Idioms and Phrases MCQs with Answers & Explanations (Page 14)

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'play it by ear' means to deal with a situation as it develops, rather than following a pre-arranged plan. When a strategy's success is uncertain, improvisation is often necessary. Option (c) correctly defines this approach. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is unrelated.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'spill the beans' means to disclose a secret or reveal information that was supposed to be kept private. The context of a 'surprise' party makes it clear that a secret was let out. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (b) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The word 'green' is often used idiomatically to describe someone who is new to a situation and therefore lacks experience. The fact that the intern is a 'fast learner' implies she is starting from a position of inexperience. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) relates to 'green-eyed monster' (jealousy), a different idiom.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'until the cows come home' means for a very long time, seemingly forever. It's a rustic expression that emphasizes a long, fruitless wait. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is too specific. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated location.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'square the circle' refers to trying to do something that is impossible. It comes from the classical geometry problem of constructing a square with the same area as a given circle using only a finite number of steps with a compass and straightedge, which has been proven impossible. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (b) are incorrect. Option (d) is related to the origin but not the figurative meaning.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The phrase 'in a shambles' means to be in a state of complete mess or disarray. The fact that the company is 'on the brink of collapse' confirms this state of disorder. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) and (d) are the opposite. Option (c) is a literal misinterpretation.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'to have a bone to pick with someone' means to have a reason to be annoyed with them and to want to confront them about it. A dispute over work credit is a common cause for such a grievance. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite of having a complaint.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'tie someone's hands' means to restrict their freedom of action. New regulations can often have the effect of limiting what businesses are able to do. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (d) is a different outcome.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'stick one's neck out' means to take a bold risk, often by speaking up for or defending someone else. The phrase 'even if it gets him into trouble' highlights the risky nature of the action. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'on the back burner' means to be temporarily set aside and given low priority. The need to 'deal with more urgent issues' is the reason for this de-prioritization. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (b) is a literal interpretation. Option (d) implies permanent cancellation, whereas the idiom suggests postponement.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'to have butterflies in one's stomach' describes the fluttering, nervous feeling one gets when anxious or excited. A 'big performance' is a common trigger for such stage fright. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is a physical ailment, while the idiom describes a nervous sensation.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'champing at the bit' (often mistakenly written as 'chomping at the bit') means to be restlessly impatient to start doing something. It comes from the way a horse might chew on its bit when eager to run. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal origin. Option (b) and (d) are the opposite of the idiom's meaning.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a drop in the bucket' (or 'a drop in the ocean') refers to a very small, inconsequential amount compared to the whole. A small fine would have no real impact on a 'multi-billion dollar company'. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (b) is a literal interpretation. Option (d) describes 'the last straw', a different idiom.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'cut from the same cloth' is used to describe two or more people who are very alike in their nature, beliefs, or behavior. Even people from different groups can share fundamental similarities. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'lie low' means to deliberately avoid being noticed or talked about, often after doing something that has attracted negative attention. A scandal is a prime reason for a public figure to do this. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is a play on words but incorrect.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'the Midas touch' refers to the ability to make money easily or to be successful in every venture. It comes from the Greek myth of King Midas who was granted the power to turn everything he touched into gold. The fact that 'every business he starts becomes successful' defines this ability. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is the opposite. Options (c) and (d) are incorrect interpretations.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a shot in the arm' refers to something that has a sudden, positive, and revitalizing effect, especially on morale. A sports victory is a common event that boosts a school's spirit. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal origin. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is an incorrect interpretation.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'hold water' is used to describe an argument or theory that is valid and stands up to scrutiny. The sentence uses the negative form ('doesn't hold water') to mean the argument is flawed and not credible, especially since it's 'based on incorrect data'. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated topic.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'at one's wits' end' means to be completely overwhelmed with a problem and to have run out of ideas on how to solve it. A difficult puzzle can easily lead to this state of frustration. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (c) and (d) are incorrect interpretations of 'wit'.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'high and dry' means to be in a stranded or helpless position. A market crash can leave investors in a difficult financial situation with no easy way to recover their losses. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) is the literal origin of the phrase (referring to ships). Option (d) is the opposite.