option C accurately captures this meaning. The idiom originates from the military tradition of flags (colours) being displayed triumphantly after victory.

'Capital punishment' is a legal term referring to the death penalty as punishment for a crime. Option B correctly defines this term. 'Capital' here means 'pertaining to death' or 'serious enough to warrant death,' not related to capital cities or financial capital.

'Hit the nail on the head' means to describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem, or to be exactly right about something. Option B captures the essence of doing the right thing correctly. The idiom comes from carpentry - hitting a nail precisely on its head drives it in straight.

'Leave no stone unturned' means to do everything possible to achieve a goal, to try every possible means. Option B correctly identifies this meaning. The idiom suggests an exhaustive search where you would literally turn over every stone to find what you're looking for.

'Hit below the belt' means to act unfairly or use tactics that are considered unsportsmanlike. Option A is correct. This idiom comes from boxing where hitting an opponent below the waist is against the rules and considered unfair.

'Nip the evil in the bud' means to stop something harmful or bad at an early stage before it grows or spreads. Option A correctly explains this concept. The metaphor comes from gardening - nipping (pinching off) a bud prevents a plant from growing.

'Cut a sorry figure' means to make a poor impression or perform badly in a situation. Option B correctly identifies this meaning. The idiom suggests someone who looks embarrassed or unsuccessful in their attempt.

'To be under a cloud' means to be under suspicion or to have one's reputation questioned. Option D correctly defines this phrase. When someone is 'under a cloud,' people doubt them or view them with mistrust.

'Of one's own accord' means to do something voluntarily or willingly, without being forced or pressured. Option B correctly captures this meaning. When someone does something 'of their own accord,' they choose to do it themselves.

'Part and parcel' means an essential or integral part of something. Option C correctly identifies that it refers to something essential. The idiom suggests that something is so closely connected that it cannot be separated from the whole.

'Poke one's nose into' means to interfere or meddle in someone else's business or affairs. Option A correctly defines this phrase. The idiom suggests unwelcome intrusion into matters that don't concern you.

The idiom 'pros and cons' refers to the advantages and disadvantages of something. Option D correctly captures this meaning as the reasons both supporting and opposing something.

The idiom 'play ducks and drakes with' means to squander or waste money/resources without concern for the future. Option D correctly identifies this meaning of spending frivolously.