Idioms & Phrases

The phrase "fool's errand" is an idiomatic expression for a task that is a waste of time. It describes an undertaking that has no hope of a successful or useful outcome.

The idiom 'fair and square' means to do something in an honest and direct way, without any cheating. In this context, it suggests that being truthful and ethical is beneficial over time.

'Pulling a long face' is a common expression used to describe someone who looks unhappy, gloomy, or disappointed. It refers to the physical lengthening of the face when one is frowning or sad.

The color blue is often associated with sadness or depression in English idioms (e.g., 'feeling blue'). Therefore, 'to look blue' means to appear unhappy or downcast.

'Fair play' refers to conduct that follows the established rules and maintains a spirit of justice. It specifically implies that there is no cheating or unfair advantage involved.

'In the family way' is an older, polite euphemism for being pregnant. It suggests that a new member is being added to the family.

To 'frame' someone means to produce false evidence or contrive circumstances to make it look like they committed a crime they didn't do.

While 'make up' has several meanings, in the context of relationships or disputes, it means to reconcile or become friends again after a disagreement.

A 'hothead' is a person who is impetuous, easily angered, or prone to acting without thinking. 'Rash' describes this impulsive behavior perfectly.

To 'curry favour' is to seek to advance oneself through flattery or fawning behavior. It involves trying to gain a person's approval or special treatment.

'Have a go' is a common informal expression meaning to try to do something, especially something you haven't done before.

If something is described as 'a steal,' it means it is so inexpensive that it feels like you are almost taking it for free. It refers to a very low price or a great bargain.

When a joke, a speech, or a performance 'falls flat,' it means it failed to interest or amuse the audience as intended.

A 'pipe dream' refers to a hope or plan that is impossible or very unlikely to happen. The term originally referred to dreams experienced while smoking an opium pipe.

To 'make too much of' something is to give it more importance or value than it deserves, which is synonymous with overestimating it.

'To get along' can mean to manage or cope in a particular situation (e.g., 'How are you getting along with your work?'). Option A is the best fit among the choices.

'Mire' refers to swampy ground or mud. Being 'in the mire' metaphorically means being stuck in a difficult, unpleasant, or complicated situation.

To 'let on' means to divulge information or to make something known, often something that was supposed to be a secret.

To 'lay bare' something is to reveal it or make it clearly visible, often something that was hidden or secret. 'Expose' is a direct synonym.

To 'steal a march' on someone means to gain an advantage over them, often by acting secretly or before they are ready. While 'outshine' isn't a perfect synonym, it is the intended answer here.

If something 'stems from' something else, it has that thing as its origin or cause. It is like a branch growing from a stem.

'In a jiffy' means very soon or very quickly. While 'suddenly' implies unexpectedness, it is the closest meaning among the options provided for a quick occurrence.

To 'take occasion' means to use a particular moment or situation as an opportunity to say or do something.

In some contexts, particularly in British English, 'on the nod' can refer to getting something on credit or through an informal agreement.

To 'mince words' means to use polite or indirect expressions instead of speaking plainly. This involves choosing words carefully to be less harsh or blunt.

This idiom refers to a situation where someone's actions cause a lot of anger, trouble, or a strong negative reaction from others, much like disturbing a nest of hornets.