Idioms and Phrases MCQs with Answers & Explanations (Page 16)

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'sailing close to the wind' means to take risks and behave in a manner that is borderline illegal or improper. It implies that a small mistake could lead to disaster. Taking 'big risks' with company money fits this description perfectly. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal origin. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is a different approach to investing.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The phrase 'the root of the problem' refers to the primary, underlying cause of an issue, as distinct from its surface-level effects ('symptoms'). The sentence structure itself contrasts the two concepts. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal meaning of 'root'. Option (b) defines 'symptoms'. Option (d) is unrelated.

**Rule: Understanding Phrasal Verbs.** The phrasal verb 'wear off' means for a feeling or the effect of something to fade away slowly. The 'novelty' or newness of a situation often diminishes over time. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (c) is a literal meaning of 'wear'. Option (d) is an unrelated action.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a straight shooter' refers to a person who is frank, honest, and straightforward in their dealings with others. The fact that he 'will always tell you the truth' is a direct explanation of this quality. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'walk on eggshells' means to be extremely cautious in one's words and actions to avoid causing offense or trouble in a tense situation. The announcement of layoffs would create a very tense atmosphere in a workplace. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is a possible but different reaction.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'burn the midnight oil' means to stay up very late working or studying. It originates from a time before electricity when oil lamps were used. Having to finish an essay 'by morning' necessitates working through the night. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is related but not the meaning.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'by a landslide' is used to describe a victory in an election or competition that is won by a very large margin. It creates a powerful image of an overwhelming win. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are the opposite. Option (c) is a literal interpretation of 'landslide'.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'on the warpath' means to be in a very angry state and actively seeking to argue or fight. A cancelled flight is a common trigger for such anger and frustration. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal origin. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is a literal misinterpretation.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'have it both ways' refers to benefiting from two incompatible situations. The sentence uses the negative ('can't have it both ways') to state that a choice must be made between two conflicting paths: hard work and relaxation. Option (a) is the correct definition of the idiom. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (c) is a different quality. Option (d) is a possible outcome, but not the meaning of the idiom.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'under a cloud' means to be suspected of wrongdoing or to be in a state of disfavor. When money goes missing, those present are often under suspicion. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'toe the line' means to accept and adhere to the rules or authority of a particular group. A teacher would demand this of students to maintain order, with punishment as a consequence for non-conformity. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal origin (from athletics or military drills). Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated action.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a tower of strength' (similar to 'a pillar of strength') refers to a person who is extremely strong and supportive during difficult times. The word 'tower' is a metaphor for this reliability and strength. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is a literal meaning of 'tower'.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'throw good money after bad' means to incur further losses in a hopeless attempt to recoup a previous loss. Investing more in a 'failing project' is a classic example of this futile effort. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (c) is a different use of money. Option (d) is a literal interpretation.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'all thumbs' is used to describe a person who is physically awkward, especially with their hands, making them unable to perform delicate tasks. The image is of having only thumbs and no fingers. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Options (b) and (d) are the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a tempest in a teapot' (or 'a storm in a teacup' in the UK) refers to a situation where a lot of anger or worry is generated by something that is insignificant. The phrase 'a lot of fuss over a minor issue' is a direct explanation. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is a different kind of event.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'sick and tired of' is an emphatic way of saying that one is extremely annoyed or frustrated with something that has been happening for too long. 'Constant complaints' would certainly cause such a feeling. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Options (c) and (d) are the opposite feelings.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a piece of cake' is used to describe a task or activity that is extremely easy to accomplish. For students who had studied, the exam would seem easy. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated topic.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The proverb 'you can't have your cake and eat it too' means you cannot simultaneously keep something and consume it. Figuratively, it means you can't have two desirable but mutually exclusive things. Wanting to work less for the same pay is a classic example of this. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) and (c) are incorrect interpretations. Option (d) is the opposite of the desire expressed in the idiom.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'the best thing since sliced bread' is a hyperbolic expression used to praise a new invention or innovation as being excellent. It suggests that the new thing is as revolutionary as the invention of pre-sliced bread was. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are the opposite. Option (b) is a literal interpretation.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The proverb 'don't look a gift horse in the mouth' is advice not to be ungrateful when you receive a gift by questioning its value. (The age and value of a horse can be determined by its teeth). The sentence advises the person to simply be grateful. Option (b) defines the action the proverb warns against. Option (a) is the literal origin. Option (c) and (d) are different responses to a gift.