English Language

Idioms and Phrases

680 Questions
All Idiom/Phrase Meaning 431 Error Detection in Idioms 73 Synonymous Idiom Replacement 58 Idiom Completion 46 Contextual Usage 22 Foreign Origin Phrase Meaning 1 One-Word Substitution 1 Prepositional Phrase Selection 1

Idioms and Phrases Questions

Multiple choice general knowledge

Choose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets: The man believes that (some things take much time) and it will take time and effort to finish the difficult job.

  1. when in Rome do as the Romans do

  2. a rolling stone gathers no moss

  3. Rome was not built in a day

  4. what's good for the goose is good for the gander
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

'Rome was not built in a day' is an idiom meaning great things take time and patience. The man's understanding that difficult jobs require time and effort matches this expression perfectly.

Multiple choice general knowledge

Choose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets: Many people believe that (you can make much money) in the city so they are moving there in large numbers.

  1. silence is golden

  2. seeing is believing

  3. the streets are paved with gold

  4. it is third time lucky
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

'The streets are paved with gold' is an idiom meaning there are many opportunities to make money, particularly in cities. The belief that one can become wealthy in the city aligns with this traditional expression.

Multiple choice softskills communication

"chew the fat" what does this idiom mean?

  1. chat in an informal way about unimportant things

  2. quarrel with each other

  3. do not care about diet

  4. cares a lot about diet
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

This idiom means to have a leisurely, informal conversation about trivial matters. The phrase doesn't relate to dietary concerns or arguments - it's a colorful expression for casual chat.

Multiple choice softskills communication

"cheesed off" .. what does this idiom mean?

  1. Thrilled or happy

  2. fit for

  3. annoyed, bored or frustrated.

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

'Cheesed off' is a British informal expression meaning annoyed, irritated, or frustrated. The phrase doesn't relate to happiness, fitness, or other positive emotions - it conveys irritation or boredom.

Multiple choice softskills communication

What does this idiom mean---Keep at arms length?????????

  1. you avoid being too friendly with a person

  2. to keep something near to you

  3. be friendly with others

  4. grab something near to you
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

To 'keep someone at arm's length' means to deliberately maintain emotional or physical distance, avoiding close intimacy or friendship. This idiom suggests being cautiously distant rather than warmly engaged. Option B is opposite in meaning, while C and D take the phrase too literally.

Multiple choice softskills communication

What does this idiom mean--- Put your back into something???????

  1. make a person angry

  2. work at something with all one’s energy

  3. To mastermind a conspiracy against someone

  4. to cry foul words about someone in his/her absence
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

This idiom means to work with great effort, determination, and physical or mental energy. It implies wholehearted commitment to a task. Options A, C, and D are completely unrelated meanings.

Multiple choice softskills communication

What does this idiom mean--- Back to square one??????

  1. start and come back to same point in your journey

  2. back to your root

  3. you have to start working on something from the beginning because your previous attempt failed

  4. stop doing any work
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The phrase 'back to square one' originates from board games. It means that because a previous attempt or plan has failed, you must return to the very beginning and start the process all over again.

Multiple choice softskills communication

What does this idiom mean--- Be out of your brain??????

  1. a great thinker

  2. someone who does not use his brain at all

  3. fool

  4. be very drunk
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

To be 'out of your brain' (or 'out of your mind') means to be extremely intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol/drugs. It refers to a temporary state of impaired judgment and awareness. Options B and C are similar but not the precise idiomatic meaning.

Multiple choice softskills communication

What does this idiom mean--- Cheek by jowl???????

  1. a great philosopher

  2. scratch your jaw

  3. break somone's jaw

  4. very close together
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

'Cheek by jowl' means to be positioned very close together, literally cheek-to-cheek. It describes intimate proximity or crowded conditions. Options A, B, and C incorrectly interpret 'cheek' and 'jowl' as literal body parts to be acted upon.

Multiple choice softskills communication

What does this idiom mean--- Tongue in cheek????????

  1. taste a delicious food

  2. to stammer while talking

  3. you have said is a joke, although it might seem to be serious

  4. make a funny face
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The idiom 'tongue in cheek' refers to a statement that is meant to be humorous, ironic, or not serious, despite being delivered with a straight face. It indicates that the speaker is joking or being insincere.

Multiple choice softskills communication

What does this idiom mean--- Take it on the chin????

  1. very adamant

  2. be brave and not complain when people criticize you

  3. a person with a strong will

  4. a very relaxed person
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

This boxing metaphor means to accept criticism, defeat, or misfortune bravely without complaining or making excuses. It implies resilience in the face of setbacks. Options A, C, and D describe personality traits but miss the core meaning of accepting hardship.

Multiple choice softskills communication

What does this idiom mean--- Up to one’s ears in?????

  1. deeply involved in

  2. drowning in debt

  3. foul mouth about someone

  4. to hear a rumour
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

To be 'up to your ears in' something means to be completely immersed or deeply involved in it. This can refer to work, trouble, debt, or any overwhelming situation. Option B is too specific (only debt), while C and D are incorrect meanings.

Multiple choice softskills communication

What does this idiom mean--- Elbow one’s way through??????

  1. force one’s way by using one’s elbow

  2. thrash someone brutally

  3. make someone else to follow your view

  4. follow someone blindly
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

To 'elbow one's way through' means to force a path through a crowd by physically pushing people aside, often using one's elbows. It can also be used metaphorically to describe aggressive social or professional advancement.

Multiple choice softskills communication

What does this idiom mean--- Put on a brave face????????

  1. behave in a way that makes people think you are courageous when you are not

  2. behave in a way that makes people think you are happy when you are not

  3. behave in a way that makes people think you are intelligent when you are not

  4. behave in a way that makes people think you know everything when you are an illiterate
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

To 'put on a brave face' means to act as if you are happy or confident in a difficult situation, even if you are actually feeling upset or worried. It is about concealing negative emotions to appear stoic or content.