Idioms and Phrases MCQs with Answers & Explanations (Page 10)

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'bite one's tongue' means to deliberately stop oneself from saying something that one would really like to say, often to avoid an argument or to be polite. Resisting the urge to respond to criticism is a common situation for using this idiom. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (b) is the opposite action. Option (d) is unrelated.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The informal adjective 'fishy' is used to describe a situation or story that arouses suspicion because it seems dishonest or not true. An alibi that is not convincing would be described as fishy. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated detail.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'take a rain check' means to decline an invitation or offer but suggest that you would be willing to accept it at a future date. Having 'too much work' is a common reason for postponing social plans. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is incorrect.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a breath of fresh air' refers to a new person or thing that brings a welcome change and a sense of revitalization. A new leader with fresh ideas can have this effect on a 'struggling company.' Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'in the same boat' means that multiple people are in the same, usually unpleasant, circumstances. All students being worried about the same exam is a perfect example of this shared predicament. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (c) implies rivalry, not a shared problem. Option (d) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'have a green thumb' (or 'green fingers' in the UK) means to have a special skill for making plants grow successfully. The ability to 'make any plant grow' is the definition of this talent. Option (c) is the correct meaning. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (b) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'between a rock and a hard place' describes a dilemma in which one is faced with two difficult choices, both of which will lead to a bad outcome. Having to choose between selling one's house and bankruptcy is a classic example of such a difficult choice. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'the whole nine yards' means everything, the full extent of something. The detailed and extravagant list of wedding features illustrates that they included everything possible. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated interpretation.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The proverb 'when the cat's away, the mice will play' (shortened here) means that people will not follow the rules if the person in charge is absent. It suggests a lack of discipline when supervision is removed. Option (b) is the correct explanation. Option (a) is the literal situation from which the proverb is derived. Option (c) is the opposite of what the proverb implies. Option (d) is nonsensical.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'throw dust in someone's eyes' means to confuse or mislead someone so that they cannot see the truth. Using a 'forged document' is a clear act of deception. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated action.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a different kettle of fish' is used to say that a situation or topic is completely different from another one that has just been mentioned. It emphasizes a distinction. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) refers to a literal kettle.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'on the horns of a dilemma' means to be in a situation where one is faced with a choice between two options, both of which are difficult or unpleasant. Choosing between a career opportunity and family is a classic dilemma. Option (a) is the correct definition. Options (b) and (c) are literal misinterpretations. Option (d) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The proverb 'don't wash your dirty linen (or laundry) in public' is advice to not discuss or argue about personal, embarrassing, or private matters in public. It means to keep private issues private. Option (b) is the correct explanation. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) is general advice but not the meaning of the idiom. Option (d) is the opposite of the proverb's advice.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'take something with a grain (or pinch) of salt' means to view something with skepticism and not to interpret it literally or believe it completely. It suggests that the information may be exaggerated or unreliable. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a drop in the ocean' (or 'a drop in the bucket') refers to an amount that is so small as to be insignificant or have very little effect. A small, independent bookstore's sales would be insignificant compared to a giant online retailer's. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (b) is the literal meaning. Option (d) is an unrelated detail.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'like two peas in a pod' is used to describe two people who are very similar in looks, behavior, or interests. Having the 'same interests and opinions' is a clear example of this similarity. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (b) and (d) are literal misinterpretations.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a dark horse' refers to a person who wins a race or competition despite being previously unknown or not expected to win. The fact that 'nobody expected him to win' is the key element of this idiom. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) describes a favorite, the opposite of a dark horse. Option (d) is unrelated.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'give the green light' means to grant permission for a project or activity to begin. It is derived from the green light of a traffic signal, which means 'go'. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (b) is the opposite (a 'red light'). Options (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'go the extra mile' means to make a greater effort than is necessary in order to achieve something. Wanting to make a report 'perfect' implies a willingness to do extra work. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is a different strategy.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The proverb 'you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs' means that in order to achieve a desired outcome, it is often necessary to accept some unpleasant consequences or make sacrifices along the way. It is a justification for necessary but unwelcome actions. Option (b) correctly explains this figurative meaning. Option (a) is a literal truth but not the proverb's meaning. Options (c) and (d) are pieces of advice about eggs, not the deeper meaning.