Idioms and Phrases

The idiom 'like gold dust' means something extremely rare and valuable. While 'precious', 'valuable', 'priceless', and 'expensive' all relate to value, 'precious' is the best fit because it conveys both rarity and special worth. However, this is a subtle distinction and 'valuable' could also be argued as correct - the idiom emphasizes scarcity more than monetary cost.

The correct answer is 'hard' because 'hard as nails' is a common idiom describing someone tough, unfeeling, or something very durable. 'Strong' and 'rigid' are related but 'hard' is the established word in this expression.

The correct answer is 'hoarse' because 'hoarse as a crow' is a traditional idiom describing a rough, harsh voice. Crows are known for their rasping calls, making 'hoarse' the fitting descriptor. 'Rough' and 'harsh' are close but not the traditional word.

The correct answer is 'hot' because 'hot as hell' is a common idiom describing extreme heat or temperature. 'Fiery' and 'scorching' are similar but 'hot' is the traditional word used in this expression.

'As keen as mustard' is an idiom where 'keen' means eager, enthusiastic, or sharp. Mustard was historically valued for its strong flavor and 'bite.' The other options describe mustard's qualities but are not part of the fixed phrase.

"At a pinch" is an idiom meaning something can be done if absolutely necessary or in an emergency. It suggests doing something as a last resort.

"Makes one's mouth water" is an expression describing food that looks or smells so appetizing that it stimulates appetite and makes someone want to eat it immediately.

"Cream of the crop" is an idiom meaning the best, finest, or most superior individuals or things in a group. It comes from the idea that cream rises to the top of milk.

The idiom 'on the anvil' means something is being planned, discussed, or prepared - much like metal being shaped on an anvil. 'In consideration' (Option C) best captures this sense of ongoing preparation or development. Options A, B, and D are incorrect - 'on the anvil' does not mean starting up, working relations, or dying.

The idiom 'turning in one's grave' expresses extreme distress or disturbance about something that contradicts a dead person's values. 'Very disturbing' (Option A) captures this sense perfectly. Options B (late), C (interesting), and D (fresh) are completely unrelated to the idiom's meaning.

 Proverbial saying: "Familiarity breeds contempt".

The proverb 'A burnt child dreads the fire' means that once someone has been hurt by something, they naturally fear and avoid it in the future. It speaks to how negative experiences create lasting caution. The other options (water, cloud, thing) don't create the logical cause-and-effect relationship that makes this proverb meaningful.

This is an adage. 'To err is human..............' means humans (by nature) are bound to commit mistakes.

The idiom 'beside the mark' means that something is not relevant or is inaccurate regarding the subject at hand. In this sentence, it means the remarks were irrelevant.

To 'fall foul of' someone means to come into conflict with them or to have a disagreement. In the context of two friends, it indicates they had a quarrel.